JP2023183445A - Virus detection method and virus detection system - Google Patents

Abstract

To perform virus inspection of a subject efficiently in a short time at small number of facilities.SOLUTION: An initialization light source of a protein detector is allowed to emit light, a filter is irradiated with ultraviolet light, exhalation introduction means is installed to the protein detector, sucking means is driven, and the filter is allowed to capture at least a part of aerosol included in exhalation sucked into a box via the exhalation introduction means. After stopping the sucking means, an excitation light source is allowed to emit light and the filter is imaged by imaging means, an image of the filter imaged by the imaging means is received in determination means, the number of light emission regions included in the image of the filter are totaled, and whether or not a virus is present in the exhalation of the subject is determined on the basis of a result obtained by totaling the number of the light emission regions. The exhalation introduction means is prepared for each subject, and has a tube structure a part of which is detachably inserted into connecting means of the protein detector, and which is capable of introducing the exhalation into a suction port of the protein detector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a virus detection method and a virus detection system for detecting viruses contained in aerosols in exhaled breath of a subject.

The number of people infected with the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has been spreading since the beginning of 2020, and it has become a worldwide problem. At present, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests or antigen tests are mainly known as methods for determining whether a person is infected with the new coronavirus. A PCR test is a test method that detects a virus by collecting mucous membranes or saliva from a subject's nose and throat, and replicating and amplifying the collected virus gene using a special chemical solution. Furthermore, an antigen test is a test method in which the mucous membranes or saliva of a subject's nose and throat are collected, and a unique protein (antigen) of the virus is detected using the collected virus antibodies. Both tests determine that the test subject is infected with the new coronavirus by detecting the virus.

International publication WO2020/11601 specification Patent No. 7061776

Regarding the PCR test, since the virus is detected using a special chemical solution in a dedicated detection device after collecting the mucous membrane or saliva of the subject, it takes a certain amount of time and is not immediately effective. Specifically, it takes about 3 hours to 1 day after collecting mucous membranes or saliva. In addition, a dedicated testing device and a dedicated chemical solution are required. On the other hand, antigen testing uses an antigen testing kit to collect mucous membranes or saliva from the test subject to detect the virus, so the virus can be detected without the need for specialized testing equipment, and the testing time is shorter than that of PCR testing. It's over. However, detection requires time to wait for a chemical reaction, and the test takes about 10 to 15 minutes. In addition, the test accuracy is lower than that of the PCR test. Furthermore, since antigen test kits cannot be used continuously, an antigen test kit is required for each subject.

Further, Patent Document 1 describes a virus detection system that detects viruses in a short time. In the virus detection system of Patent Document 1, a specimen (for example, a biological sample such as saliva, exhaled breath, nasal wipe, or nasal blow fluid) is collected from a subject, and the sample is output from each of a plurality of graphene sensors. The amount of virus contained in samples collected from each of multiple subjects is analyzed based on changes in electrical signals. However, the system described in Patent Document 1 also requires a sample array for each subject, and also takes the same amount of time as an antigen test to obtain analysis results.

For example, at airports, virus tests are required at immigration, and at commercial facilities, theaters, concert venues, and other facilities, many people may enter a closed space, so each person entering the facility must be screened for the virus. There may be cases where a virus test is performed on the virus. In such cases, facilities need to perform many tests in a short period of time. However, as mentioned above, virus detection takes a certain amount of time, so in facilities that need to conduct many virus tests in a short period of time, virus tests take time and are inconvenient. It is not efficient as it requires a large amount of chemicals and test kits. Therefore, there is a need for virus testing to be performed efficiently and in a short time using a small amount of equipment.
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for efficiently performing a virus test in a short time with a small amount of equipment.

The new coronavirus is present in the nasal and throat mucous membranes and saliva of test subjects, and is also present in the aerosols of exhaled air from infected people. Therefore, if aerosols of an infected person's breath float around in a closed space, there is a risk of infection. Here, there is an indoor hygiene evaluation device that collects aerosols floating in the indoor air and evaluates the safety of an indoor space against viruses (Patent Document 2). The indoor hygiene evaluation device described in Patent Document 2 detects an aerosol containing a specific protein having a self-luminescent molecule (hereinafter referred to as a self-luminescent protein) floating in an indoor space, and performs quantitative evaluation based on the detected amount of the aerosol. This is a protein detection device that evaluates the safety of indoor spaces. Although the details will be described later, the indoor hygiene evaluation device drives the suction device to take in outside air into the intake area of the case body, and discharges it to the outside through the adsorption filter, thereby causing aerosol to adhere to the adsorption filter. Thereafter, the self-luminescent protein is caused to emit light by irradiating the adsorption filter with excitation light, and the self-luminescent protein is detected by photographing the emitted light. The amount of light emitted by the self-luminescent protein is determined by analyzing the photographed images, and the safety of the indoor space is evaluated based on this amount of light emitted.

The indoor hygiene evaluation device of Patent Document 2 is capable of calculating results from detection of self-luminescent protein to evaluation in about 3 minutes or less. Here, the present inventor studied a method of measuring the virus in each individual test subject using an indoor hygiene evaluation as a protein detection device. Specifically, the present inventors have considered measuring the virus in individual subjects by detecting self-luminescent proteins contained in aerosols in human exhaled breath using an indoor hygiene evaluation device. By using this compact device, self-luminescent proteins can be detected in 3 minutes or less, making it possible to efficiently test for viruses in a short time with less equipment.

The indoor hygiene evaluation device described in Patent Document 1 is only a device for detecting viruses contained in indoor aerosols, that is, a device for detecting the amount of viruses in a wide space. For example, the indoor hygiene evaluation device described in Patent Document 1 always takes in outside air during operation, so even if the test subject blows their breath into the intake hole of the protein detection device, the The exhaled air does not completely enter the hygiene evaluation device, and outside air (indoor air) is mixed in, making it impossible to obtain sufficient exhaled air for detection. At this time, if the virus is present in the aerosol of the outside air, the test subject is evaluated to be carrying the virus even if the virus is not present in the test subject's exhalation, causing a problem in detection accuracy. Therefore, it is necessary to improve detection accuracy.
Moreover, since the indoor hygiene evaluation device of Patent Document 2 is a device that evaluates the safety of indoor space, it does not perform multiple evaluations in a short period of time. Therefore, it is necessary to configure the indoor hygiene evaluation device so that it can be used repeatedly within a short period of time.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration.
(1) A virus detection method for detecting viruses contained in aerosol in exhaled breath of a subject in a virus detection system, comprising:
The virus detection system includes:
a box body having an intake port through which the exhaled air can be introduced and an exhaust port through which the introduced exhaled air can be discharged;
a suction means provided at the exhaust port for sucking in the exhaled air sucked into the inside of the box and discharging it to the outside;
a filter disposed inside the box body in front of the exhaust port and capable of capturing at least a portion of the aerosol in the exhaled breath sucked into the box body;
an initialization light source that irradiates the filter with ultraviolet light;
an excitation light source that irradiates the filter with excitation light of a specific wavelength that causes a specific protein having a self-luminescent molecule contained in the aerosol in the exhaled breath captured by the filter to emit light;
a photographing means for photographing the specific protein self-luminous in the filter;
determination means for detecting a virus having the specific protein based on the amount of the specific protein contained in the aerosol in the exhaled breath based on the luminescent region included in the image of the filter taken by the imaging device;
a protein detection device comprising: a connection means communicating with the inlet of the box;
an exhaled breath introduction means prepared for each subject, a part of which is removably inserted into the connection means of the protein detection device, and has a tube structure capable of introducing the exhaled breath into the intake port of the protein detection device; , the virus detection method includes:
an initialization step of causing the initialization light source to emit light and irradiating the filter with ultraviolet rays;
an insertion step of inserting the breath introduction means into the protein detection device;
a suction step of driving the suction means of the protein detection device to cause the filter to capture at least a portion of the aerosol contained in the exhaled air sucked into the box body through the exhaled air introducing means;
a detection step of, after stopping the suction means, causing the excitation light source of the protein detection device to emit light and photographing the filter with the photographing means of the protein detection device;
In the determination means of the protein detection device, the image of the filter taken by the photographing means is received, the light-emitting regions included in the image of the filter are totaled, and the test object is determined based on the result of the aggregation of the light-emitting regions. a determination step of determining whether the virus is present in the breath of the person;
It is characterized by including.

According to the virus detection method (1), the aerosol captured by the filter is irradiated with excitation light to cause the self-luminescent protein to emit light, and the emitted protein is photographed. Based on the photographed images, aerosol containing self-luminescent proteins in the exhaled breath of the subject is quantitatively measured. As a result, protein-containing aerosols may have viruses or bacteria attached to them, so by quantitatively measuring aerosols, we can detect the presence of viruses with self-luminescent proteins in the exhaled breath of subjects. It becomes possible to determine whether or not to do so. In this way, the test sample can be prepared by driving the suction means to adhere and deposit the aerosol on the filter, so that the effort required to prepare the test sample can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, in the initialization process, proteins can be destroyed by irradiating the filter with ultraviolet rays from an initialization light source. Therefore, virus detection can be performed multiple times using the same device, and there is no need to create a sample storage array as in Patent Document 1. Therefore, after measuring the breath of one subject, it is possible to measure the breath of the next subject without creating a new specimen. In particular, it is possible to aspirate and detect the next subject's breath without waiting for the determination process.
Further, according to the virus detection method (1), by using the protein detection device having the above configuration, the determination result can be calculated in about 3 minutes or shorter time from the detection step to the determination step. Therefore, multiple subjects can be measured without having to wait a long time. Therefore, viruses in a plurality of subjects can be detected in a short period of time.

Further, the virus detection method (1) includes a protein detection device and exhaled breath introduction means. A portion of the intake air introduction means is inserted into the connection means of the protein detection device. Therefore, the exhaled breath introduction means can introduce the exhaled breath of the subject into the box body through the intake port of the protein detection device. Therefore, the protein detection device can determine whether the specific protein to be detected is contained in the aerosol of the exhaled breath of the subject. Therefore, the presence or absence of a virus in the aerosol of the exhaled breath of the subject can be determined.
Further, in the virus detection method (1), the exhaled breath introduction means is formed in a tube structure, so it has a simple structure, can be mass-produced at low cost, and can be disposable. An exhaled breath introduction means is prepared for each subject. A part of the expired air introduction means is removably inserted into the connection means of the protein detection device, so that it can be easily replaced. Therefore, once a protein detection device is prepared, all that is left is to prepare an inexpensive exhaled breath introduction means, and when the test subject changes, the examinee can remove the exhaled breath introduction means from the connection means after the measurement is completed, and then proceed to the next test. Since the subject can insert the exhaled breath introducing means into the connecting means during measurement, the exhaled breath introducing means can be easily replaced. At this time, since the exhaled breath introducing means is prepared for each subject, the exhaled breath of the previous subject will not be reintroduced into the protein detection device. Therefore, highly accurate virus detection is possible and no hygiene problems occur.
From the above, the virus detection method (1) allows virus detection in a system that uses a short measuring time, simple equipment, and a device with a simple structure. Therefore, the virus detection method (1) can efficiently detect viruses in a plurality of subjects in a short period of time with a small amount of equipment.

Further, the present invention has the following configuration.
(2) The virus detection method according to (1),
The virus detection method is characterized in that, at least after the detection step, the method returns to the initialization step.

According to the virus detection method (2), it is possible to return to the initialization process without waiting for the determination process. Therefore, it is possible to measure the next subject during virus detection, and it is possible to detect viruses in a plurality of subjects in a short period of time.

Further, the present invention has the following configuration.
(3) The virus detection method of (1), comprising:
The protein detection device further includes ID acquisition means,
The virus detection method is characterized in that the method includes a step of acquiring, by the ID acquisition means, an ID for identifying the subject, at least before the detection step.

According to the virus detection method (3), the determination result can be shown for each subject by using the ID. Therefore, virus detection can be performed multiple times using the same device, and viruses in multiple subjects can be detected in a short period of time.

Further, the present invention has the following configuration.
(4) The virus detection method of (1),
In the initialization step, the initialization light source emits light to irradiate the filter with ultraviolet rays, and then the excitation light source emits light and the photographing means photographs the filter;
The determination step is characterized in that the light emitting areas included in the images obtained by taking the difference between the image taken in the initialization step and the image taken in the detection step are totaled.

According to the virus detection method (4), by taking the difference between the image taken in the initialization process and the image taken in the detection process, it is possible to leave only the image of the light emitted by the aerosol attached to the filter during the suction process. This simplifies the processing involved in counting the light emitting areas. This makes it possible to shorten the time required for evaluation.

Further, the present invention has the following configuration.
(5) The virus detection method according to (1),
The protein detection device further includes a display means for displaying a result of whether or not the virus is present in the exhaled aerosol determined in the determination step.

According to the virus detection method (5), the result of detection by the virus detection system can be visually notified to the subject.

Further, the present invention has the following configuration.
(6) The virus detection method according to (1),
The protein detection device is characterized in that it further includes an optical filter that corresponds to the excitation light source and cuts at least light having a wavelength equal to or less than the wavelength of the excitation light generated by the excitation light source from the light taken in by the imaging means.

According to the virus detection method (6), since the excitation light from the excitation light source is cut by the optical filter before entering the lens of the photographing means, the light from the LED light source is reflected in the image taken by the photographing means. This can be prevented. This makes it possible to more accurately detect the amount of aerosol based on the image photographed by the photographing means.

Further, the present invention has the following configuration.
(7) The virus detection method of (1),
The protein detection device includes a plurality of excitation light sources, the plurality of excitation light sources generate excitation light having different wavelengths, and the wavelength of the excitation light generated by one of the plurality of excitation light sources is 440 nm or more and less than 460 nm. It is characterized by being in the range of

According to the virus detection method (7), it becomes possible to cause flavin proteins to emit light.

Further, the present invention has the following configuration.
(8) A virus detection system that detects viruses contained in aerosol in exhaled breath of a subject,
a box body having an intake port through which the exhaled air can be introduced and an exhaust port through which the introduced exhaled air can be discharged;
a suction means provided at the exhaust port for sucking in the exhaled air sucked into the inside of the box and discharging it to the outside;
a filter disposed inside the box body in front of the exhaust port and capable of capturing at least a portion of the aerosol in the exhaled breath sucked into the box body;
an initialization light source that irradiates the filter with ultraviolet rays at least before the suction means starts sucking air;
an excitation light source that irradiates the filter with excitation light of a specific wavelength that causes a specific protein having a self-luminescent molecule contained in the aerosol in the exhaled breath captured by the filter to emit light;
a photographing means for photographing the specific protein self-luminous in the filter;
determination means for detecting a virus having the specific protein based on the amount of the specific protein contained in the aerosol in the exhaled breath based on the luminescent region included in the image of the filter taken by the imaging device;
a protein detection device comprising: a connection means communicating with the inlet of the box;
an exhaled breath introducing means prepared for each subject, a part of which is removably inserted into the connecting means of the protein detecting device, and having a tube structure capable of introducing the exhaled breath into the inlet of the protein detecting device; It is characterized by

According to the virus detection system (8), by using the protein detection device having the above configuration, the determination result can be calculated in about 3 minutes or shorter time from the detection step to the determination step. Therefore, multiple subjects can be measured without having to wait a long time. Therefore, viruses in multiple subjects can be detected in a short period of time.
Further, the virus detection system (8) includes a protein detection device and exhaled breath introduction means. A portion of the intake air introduction means is inserted into the connection means of the protein detection device. Therefore, the exhaled breath introduction means can introduce the exhaled breath of the subject into the box body through the intake port of the protein detection device. Therefore, the protein detection device can determine whether the specific protein to be detected is contained in the aerosol of the exhaled breath of the subject. Therefore, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of a virus in the aerosol of the exhaled breath of the subject.
Furthermore, in the virus detection system (8), an exhaled breath introduction means is prepared for each subject. A part of the breath introduction means is removably inserted into the connection means of the protein detection device, so it can be easily replaced. Therefore, when the test subject is replaced, the test subject can remove the exhalation introduction means from the connection means after the measurement is completed, and the next test subject can insert the exhalation introduction means into the connection means when taking measurements. Therefore, the exhaled air introduction means can be easily replaced. At this time, since the exhaled breath introducing means is prepared for each subject, the exhaled breath of the previous subject will not be reintroduced into the protein detection device. Therefore, highly accurate virus detection is possible and no hygiene problems occur.
Furthermore, in the virus detection system (8), the breath introduction means is formed into a tube structure, so it has a simple structure, can be mass-produced at low cost, and can be disposable. Therefore, once a protein detection device is prepared, the exhaled breath of many subjects can be measured by simply preparing an inexpensive exhaled breath introducing means.

Further, the present invention has the following configuration.
(9) The virus detection system according to (8),
The protein detection device is characterized in that it further includes an ID acquisition means for acquiring an ID for identifying a subject before detecting at least a virus having the specific protein.

According to the virus detection system (9), by using the ID, the determination result can be shown for each subject. Therefore, virus detection can be performed multiple times using the same device, and viruses in multiple subjects can be detected in a short period of time.

Further, the present invention has the following configuration.
(10) The virus detection system according to (8),
The protein detection device further includes display means for displaying a result of whether or not the virus is present in the exhaled aerosol determined by the determination means.

According to the virus detection system (10), the detection result by the virus detection system can be visually notified to the subject.

Further, the present invention has the following configuration.
(11) The virus detection system according to (8),
The protein detection device is characterized in that it further includes an optical filter that corresponds to the excitation light source and cuts at least light having a wavelength equal to or less than the wavelength of the excitation light generated by the excitation light source from the light taken in by the imaging means.

According to the virus detection system (11), since the excitation light from the excitation light source is cut by the optical filter before entering the lens of the photographing means, the light from the LED light source is reflected in the image taken by the photographing means. This can be prevented. This makes it possible to more accurately detect the amount of aerosol based on the image photographed by the photographing means.

Further, the present invention has the following configuration.
(12) The virus detection method of (8), comprising:
The protein detection device includes a plurality of excitation light sources, the plurality of excitation light sources generate excitation light having different wavelengths, and the wavelength of the excitation light generated by one of the plurality of excitation light sources is 440 nm or more and less than 460 nm. It is characterized by being in the range of

According to the virus detection system (12), it becomes possible to cause flavin proteins to emit light.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system and method for efficiently testing a virus with a small amount of equipment.

1 is a block diagram showing an overview of a virus detection system 1 in an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a virus detection system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of a virus detection method using the virus detection system 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a photographed image of the adsorption filter 112. FIG. It is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing executed in a determination process. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a filter turret device 116.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration of virus detection system 1]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of a virus detection system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The virus detection system 1 includes a protein detection device 10 and a straw 20.
The protein detection device 10 usually detects aerosol containing a specific protein (self-luminescent protein) having self-luminescent molecules floating in the indoor space, and quantitatively evaluates the safety of the indoor space based on the detected amount of the aerosol. It is used as an indoor hygiene evaluation device.
The straw 20 is an exhalation introduction means formed into a simple tube structure for introducing exhalation of the subject 2 into the protein detection device 10. By introducing the exhaled breath of the subject 2 into the protein detection device through the straw 20, the protein detection device 10 can determine whether the aerosol of the exhaled breath of the subject 2 contains a self-luminescent protein.

The protein detection device 10 includes a detection device 11, a suction device 12, a power supply device 13, a control device 14, an I/F 15, an intake duct 161, an exhaust duct 162, opening/closing devices 163 and 164, and a connecting portion 165. and a storage case 170 that stores at least one of these various parts.

The detection device 11 includes a case body 111, an adsorption filter 112, a shutter device 113, LED light sources 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d, and a CMOS camera 115.

The case body 111 has an intake area A where an adsorption filter 112 is arranged and takes in the exhaled breath of the subject 2, and a detection equipment area B where LED light sources 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d and a CMOS camera 115 are arranged, using a shutter device 113. It is divided into two parts. Further, an intake port 111a and an exhaust port 111b are formed on the wall surface of the intake area A of the case body 111. The case body 111 is a box made of resin that can block visible light and ultraviolet rays.
In addition, when the protein detection apparatus 10 has a plurality of intake ports 111a, only one intake port is opened, and all other intake ports are closed with a lid, an opening/closing device, or the like.

The adsorption filter 112 is a sheet-like member made of nonwoven fabric and having a predetermined thickness capable of capturing particles of about 10 μm in size, and is disposed in the intake area A in front of the exhaust port 111b.

The shutter device 113 includes a shutter plate (not shown) that partitions the intake area A and the detection device area B, and an actuator (not shown) that drives the shutter plate. By driving an actuator, the shutter device 113 is switched between a partition state in which the intake area A and the detection device area B are partitioned, and a release state in which the partition is released.

The LED light sources 114a, 114b, and 114c are excitation light sources that irradiate the adsorption filter 112 with excitation light that causes the self-luminescent protein to emit fluorescence, as will be described in detail later. The LED light sources 114a, 114b, and 114c generate excitation lights of different wavelengths. The LED light source 114d is an initialization light source that irradiates the adsorption filter 112 with ultraviolet light. Note that the shutter device 113 may be configured such that only the portion of the shutter plate that is the optical path of the LED light sources 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d can be driven by an actuator.

The CMOS camera 115 includes a lens 115a, an optical filter 115b attached in front of the lens 115a, a CMOS image sensor 115c, and a control circuit 115d for reading out the electrical signal optically converted by the CMOS image sensor 115c. Further, the CMOS camera 115 has a CMOS image sensor 115c with high sensitivity and high resolution, and has a high-speed shutter function, and a macro lens is applied as the lens 115a. The CMOS camera 115 is installed so that a lens 115a faces the adsorption filter 112, and is a photographing means for taking an image of the adsorption filter 112 illuminated by one of the LED light sources 114a, 114b, and 114c.

The optical filter 115b is placed in front of the lens 115a to prevent the lens 115a from becoming dirty.
Four optical filters 115b are provided and mounted on a filter turret device 116 shown in FIG. The filter turret device 116 includes a disk body 116a that holds four optical filters 115b, and a motor 116b that rotates the disk body 116a by 90 degrees. The four optical filters 115b are arranged at equal intervals around the rotation center of the disc body 116a. Three of the four optical filters 115b correspond to each of the LED light sources 114a, 114b, and 114c, and are used in a detection process described later. The remaining optical filter 115b corresponds to the LED light source 114d and is used in the initialization process described later.
The motor 116b is driven and controlled by the control device 14. Optical filters 115b corresponding to the LED light sources 114a, 114b, and 114c are arranged in front of the lens 115a when the LED light sources 114a, 114b, and 114c emit light. The optical filter 115b corresponding to the LED light source 114d is placed in front of the lens 115a in the initialization process.
The optical filters 115b corresponding to the LED light sources 114a, 114b, and 114c have a function of cutting at least light having a wavelength equal to or less than the wavelength of excitation light emitted by the corresponding LED light sources. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light from the LED light sources 114a, 114b, and 114c from being reflected in the image taken by the CMOS camera 115. Note that the optical filter 115b used in the initialization process described later does not have a function of cutting light having a wavelength equal to or less than a specific wavelength, unlike other optical filters 115b.

The suction device 12 is a suction means. The suction device 12 is attached to the outside of the case body 111, and includes a compressor 12a that sucks air in the intake area A from an exhaust port 111b, and a drive control section 12b that drives and controls the compressor 12a.

The power supply device 13 supplies power to various electrical components housed in the storage case 170. Specifically, the power supply device 13 supplies power to the shutter device 113, the LED light sources 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d, the CMOS camera 115, the suction device 12, the control device 14, the opening/closing devices 163, 164, and the like.

The control device 14 includes a CPU 141 that controls the entire protein detection device 10, a ROM 142 that stores various data and programs for controlling the protein detection device 10, and a RAM 143 that stores images captured by the CMOS camera 115. ing. The control device also serves as a determining means for detecting a virus based on the amount of self-luminescent protein contained in the aerosol in the exhaled breath of the subject 2.
I/F 15 is an interface for connecting external equipment and control device 14.

The intake duct 161 is a cylindrical member whose base end is attached to the outside of the case body 111 and forms a flow path for introducing the exhaled air of the subject 2 into the intake area A from the terminal end side through the intake port 111a. It is. The exhaust duct 162 has a cylindrical shape whose base end is attached to the suction device 12 and forms a flow path that guides air sucked from the intake area A through the exhaust port 111b from the terminal end side to the outside of the protein detection device 10. It is a member.
A connecting portion 165 is attached to the terminal end of the intake duct 161 so as to communicate with the intake port 111a. The connecting portion 165 is a connecting means into which the straw 20 can be inserted. By inserting the straw 20 into the connecting portion 165, exhaled air from the straw 20 is introduced into the case body 111 of the detection device 11 via the intake duct 161. A receiving portion 165a into which a portion of the straw 20 can be inserted is formed in the connecting portion 165. The suction device 12 sucks the air in the intake area A, so when the subject 2 blows exhaled air into the straw 20, a large amount of the exhaled breath of the subject 2 is introduced into the case body 111 of the detection device 11. . The connecting portion 165 is formed into a snorkel shape, for example, so as to easily collect exhaled air from the straw 20.

The opening/closing device 163 is attached to the outside of the case body 111 and includes a lid (not shown) that opens and closes the intake port 111a, and an actuator (not shown) that drives the lid to switch between opening and closing of the intake port 111a. It is equipped with The opening/closing device 164 is attached to the outside of the case body 111, and includes a lid body (not shown) that opens and closes the exhaust port 111b, and an actuator (not shown) that drives the lid body to switch between opening and closing of the exhaust port 111b. It is equipped with

The opening/closing devices 163 and 164 close the intake port 111a and the exhaust port 111b in a normal state, and when power is supplied to the actuator based on a drive signal from the control device 14, the lid moves. The intake port 111a and the exhaust port 111b are opened.

Note that when the intake port 111a and the exhaust port 111b are all closed, the case body 111 is in a sealed state, and outside air cannot flow into the case body 111 unless the opening/closing devices 163 and 164 are energized. Further, when the shutter device 113 is closed, the intake area A is in a sealed state, and the inflow of air between the intake area A and the detection device area B is restricted.

The straw 20 is inserted into the connection part 165 of the protein detection device 10. The straw 20 is prepared for each subject and is replaced when the subject 2 changes. The straw 20 has a simple structure, can be mass-produced at low cost, and can be disposable.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the virus detection system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 2, the storage case 170 of the protein detection device 10 is made of resin that can block visible light and ultraviolet rays, and includes a box-shaped storage section 171 that stores the various components shown in FIG. It consists of a lid body part 172 that closes the opening of the part 171. The lid part 172 and the storage part 171 are connected by a hinge (not shown), and the edge of the lid part 172 on the opposite side to the edge of the lid part 172 connected by the hinge can swing. As a result, the opening of the storage portion 171 can be opened and closed. The lid 172 is fixed to the housing 171 by connecting the edge of the lid 172 on the opposite side to the edge of the housing 171 using a snap lock 173.

A handle 174 is attached to the storage case 170, and an inspection worker can carry the protein detection device 10 by holding the handle 174. Further, casters may be attached to the lower surface of the storage case 170 so that an inspection worker can push the protein detection device 10 while carrying it.

A connecting portion 165 attached to the terminal end of the intake duct 161 is exposed on the outer surface of the housing portion 171 . The connecting portion 165 may be fixed to the housing portion 171, or by fixing the vicinity of the terminal end of the intake duct 161 inside the housing portion 171, the connecting portion 165 may be exposed on the outer surface of the housing portion 171. Good too. By exposing the connecting portion 165 from the outer surface of the storage portion 171, the subject 2 can insert the straw 20 into the connecting portion 165 without opening the lid portion 172 of the storage case 170.
Furthermore, inside the storage section 171 , the terminal end of the exhaust duct 162 is fixed to the side surface of the storage section 171 so as to face the exhaust hole 175 . Therefore, air inside the storage case 170 is prevented from being sucked into the inside of the case body 111, and air inside the case body 111 is prevented from being exhausted into the storage case 170. Note that an extension duct may be externally attached to the exhaust hole 175 and an exhaust fan may be added to prevent the air discharged from the exhaust hole 175 from returning to the intake duct 161.

Further, a main power switch, a power connector for connecting a power cable, and various connectors forming the I/F 15 are attached to the storage section 171. The various connectors that make up the I/F 15 include a video output connector (for example, HDMI (registered trademark)) for connecting to an external display and displaying images captured by the CMOS camera 115 on the external display; and a connector (for example, USB) for connecting an input device for inputting various commands to the control device 14. Although not shown, the main power switch, the power connector for connecting the power cable, and the various connectors that make up the I/F 15 are covered with a cover to prevent them from being exposed to the outside. 10 is configured so that it can be opened when in use.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to wirelessly connect the control device 14 and the tablet terminal 30 serving as a display means using Bluetooth (registered trademark). The control device 14 can display the protein detection result, the image taken by the CMOS camera 115, and the procedure of the virus detection method for the subject 2 using the tablet terminal 30. Further, the tablet terminal 30 can also be configured to be able to input various commands to the control device 14.
Further, according to this embodiment, it is possible to connect the control device 14 and the camera 40. The camera 40 can be connected wirelessly or by wire.

The size of the storage case 170 is related to the focal length of the CMOS camera 115. According to this embodiment, since a macro lens is applied as the lens 115a, it is possible to make the distance between the adsorption filter 112 and the CMOS camera 115 relatively short, and a small storage case 170 can be used accordingly. It is possible. According to this embodiment, it is possible to downsize the device to the size of an attache case. Further, since there are no heavy objects in the individual members constituting the protein detection device 10, the protein detection device 10 is configured to have a weight that is portable.

[Protein detection value principle by virus detection system 1]
Next, the principle of protein detection by the protein detection device 10 that constitutes the virus detection system 1 of this embodiment will be explained.
The protein detection device 10 detects an aerosol containing a self-luminescent protein (hereinafter referred to as self-luminescent protein) in the exhalation of the subject, and based on the detected amount of the aerosol, the protein detection device This is to determine whether the virus contains a luminescent protein. Although details will be described later, the protein detection device 10 takes in exhaled breath of the subject 2 into the intake area A of the case body 111 by driving the suction device 12 and discharges it to the outside via the adsorption filter 112. The aerosol is made to adhere to the adsorption filter 112. Thereafter, the self-luminescent protein is caused to emit light by irradiating the adsorption filter 112 with excitation light, and the self-luminescent protein is detected by photographing the emitted light. Then, the amount of light emitted by the self-luminescent protein is determined by analyzing the photographed image, and the amount of the self-luminescent protein is determined based on this amount of light emitted. At this time, if the amount of self-luminescent protein exceeds the specified value, it is determined that Subject 2 has a virus that has a self-luminescent protein in his exhaled breath, and he is infected with the virus. Evaluated as possible.

Here, aerosol refers in a broad sense to solids or liquids floating in the air, such as cedar pollen, droplets, droplet nuclei, bacteria, and viruses. Examples of aerosols containing self-luminescent proteins include droplets from the human mouth, cedar pollen, and mold. Furthermore, some viruses have self-luminescent proteins. Droplets emitted by people may contain the virus. According to the protein detection device 10, an aerosol containing a self-luminescent protein can be detected.

The virus detection system 1 includes a protein detection device 10 into which a straw 20 can be inserted. Thereby, the exhaled air of the subject 2 is introduced into the case body 111 of the protein detection device 10 via the straw 20. Therefore, the protein detection device 10 can determine whether the aerosol of the exhaled breath of the subject 2 introduced into the case body 111 contains a self-luminescent protein. Therefore, according to the virus detection system 1 of this embodiment, the amount of self-luminescent protein present in the aerosol of the exhaled breath of the subject 2 can be detected. If the amount of aerosol containing a self-luminescent protein in the breath of the subject 2 is greater than the specified value, it can be determined that the subject 2 is likely to be infected with a virus containing a self-luminescent protein.

[Virus detection method by virus detection system 1]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of a virus detection method using the virus detection system 1. The protein detection process is started by the CPU 141 of the protein detection device 10 executing the protein detection program stored in the ROM 142. In the protein detection process, the initialization process (S1) is first performed, and then the insertion process (S2), suction process (S3), detection process (S4), and determination process (S5) are automatically performed in order. The process to be executed is performed. The protein detection process ends when the process of the determination process ends.

The initialization step (S1) is a step in which the LED light source 114d irradiates the adsorption filter 112 with ultraviolet light (UV-C light). By irradiating ultraviolet rays, it is expected that the protein structure adhering to the adsorption filter 112 will be destroyed and fluorescence will no longer be emitted. In this way, by preventing the self-luminescent proteins attached to the adsorption filter 112 from emitting fluorescence before observation, it is possible to improve observation accuracy.

The initialization process is started, for example, by touching a start button displayed on the tablet terminal 30. Further, for example, in the initialization process, the control device 14 of the protein detection device 10 may acquire, for example, an ID that identifies the subject 2 as an ID acquisition means. The initialization step may be started, for example, by the subject 2 inputting his or her own ID into the tablet terminal 30. The subject 2 inputs his/her ID into the tablet terminal 30, for example. The ID is, for example, the name of the subject 2, or one or a combination of numbers and characters assigned to each subject 2. The ID may be, for example, data obtained by photographing the face of the subject 2 who is inserting the straw 20 for measurement using the camera 40 connected to the protein detection device 10. The ID is associated with, for example, time. The time is, for example, any one of the ID acquisition time, the insertion time of the straw 20, and the photographing time of the suction filter 112. By using the ID, viruses can be efficiently detected for multiple subjects 2. The ID is stored in the RAM 143 as an inspection history. When the initialization process is completed, the insertion process begins. Furthermore, for example, the protein detection program may be configured to perform the insertion step before the initialization step.

In the insertion step (S2), the subject 2 inserts the straw 20 into the connection part 165 of the protein detection device 10. The subject 2 inputs into the tablet terminal 30 that the straw 20 has been inserted into the connection part 165 of the protein detection device 10 . When the initialization process and the insertion process are completed, the suction process is started.

The suction step (S3) is a step in which the opening/closing devices 163 and 164 are opened and the suction device 12 is driven to pass the exhaled breath of the subject 2 through the adsorption filter 112. During this process, aerosol adheres and accumulates on the adsorption filter 112. The suction process starts, for example, when the subject 2 inputs into the tablet terminal 30 that the straw 20 has been inserted into the connection part 165 of the protein detection device 10 . When the suction stroke ends, the detection stroke begins.

The detection step (S4) includes the following steps. At least one of the LED light sources 114a to 114c irradiates the adsorption filter 112 with excitation light to cause the self-luminescent protein to emit light, and a CMOS camera captures the self-luminescent protein emitted by the LED light source irradiating the excitation light. This is the process of photographing at 115. In the image taken by the CMOS camera 115, the individual regions emitting light are self-emitting proteins, and correspond to aerosols attached to and deposited on the adsorption filter 112. Upon completion of the detection process, a determination process is started.

The determination step (S5) includes the following steps. The process of determining the luminescent area emitting light in the image taken by the CMOS camera 115 through image processing, tabulating the size of the luminescent area, and calculating the autologous content contained in the exhaled aerosol of the subject 2 based on the aggregated data. This is a step to determine the amount of luminescent protein. In the initialization process, when the control device 14 has acquired the ID of the subject 2, the image photographed by the CMOS camera 115 and the acquired ID may be associated with each other, for example, in the determination process. The sum of the individual luminescent regions emitting light in the image taken by the CMOS camera 115 corresponds to the amount of aerosol containing the self-luminescent protein, and the amount of the self-luminescent protein is determined based on the sum of the individual luminescent regions emitting light. The amount is determined. At this time, if the amount of self-luminescent protein exceeds the specified value, it is determined that Subject 2 has a virus that has a self-luminescent protein in his exhaled breath, and he is infected with the virus. Evaluated as possible. Note that the determination result can be calculated in about 3 minutes or less from the detection process to the determination process. When the determination process is completed, the process can return to the initialization process again in order to detect the virus in the next subject 2. The reinitialization step can be configured to be started when the next subject 2 touches the start button on the tablet terminal 30 or inputs the ID.

Note that the judgment result can be calculated in about 3 minutes or less from the detection process to the judgment process, but for example, the re-initialization process can be performed after the detection process but before the judgment process starts. The protein detection program may be configured so that it can be started even when the protein is detected. In this case, the suction process for the next subject can be started without waiting for the end of the determination process, and protein detection for the next subject 2 can be started while the control device 14 is calculating and evaluating. This makes it possible to detect proteins from many subjects 2 in a short time.

Further, the subject 2 pulls out the straw 20 inserted into the connection part 165 of the protein detection device 10 in any one of the detection process, the determination process, the reinitialization process, and the reinsertion process. In any of the above steps, the control device 14 displays, for example, on the tablet terminal 30, a display instructing the subject 2 to pull out the straw 20. The subject 2 pulls out the straw 20 from the connection part 165 according to the display displayed on the tablet terminal 30.

In addition, in the judgment process, if the amount of autoluminescent protein contained in the aerosol of exhaled breath of Subject 2 does not exceed the specified value, the reinitialization process will not be performed after entering the ID of the next subject. The suction stroke may be started at This is because it can be determined that no self-luminescent protein is adsorbed to the aerosol adsorbed to the adsorption filter 112. At this time, this flow can be repeated until the amount of self-luminescent protein contained in the aerosol of the exhaled breath of the subject exceeds a specified value.

[Specifications of protein detection device 10]
Next, the specifications of the protein detection device 10 of the virus detection system 1 of this embodiment will be explained in more detail.

According to this embodiment, LED light sources 114a, 114b, and 114c are prepared. Excitation light can be irradiated. Further, according to the present embodiment, an LED light source 114d is also installed, and the LED light source 114d is used for the initialization process and irradiates the adsorption filter 112 with ultraviolet rays (UV-C light) having a wavelength of 265 nm. be able to.

For example, flavin proteins can generally emit light with excitation light in the range of 380 to 490 nm. Note that the flavins mentioned here include flavin compounds in addition to flavins. Therefore, the excitation light from the LED light sources 114b and 114c makes it possible to cause the flavin proteins to emit light. Since flavins emit significant excitation light in the range of 440 nm or more and less than 460 nm, particularly around 450 nm, it is desirable to use at least the LED light source 114c for photographing. Furthermore, pollen proteins can generally emit light with excitation light around 360 nm.

According to this embodiment, the normal mode, pollen mode, and flavin mode are selectable. In the normal mode, the LED light sources 114a to 114c sequentially emit light and take pictures. In the pollen mode, cedar pollen is targeted and the excitation light of the LED light source 114a is irradiated to photograph the proteins of cedar pollen. In the flavin mode, flavins are photographed by irradiating them with excitation light from the LED light sources 114b and 114c.

Further, as the optical filter 115b corresponding to the LED light source 114c, one that can cut at least light of 445 nm or less can be used. According to this embodiment, since the fluorescence emission of flavins is around 520 to 560 nm, an optical filter 115b that cuts light of 500 nm or less is placed in front of the lens 115a in the flavin mode. This makes it possible to prevent the reflection of light from the LED light source 114a, as well as to prevent the reflection of fluorescence emitted by proteins other than flavins, making it possible to more accurately measure the amount of aerosol containing flavins. It becomes possible to detect. Note that, not only for flavins, but generally, the wavelength of fluorescence emission emitted by excitation light is longer than the wavelength of excitation light. Therefore, when the target protein is determined, the wavelength to be cut by the optical filter 115b may be determined as appropriate within the range from the wavelength of excitation light to the wavelength of fluorescence emission.

Further, in this embodiment, a nonwoven fabric capable of capturing aerosols of about 10 μm is used as the adsorption filter 112. For this reason, aerosols smaller than 10 μm can pass through the adsorption filter 112, but on the other hand, some aerosols adhere to and accumulate on the fibers of the adsorption filter 112. Further, in this embodiment, since the suction device 12 is used, it is possible to increase the volume density of the aerosol on the adsorption filter 112, and accordingly, it is possible to easily detect the light emitting region. Although it is desirable that the adsorption filter 112 be fine-grained and capable of capturing a large amount of aerosol, it is possible to detect the amount of aerosol in the exhaled breath of the subject 2 even by capturing a portion of the aerosol.

[Example of use of virus detection system 1]
Next, a usage example of the virus detection system 1 of this embodiment will be described in more detail.
First, when a worker connects the power cable of the protein detection device 10 and turns on the main power switch of the protein detection device 10, the protein detection device 10 and the tablet terminal 30 are automatically enabled for wireless communication. .

Next, the subject operates the tablet terminal 30 to specify the mode displayed on the tablet terminal 30, transmits a start signal to the protein detection device 10, and sends the CPU 141 to detect the protein based on the mode specified by the worker. Start the detection program. Note that the worker can also go outside the room and operate the tablet terminal 30. Note that the control device 14 of the protein detection device 10 may be configured to transmit a start signal by touching a start button after inputting a mode designation of the tablet terminal 30.

For example, when a protein detection program in flavin mode is executed, an initialization process is first started, and the CPU 141 drives the shutter device 113, allowing the LED light sources 114b, 114c, and 114d to irradiate the adsorption filter 112 with light. put it in a state. At this time, the opening/closing devices 163 and 164 are in a closed state. Next, the CPU 141 initializes the adsorption filter 112 by arranging the optical filter 115b used in the initialization process in front of the lens 115a, activating the LED light source 114d, and irradiating the adsorption filter 112 with ultraviolet rays for a predetermined period of time. become Next, the CPU 141 causes the LED light sources 114b and 114c to irradiate the adsorption filter 112 with excitation light in this order. Then, by driving the CMOS camera 115 while the LED light sources 114b and 114c are respectively emitting excitation light, the CMOS camera 115 photographs the adsorption filter 112. The two photographic data taken by the CMOS camera 115 are transmitted to the control device 14 and stored in the RAM 143 as initial data.

The control device 14 acquires the ID during the initialization process, for example. The ID is, for example, photographic data of the face of the subject 2 into whom the straw 20 is inserted for measurement, taken by the camera 40 connected to the protein detection device 10. As for the ID, the subject 2 may input his/her own designation or the like via the tablet terminal 30, for example. Alternatively, a combination of letters and numbers separately issued by the control device 14 may be used. The ID is associated with the time of acquisition or photographing. The initialization process ends when the ID acquisition, the light emission of the LED light sources 114b and 114c, and the accompanying photographing of the adsorption filter 112 are completed.

After the initialization process is completed, the subject 2 inserts the straw 20 into the connection part 64 of the intake duct 161 in the insertion process. The control device 14 displays a display on the tablet terminal 30 instructing the insertion of the straw 20. The subject inserts the straw 20 into the connection part 165 and inputs the fact that it has been inserted into the tablet terminal 30. After this, the suction stroke is started.

When the suction stroke is started, the CPU 141 opens the opening/closing devices 163 and 164 and drives the suction device 12. As a result, an airflow is formed in which the exhaled air of the subject 2 is collected into the intake area A through the intake port 111a, passes through the adsorption filter 112, and is discharged to the outside from the exhaust port 111b. At this time, a part of the aerosol collected in the intake area A together with the exhalation of the subject 2 adheres to and accumulates on the adsorption filter 112. The CPU 141 drives the suction device 12 for a predetermined intake time, and when the intake time reaches, stops the suction device 12 and closes the opening/closing devices 163 and 164. At this time, the control device 14 displays a message on the tablet terminal 30 instructing the subject 2 to remove the straw 20 from the connection portion 165. The subject 2 pulls out the straw 20 from the connecting portion 165 according to the display displayed on the tablet terminal 30. This completes the suction stroke, and then starts the detection stroke.

When the detection process is started, the CPU 141 drives the shutter device 113 to enable excitation light irradiation from the LED light sources 114b and 114c to the adsorption filter 112. Next, the optical filter 115b corresponding to the LED light source 114b is placed in front of the lens 115a, and the CPU 141 causes the LED light source 114b to emit light. The CPU 141 drives the CMOS camera 115 while irradiating the adsorption filter 112 with excitation light, so that the CMOS camera 115 photographs the adsorption filter 112 . After photographing, the photographic data is transmitted to the control device 14 and stored in the RAM 143. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the CPU 141 turns off the LED light source 114b, and then turns on the LED light source 114c. Similarly, when the LED light source 114c is made to emit light, the optical filter 115b corresponding to the LED light source 114c is placed in front of the lens 115a, the CMOS camera 115 photographs the adsorption filter 112, and the photographed data is sent to the control device 14. and stores it in the RAM 143. In the initialization process, if the ID of the subject 2 is acquired, the ID is also transmitted to the control device 14 in association with the time and stored as the examination history. The ID may be associated with each photographic data in the determination process.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a photographed image of the adsorption filter 112. Here, FIG. 4 is a black and white inverted image of an actual photographed image, and the black area is the light emitting area. As shown in FIG. 4, when the aerosol adheres to the fibers of the nonwoven fabric, it emits light in the form of dots or lines. When the LED light source 114c is made to emit light and the photographing of the adsorption filter 112 is completed, the detection process ends, and then the determination process is started.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing executed in the determination step. When the determination process is started, the CPU 141 reads the initial data and photographing data from the RAM 143 (S10), and reads the photographic data obtained during the excitation light irradiation from the LED light source 114b and the initial data of the LED light source 114b acquired in the detection process. (S11). Taking a difference here means taking an exclusive OR. That is, by taking the difference, a luminescence image of the self-luminescent protein newly attached to the adsorption filter 112 remains in the suction process.

Similarly, the difference between the photographic data when the excitation light is irradiated from the LED light source 114c and the initial data of the LED light source 114c acquired in the initialization process is calculated. Next, the CPU 141 calculates the total light emitting area from the difference data. The total sum of the light-emitting areas can be determined, for example, by binarizing the light-emission intensity in the difference data for each pixel using a preset light-emission intensity as a threshold and counting the number of pixels emitting light. Next, the CPU 141 refers to the specified value table stored in the ROM 142 and compares it with the total sum of the light emitting areas to obtain a determination result (S12). At this time, if the amount of self-luminescent protein exceeds the specified value, it is evaluated that subject 2 has a virus that has self-luminescent protein in exhaled breath and may be infected with the virus. be done. In the determination result, if it is determined that the breath of the subject 2 contains a virus having a self-luminescent protein, the protein detection device 10 notifies the subject 2 by sounding a buzzer.

The determination result may be transmitted to the tablet terminal 30 (S13). When the determination result is transmitted to the tablet terminal 30, the determination result is displayed on the tablet terminal 30, thereby notifying the subject 2 of the determination result (S14). By listening to the buzzer or seeing the determination result displayed on the tablet terminal 30, the subject 2 can know whether or not the amount of self-luminescent protein contained in his or her exhaled breath is greater than the specified value. If the buzzer sounds, by checking the test history, it is determined that the test subject who was tested back in time by the time required for the test has a virus that has a self-luminescent protein in their exhaled breath. be identified as a person.
Note that the tablet terminal 30 may be able to display images of initial data, images of photographic data, and images of difference data at the time of excitation light irradiation from the LED light sources 114b and 114c. This makes it possible to visually check the level of fluorescence of the protein.

When the display process ends and the next subject selects a mode or inputs an ID, the initialization process starts again. The LED light source 114d irradiates the adsorption filter 112 with ultraviolet rays again, which destroys the protein structure of the self-luminescent protein contained in the previous aerosol of the subject 2 that adhered to the adsorption filter 112 during the suction process, making it possible to emit fluorescence. It is hoped that it will be eliminated. When the initialization process is completed, the suction process is started again.

[Effect]
According to this embodiment configured in this way, the aerosol captured by the adsorption filter 112 is irradiated with excitation light to cause the self-luminescent protein to emit light, and the emitted protein is photographed. Based on the photographed image, the aerosol containing the autoluminescent protein in the exhaled breath of the subject 2 is quantitatively measured. Aerosols containing proteins may have viruses and bacteria attached to them, so by quantitatively measuring aerosols, it was determined that aerosols containing autoluminescent proteins were present in Subject 2's exhaled breath. It becomes possible to determine whether or not.

Moreover, in this embodiment, it is possible to create a test sample by a simple method of driving the suction device 12 and making the aerosol adhere to the adsorption filter 112. In this embodiment, the amount of aerosol can be determined by a simple method of photographing the test sample with the CMOS camera 115 while irradiating the test sample with excitation light, and performing image processing on the photographed image to determine the region emitting fluorescence. can. Thereby, the determination result can be calculated in about 3 minutes or less from the detection process to the determination process. Therefore, it becomes possible to significantly reduce the effort and time required to determine the amount of aerosol, and it becomes possible to significantly shorten the time required to obtain an evaluation. Therefore, viruses can be detected on a plurality of subjects in a short period of time.

Further, in the initialization process, by preventing the self-luminescent protein already attached to the adsorption filter 112 from emitting light, it is possible to reduce the number of times the adsorption filter 112 is replaced.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, by using the protein detection device 10, the determination result can be calculated in about 3 minutes or less from the detection step to the determination step. Therefore, multiple subjects can be measured without having to wait a long time. Therefore, viruses in a plurality of subjects can be detected in a short period of time.

Further, this embodiment includes a protein detection device 10 and a straw 20. A portion of the straw 20 is inserted into the connection portion 165 of the protein detection device 10 . Therefore, the straw 20 can introduce the exhaled breath of the subject 2 into the case body 111 via the intake port 111a of the protein detection device 10. Therefore, the protein detection device 10 can determine whether or not the self-luminescent protein to be detected is contained in the aerosol of the exhaled breath of the subject 2. Therefore, the presence or absence of a virus in the aerosol of the exhaled breath of the subject 2 can be determined.
Moreover, in this embodiment, the straw 20 is prepared for each subject. A portion of the straw 20 is removably inserted into the connection part 165 of the protein detection device 10, so it can be easily replaced. Therefore, when the test subject 2 is replaced, the test subject 2 removes the straw 20 from the connection part 165 when the measurement is completed, and the next test subject inserts the straw 20 into the connection part 165 when measuring. Therefore, the straw 20 can be easily replaced. At this time, since the straw 20 is prepared for each subject, the breath of the previous subject will not be reintroduced into the protein detection device 10. Therefore, highly accurate virus detection is possible and no hygiene problems occur.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the straw 20 can be mass-produced at low cost and can be disposable. Therefore, once the protein detection device 10 is prepared, the exhaled breath of many subjects can be measured by simply preparing the inexpensive straw 20.
From the above, in this embodiment, the measurement time is short, and viruses can be detected with a system using simple equipment and a device with a simple structure. Therefore, in this embodiment, viruses can be efficiently detected in a plurality of subjects in a short period of time with a small amount of equipment.

[Modified example]
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to what has been described above. For example, according to this embodiment, flavins are targeted in order to detect aerosol, but other self-luminescent proteins may be targeted. Further, according to the present embodiment, three light sources for photographing, namely the LED light sources 114a, 114b, and 114c, are provided, but the number of light sources for photographing may be greater or less than that. Furthermore, it is not necessary to use all three light sources for photography, and only a light source with a wavelength at which the target self-luminescent protein most easily emits light may be used.

Furthermore, the LED light sources 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d may be replaceable, and an LED light source with a different wavelength may be installed. This makes it possible to expand the range of target self-luminescent proteins and install LED light sources used in the initialization process depending on the target self-luminescent proteins, making it possible to design more specific indoor spaces. It becomes possible to evaluate the safety of

Further, according to the present embodiment, a compressor is used as the suction device 12, but the aerosol may be charged by a charging device and adsorbed to the adsorption filter 112 using static electricity. For example, when the water in the aerosol adhering to the adsorption filter 112 evaporates, if the suction device 12 is a compressor, the virus adhering to the aerosol may fall. On the other hand, if the suction device 12 is a charging type, since the virus is also charged, it becomes difficult to fall from the adsorption filter 112, and the reliability of the evaluation by the protein detection device 10 can be maintained. Become.
Furthermore, an exhaust fan may be used as the suction device 12. This makes it possible to further reduce the weight of the protein detection device 10 and improve its portability. Further, the suction device 12 may be attached externally to the storage case 170.

Further, according to this embodiment, the CPU 141 of the protein detection device 10 executes the determination process. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the protein detection device 10 or the tablet terminal 30 transmits initial data and imaging data to an external terminal, the external terminal executes the determination process, and the evaluation results are sent to the protein detection device 10 or the tablet terminal. It may also be transmitted to the terminal 30. This makes it possible to use an external terminal with high image processing ability, and it becomes possible to obtain more detailed and reliable evaluation results.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the input instructions and results are displayed on the tablet terminal 30, but the protein detection device 10 may be provided with a display section, and the input instructions and results may be displayed on the provided display section.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the ID is acquired in the initialization process, but in the process between the initialization process and the detection process, that is, at least before the control device 14 detects a virus having a self-luminescent protein. If so, you can obtain it at any time. In addition, the ID is obtained by inputting a predetermined ID into the tablet terminal 30 by the subject 2, but it is generated each time the control device 14 of the protein detection device 10 performs an initialization process, and the ID is used as a judgment result. It may be displayed to the subject 2 in association.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the face of the subject 2 who inserts the straw 20 into the connection part 165 is photographed and recorded together with the time as the ID for virus detection. Regarding this, the control device also measures the body temperature of the subject 2 based on the image from the camera 40, and identifies the subject who is likely to have the virus when checking the measurement history. This makes it easier to do so, and it is also possible to further improve detection accuracy.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the connecting portion 165 is attached to the terminal end of the intake duct 161, and the connecting portion 165 includes an insertion sensor (not shown in FIG. 1) that detects insertion of the straw 20, for example. You can. When the straw 20 is inserted, the attachment sensor sends a signal to the control device 14 indicating that the straw 20 has been inserted. For example, an insertion sensor of the connection part 165 may sense the attachment of the straw 20 and send a signal to the control device 14 that the straw 20 has been inserted into the connection part 165. The suction stroke may begin, for example, when the control device 14 receives a signal that the straw 20 has been inserted into the connection 165.

Further, the connecting portion 165 may include, for example, an exhalation sensor (not shown in FIG. 1) that detects the exhalation of the subject 2. The exhalation sensor is, for example, a CO2 sensor. When the subject 2 blows exhalation into the straw 20, the exhalation sensor transmits a signal to the control device 14 indicating that the subject 2 has exhaled. The suction stroke may be started, for example, when the control device 14 receives a signal indicating that the subject 2 has exhaled.

Furthermore, although the connecting portion 165 has a structure in which the straw 20 is inserted in this embodiment, when the straw 20 is connected, exhaled air is prevented from leaking from the connecting portion between the straw 20 and the connecting portion 165. The structure may be sealed so that outside air cannot enter.

1 Virus detection system 2 Subject 10 Protein detection device 20 Straw 30 Tablet terminal 11 Detection device 111 Case body 111a Inlet port 111b Exhaust port 112 Adsorption filter 113 Shutter device 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d Ultraviolet LED light source 115 Camera 115a Lens 115b Optical filter 115c Image sensor 115d Control circuit 116 Filter turret device 12 Suction device 12a Compressor 12b Drive control section 13 Power supply device 14 Control device 141 CPU
142 ROM
143 RAM
161 Intake duct 162 Exhaust duct 163, 164 Opening/closing device 165 Connection section 170 Storage case 171 Storage section 172 Lid section 173 Snap-on lock 174 Handle 175 Exhaust hole

Claims (12)

A virus detection method for detecting a virus contained in aerosol in exhaled breath of a subject in a virus detection system, the method comprising:
The virus detection system includes:
a box body having an intake port through which the exhaled air can be introduced and an exhaust port through which the introduced exhaled air can be discharged;
a suction means provided at the exhaust port for sucking in the exhaled air sucked into the inside of the box and discharging it to the outside;
a filter disposed inside the box body in front of the exhaust port and capable of capturing at least a portion of the aerosol in the exhaled breath sucked into the box body;
an initialization light source that irradiates the filter with ultraviolet light;
an excitation light source that irradiates the filter with excitation light of a specific wavelength that causes a specific protein having a self-luminescent molecule contained in the aerosol in the exhaled breath captured by the filter to emit light;
a photographing means for photographing the specific protein self-luminous in the filter;
determination means for detecting a virus having the specific protein based on the amount of the specific protein contained in the aerosol in the exhaled breath based on the luminescent region included in the image of the filter taken by the imaging device;
a protein detection device comprising: a connection means communicating with the inlet of the box;
an exhaled breath introducing means prepared for each subject, a part of which is removably inserted into the connecting means of the protein detecting device, and having a tube structure capable of introducing the exhaled breath into the inlet of the protein detecting device; , the virus detection method includes:
an initialization step of causing the initialization light source to emit light and irradiating the filter with ultraviolet rays;
an insertion step of inserting the breath introduction means into the protein detection device;
a suction step of driving the suction means of the protein detection device to cause the filter to capture at least a portion of the aerosol contained in the exhaled air sucked into the box body through the exhaled air introducing means;
a detection step of, after stopping the suction means, causing the excitation light source of the protein detection device to emit light and photographing the filter with the photographing means of the protein detection device;
In the determination means of the protein detection device, the image of the filter taken by the photographing means is received, the light emitting regions included in the image of the filter are totaled, and the test object is determined based on the result of the aggregation of the light emitting regions. a determination step of determining whether the virus is present in the breath of the person;
It is characterized by including. The virus detection method according to claim 1,
The virus detection method is characterized in that, at least after the detection step, the method returns to the initialization step. The virus detection method according to claim 1,
The protein detection device further includes ID acquisition means,
The virus detection method is characterized in that the method includes a step of acquiring, by the ID acquisition means, an ID for identifying the subject, at least before the detection step. The virus detection method according to claim 1,
In the initialization step, the initialization light source emits light to irradiate the filter with ultraviolet rays, and then the excitation light source emits light and the photographing means photographs the filter;
The determination step is characterized in that the light emitting areas included in the images obtained by taking the difference between the image taken in the initialization step and the image taken in the detection step are totaled. The virus detection method according to claim 1,
The protein detection device further includes a display means for displaying a result of whether or not the virus is present in the exhaled aerosol determined in the determination step. The virus detection method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The protein detection device is characterized in that it further includes an optical filter that corresponds to the excitation light source and cuts at least light having a wavelength equal to or less than the wavelength of the excitation light generated by the excitation light source from the light taken in by the imaging means. The virus detection method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The protein detection device includes a plurality of excitation light sources, the plurality of excitation light sources generate excitation light having different wavelengths, and the wavelength of the excitation light generated by one of the plurality of excitation light sources is 440 nm or more and less than 460 nm. It is characterized by being in the range of A virus detection system that detects viruses contained in aerosol in exhaled breath of a subject,
a box body having an intake port through which the exhaled air can be introduced and an exhaust port through which the introduced exhaled air can be discharged;
a suction means provided at the exhaust port for sucking in the exhaled air sucked into the inside of the box and discharging it to the outside;
a filter disposed inside the box body in front of the exhaust port and capable of capturing at least a portion of the aerosol in the exhaled breath sucked into the box body;
an initialization light source that irradiates the filter with ultraviolet rays at least before the suction means starts sucking air;
an excitation light source that irradiates the filter with excitation light of a specific wavelength that causes a specific protein having a self-luminescent molecule contained in the aerosol in the exhaled breath captured by the filter to emit light;
a photographing means for photographing the specific protein self-luminous in the filter;
determination means for detecting a virus having the specific protein based on the amount of the specific protein contained in the aerosol in the exhaled breath based on the luminescent region included in the image of the filter taken by the imaging device;
a protein detection device comprising: a connection means communicating with the inlet of the box;
an exhaled breath introducing means prepared for each subject, a part of which is removably inserted into the connecting means of the protein detecting device, and having a tube structure capable of introducing the exhaled breath into the inlet of the protein detecting device; It is characterized by The virus detection system according to claim 8,
The protein detection device is characterized in that it further includes an ID acquisition means for acquiring an ID for identifying a subject before detecting at least a virus having the specific protein. The virus detection system according to claim 8,
The protein detection device further includes display means for displaying a result of whether or not the virus is present in the exhaled aerosol determined by the determination means. The virus detection system according to claim 8,
The protein detection device is characterized in that it further includes an optical filter that corresponds to the excitation light source and cuts at least light having a wavelength equal to or less than the wavelength of the excitation light generated by the excitation light source from the light taken in by the imaging means. 9. The virus detection method according to claim 8,
The protein detection device includes a plurality of excitation light sources, the plurality of excitation light sources generate excitation light having different wavelengths, and the wavelength of the excitation light generated by one of the plurality of excitation light sources is 440 nm or more and less than 460 nm. It is characterized by being in the range of

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