Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to a fine particle measurement device.

Various methods for acquiring an image of a fine particle such as a cell to evaluate the three-dimensional shape of the fine particle have been studied (for example, <CIT> and <CIT> and the like).

<CIT> relates to A screening apparatus for searching for a predetermined microparticle based on optical information emitted from microparticles to selectively pick up the microparticle searched for includes a measurement chip that is made of a light permeable material, the measurement chip having a well formed therein that retains a liquid including at least one microparticle, a measuring section that is configured to acquire optical information emitted by the microparticles retained in the measurement chip, an analyzing section that is configured to analyze the optical information to extract optical information associated with the microparticles retained in the well, a liquid retaining section provided on the measurement chip, a draining section that is configured to drain a liquid retained in the liquid retaining section, an introducing section that introduces a liquid into the liquid retained section, and a liquid level controlling section that controls a liquid level of the liquid retaining section.

<CIT> is directed to an analysis method for detecting and analyzing light from a sample prepared so as to emit light in accordance with an amount of a test substance, the analysis method including taking an image of a storage member configured to store the sample therein; switching a state of a reflector to a state in which light from the sample is reflected toward a light detection unit and detecting light from the sample by the light detection unit; and outputting an analysis result of the sample on the basis of a light amount detected by the light detection unit.

A fine particle measurement device of the present disclosure includes
the features recited in claim <NUM>.

First, embodiments of a fine particle measurement device of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

Hereinafter, specific examples of a fine particle measurement device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

In recent years, with the development of the regenerative medicine or the like, a technique for mass-culturing a cell using a culture bag or the like has been studied. Therefore, there is increasing needs for a device that performs a measurement on a fine particle such as the cell cultured in the culture bag or the like. However, in a configuration of the device that has been studied in the related art, when the cell is observed, the focal position may not be properly adjustable.

<FIG> is a schematic configuration view illustrating a state where an observation container is arranged in a fine particle measurement device according to one example not forming part of the claimed invention. As illustrated in <FIG>, a fine particle measurement device <NUM> is a device that performs a measurement on fine particles that are dispersed in a sample. The fine particles and a target in which the fine particles are dispersed are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a liquid. As an example where the fine particles are dispersed in a liquid sample, the fine particles may be cells and the liquid where the fine particles are dispersed may be a cell culture medium, an aqueous solution such as a physiological saline solution which is suitable for the cells, water, or the like. In addition, examples of cells which are targets include a spheroid, an egg, a mini organ, and the like. Incidentally, in the present example, an example where the sample is a liquid sample and the fine particles are dispersed in a liquid will be described; however, as long as the sample may contain the fine articles that are imaging targets, the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration where the fine particles are dispersed in the liquid.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when a liquid sample containing a fine particle that is an object <NUM> stays in an observation container <NUM> for measurement, the fine particle measurement device <NUM> detects light from the object <NUM>, which is obtained by irradiating the object <NUM> in the observation container <NUM> with measurement light, to capture a transmission image and to perform a measurement, an analysis, and the like on the object <NUM> based on the transmission image. For this reason, the fine particle measurement device <NUM> includes a support stand <NUM> that supports the observation container <NUM>, a light source unit <NUM>, an imaging unit <NUM>, and an analyzer <NUM>. Incidentally, examples of the light from the object <NUM> include transmitted light, diffuse reflected light, fluorescent light, and the like from the object <NUM>, which are induced by the light source unit <NUM> (or light from other light sources). Namely, an optical measurement technique for the object <NUM> by the light source unit <NUM> and the imaging unit <NUM> is not particularly limited.

The observation container <NUM> is a container that accommodates the liquid sample containing a fine particle when a measurement is performed on the fine particle. In addition, the support stand <NUM> supports the observation container <NUM>, for example, on a measurement stand. <FIG> illustrates a specific configuration example of the observation container <NUM> and the support stand <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the observation container <NUM> (10A and 10B) may have, for example, a cylindrical shape with both open ends. Region (A) of <FIG> illustrates an observation container 10A not forming part of the claimed invention having a cylindrical shape. In addition, region (B) of <FIG> illustrates an observation container 10B according to the claimed invention having a square tube shape. As illustrated in <FIG>, culture bags 100A and 100B are connected to both ends of the observation container <NUM> having a cylindrical shape, and while the liquid sample containing the fine particle that is the object <NUM> is moved from one culture bag 100A to the other culture bag 100B, an observation can be performed.

When the observation container <NUM> has a square tube shape, the cross-sectional shape may have a rectangular or square form. Namely, the shape may have right-angled corners. The three-dimensional shape of the object <NUM> can be suitably measured by such a shape or elaborating on an arrangement of the imaging unit <NUM>.

The size of the observation container <NUM> is not particularly limited, and is appropriately set according to an arrangement of the light source unit <NUM> and the imaging unit <NUM>, the size of the fine particle that is the object <NUM>, and the like. In addition, the material of the observation container <NUM> is not particularly limited, and for example, glass, PC resin, PS resin, or the like can be used. At least a region of the observation container <NUM> through which light incident into the imaging unit <NUM> passes, namely, a region of the observation container <NUM> which is arranged in an imaging region of the imaging unit <NUM> is required to have transparency for the measurement light. In addition, the observation container <NUM> may be configured to have a uniform thickness (cross-section thickness) in the region of the observation container <NUM>, the region being arranged in the imaging region of the imaging unit <NUM>. When the thickness of the observation container <NUM> is not uniform, since light from the imaging region is refracted to be incident into the imaging unit <NUM>, the imaging unit <NUM> may acquire a distorted image of the object <NUM>. Since the thickness of the above region of the observation container <NUM> is uniform, the imaging unit <NUM> can capture a transmission image which is prevented from being affected by distortion when the measurement light or light from the object <NUM> passes through the observation container <NUM>.

The support stand <NUM> supports the observation container <NUM> having a cylindrical shape in a predetermined direction. For this reason, the support stand <NUM> includes a base portion <NUM> and a container support portion <NUM> in the upper surface (side opposite a base portion <NUM> side) of which a groove F extending in one direction is formed. The base portion <NUM> may have, for example, a plate shape. In addition, the container support portion <NUM> is made of a plate-shaped member that is provided on one main surface of the base portion <NUM> to extend upward from the main surface. Then, an end portion of the plate-shaped member may be processed to provide the groove F extending in a thickness direction the plate-shape member forming the container support portion <NUM>, so that the container support portion <NUM> is produced. Incidentally, the support stand <NUM> illustrated in region (A) and region (B) of <FIG> is provided with a V-shaped groove (V groove), which accommodate the observation container 10A or the observation container 10A, as the groove F. The length of the groove F (thickness of the container support portion <NUM>) may be, for example, approximately <NUM> to <NUM>. When the groove F having a V shape is provided, the angle formed by two surfaces forming the V shape may be approximately <NUM>° to <NUM>°. When the angle formed by the two surfaces of the groove F is <NUM>°, the observation container 10B having right-angled corners can be suitably held. However, the shape of the groove F is not limited to the above V shape. In addition, the shape of the groove F can be appropriately changed according to the shape, the size, or the like of the observation container <NUM> accommodating the groove F.

The light source unit <NUM> irradiates a predetermined region (for example, the vicinity of the center) of the observation container <NUM> with the measurement light. A halogen lamp, an LED, or the like can be used as a light source of the light source unit <NUM>. In addition, the light source unit <NUM> may have a function of modulating the intensity.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the light source unit <NUM> may be configured to be arranged to correspond to the imaging unit <NUM> to irradiate the observation container <NUM> with light. With such an arrangement, a measurement by the imaging unit <NUM> can be more accurately performed. In addition, the imaging unit <NUM> is arranged in a state where the support stand <NUM> is out of the field of view. With such a configuration, the imaging unit <NUM> can suitably capture an image of the object <NUM> in the observation container <NUM> while avoiding interference with the support stand <NUM>.

Incidentally, in the present embodiment, visible light or near infrared light can be used as the measurement light irradiated by the light source unit <NUM> in order to observe the transmitted light or the diffuse reflected light. The visible light or the near infrared light is light of which the wavelength range is included in a wavelength band (band A) of <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>. In addition, light included in a wavelength band (band B) of <NUM> to <NUM> which is used to excite the fluorescent light can be also used as the measurement light irradiated by the light source unit <NUM> in order to observe the fluorescent light. In addition, a combination of light included in the band A and light included in the band B may be the measurement light.

The imaging unit <NUM> has a function of receiving light, which of the measurement light irradiated from the light source unit <NUM> transmits through the object <NUM>, to detect the intensity of the light. Namely, the imaging unit <NUM> is provided at a position to face the light source unit <NUM> with the observation container <NUM> interposed therebetween. The imaging unit <NUM> includes a detector in which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, and converts light, which is received by the pixels, into intensity information. A detection result of the imaging unit <NUM> is sent to the analyzer <NUM>.

The imaging unit <NUM> may be configured to detect, for example, only the intensity of light of a specific wavelength by which the object <NUM> can be distinguished from other components. In addition, the imaging unit <NUM> may be configured to detect a spectroscopic spectrum including intensity values for a plurality of wavelengths. The spectroscopic spectrum is a series of data where intensity values at random wavelengths extracted from spectral information are paired with the corresponding wavelengths.

For example, a CMOS, a CCD, an InGaAs detector, a mercury cadmium tellurium (MCT) detector, or the like can be used as the detector of the imaging unit <NUM>. In addition, when the imaging unit <NUM> is configured to detect a spectroscopic spectrum, the imaging unit <NUM> further includes a spectroscope, which has a function of dispersing incident light for each wavelength, in a front stage of the detector. For example, a wavelength selective filter, an interference optical system, a diffraction grating, or a prism can be used as the spectroscope.

In addition, the imaging unit <NUM> may be a hyperspectral sensor that acquires a hyperspectral image. The hyperspectral image is an image in which one pixel is formed of N wavelength data, and includes spectral information including intensity data where a plurality of wavelengths correspond to each pixel. Namely, the hyperspectral image is three-dimensionally configured data having both of two-dimensional elements as an image and elements as spectral data because of the feature that each of the pixels forming the image has intensity data of a plurality of wavelengths. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the hyperspectral image is an image formed of pixels having intensity data in at least four wavelength bands per pixel.

Incidentally, a case where light from in the imaging unit <NUM>, the object <NUM> is dispersed and then a spectroscopic spectrum is acquired has been described above; however, the configuration when a spectroscopic spectrum is acquired in the imaging unit <NUM> is not limited to the above configuration. For example, a configuration where the wavelength of light emitted from the light source unit <NUM> is variable may be adopted.

The analyzer <NUM> has a function of acquiring an imaging result related to the object <NUM> sent from the imaging unit <NUM> and performing arithmetic processing and the like to display and record the image of the object <NUM> and perform a measurement, an analysis, or the like on the image. In addition, the analyzer <NUM> may be configured to perform various calculations and the like based on a measurement result and the like. For example, when the objects <NUM> are cells, a configuration where the diameters of the objects <NUM> of which the images are captured are calculated and a distribution, a histogram, or the like of the diameters is displayed may be adopted. In addition, a configuration where the objects <NUM> included in the image are counted in number to calculate the concentration of the objects <NUM> contained in the liquid sample may be adopted.

Next, an arrangement of the light source unit <NUM> and the imaging unit <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

Region (A) of <FIG> illustrates an example not forming part of the claimed invention of an arrangement of the imaging unit <NUM> with respect to the observation container 10A having a cylindrical shape. Region (A) of <FIG> illustrates the observation container 10A on the support stand <NUM>, and the support stand <NUM> is arranged at a position out of the field of view of the imaging unit <NUM>. This point is the same also for region (B) of <FIG>.

When the observation container 10A has a cylindrical shape, an arrangement of the imaging unit <NUM> is not particularly limited, and the imaging unit <NUM> may be arranged at a position to suitably capture an image of the object <NUM>. Therefore, as illustrated in region (A) of <FIG>, an arrangement of the imaging unit <NUM> with respect to the observation container 10A and the object <NUM> can be appropriately changed. However, the imaging unit <NUM> may be configured to be arranged at a position where an optical axis of light which passes through a wall surface of the observation container 10A to be incident into the imaging unit <NUM> is orthogonal to the wall surface of the container. With such a configuration, the imaging unit <NUM> can be prevented from receiving reflected light, refracted light, or the like from the wall surface of the container.

In accordance with the present invention, a configuration where a plurality of the imaging units <NUM> are provided is adopted. As illustrated with imaging units 40A and 40B in region (A) of <FIG>, the plurality of imaging units <NUM> may be arranged in positions where optical axes are orthogonal to each other around the object <NUM>. With such a configuration, an image of the shape of the fine particle that is the object <NUM> can be suitably captured by the imaging units 40A and 40B.

In addition, the imaging units 40A and 40B are configured to capture an image of the same imaging target at the same time. With such a configuration, one imaging target (object <NUM>) in the observation container 10A can be identified from different directions. The object <NUM> can be considered to rotate as the liquid sample moves. Therefore, the imaging units 40A and 40B are configured to capture an image of the observation container 10A in a specific position, and thus more detailed information on the object <NUM> can be acquired. Incidentally, the expression "that an image of the same imaging target is captured at the same time" refers to that as seen along a longitudinal direction of the observation container <NUM>, the positions of the fields of view of the imaging units 40A and 40B are the same and an image of the object <NUM> staying at a certain point in the observation container <NUM> is captured at the same time.

Region (B) of <FIG> illustrates an arrangemen according to the claimed invention of the imaging unit <NUM> where the observation container 10B has a square tube shape. The observation container 10B has a square tube shape, and the imaging unit <NUM> is configured to be arranged at a position where an optical axis of light which passes through a wall surface of the observation container 10B to be incident into the imaging unit <NUM> is orthogonal to the wall surface of the container. With such a configuration, the imaging unit <NUM> can be prevented from receiving reflected light, refracted light, or the like from the wall surface of the container. Specifically, the imaging unit <NUM> may be arranged to face the wall surface that is flat and included in the observation container 10B having a square tube shape.

In addition, when a plurality of the imaging units are provided, as illustrated in region (B) of <FIG>, imaging units 40C and 40D are arranged to face each other while interposing the observation container 10B having a square tube shape therebetween. When the imaging units 40C and 40D are in such an arrangement and are configured to capture an image of the same imaging target at the same time, the imaging units 40C and 40D can capture the entire image of the object in the observation container 10B.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrates examples not forming part of the claimed invention of an arrangement of the light source unit <NUM> and the imaging unit <NUM>. <FIG> describes a case where the light source unit <NUM> and the imaging unit <NUM> face each other while interposing the observation container <NUM> therebetween, and a positional relationship between the light source unit <NUM> and the imaging unit <NUM> can be appropriately changed. For example, an example illustrated in <FIG> has an configuration where a half-silvered mirror <NUM> is provided, light from the light source unit <NUM> is reflected by the half-silvered mirror <NUM> to irradiate the object <NUM>, and the light from the object <NUM> transmits through the half-silvered mirror <NUM> to be incident into the imaging unit <NUM>. As described above, a configuration using an optical element or the like that changes the path of light may be adopted.

In addition, in an example illustrated in <FIG>, three imaging units <NUM> (40E to <NUM>) are provided for one light source unit <NUM>. Among the three imaging units <NUM>, an imaging unit 40F is arranged to face the light source unit <NUM> with the observation container <NUM> (object <NUM>) interposed therebetween. Imaging units 40E and <NUM> are arranged at positions where optical axes of light incident into the imaging units are at <NUM>° with respect to an optical axis of light from the light source unit <NUM> toward the object <NUM>. When the object <NUM> emits fluorescent light for the light (excitation light) from the light source unit <NUM> and the fluorescent light is observed by the imaging units 40E to <NUM>, as a filter <NUM> that restricts light of a specific wavelength toward the imaging unit <NUM>, a filter that blocks light of the specific wavelength including the excitation light may be provided in a front stage of each of the imaging units <NUM>. Incidentally, even if the fluorescent light from the object <NUM> is not observed, a filter that blocks light of a specific wavelength may be provided as the filter <NUM>.

In addition, in an example illustrated in <FIG>, two imaging units <NUM> (<NUM> and 40I) are provided for one light source unit <NUM>. Two imaging units <NUM> and 40I are arranged at positions where optical axes of light incident into the imaging units are at <NUM>° with respect to an optical axis of light from the light source unit <NUM> toward the object <NUM>. For this reason, the imaging units <NUM> and 40I can capture an image of reflected light from the object <NUM> or an image of fluorescent light when the object <NUM> emits the fluorescent light. In addition, the filter <NUM> that restricts the wavelength of light incident into each of the imaging units <NUM> is arranged in the front stage of each of the imaging units <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, as described above, the numbers of the light source units <NUM> and the imaging units <NUM> may differ from each other. In addition, the transmitted wavelengths of the filters <NUM> provided in the front stages of the plurality of imaging units <NUM> may differ from each other.

Next, a modification example of a support configuration of the observation container <NUM> will be described. As described above, the observation container <NUM> is accommodated in the groove F of the support stand <NUM> and supported by the support stand <NUM>, and a pressing jig can be used as means that restricts a movement of the observation container <NUM> on the support stand <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a pressing jig <NUM>. The pressing jig <NUM> includes a pressing portion <NUM> having a pressing surface 81a to be pressed against the observation container <NUM> and a holding portion <NUM> that a user of the pressing jig <NUM> holds when handling the pressing portion <NUM>.

Region (A) of <FIG> illustrates a state where the observation container 10B having a square tube shape is accommodated in the groove F of the support stand <NUM> and the observation container 10B is supported from above by the pressing jig <NUM>. In addition, region (B) of <FIG> illustrates a state where the observation container 10A having a cylindrical shape not forming part of the claimed invention is accommodated in the groove F of the support stand <NUM> and the observation container 10B is supported from above by the pressing jig <NUM>. In both of the examples, since the observation container <NUM> is supported from above by the pressing jig <NUM>, a movement of the observation container <NUM> on the groove F can be restricted.

Furthermore, when the shape of the pressing jig <NUM> is changed, the function of supporting the observation container <NUM> can be improved. <FIG> and <FIG> show examples of containers not forming part of the claimed invention. For example, in a pressing jig 80A illustrated in <FIG>, the pressing portion <NUM> is connected to the holding portion <NUM> via a spring <NUM>. As illustrated in region (A) of <FIG>, in a state where the observation container <NUM> is not pressed, the pressing portion <NUM> of the pressing jig 80A is connected to the holding portion <NUM> via the spring <NUM>. On the other hand, as illustrated in region (B) of <FIG>, in a state where the observation container <NUM> is pressed (supported), the pressing portion <NUM> of the pressing jig 80A is pressed and supported from above via the holding portion <NUM> and the spring <NUM>. With such a configuration, since a force from the holding portion <NUM> can be more gently transmitted to the pressing portion <NUM> than when the pressing portion <NUM> is directly pressed and supported by the holding portion <NUM>, for example, the rotation of the observation container <NUM> or the like can be prevented from causing the force from the holding portion <NUM> to act to move the observation container <NUM> from the support stand <NUM>.

In a pressing jig 80B illustrated in <FIG>, a groove G is formed in the pressing surface 81a of the pressing portion <NUM>. In this case, when a transition is made from a state in which the observation container <NUM> is not pressed and which is illustrated in region (A) of <FIG> to a state in which the observation container <NUM> is pressed (supported) and which is illustrated in region (B) of <FIG>, since the observation container <NUM> is accommodated in the groove G of the pressing surface 10a, a movement of the observation container <NUM> can be suitably restricted. Incidentally, in order to restrict a movement of the observation container <NUM> as described above, the pressing jig 80B is used in such a manner that the longitudinal direction of the observation container <NUM> (extending direction of the groove F of the support stand <NUM>) coincides with an extending direction of the groove G in the pressing surface 81a of the pressing jig 80B.

Incidentally, a positional relationship between the support stand <NUM> for the observation container <NUM> and the pressing jig <NUM> is not particularly limited. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are views illustrating examples not forming part of the claimed invention of the positional relationship between the support stand <NUM> and the pressing jig <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a state where the support stand <NUM> and the pressing jig <NUM> are arranged to face each other with the observation container <NUM> interposed therebetween. In addition, <FIG> illustrates a state where two support stands <NUM> support a central side in the longitudinal direction of the observation container <NUM>, whereas two pressing jigs <NUM> support end portion sides in the longitudinal direction of the observation container <NUM>. In addition, <FIG> illustrates a state where two support stands <NUM> support end portion sides in the longitudinal direction of the observation container <NUM>, whereas one pressing jig <NUM> supports the vicinity of the center in the longitudinal direction of the observation container <NUM>. As described above, the numbers of the support stands <NUM> and the pressing jigs <NUM> and the positional relationship therebetween can be appropriately changed.

Incidentally, both of the support stand <NUM> and the pressing jig <NUM> may be configured to be provided at positions out of the field of view of the imaging unit <NUM>. Therefore, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the pressing jig <NUM> is arranged in the vicinity of the center of the observation container <NUM>, the imaging unit <NUM> may be arranged between the support stand <NUM> and the pressing jig <NUM> along the longitudinal direction of the observation container <NUM>.

An application example of the fine particle measurement device not forming part of the claimed invention will be described with reference to <FIG>. In an example illustrated in <FIG>, similarly to <FIG>, the culture bag is connected to the observation container <NUM> placed in the fine particle measurement device <NUM>. However, when compared to the example illustrated in <FIG>, the point of coincidence is that the culture bag 100A is connected to one (upstream side) end portion, and the point of difference is that two culture bags 100B and 100C are connected to the other (downstream side) end portion and a branch portion <NUM> connected to a flow path to the culture bag 100B and a flow path to the culture bag 100C is connected to a rear stage of the observation container <NUM>.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, while the liquid sample containing the objects <NUM> is moved from the culture bag 100A toward the observation container <NUM>, the imaging unit <NUM> captures images of the objects <NUM> and the analyzer <NUM> performs an analysis on the objects <NUM>. Then, a valve <NUM> provided in the branch portion <NUM> is controlled according to the result to cause the objects <NUM> to move to either of the culture bag 100B and the culture bag 100C.

As in the example illustrated in <FIG>, a configuration where the objects <NUM> are sorted by using analysis results obtained by the fine particle measurement device <NUM> may be adopted. For example, the objects <NUM> having diameters exceeding a predetermined diameter may be moved to the culture bag 100B, and the other objects <NUM> may be moved to the culture bag 100C. Incidentally, the way the objects <NUM> are sorted by using the analysis results can be appropriately changed. In addition, a configuration where only the objects <NUM> satisfying a specific condition are recovered and the other objects <NUM> are discarded may be adopted. In addition, the configuration of the branch portion <NUM> that sorts the fine particles can be appropriately changed.

Next, a modification example not forming part of the claimed invention of the observation container <NUM> will be described.

<FIG> and <FIG> and the like describe a case where the observation container <NUM> has a cylindrical shape and the culture bags 100A and 100B and the like are connected to both ends thereof; however, the observation container may be a recessed container and may have a structure where the liquid sample is contained therein. In addition, the observation container may have a structure where a plurality of recessed portions are provided to individually accommodate the objects <NUM>.

For example, as a structure where the observation container is provided with the plurality of recessed portions, it can be considered that the observation container <NUM> is made of an elongated columnar member and the plurality of recessed portions are provided in the vicinity of the center thereof. In such a shape, a region of the observation container (for example, an end portion of the observation container), in which the recessed portion is not formed, can be supported by the support stand <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an observation container 10C according to the modification example together with the support stand. The observation container 10C has a structure where a plurality of recessed portions <NUM> are independent of each other as described above. In addition, the observation container 10C is an elongated columnar member and the plurality of recessed portions <NUM> are formed in the vicinity of the center thereof. A region of the observation container 10C (for example, an end portion of the observation container 10C), in which the recessed portion <NUM> is not formed, can be supported by the support stand <NUM>.

In addition, when the observation container <NUM> is provided with the plurality of recessed portions, the recessed portion is configured such that two bottom walls made of two plate-shaped members are combined to form a bottom surface having a corner. <FIG> is a conceptual view illustrating one example of the cross section of the observation container 10C and an arrangement of the imaging unit, and illustrates an example where the recessed portion <NUM> is formed of bottom walls 12A and 12B made of two plate-shaped members. The angle formed by the two bottom walls 12A and 12B is not particularly limited, but may be approximately <NUM>° or in a range of <NUM>° ± <NUM>°. With such a configuration, two imaging units <NUM> can use the two bottom walls 12A and 12B to suitably obtain an image used to three-dimensionally identify the shape of the fine particle that is the object <NUM>. Particularly, when the bottom walls 12A and 12B are arranged to be orthogonal to each other, the imaging units can suitably capture an image of the shape of the fine particle that is the object <NUM>.

In addition, as with the observation container 10C, in the configuration where the plurality of recessed portions <NUM> are independently provided, for example, the recessed portions <NUM> different from each other may be configured to accommodate the object <NUM> one by one. With such a configuration, a plurality of the objects <NUM> can be prevented from being falsely observed and a movement of each of the objects <NUM> is also restricted, and thus an analysis on the object <NUM> can be suitably performed.

Incidentally, instead that the plurality of recessed portions <NUM> are provided, similarly to the observation container <NUM>, the observation container 10C may be configured such that one recessed portion <NUM> extending in the longitudinal direction is provided. In addition, the shape of the bottom wall of the observation container <NUM> can be appropriately changed.

As with the observation container 10C described above, in a case where the shape of the observation container <NUM> is not a cylindrical shape and is provided with the recessed portion <NUM>, when the object <NUM> in the container is observed, the imaging unit <NUM> or the observation container <NUM> is required to be moved. Therefore, as illustrated in <FIG>, the observation container 10C on the support stand <NUM> or the imaging unit <NUM> may be configured to be moved along an extending direction (longitudinal direction) of the observation container 10C, so that the object (recessed portion in which the object <NUM> is accommodated) in the field of view of the imaging unit <NUM> is changed. Specifically, the fine particle measurement device <NUM> may be configured such that a movement mechanism which moves the observation container 10C or a movement mechanism which moves the imaging unit <NUM> is provided. Incidentally, as the movement mechanism that moves the observation container 10C, the observation container 10C itself may be moved or the support stand <NUM> may be moved to be able to move the support stand <NUM> and the observation container 10C at the same time.

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, also in a case where an observation container 10D is provided with one recessed portion, when the recessed portion extends in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of the objects are accommodated in the one recessed portion, similarly to the configuration of <FIG>, the fine particle measurement device <NUM> may be configured such that a movement mechanism which moves the observation container 10D or a movement mechanism which moves the imaging unit <NUM> is provided. Incidentally, also when the observation container 10D is made of a cylindrical member, the fine particle measurement device <NUM> may be configured to include a movement mechanism.

In the above embodiments, an example where one observation container <NUM> is supported by two support stands <NUM> has been described; however, the number or shape of the support stands <NUM> that support the observation container <NUM> can be appropriately changed. For example, a configuration where one observation container <NUM> is supported by three support stands <NUM> may be adopted. In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, a configuration where one observation container <NUM> (here, representing the observation container 10D) is supported by one support stand <NUM> may be adopted. In a support stand 20A illustrated in <FIG>, the thickness (length along the extending direction of the observation container 10D) of the container support portion <NUM> of the support stand 20A is larger than that of the support stand <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> and the like. For this reason, a long length of the groove F formed along the thickness direction can be secured, and the observation container 10D can be stably supported by the groove F of the container support portion <NUM>. Therefore, even if the number of the support stands <NUM> is reduced, the observation container <NUM> (10D) can be suitably supported. Incidentally, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the support stand <NUM> is provided in the vicinity of the center of the observation container 10D, the imaging unit <NUM> can be arranged at a position where the support stand <NUM> is out of the field of view (for example, on an end portion side of the observation container). With such a configuration, the object <NUM> can be suitably observed.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate modification examples of the fine particle measurement device. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state where a lid portion <NUM> of a fine particle measurement device 1A is closed, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state where the lid portion <NUM> of the fine particle measurement device 1A is opened. In the fine particle measurement device 1A, the support stand <NUM>, the light source unit <NUM>, and the imaging unit <NUM> are installed in an outer packaging <NUM> for transport. The outer packaging <NUM> includes a main body portion <NUM> and the lid portion <NUM>, and as transporting means for transporting the outer packaging <NUM>, a handle <NUM> is attached to the main body portion <NUM>. During transport of the fine particle measurement device 1A, the observation container <NUM>, the support stand <NUM>, the light source unit <NUM>, and the imaging unit <NUM> are installed in the outer packaging <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, during transport, the lid portion <NUM> is closed and the handle <NUM> can be used to carry the fine particle measurement device <NUM>. In addition, during usage, as illustrated in <FIG>, the lid portion <NUM> is opened, the observation container <NUM> is set on the support stand <NUM> in the outer packaging <NUM>, and a measurement is performed. As described above, since the support stand <NUM>, the light source unit <NUM>, and the imaging unit <NUM> are configured to be installed in the outer packaging <NUM>, the fine particle measurement device 1A can be transported to any place to be used, so that the versatility of the fine particle measurement device 1A is improved.

Incidentally, as illustrated in <FIG>, as the transporting means, instead of the handle <NUM>, a caster <NUM> may be configured to be provided in the main body portion <NUM>, so that the fine particle measurement device 1A can be transported. The position where the caster <NUM> is provided can be appropriately changed.

As described above, in the fine particle measurement device <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the observation container <NUM> is accommodated in the groove F of the support stand <NUM>, and thus the observation container <NUM> can be supported such that the extending direction of the groove F coincides with the longitudinal direction. In this state, since the imaging unit <NUM> is configured to capture an image of the fine particle at the position where the support stand <NUM> is out of the field of view, the image of the fine particle can be captured in a state where the observation container <NUM> is properly supported, and thus the image of the shape of the fine particle can be more accurately captured.

Since the groove F of the support stand <NUM> has a V shape, regardless of the shape of a bottom portion of the observation container <NUM>, the observation container <NUM> can be accommodated in and suitably supported by the groove F.

In addition, since the pressing jig <NUM> that is configured to press the observation container <NUM> is further provided, a movement of the observation container <NUM> on the support stand <NUM> can be restricted, so that an image of the fine particle can be more suitably captured.

In addition, since the movement mechanism that is configured to move the support stand <NUM>, the observation container <NUM>, or the imaging unit <NUM> is provided, the field of view of the imaging unit <NUM> can be easily changed, so that an image of the fine particle in the observation container <NUM> can be more simply captured.

In addition, since the light source unit <NUM> is provided, for example, an image of fluorescent light that the fine particle emits in response to light from the light source unit <NUM> can be captured, and thus when the imaging unit <NUM> captures the image, a wider range of information on the fine particle can be obtained. Incidentally, even if the light source unit <NUM> is not provided, for example, the fine particle can be observed; however, since the light source unit <NUM> is provided, an observation using light of a specific wavelength can be suitably performed.

In addition, as with the fine particle measurement device 1A, since the outer packaging <NUM> in which the support stand <NUM>, the light source unit <NUM>, and the imaging unit <NUM> are installed is provided, the fine particle measurement device can be easily moved, so that the versatility is improved.

Furthermore, when the transporting means for transporting the outer packaging <NUM> is provided, the fine particle measurement device can be more simply transported.

Incidentally, the fine particle measurement device <NUM> according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, instead of the configuration where the fine particle measurement device <NUM> includes the observation container <NUM>, the support stand <NUM>, the light source unit <NUM>, the imaging unit <NUM>, and the analyzer <NUM> as in the above embodiments, for example, a configuration where the light source unit is not provided may be adopted. In addition, the number of the light source units or the imaging units may be <NUM> or more. In addition, the observation container <NUM> is included in the fine particle measurement device.

The object <NUM> may be able to stay at least in the observation container <NUM>. Therefore, as with the observation containers 10A and 10B, a configuration where the liquid sample containing the object <NUM> is accommodated through an opening connected to the outside may be adopted, or as with the observation containers 10C and 10D, a configuration where one or a plurality of the recessed portions <NUM> are provided may be adopted.

Claim 1:
A fine particle measurement device (<NUM>) comprising:
an observation container (10B);
a support stand (<NUM>) that has a groove (F) extending in a predetermined direction and is configured to support in the groove (F) the observation container (10B), which has an elongate shape and accommodates a liquid sample containing a fine particle therein, such that an extending direction of the groove (F) coincides with a longitudinal direction of the observation container (10B) characterized by:
a plurality of imaging units (<NUM>) each configured to capture an image of the fine particle in the observation container (10B) at a position where the support stand (<NUM>) is out of a field of view, the observation container (10B) being supported by the support stand (<NUM>), wherein
the imaging units (<NUM>) are configured to capture an image of the same imaging target at the same time, so that one imaging target in the observation container (10B) can be identified from different directions,
the observation container (10B) has a square tube shape, and
the plurality of imaging units (<NUM>) are arranged at a position where an optical axis of light which passes through a wall surface of the observation container (<NUM>, 10A) to be incident into each of the imaging units is orthogonal to the wall surface of the container (10B),
the imaging units (<NUM>) are arranged to face each other with the observation container (10B) interposed therebetween.