U.S. patent application number 12/989985 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-31 for sample low-temperature storage case and organism transportation supporting system.
This patent application is currently assigned to HITACHI, LTD.. Invention is credited to Azusa Amino, Kohtaro Chiba, Isao Hagiya, Mami Hakari, Isao Kitagawa, Daisuke Matsuka, Naoko Nakayama, Akira Nomiyama, Norihide Saho, Shinjiro Saito, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Sachi Tanaka, Hiroyuki Toyoda, Yoshihito Yasukawa.
Application Number | 20110073603 12/989985 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41255002 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110073603 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Saho; Norihide ; et
al. |
March 31, 2011 |
SAMPLE LOW-TEMPERATURE STORAGE CASE AND ORGANISM TRANSPORTATION
SUPPORTING SYSTEM
Abstract
The storage case has a structure in which a sample storage case
(S) contained in a storage case is cooled and held at a low
temperature by a Stirling refrigerator. A detection element is
disposed in a room-temperature area of the storage case. The
chemical or physical property of the detection element varies when
a contaminant adheres to the detection element. Entrance of a
contaminant into the storage case can be checked by contactlessly
checking the detection element from the outside of the storage
case. The storage case includes a server for receiving the result
of the check from the detection device, storing the result, and
setting up connection via a communication line to at least two out
of a terminal operable by the forwarder, a terminal operable by the
carrier, and a terminal operable by the recipient to transmit the
result to the two.
Inventors: |
Saho; Norihide; (Ibaraki,
JP) ; Hakari; Mami; (Ibaraki, JP) ; Tanaka;
Hiroyuki; (Ibaraki, JP) ; Tanaka; Sachi;
(Ibaraki, JP) ; Yasukawa; Yoshihito; (Ibaraki,
JP) ; Nomiyama; Akira; (Ibaraki, JP) ; Saito;
Shinjiro; (Ibaraki, JP) ; Amino; Azusa;
(Ibaraki, JP) ; Matsuka; Daisuke; (Ibaraki,
JP) ; Chiba; Kohtaro; (Ibaraki, JP) ; Toyoda;
Hiroyuki; (Ibaraki, JP) ; Nakayama; Naoko;
(Ibaraki, JP) ; Kitagawa; Isao; (Saitama, JP)
; Hagiya; Isao; (Ibaraki, JP) |
Assignee: |
HITACHI, LTD.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
41255002 |
Appl. No.: |
12/989985 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
April 20, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2009/057880 |
371 Date: |
December 10, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/592.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01N 1/0257 20130101;
B01L 7/50 20130101; B01L 2300/024 20130101; B01L 2200/143 20130101;
B01L 2200/18 20130101; G01N 1/42 20130101; B01L 3/508 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/592.01 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/38 20060101
B65D081/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 28, 2008 |
JP |
2008-116764 |
Nov 19, 2008 |
JP |
2008-295110 |
Claims
1. A sample low-temperature storage case comprising: a storage case
storing a sample storage case housing a body to be refrigerated; an
introduced case arranged in the storage case and provided with an
opening for taking in or out the sample storage case into or from
the storage case; a lid member closing the opening; a refrigerator
refrigerating the sample storage case stored in the storage case
through the storage case; and an adiabatic case housing the storage
case and the refrigerator and restricting a heat transfer entered
from an outside to the storage case and the refrigerator, and
wherein a detection element holding member holding a detection
element for detecting contaminant infiltrated in the storage case
is provided near the opening, and a window portion for inspecting a
reaction to the contaminant contained in the detection element from
an outside of the lid member is provided in the lid member in a
state closing the opening by the lid member.
2. The sample low-temperature storage case according to claim 1,
wherein the detection element holding member comprises an air
introduced guide introducing an air entering inside the introduced
case in the predetermined direction through a sealing portion
between the opening and the lid member, and a detection element
arrangement portion arranging the detection element in a path of
the air introduced by the air introducing guide.
3. The sample low-temperature storage case according to claim 1,
wherein the window portion is made of permeable material so as to
optically inspect the reaction to contaminant contained in the
detection element held by the detection element holding member.
4. The sample low-temperature storage case according to claim 1,
wherein the window portion is made of magnetic-flux permeable
material so as to magnetically inspect the reaction to contaminant
contained in the detection element held by the detection element
holding member.
5. The sample low-temperature storage case according to claim 1,
wherein the storage case comprises a temperature measuring element
measuring a temperature of the sample storage case stored in the
storage case, a data processing section making temperature data
based on a temperature measured by the temperature measuring
element, and a data memory storing the temperature data made by the
data processing section, the temperature data memorized in the data
processing section being possible for electronically taking
out.
6. The sample low-temperature storage case comprising: a storage
means storing a sample storage case housing a body to be
refrigerated; a sample introduced means arranged in the storage
means and provided with an opening for taking in or out the sample
storage case into or from the storage means; a closing means
closing the opening; a coldness generating means refrigerating the
sample storage case stored in the storage means through the storage
means; and an adiabatic means housing the storage means and the
coldness generating means and restricting a heat transfer entered
from an outside to the storage case and the coldness generating
means, wherein a detection means for detecting contaminant
infiltrated in the storing means is provided near the opening, and
a window portion for inspecting the reaction to the contaminant by
the detection means from an outside of the closing means is
provided in the closing means in a state closing the opening by the
closing means.
7. In an organism transportation supporting system housing and
transporting an organism as a body to be refrigerated, comprising
an storage case storing a sample storage case housing the body to
be refrigerated, an introduced case arranged in the storage case
and providing with an opening for taking in or out the sample
storage case into or from the storage case, a lid member closing
the lid member, a refrigerator refrigerating the sample storage
case stored in the storage case through the storage case, an
adiabatic case housing the storage case and the refrigerator and
restricting a heat transfer entered from an outside to the storage
case and the refrigerator, wherein a detection element holding
member holding a detection element for detecting contaminant
infiltrated in the storage case is provided near the opening, and a
window portion for detecting the reaction to contaminant contained
in the detection element from an outside of the lid member is
provided in the lid member in a state closing the opening by the
lid member, the organism transportation supporting system
comprising: a detection device for detecting the reaction through
the window portion, a receiving means for receiving a result of
detection of the reaction from the detection device, a memory means
memorizing the result of detection, and a transmission means
connected through a communication line to at least two terminals
among a first terminal possible for operating by a place to
forward, a second terminal possible for operating by a carrier, and
a third terminal for operating by a place to be forwarded, to
transmit the result of detection.
8. The organism transportation supporting system according to claim
7, wherein a detection done by the detection device is done after
transporting in a state housing an organism in the sample
low-temperature storage case.
9. The organism transportation supporting system according to claim
8, wherein an detection done by the detection device is done before
transporting.
10. The organism transportation supporting system claim 7, wherein
the communication line is offered for a public use.
11. The organism transportation supporting system according to
claim 7, wherein data received from the detection device by the
receiving means is done through the communication line offered for
a public use.
12. The organism transportation supporting system according to
claim 7, wherein the sample low-temperature storage case comprises
the temperature measuring element measuring a temperature of the
sample storage case stored in the storage case, a data processing
section making data based on the temperature measured by the
temperature measuring element, and a data memory storing the
temperature data made by the data processing section, and wherein
the receiving means receives the temperature data, the storage
means memorizes the temperature data, and the transmission means is
connected through the communication line to the terminal to
transfer the temperature data.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a sample low-temperature
storage case used as a low-temperature transportation and
low-temperature storage of samples, and an organism transportation
supporting system used therewith.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In general, when organic substance such as cells, microbes,
proteins, or the like (hereinafter, referred to as "sample") is
transported from the predetermined place for storing (hereinafter,
referred to as "Point A") to the other place as used (hereinafter,
referred to as "Point B"), the sample is transported in a state
maintained to be low temperature in order not to deteriorate the
quality of samples during transportation. As a sample low
temperature storage case for such a use, the storage case with a
structure, in which the vacuum adiabatic case is filled with liquid
nitrogen as a refrigerant and the sample is refrigerated by this
liquid nitrogen, has been known.
[0003] In case of using such a sample low-temperature storage case,
a forwarder is designed to store the sample after pouring liquid
nitrogen inside the case at Point A. Such a sample is transported
to Point B in a state maintained around -196 degree C. by a vehicle
or the like. Then, the sample is stored in a freezer maintained,
for example, to be below -140 degree C. after having been accepted
a recipient at Point B.
[0004] In case of using liquid nitrogen as a refrigerant, the
pressure in the case is maintained a higher positive pressure than
the outside air pressure by evaporating gases of refrigerant as
constantly generated. On the other hand, in order to prevent a
burst of the case, the sample low-temperature storage case is
constituted to leak evaporating gases in the outside to maintain
its inner pressure to be constant. In such a way, it is prevented
contaminant such as cells from entering inside the sample
low-temperature storage case by continuously leaking the
evaporating gases from an inner space of the sample low-temperature
storage case to the outside. Thus, it is possible to maintain a
quality of sample to be good. As a result, the fact that no
deterioration or no contamination of sample quality during
transportation is definitely confirmed, that is, the fact that a
condition at the time of goods delivery at Point A is preferably
maintained to be good is definitely confirmed. This is extremely
important and essential for the recipient.
[0005] However, it has a fear of deficiency of oxygen caused by
evaporating gases, and it also has a fear of outflow of refrigerant
and abnormal evaporation caused by case fall or case rupture in the
sample low-temperature storage case using the refrigerant for
sublimating or evaporating dry ice, liquid nitrogen, or the like.
Therefore, it is, in general, prohibited to take in and transport
such sample low-temperature storage case in the cabin or the like
having a high degree of sealing property of an airplane or in
automotive vehicle, but the special measurement must be required.
(For example, transportation by storing in another transportation
room different from the general cabin for passengers with use of
transportation cargo for preventing fall). As a result, it has a
problem to become a large amount of transportation costs in such a
way.
[0006] Therefore, as the sample low-temperature storage case to be
preserved the sample in a state to be refrigerated without using
the refrigerant for sublimation and evaporation of liquid nitrogen
or the like, a storage case, which is constituted to keep the
sample in a state to be refrigerated to be lower than or equal to
-140 degree C. with a refrigerator, and carry easily in or out the
sample for a cool chamber of sample case (microplate) without
flowing in or out cool air in the cool chamber, has been proposed.
For example, it may be referred to Japanese Patent Laid-open
Publication No. 247551 of 2005. More specifically, the sample case
is, at first, housed in an anteroom provided in the storage device,
in case where the sample case is housed in the storage device from
the outside. In this time, the anteroom and the cool chamber are
mutually separated. After the anteroom and the outside are closed,
an inner door provided between the anteroom and the cool chamber is
opened and the sample case is mechanically transported from the
anteroom to the cool chamber, then to close the inner door. In case
where the sample case is transported from the cool chamber to the
outside, a reverse operation relative to the above operation will
be done.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problem to be solved by the Invention
[0007] However, the storage device disclosed in the above
publication has a fear to enter cells being contaminant contained
in the air to the anteroom, stick the cells in organism such as
microbes, cells, or the like as a sample, and contaminate or
deteriorate the sample, when the microplate is carried in or out of
the anteroom. As a result, when the sample is transported with use
of this storage device, it has a problem that a recipient cannot
confirm that the sample is in a non-contaminant condition, or a
good condition in quality.
[0008] Under these circumstances, the purpose of the present
invention is to provide a sample low-temperature storage case, by
which a recipient of the sample is able to easily confirm
non-contaminant condition of the sample at the time of receiving it
without using refrigerant such as liquid nitrogen to be sublimated
or evaporated.
[0009] In case of using the sample low-temperature storage case, it
is confirmed that the sample is not deteriorated in quality and not
contaminated (non-contaminant condition, or a good condition in
quality), when the sample (organism) is transported from Point A to
Point B. In other words, it is extremely important to confirm that
a condition at the time of goods delivery at Point A is preferably
maintained at Point B. Then, it is extremely important for a
recipient at Point B.
[0010] In particular, in case where, for example, skin cell of the
patient himself or herself in a hospital at Point A is transported
to the cultivation center at Point B, induced pluripotent stem
(iPS) cell as manufactured in the cultivation center is transported
to a hospital, and it is used for the treatment of patients, it is
extremely important that non-contaminant condition (good condition
in quality) caused by contamination, in particular, no infiltration
of cells such as skin cell or iPS cells is confirmed to be good
during an outward route and a return route, and also at the time of
terminating the transportation.
[0011] For example, when the sample is not definitely confirmed to
be in good condition in quality and the contamination is found at
the time of transportation before cultivation during an outward
route, it can be made to retransfer the sample, for example, from a
hospital at Point A without cultivating.
Under these circumstances, the purpose of the present invention is
to provide an organism transportation supporting system possible
for definitely confirming to be non-contaminant (good condition in
quality) in the sample.
Means for solving the Problem
[0012] The sample low-temperature storage case relating to the
present invention is constituted to keep the sample stored in the
storage case in a condition to be cooled down by a refrigerator. It
can be inspected whether contaminant is infiltrated inside the
sample low-temperature storage case or not by arranging a detection
element changing chemical property or physical property caused by
sticking contaminant in a room temperature area inside the sample
low-temperature storage case and inspecting a detection element in
a condition to be out of contact from an outside of the sample
low-temperature storage case.
[0013] The organism transportation supporting system relating to
the present invention is characterized by comprising a storage
means memorizing an inspection result of infiltration of
contaminant to the inside of the sample low-temperature storage
case, and a communication means connecting through the
communication line to at least two terminals among a first terminal
to be operated by the place to forward of the sample, a second
terminal to be operated by the carrier of the sample, and a third
terminal to be operated by the place to be forwarded, thus to
transfer the inspection result.
Effect of the Invention
[0014] According to the present invention, the recipient of the
sample can provide the sample low-temperature storage case possible
for easily confirming a good condition in quality of the sample at
the time of receiving it. According to the present invention, the
organism transportation supporting system possible for confirming
no contamination in the sample (organism) can be provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a schematic structure of
a sample low-temperature storage case (storage case) relating to a
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an upper structure of the
storage case and an inspection means of a detection element.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the detection
element and a floor of concave portion.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of spectrum measured by a
detection device.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a part of storage case
relating to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a part of storage case
relating to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a view explaining an example of organism
transportation making use of an organism transportation supporting
system relating to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a view depicting a constitution of the organism
transportation supporting system relating to a fourth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a server.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a view (first) explaining steps of the organism
transportation.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a view (second) explaining steps of the organism
transportation.
[0026] FIG. 12 is an example of display view for supporting an
input of the forwarding and cultivation indication data.
[0027] FIG. 13 is an example of display view for supporting an
input of the cultivation acceptance data.
[0028] FIG. 14 is an example of display view for inputting the
cultivation acceptance data.
[0029] FIG. 15 is an example of display view for displaying a list
of cultivation matching data and supporting a registration of
(provisional) acceptance of placing order.
[0030] FIG. 16 is an example of display view for displaying a list
of transportation request data and supporting a registration of
(provisional) acceptance of placing order.
[0031] FIG. 17 is an example of display view for displaying a list
of the cultivation matching data and supporting a registration of
(provisional) acceptance of receiving order.
[0032] FIG. 18 is an example of display view for displaying a list
of the cultivation request data and supporting a registration of
(provisional) acceptance of receiving order.
[0033] FIG. 19 is an example of display view for displaying a list
of quality data at the time of goods receipt and transportation
acceptance data and supporting a registration of (definitive)
acceptance of receiving order.
[0034] FIG. 20 is an example of display view displaying a list of
transportation environmental data.
[0035] FIG. 21 is an example of display view for displaying a list
of the quality data at the time of goods delivery and receipt and
acceptance data (condition) and supporting a registration of
(definitive) acceptance of receiving order.
[0036] FIG. 22 is an example of display view for displaying a list
of the cultivation environmental data and supporting an input of
the cultivation environmental data.
[0037] FIG. 23 is an example of display view for displaying a list
of the cultivation terminating data and the quality data at the
time of terminating cultivation and supporting a registration of
(definitive) acceptance of terminating cultivation.
[0038] FIG. 24 is an example of display view for displaying a list
of reforwarding (forwarding) request data and supporting a
registration of (provisional) acceptance of receiving order.
[0039] FIG. 25 is an example of display view for displaying a list
of the quality data at the time of receiving goods and reforwarding
(forwarding) acceptance data and supporting a registration of
(definitive) acceptance of receiving order.
[0040] FIG. 26 is an example of display view for displaying a list
of transportation environmental data at the time of returning
goods.
[0041] FIG. 27 is an example of display view for displaying a list
of the quality data at the time of goods delivery and the receipt
and acceptance data (conditional) and supporting a registration of
(definitive) acceptance of goods.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
[0042] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a low-temperature storage
case of sample (hereinafter, referred to as a storage case) 100
relating to an embodiment of the present invention. This storage
case 100 is approximately provided with a storage case 11 (storage
means) for storing a sample storage case S storing a body to be
cooled (sample), an introduced case 13 (introduced case of sample)
attached to the storage case 11 and providing an opening 12 for
putting in or out the sample storage case S in the storage case 11,
a lid member 14 (closing means) closing the opening 12 of the
introduced case 13, a Stirling refrigerator 15 (coldness generating
means) refrigerating the sample storage case S stored in the
storage case 11, and an adiabatic case 16 (adiabatic means) storing
the storage case 11 and the Stirling refrigerator 15 and
controlling a thermal transfer from the outside to the storage case
11 and the Stirling refrigerator 15.
[0043] The storage case 100 is provided near the opening 12 of the
introduced case 13 with a detection element holding member 17
(detection means) holding a detection element 18 for detecting
contaminant entered in the storage case 11. The lid member 14 is
provided with a window portion 19 in order to inspect the reaction
with contaminant of the detection element 18 in a state of the lid
member 14 closing the opening 12 of the introduced case 13.
Hereinafter, an order of the explanation is not coincident with an
order of the above-mentioned numeral, although each constitutional
element will be described.
[0044] (Storage Means)
[0045] The storage case 11 is made of material such as aluminum or
copper having a large number of thermal conductivity. The storage
case 11 is provided with a plurality of holes 61 with an upper
surface being open. Then, the sample storage case S comes to be
stored in each of the holes 61. The storage case 11 is provided
with a screw portion 62 in a lower surface thereof.
[0046] A supporting table 63 for fixing the storage case 11 within
the adiabatic case 16 is provided in an upper portion of a support
tube 64 having an approximately cylindrical shape, and the support
tube 64 is constituted to be stood upright on a lower lid 65 of the
adiabatic case 16. The supporting table 63 is provided with a screw
hole fitting with a screw portion 62 formed in the storage case 11.
The storage case 11 is fixed within the adiabatic case 16 by
fitting the screw portion 62 with the screw hole.
[0047] The supporting table 63 is made of material such as aluminum
or the like being excellent in thermal conductivity. Thus, the
storage case 11 and the supporting table 63 are constitutionally
and thermally integrated. An expression "the storage case 11 and
the supporting table 63 are thermally integrated" means to be the
same temperature between the storage case 11 and the supporting
table 63. The Stirling refrigerator 15 is designed to cool down the
storage case 11 through the supporting table 63 integrated
thermally with the storage case 11, thus to cool down the storage
case 11 stored in the storage case 11. As later described, the
Stirling refrigerator 15 can generate low temperature being less
than or equal to -140 degree C. As a result, the sample storage
case S can maintain a state to be such low temperature.
[0048] The support tube 64 is small in thermal conductivity and
made of material having an excellent mechanical strength to support
mechanically and stably the storage case 11 and the supporting
table 63. For example, various kinds of hard plastic including FRP
is preferably used. Although the supporting table 63 held by the
support tube 64 is made by the Stirling refrigerator 15, it is
required that thermal transfer does not take place between a lower
lid 65 and the supporting table 63 on the ground that the lower lid
65 is in contact with outside air and compression heat generated in
compression heat of the Stirling refrigerator 15. A hole, as not
shown, is formed in a side of the support tube 64. Inner and outer
sides are maintained in the same atmosphere (as later described, it
is referred to as a vacuum atmosphere).
[0049] The storage case 11 is provided with a temperature measuring
element 67. This temperature measuring element 67 is designed to be
operated by battery power source. For example, a temperature
history is designed to record the temperature history (temperature
history of sample storage case 5) during transportation of the
storage case 100). A temperature recording device 68 is provided
with a data processing section (as not shown) processing as
temperature data measured by the temperature measuring element 67
and a data memory (as not shown) memorizing temperature data
prepared by the data processing section.
[0050] The data processing section is so-called a microcomputer. It
is attachably provided, for example, in the temperature recording
device 68 as the data memory and an attachable memory device such
as SD card is preferably used in a personal computer (PC). The
temperature history of the sample storage case S can be easily
confirmed by providing such memory device in PC and reading out the
temperature data memorized therein.
[0051] Although the temperature recording device 68 is shown
outside the adiabatic case 16 in FIG. 1, the temperature recording
device 68 can be constituted to be provided in the adiabatic case
16. The temperature measuring of the storage case 11 by the
temperature measuring element 67 and the memory of temperature data
by the temperature recording device 68 can be constituted to be
manually initiated and terminated. It may be designed to house a
watch to confirm the date and time (hour, minute, and second) in
the temperature recording device 68 and to start measurement and
memory of the temperature data automatically when the Stirling
refrigerator 15 starts driving. As the temperature measurement is
performed even if a stop of the Stirling refrigerator 15 takes
place by an accident and a stop of power supply from the power
source 76 (as later referred) driving the Stirling refrigerator 15
takes place, a stop of action of the temperature recording device
68 can preferably be manually operated.
[0052] The Stirling refrigerator 15 can be designed to compress
Helium (He) gas as working medium, generate coldness by
adiabatically expanding He gas in high pressure, and generate low
temperature which is less than or equal to about -140 degree C. The
Stirling refrigerator 15 is arranged in the support tube 64. The
Stirling refrigerator 15 is provided with a compression section 73
for compressing He gas, a heat exchanging plate 74 for releasing
compression heat generated in the compression section 73, a cooling
section 72 generating coldness by adiabatically expanding a
high-pressure He gas generated in the compression section 73, and a
cylindrical ring 75 conducting coldness of the cooling section 72
to the supporting table 63 (storage case 11).
[0053] The heat exchanging plate 74 is provided under the lower lid
65 of the adiabatic case 16. The heat transferred from the heat
exchanging plate 74 to the lower lid 65 is constituted to radiate
from a surface of the lower lid 65 to the outside. Thus, aluminum,
which is relatively reasonable in price and excellent in thermal
conductivity, is preferably used.
[0054] Copper (Cu), which is, in particular, excellent in thermal
conductivity, is preferably used. The cooling section 72 is secured
through the compression section 73 and the heat exchanging plate 74
to the lower lid 65. On the other hand, the storage case 11 is
supported by the supporting table 63 and the support tube 64. It
is, however, estimated that an amplitude difference and a phase
difference take place in each of the storage case 11 and the
cooling case 72 in case of applying the vibration and the like from
the outside to the storage case. Accordingly, in case where
vibration or the like is applied from the outside to the storage
case 100 compressed by a constant force between the cooling section
72 and the supporting table 63 toward a radial direction, the
contact between the ring 75 and the storage case 11 and the contact
between the ring 75 and the cooling section 72 can be established
enough by a kind of deformation (deformation caused by deflection)
of the ring 75. As a result, the thermal conduction can be
preferably maintained between the cooling section 72 and the
supporting table 63.
[0055] The compression section 73 is provided with the power source
76. Although the power source 76 is shown outside the adiabatic
case 16 in FIG. 1, the control unit is, for example, constituted to
provide in a lower side of the lower lid 65 not to obstruct the
radiation from the lower lid 65 and to arrange the power source 76
within this control unit. A battery is used as the power source 76,
thus to transport the storage case 100 in a working condition. A
rechargeable battery such as Nickel-Metal Hydride battery or
Lithium-ion battery is preferably used as a battery. The power
source 76 is constituted to easily exchange the rechargeable
battery and to recharge with use of AC adapter to domestic power
source etc. It is constituted to drive directly the compression
section 73 by the AC adapter.
[0056] (Introduced Means of Sample)
[0057] The sample storage case S is put in or out the storage case
11 through the opening 12 of the introduced case 13 and an inside
space. For example, the sample storage case S in a state to be
cooled down to -196 degree C. by liquid nitrogen is housed in the
storage case 11 kept in being lower than or equal to -140 degree C.
in a clean room.
[0058] In order to prevent air from infiltrating into the adiabatic
case 16 through the gap between an inner surface of the upper
surface lid member 81 of the adiabatic case 16 and an outer surface
of the introduced case 13, the introduced case 13 is fixed with use
of a flange 83 and bolts 84 to fasten an outer surface of the
introduced case 13 by an O-ring 82. As later described, the O-ring
82 is ordinarily used in a temperature near normal temperature.
Then, plastics such as Fluoride rubber or silicone rubber is
preferably used as the O-ring 82.
[0059] Although air in the proximity (upper portion) of the opening
12 of the introduced case 13 is approximately the same temperature
as outside air, air in the side of the storage case of the
introduced case 13 becomes the same temperature as the storage case
11, as the storage case 11 keeps low temperature around -140 degree
C. in the side of the storage case 11 of the introduced case 13 as
above mentioned. The material having small thermal conductivity
such as plastic is preferably used in the introduced case 13. A
preventive body of convection 85 made of adiabatic material such as
expanded polystyrene is arranged in the side of the storage case 11
in order to prevent gaseous convection in an inner space of the
introduced case 13 and prevent heat transfer from an upper portion
to a lower portion of the introduced case 13. The laminated
insulating material 86 for intercepting radiant heat from an upper
portion to a lower portion in the introduced case 13 is arranged on
the preventive body of convection 85. For example, a structure
bundling aluminum foils is preferably used as the laminated
insulating material. The above preventive body of convection 85 and
the laminated insulating material 86 are also constitutional
elements.
[0060] (Closing Means)
[0061] An inner space of the storage case 11 is isolated from
outside air by closing the opening 12 of the introduced case 13
with the lid member 14. Body made of metal or plastic is used as
the lid member 14. A groove is formed to house an upper portion of
the O-ring 91 in an outer circumferential portion of the lid member
14 in order to secure the lid member 14 to the introduced case 13
(Referring to FIG. 2 as later mentioned). The introduced case 13 is
provided with a ring member 87 supporting an O-ring 91 on the upper
surface. The lid member 14 is secured to the introduced case 13 by
fastening an outer circumferential portion of the lid member 14 and
the ring member 87 of the introduced case 13 with use of the
clamp's type of Mounting fixture 92. Plastic such as Fluoride
rubber or Silicone rubber is preferably used as the O-ring 91.
[0062] The window portion 19 provided in the lid member 14 is made
of permeable material such as silica glass in order to measure a
change of optical property of the detection element 18 as later
described. The lid member 14 is provided with a safety valve 93 for
degassing in case of increasing the pressure in the introduced case
13.
[0063] (Adiabatic Means)
[0064] The inner portion of the adiabatic case 16 is kept in a
vacuum atmosphere including an inner portion of the support tube
64. The adiabatic case 16 is provided with piping, as not shown,
and switching valve, as not shown, for connecting to a vacuum pump,
as not shown, to make vacuum atmosphere in the adiabatic case 16.
The adiabatic case 16 has a sufficiently large mechanical strength
sustaining a pressure difference with outside pressure and
retaining its shape at the time of reducing-in-pressure atmosphere
in the inner portion thereof. Material such as metal or plastic can
be used.
[0065] In order to intercept radiant heat from an outer
circumference of the adiabatic case 16 to the low-temperature
section (cooling section 72, ring 75, supporting table 63, and
storage case 11) provided in the adiabatic case 16 as an outer
circumference of the adiabatic case 16, as the adiabatic case 16 is
the same temperature as outer temperature, cylindrical laminated
adiabatic material 88 is arranged in each of the inner side of the
adiabatic case 16 and the inner side of the support tube 64.
Material constituted to bundle aluminum foils is preferably used as
the laminated adiabatic material 88 as well as the laminated
adiabatic material 88.
[0066] In addition, moisture remained in the adiabatic case 16 and
gas having higher boiling point than the cooling section 72 are
designed to keep a high degree of vacuum in the adiabatic case 16
by sticking at the cooling section 72 as liquid or solid at the
time of driving the Stirling refrigerator 15.
[0067] (Detection Means)
[0068] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged upper structure of the storage case
100 and depicts a schematic constitution of the inspection device
30 for inspecting the detection element 18. A detection element
holding member 17 is constituted to form a concave portion 22
(arranged portion of detection element) for arranging a disk guide
tray 21 (air-induced guide portion). FIG. 3 is a sectional view
showing the detection element 18 and a floor surface of the concave
portion 22 (arranged portion of detection element). As shown in
FIG. 3, a hole 23 is formed in a floor surface of the concave
portion 22.
[0069] The guide tray 21 is put on an upper surface (ring section
87) of the introduced case 13 and is designed to design a shape not
to fall in the introduced case 13. A protrusion of being less than
or equal to a thickness of the guide tray 21 is provided on a
surface of the ring section 87 in at least one place, and a cutout
or a hole engaging with the protrusion may be provided in an outer
circumference of the guide tray 21.
[0070] Although the preventive body of convection 85 and the
laminated adiabatic material 86 are arranged in the introduced case
13, the air in the introduced case 13 keeps negative pressure
relative to the outside as mean temperature inside the introduced
case 13 is lower than outside temperature. As shown in FIG. 2, in
case where atmosphere (air) entering through a sealing section
(sealing place of the O-ring 91) between the opening 12 of the
introduced case 13 and the lid member 14 into the introduced case
13 exists, the atmosphere is introduced from a space formed between
the guide tray 21 and the lid member 14 to the concave section 22,
flowed through the hole 23 into the introduced case 13, and further
diffused to lower portion in the lower portion of the introduced
case 13 (in the side of storage case 11).
[0071] When the detection element 18 is placed on a floor of the
concave portion 22, the detection element 18 easily contacts with
atmosphere. As a result, in case where contaminant such as cells is
contained in the atmosphere, reaction of the detection element 18
with contaminants can increase in probability. Accordingly, it is
designed to increase detection accuracy and detection probability
in case of infiltration of contaminants within the storage case
100. Thus, the inspection reliability can be increased by the
detection element 18.
[0072] The temperature in place disposing the detection element 18
is approximately the same as outside air. In such a way, the
detection element 18 is placed in a temperature area, in which an
activity of cells etc. infiltrated in the introduced case 13 cannot
be controlled. Thus, it can detect the infiltration thereof by a
definite reaction between the cells etc. and the detection element
18.
[0073] As later described, in case where an inspection of the
detection element 18 is done by an optical method, it may fix the
detection element 18 in an area to be observed through the window
portion 19. On the other hand, in case where an inspection of the
detection element 18 is done to be out of contact with the outside
by a magnetic (electromagnetic) method, it may fix the detection
element 18 in an area to be detected by a magnetic sensor.
[0074] As the detection element 18, conventional biomolecular
interaction measuring device is used as an immune sensor, and
precious metal microparticle sensor to be measured by an optical
system can be also used. That is, the precious metal microparticle
sensor such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and platinum
(Pt) is fixed on a floor surface of the concave portion 22. For
example, when a plurality of guide trays 21 fixing any detection
element 18 in an unreactive condition to the concave portion 22 is
prepared, the detection element 18 can be exchanged into new one by
changing the guide tray 21.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 3, the precious metal microparticle sensor
has a adsorptive capacity peculiar to antibody, DNA, etc. on an
upper surface of the metal particle 25, and is constituted to fix
chemical substance or biomolecule (ligand) interacting with a cell
etc. as a measuring object (hereinafter, it is referred to as a
biomolecule etc. 26). As the detection element 18, it is preferably
constituted to cover a surface coated by the biomolecule etc. 26
with excellent water-holding capacity polymer 27 having moisture.
Thus, an adhesive capacity of cells etc. to the biomolecule 26
improves. That is, the cells are designed to reach the biomolecule
etc. through moisture and a probability to chemically combine with
the biomolecule etc. 26 is made to improve the inspection
probability of cells etc. Thus, the reliability to the judgment of
sample contamination improves remarkably.
[0076] As the storage case 11 maintaining to be low-temperature by
the Stirling refrigerator 15 is arranged below the introduced case
13, the humidity in the introduced case 13 is lower than
atmosphere. Then, it is possible to evaporate in a short period in
case where moisture is directly contained in the biomolecule etc.
26. Accordingly, the adsorptive capacity of the cell can be
maintained to contain the moisture in the biomolecule etc. 26 over
a long period by controlling the evaporation of moisture caused by
the polymer 27 of water-holding capacity.
[0077] (Inspection Device)
[0078] The optical inspection device is took up as a theme as the
inspection device 30 for inspecting whether the detection element
18 reacts to the cells or not, in a state not to be in contact with
the outside of the storage case 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the
detection device 30 is provided with an optical fiber head 33
arranged to oppose to the window portion 19. The optical fiber head
33 is constituted to radiate the measuring light and receive the
reflecting light. The detection device 30 is provided with a light
source 31 transferring the measuring light through the optical
fiber to the optical fiber head 33, and a data processing device 32
for analyzing by receiving the reflecting light from the detection
element 18 received by the optical fiber head 33 through the
optical fiber.
[0079] Although a detailed illustration of the data processing
device 32 is omitted, the data processing device 32 is provided
with a spectrophotometer for seeking for an absorption spectrum of
the detection element 18 according to the reflection spectrum from
the detection element 18, an A/D converter (for changing Analogue
to Digital) of the absorption spectrum obtained by the
spectrophotometer, a memory device memorizing the digital data
changed by the A/D converter, and a display device depicting the
absorption spectrum. The A/D converter may be an interface provided
in a personal computer (PC). It is constituted to memorize the
manufactured digital data in a memory device such as hard disk
attaching to PC, and display the obtained absorption spectrum in a
monitor of personal computer.
[0080] In an inspection of the detection device 30 according to
such a constitution, the light generated in the light source 31 is
designed to reach the optical fiber head 33 through the optical
fiber, and then radiate in the detection element 18 through the
window portion 19. The reflected light is designed to receive from
the detection element 18 through the window portion 19 to the
optical fiber head 33. Then, it is designed to reach the
spectrophotometer in the data processing device 32 through the
optical fiber, and measure the absorption spectrum. After the
absorption spectrum is measured, the obtained analogue data is
transferred to the A/D converter. Thereafter, it is designed to
exchange into digital data, memorize the digital data in the memory
device, and show the spectrum in the display.
[0081] FIG. 4 shows schematically the absorption spectrum measured
by the detection device. The absorption spectrum of the detection
element 18 changes in proportion to a degree of chemical bond of
cells to the biomolecule etc. 26 included in the detection element
18. The absorption spectrum of the detection element 18, which is
not chemically bonded and a good condition in quality without
contamination, becomes a spectroscopic spectrum shown by a dotted
line in FIG. 4. On the other hand, a absorption spectrum of the
detection element 18, which is in a contaminated condition, becomes
a spectroscopic spectrum shown by a real line in FIG. 4 and a
peak-shift phenomenon of the spectroscopic spectrum takes place.
The bond rate of cells can be sought in the biomolecule etc. 26 by
measuring a gap width of peak in the absorption spectrum obtained
by the data processing device 32. As a result, the contamination
caused by the cell etc. in the storage case 100 (introduced case
13) can be judged to exist or not.
[0082] (Using Mode of Storage Case)
[0083] The forwarder of sample houses the sample (storage case of
sample S) in the storage case 100 in a clean room of place to
forward. For example, the sample is stored in the storage case 11
in a state of the storage case 11 decreased to a constant
temperature by driving the Stirling refrigerator 15 in case of the
sample cooled down by liquid nitrogen. On the other hand, the
Stirling refrigerator 15 is driven after the sample is stored in
the storage case 11 in case of the sample with normal temperature.
After the sample is stored in the storage case 11, the preventive
body of convection 85 and the laminated insulating material 86 are
set. Further, the opening 12 of the introduced case 13 is closed
with the lid member 14 by setting the guide tray 21 fixing the
detection element 18 not to be contaminated in the opening 12 of
the introduced case 13. In addition, the temperature measurement of
the storage case 11 is initiated by the temperature measuring
element 67 from the time of storing the sample in the storage case
11 thus to record temperature data in the temperature recording
device 68.
[0084] In sequence, the forwarder measures the absorption spectrum
of the detection element 18 with use of the inspection device 30.
The measurer transfers the digital data of the obtained absorption
spectrum to a receiver of sample, for example, with use of
communication means such as internet. It is confirmed that a sample
not to be contaminated by cells has already transferred, and a
confidence of forwarder is well established.
[0085] In the storage case 100, an inner space of the introduced
case 13 is cooled down to be a negative pressure by refrigerating
the storage case 11 by the Stirling refrigerator 15. Then, it may
be possible to infiltrate the air through the sealing section
between the opening 12 of the introduced case 13 and the lid member
14 into the introduced case 13 until the lid member 14 is opened by
the receiver. It has a fear to infiltrate the air in the introduced
case 13 from the sealing section of the window portion 19 and the
safety valve 93.
[0086] In case where the air is infiltrated in the introduced case
13, the air is introduced to the concave portion 22 fixing the
detection element 18 by the guide tray 21 to flow from the hole 23
into the introduced case 13. When the contaminant such as cells are
mixed in the air, an optical property (light absorption property)
of the detection element 18 changes by reacting cells with
detection element 18. On the other hand, in case where cells are
not infiltrated into the introduced case 13, an optical property of
the detection element 18 results in no change.
[0087] The forwarder of place to forward transferring the sample
issues a certificate of excellent quality as for the storage case
100 storing excellent quality and non-contaminated sample to cells.
Further, it is possible to be confirmed to the carrier by that the
forwarder is satisfied with the quality by the detection element 18
based on a request of the carrier. The receiver receiving the
storage case 100 as transported is designed to measure the
absorption spectrum of the detection element 18 with use of the
detection device 30 at the time of receiving. Then, the receiver is
designed to check an amount of peak shift, as compared with the
absorption spectrum as transferred by the forwarder. As a result,
in case where an amount of peak shift is less than or equal to a
predetermined value, the sample contained in the storage case 100
is judged to be not contaminated. The receiver put temperature data
from the temperature recording device 68 and can confirm whether
the sample is kept to be a constant low temperature during
transportation. Thus, the receiver can confirm the damages in the
sample caused by an increase of holding temperature during
transportation. Such an inspection result can be rapidly performed
by personal computer or the like. The receiver can make a decision
whether he receives the storage case 100 or not.
[0088] In such a way, when the storage case 100 is used, the
detection element 18 can be readily inspected by the receiver of
the sample without taking out the sample at the time of receiving.
When the inspection result has no accident, the sample stored in a
low-temperature area, in which cells etc. under the introduced case
13 cannot be bred, is confirmed not to be contaminated. Thus, the
recipient can be satisfied in receiving the storage case 100, using
the sample stored therein, and preserving it in a long period by
shifting it another sample low-temperature storage case using the
liquid nitrogen in a clean room. On the other hand, when the
inspection result has an accident, the receipt of the storage case
100 is rejected, and the inspection result is noticed to the
forwarder. As a result, it can be shown whether a judgment of
receipt rejection is right or not.
[0089] The recipient can judge before receiving the sample whether
it is damaged by reducing in quality based on an increase of
temperature by checking the temperature data memorized in the
temperature recording device 68 to be maintained in normal
temperature concerning the sample temperature during transporting.
The recipient can be satisfied with receiving the sample by using
the above judgment together with the detection result as to whether
the sample are received or not.
[0090] With the above storage case 100, an inner space of the
storage case 100 is not exposed to the air on the ground that an
optical method as an out-of-contact measure of the inspection of
the detection element 18 can be used without taking out the sample
from the storage case 100. Thus, it can be done to eliminate a risk
to be contaminated by infiltration of cells etc. inside the storage
case 100 at the time of receiving the storage case 100.
Accordingly, it has no conflict in responsibility for sample
contamination among the forwarder, the transporter, and the
recipient as a conventional case, where the sample is judged to
have been contaminated in future.
Second Embodiment
[0091] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a schematic constitution
of the storage case relating to a second embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 5 shows in a same manner as FIG. 2, and parts as
not shown is the same as parts in FIG. 1. In points different from
the storage case relating to the first embodiment, the catalytic
membrane 35 containing titanium oxide (TiO.sub.2) etc. coated on a
surface (upper surface) of the guide tray 21 to be a bactericidal
action is used as a detection element holding member 17 and the
window portion 19 as made of quarts glass etc. is provided in the
lid member 14 by a wide opening area to radiate a plurality of
ultraviolet rays (natural light or illumination light may be
applied) on the catalytic membrane 35.
[0092] In this storage case 100a, reactive oxygen generates in a
space between the lid member 14 and the guide tray 21 by radiating
ultraviolet rays on the catalytic membrane 35. In case where the
air containing cells etc. are infiltrated through a sealing section
between the opening of the introduced case 13 and the lid member
14, contaminations of the sample can be prevented by putting cells
etc. to death with use of the reactive oxygen. As a result, as
cells etc. reacting with the detection element 18 are decreasing in
number, a new effect to support the recipient with the sample to be
not contaminated by the cells etc. can be obtained. In addition, it
may be constituted to put cells etc. sticked to the catalytic
membrane 35 to death by containing the substance such as silver
(Ag) having bactericidal action as the catalytic membrane 35.
Third Embodiment
[0093] FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a schematic constitution
of the storage case relating to a third embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 6 shows in a same manner with FIG. 2. The parts as
not shown is the same parts shown in FIG. 1. In different points
between this storage case 100b and the storage 100 of the first
embodiment, the catalytic membrane 35 containing titanium oxide
(TiO.sub.2) etc. coated on a surface (upper surface) of the guide
tray 21 to be a bactericidal action is used as the detection
element holding member 17 and an ultraviolet lamp 37 is provided
under the lid member 14 for radiating ultraviolet rays on the
catalytic membrane 35. A power source 38 for operating the
ultraviolet rays can be fixed to an upper surface etc. of the lid
member 14.
[0094] When the ultraviolet rays are radiated on the catalytic rays
35 by putting on the ultraviolet lamp 37, reactive oxygen generates
in a space between the lid member 14 and the guide tray 21. Thus,
in case where the air containing cells etc. are infiltrated through
the sealing section between the opening of the introduced case 13
and the lid member 14, contamination of the sample can be prevented
by putting cells etc. to death with use of reactive oxygen. In the
storage case 100b, as the ultraviolet rays are forcibly radiated on
the catalytic membrane 35, a higher bactericidal capacity can be
obtained than the storage case 100a as above mentioned. Thus, a new
effect to supply the recipient with the sample to be not contained
by cells etc. can be obtained.
[0095] It may be put on all the time or put on intermittently. The
ultraviolet lamp 37 may be put on only during night, in which the
ultraviolet rays cannot be taken in from the outside environment.
In this case, it may be preferable to make wide an opening area of
the window portion 19 as well as the above-mentioned storage case
100a.
[0096] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been
described in detail, the present invention is not limited to this
kind of embodiment. For example, although the storage case 100 is
constituted to house the sample storage case S in the storage case
11, it may be constituted directly to house the sample in a hole of
the storage case 11. In this case, washing etc. after taking out
the sample can be easily done by coating an inner circumferential
surface of the hole 61 with fluoride plastic etc.
[0097] Although it has been described about a case where the
biomolecule etc. 26 detecting cells etc. as the detection element
18 is used and a method for measuring a change of absorption
spectrum of the detection element 18 is used, the detection element
and an inspection method of the detection element are not limited
to the above.
[0098] For example, with a detection element illuminating by
reacting with the biomolecule etc. 26, a method for measuring an
emission intensity in out-of-contact manner may be used. In this
case, the surfactant is contained by dissolution in a moisture of
polymer 27 having water-holding capacity as shown in FIG. 3. As a
result, substance inside the cells etc. and the biomolecule etc. 26
are effectively reacted in a chemical reaction by dissolving the
cell membrane of cells etc. sticked to the polymer 27. In such a
way, a luminous efficacy can be remarkably improved.
[0099] A magnetic marker having magnetic particles in the
biomolecule etc. 26 can be used as the detection element, and a
method for measuring a change of residual flux of the magnetic
particles in out-of-contact manner can be also used. In case of
using such magnetic method, the window portion 19 may be
constituted to be made, for example, of the material having
permeability flux.
[0100] Although a mechanical refrigerator using He gas (Helium gas)
as working fluid has been used in the above embodiment, it is not
limited to this mechanical refrigerator, but an electronic
refrigerating means such as Peltier device can be used.
Fourth Embodiment
[0101] Embodiment in use of organism transportation supporting
system FIG. 4 shows an example of organism transportation used in
the organism transportation supporting system relating to the
fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0102] At first, in a flow of upper stage of FIG. 7, a hospital 1
is a place to forward and, for example, skin cell (organism) of
patient is transported to a cultivation center 3 as a place to
forward the organism on request of a carrier 2. The organism is
stored in the sample low-temperature storage case 100, and
transported by a transportation vehicle of the carrier 2 every the
sample low-temperature storage case 100. Prior to being transported
by the carrier 2, it is inspected in a state housing the organism
in the sample low-temperature storage case whether the detection
element housed in the sample low-temperature storage case 100
reacts to contaminant or not. With reaction to contaminant in the
inspection, it is judged that the detection element 18 and the
organism have been already contaminated: Thus, it results in the
stop of transportation. On the other hand, with no reaction to
contamination in the inspection, it is judged that the organism is
not contaminated at the time of storing the organism in the sample
low-temperature storage case 100. Thus, the hospital 1 and the
carrier 2 can confirm a preferable storage of the organism. After
this confirmation, the carrier 2 transports the sample
low-temperature storage case 100 housing the organism to the
cultivation center 3 as a place to be forwarded the organism.
[0103] After the organism has been transported by the carrier 2, it
is inspected by the detection device 30 (referring to FIG. 8) in a
condition housing the organism in the sample low-temperature
storage case 100 whether the detection element 18 housed in the
sample low-temperature storage case 100 reacts to contaminant or
not. With the reaction to contaminant in the inspection, it is
judged that the detection element 18 and the organism are
contaminated during transporting. Thus, the cultivation to induced
pluripotent stem (iPS) cell, for example, of skin cells in the
cultivation center 3 is forced to stop. On the other hand, no
reaction to contaminant in the inspection, it is judged that the
organism is not contaminated during transporting. The carrier 2 and
the cultivation center 3 can confirm a preferable transportation.
After this confirmation, the organism such as skin cells is taken
out from the sample low-temperature storage case 100 to cultivate
the skin cells in the induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell.
[0104] Although the above inspection is done twice before and after
transporting, the inspection before transporting may be omitted as
the case may be. In this case, the inspection after transporting is
done on the subject of not only contaminant during transporting,
but also contaminant with organism storage to the storage case 100
before transporting. In case where the inspection result after
transporting has no reaction to the substance of contaminant, it is
judged that the cultivation in the cultivation center 3 may be put
into practice.
[0105] Next, in a flow of lower stage of FIG. 7, the cultivation
center 3 is a place to forward, and the induced pluripotent stem
(iPS) cell cultivating, for example, skin cell of patients is
transported by the carrier 2 to the hospital 1 being a place to be
forwarded. In the hospital 1, the induced pluripotent stem (iPS)
cell is used to cure patients. Although the hospital 1 is a place
to forward the organism and the cultivation center 3 is a place to
be forwarded in the above transporting, the cultivation center 3 is
a place to forward and the hospital 1 is a place to be forwarded in
this transporting. In this way, the hospital 1 and the cultivation
center 3 may be a place to forward or a place to be forwarded. A
method for transporting, inspecting, or the like is done in a same
manner as the above transporting from a place to forward to a place
to be forwarded of the organism, except that the hospital 1 and the
cultivation center 3 are mutually exchanged.
[0106] FIG. 8 shows a constitutional view of organism
transportation supporting system 9 relating to a fourth embodiment
of the present invention. The organism transportation supporting
system 9 is designed to match the transaction among the place to
forward 4, the carrier 2, and the place to be forwarded. It is
provided with a server 7 for preferably transferring or receiving
the organism, a plurality of terminals of place to forward 4a used
in a plurality of place to be forwarded 4 such as hospitals asking
for transporting the organism, a plurality of terminals of carrier
2a used by a plurality of the carrier 2 transporting the organism,
a plurality of terminals of place to forward 5a used in the place
to be forwarded 5 such as the cultivation center 3, for example,
processing the organism. The servers 7 and their terminals 2a, 4a,
5a are constituted to be mutually connected to communicate through
a communication line 6 provided for the public such as an internet
or a telephone line (including telephone line of both a fixed phone
and portable phone). The organism transportation supporting system
9 is provided with a plurality of sample low-temperature storage
case 100, a dedicated terminal 8 provided in each sample
low-temperature storage case 100, and the inspection device 30
inspecting the sample low-temperature storage case 100. The storage
case 100 is provided with an acceleration sensor for enabling an
impact or fall during transporting to inspect. The acceleration
data is designed to record in a temperature recording device 68
together with the temperature data. At least one of the storage
case 100 and the dedicated terminal 8 is provided with GPS to
record a positional data measured by GPS and temperature data in
the temperature recording device 68.
[0107] The dedicated terminal 8 has a receiving means 8a for
receiving the identification data of the storage case 100, the
temperature data, the acceleration data, and the positional data in
a short-distance wireless system. The dedicated terminal 8 has a
transmission means 8b and a storage means 8c to memorize the
identification data, the temperature data, the acceleration data,
and the positional data as received. The transmission means 8b is
connected through the communication line 6 to the server 7 to
transfer the identification data of the storage case 100 as
memorized, the temperature data, the acceleration data, and the
positional data to the server 7.
[0108] A plurality of the inspection devices 30 are provided near a
plurality of storage case 100, as it is inspected on the subject of
the storage case 100. However, as the storage case 100 moves with
transporting, it may be provided in the place to forward 4 like the
inspection device 30a, carried by the carrier 2 like the inspection
device 30b, and provided on the place to be forwarded 5 like the
inspection device 30c. The inspection devices 30, 30a, 30b, 30c are
respectively connected through the communication line 6 to the
server 7, thus to transfer the inspection result obtained by the
inspection through the communication line 6 to the server 7.
[0109] As later described in detail, the server 7 includes a
communication means 106 having the receiving means 113 and the
transmission means 114, and a storage means 115. The receiving
means 113 receives the inspection result, the identification data
of the storage case 100, the temperature data, the acceleration
data, and the positional data to be memorized by the storage means
115. The transmission means 114 is connected to at least two
terminals among the terminal of place to forward 4a, the terminal
of carrier 2a, and the terminal of place to be forwarded 5a to
transfer to terminals 4a, 2a, 5a connecting to the inspection
result, the identification data of the storage case 100, the
temperature data, the acceleration data, and the positional data.
As the inspection data, the identification data of the storage case
100, the temperature data, the acceleration data, and the
positional data is memorized in the server 7 (storage means 115)
without passing through the terminal of place to forward 4a, the
terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal of place to be forwarded
5a, it is difficult to falsify the inspection result or the like by
the carrier 2 and the like. As the inspection result or the like is
transferred to at least two terminals 4a, 2a, 5a and obtained by at
least two among the place to forward 4, the carrier 2, and the
place to be forwarded 5, consensus development of opinion on the
subject of no contamination (good condition without contamination)
in accordance with the inspection result or the like can be easily
done among at least two parties. According to the consensus
development of opinion between the above two or among the above
three in no contamination, that is, good condition without
contamination, good condition without contamination is mutually
confirmed.
[0110] Although the detail thereof will be described, transport and
cultivation data concerning an organism processing condition of the
transportation of the organism, the cultivation of the organism or
the like transferred from the terminal of place to forward 4a, and
contract data concerning a transportation and processing contract
transferred from the terminal of carrier 2a and the terminal of
place to be forwarded 5a are received by the receiving means 113
through the communication line 6. After matching between the
transportation & the cultivation data and contract data, a
result of the matching is transferred by the transmission means 114
to the terminal of place to forward 4a and the terminal of carrier
2a.
[0111] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of the server 7. The server 7
includes a control means 101 to supervise and control the server 7,
a matching means 102 to do a matching process between the
transportation & cultivation data and contract data, a
registration means 103 to register data transferred from each
terminal 4a, 2a, or 5a in each DB (database) 108 to 112, a
displaying and creating means 104 to make various kinds of data
input displays etc. transferred to each terminal 4a, 2a, or 5a and
output them as a HTML type of file, a compensation measures 105
correcting transportation & cultivation data and contract data
establishing the matching and regulating a detailed condition, for
example, date of receiving and forwarding, and a communication
means 106 as an interface communicating through each terminal 4a,
2a, 5a, the dedicated terminal 8, and the detection device 30, 30a,
30b, 30c.
[0112] The storage means 115 inside the server 7 includes a user
data DB 108 registering user data as data concerning the hospital
1, the carrier 2, and the cultivation center 3 participating in the
organism transportation supporting system 9, a place to forward
data DB 109 registering the transportation & cultivation data
concerning the organism processing condition of the transportation
of the organism, the cultivation of the organism, or the like
transferred from the terminal of place to forward 4a, a contract
data DB 110 registering the contract data concerning the
transportation & processing contract transferred from the
terminal of carrier 2a and the terminal of place to be forwarded
5a, a matching data DB 111 registering the matching data as a
result of matching process by the matching means 102, and a quality
data DB 112 registering the inspection result (quality data)
transferred from the detection device 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, the
transportation environmental data such as temperature (data),
acceleration (data), position (data), or the like during
transporting transferred from the dedicated terminal 8, and the
situation just before transferring the organism transferred from
the terminal of place to forward 4a (terminal of place to be
forwarded 5a) and the quality data or the like of the processing
terminated body. These various means 101 to 106 and each DB 108 to
112 are mutually connected by an internal bus 107,
respectively.
[0113] The server 7 is materialized by a computer for server
constituted by CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access
Memory), harddisk drive, network card, or the like. The control
means 101, the matching means 102, the registration means 103, the
displaying and creating means 104, and the compensation measures
105 are realized by developing programs registered in the harddisk
drive on RAM and running the CPU. The communication means 106 is
equivalent to a network card. Furthermore, the user data DB 108,
the place to forward data DB 109, the contract data DB 110, the
matching data DB 111, and the quality data DB 112 are allocated in
the separated memory area, respectively.
[0114] The terminal of place to forward 4a, the terminal of carrier
2a, and the terminal of place to be forwarded 5a are respectively
terminal devices for mutually communicating through the
communication line 6 to the server 7. The terminal devices are
realized, for example, by a computer designed to communicate
through a Web browser browsing files typed of HTML and a network
card. The terminal of carrier 2a can be loaded on a truck to
transfer or receive data in a state loaded on a truck, and may be
used as the dedicated terminal 8 (Referring to FIG. 8).
[0115] The communication line 6 can be used, for example, for
internet or network based on VPN (Virtual Private Network),
dedicated line, or the like in consideration of the security. In
case where the communication line 6 is used for Internet, it is
preferable to communicate securely with use of well-known
encryption technology.
[0116] FIGS. 10 and 11 is a sequential view showing a step of
organism transportation with use of the organism transportation
supporting system 9. In FIGS. 10 and 11, a side of arrow's base
represents a subject of implementation and a side of arrow's tip
represents an object of implementation.
[0117] In the beginning of organism transportation using the
organism transportation supporting system 9, the hospital 1 as the
place to forward 4, the carrier 2, and the cultivation center 3 as
the place to be forwarded 5 transfer the user data having the
prescribed items such as user name, address, and telephone number
to a manager of the server 7 with use of the terminal of place to
forward 4a, the terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal of place
to be forwarded 5a (S101 (user data transmission), S102 (user data
transmission), S103 (user data transmission)) and apply a request
for using the organism transportation supporting system 9. A
request for users registration is electronically applied by
transferring the user data through each terminal 4a, 2a, 5a or the
communication line 6. The transfer of the user data may be replaced
by transferring a request sheet entering the user data to the above
manager. The manager of the server 7 examines person who desire to
use this system. Then, when there are no problems in the
examination, each user data is registered in the user data DB 108
(S104 (user data registration)). User name, residence or address,
telephone number, facsimile number, person who takes charge in, or
the like are registered corresponding to the user ID (login user
name) as uniquely designated by the control means 101 to each user.
A user password is arbitrarily designated in each user data. When
each user makes an access to the organism transportation supporting
system 9, users are designed to use by a login into the organism
transportation supporting system 9 after making an authentication
using the user ID and the user password.
[0118] When the user registration is finished, the place to forward
4 such as hospital 1 requests for displaying an input view of
transportation and cultivation indication data as shown in FIG. 12
made by the displaying and creating means 104 from the terminal of
place to forward 4a. The input view of transportation and
cultivation indication data is displayed in the terminal of place
to forward 4a to the control means 101, and the place to forward 4
is promoted to display "Input the transportation and cultivation
indication data". Then, the place of goods delivery such as "A
hospital--internal department" can be definitely inputted in a
textbox corresponding to "Place of goods delivery transporting
sample low-temperature storage case" shown in an input area of
transportation and cultivation indication data. As the same way as
the above, "Date possible for forwarding" as the place to forward 4
prepared, "Numbers of case" of the case housing the organism,
"Detail of sample" as the case ID housing the organism, "Place to
be forwarded and Place to be forwarded" showing the place to be
forwarded, "Date for desiring to receive goods" of the case housing
the organism arriving at the place to be forwarded, and "Sample
cultivation condition" requested by the hospital to the cultivation
center, "Date for desiring to receive cultivation completion" are
respectively described in textbox and listbox corresponding
thereto. The transportation commission price, the cultivation
commission price, and the like may be described, and the
transportation and cultivation indication data may be inputted.
Then, the terminal of place to forward 4a supplies the place to
forward 4 with the support to make easily the cultivation
indication data (S105 (transportation & cultivation indication
data creating support)) by entering the indication in the textbox
and listbox.
[0119] Next, the terminal of place to forward 4a transfers the
transportation and cultivation indication data through the
communication line 6 to the receiving means 113 of the server 7
(S106 (transportation & cultivation indication data creating
support)). The registration means 103 of the server 7 registers the
transportation and cultivation indication data as received in the
place to forward data DB 109 (S107 (transportation &
cultivation data registration)). The place to forward 4 clicks a
"Register" button in order to establish the transportation and
cultivation indication data as inputted and starts the
transmission. In case where a work for making the forwarding and
cultivation indication data is stopped, a "Return" button is
clicked.
[0120] The control means 101 of the server 7 is designed to read
out the transportation and cultivation indication data from the
place to forward data DB 109, and transfer the transportation and
cultivation indication data through the communication line 6 to a
plurality of the terminals of carrier 2a as registered and A
cultivation center (place to be forwarded) designated as a place to
be forwarded 5a in the transportation and cultivation indication
data with use of the transmission means 114. (S108 (transportation
& cultivation indication data transmission))
[0121] When the terminal of carrier 2a receives the transportation
and cultivation indication data, the terminal of carrier 2a is
designed to request through the communication line 6 and the
communication means 106 to the control means 101 in order to show
an input view of the transportation receiving data as shown in FIG.
13 made by the displaying and creating means 104. The input view of
transportation acceptance data is displayed in in the terminal of
carrier 2a as shown in FIG. 13. The carrier 2 is promoted to
display "Input transportation acceptance data" and "A
transportation distribution" etc. can be definitely inputted as a
name of carriers in textbox corresponding to " carrier name of
acceptance of sample low-temperature storage case" displayed in an
input area of the transportation acceptance data. As the same way
as the above, "Date possible for forwarding" to be changeable for
the designated date of the place to forward 4 in accordance with
the transportation and cultivation indication data, "Numbers of
case" based on the transportation and cultivation indication data,
"Detail of sample" based on the transportation and cultivation
indication data, "Place to be forwarded" based on the place to be
forwarded and place to be returned of the transportation and
cultivation indication data, "Date of delivery" to be changeable
for data based on the date for desiring to receive goods of the
transportation and cultivation indication data, and "Transportation
costs" as the price estimated by the carrier 2 are respectively
shown in textbox and listbox corresponding thereto. The terminal of
carrier 2a is designed to supply the carrier 2 with the support to
make easily the transportation acceptance data (S109
(transportation acceptance data creating support)) by entering the
acceptance data in the textbox and listbox.
[0122] Next, the terminal of carrier 2a transfers the
transportation acceptance data through the communication line 6 to
the receiving means 113 of the server 7. (S111 (transportation
acceptance data creating support)) The registration means 103 of
the server 7 receives the transportation acceptance data as
received in the contract data DB 110. The carrier 2 clicks the
"Registration" button in order to establish the transportation
acceptance data as inputted and start the transmission. In case
where the work for making the transportation acceptance data stops,
it is supposed to click the "Return" button.
[0123] When the terminal of place to be forwarded 5a receives the
transportation and cultivation indication data, the terminal of
place to be forwarded 5a requests for displaying the input view of
the cultivation acceptance data, as shown in FIG. 14, made by the
displaying and creating means 104. The input view of the
cultivation acceptance data is shown as shown in FIG. 14 in the
terminal of place to be forwarded 5a. The place to be forwarded 5
is promoted by a display of "Input the cultivation acceptance
data". Then, it can be made through the communication line 6 and
the communication means 106 to input "A cultivation center" as a
cultivation name in textbox corresponding to "the cultivation
center name" or the like as shown in an input area of a cultivation
acceptance data. As the same way as the above, "Date possible for
receiving goods" changeable for the date designated by the place to
forward 4 based on the transportation and cultivation indication
data, "Detail of sample" based on the transportation and
cultivation indication data, "Acceptance cultivation condition",
"Date possible for forwarding cultivation completion" changeable
for the date based on the date for desiring to receive cultivation
completion of the transportation and cultivation indication data,
and "Cultivation service price" as a price estimated by the
cultivation center 3 are respectively shown in textbox and listbox
corresponding thereto. The terminal of place to be forwarded 5a
supplies the place to be forwarded 5 with the support to make
easily the transportation acceptance data (S110 (cultivation
acceptance data creating support)) by entering the cultivation data
in the textbox and listbox.
[0124] Next, the terminal of place to be forwarded 5a transfers the
cultivation acceptance data through the communication line 6 to the
receiving means 113 of the server 7 (S112 (cultivation acceptance
data transmission)). The registration means 103 of the server 7
registers the cultivation acceptance data as received in the
contract data DB 110. The place to be forwarded 5 clicks the
"Registration" button, when the cultivation acceptance data as
inputted is established and the transmission is initiated. In case
where a work for making the cultivation acceptance data stops, it
is supposed to click "Return" button.
[0125] (Matching Process)
[0126] Next, the matching means 102 extracts the forwarding and
cultivation indication data as registered, transportation
acceptance data, forwarding and cultivation indication data
matching, for example, various kinds of schedules between the
transportation acceptance data and the cultivation acceptance data,
the transportation acceptance data, and the cultivation acceptance
data. Then, the matching means 102 makes the matching data
(including transportation matching data and cultivation matching
data) with use of various kinds of schedules as matched in the
above, thus to register it in the matching data DB 111.
[0127] The displaying and creating means 104 is constituted to make
a display view of the transportation matching data as shown in FIG.
15 in accordance with the transportation matching data. Then, the
control means 101 transfers them to the terminal of place to
forward 4a with use of the transmission means 114 (S113 (matching
data transmission)). The display view of transportation matching
data as shown in FIG. 15 is shown in the terminal of place to
forward 4a. The place to forward 4 is promoted to show the display
"Input the transportation matching data". If necessary for changes
thereof, "Carrier name of acceptance of sample low-temperature
storage case" and "Transportation placing order price" can be
inputted to change the description in textbox corresponding thereto
by clicking a "Show" button. In spite of changes, in accordance
with clicking the "Register" button by the place to be forwarded 5,
the transportation matching data is established and the contract
indication data is made in the terminal of place to forward 4a
(S114 (contract indication data creating)) to transfer to the
server 7 (S115 (contract indication data transmission)). In case of
no change, the content defined by the transportation matching data
becomes the content defined by the transportation contract between
the place to forward 4 and the carrier 2.
[0128] The displaying and creating means 104 is constituted to make
a display view of the cultivation matching data as shown in FIG. 16
in accordance with the cultivation matching data at Step 116, and
the control means 101 transfers to the terminal of place to forward
4a with use of the transmission means 114. The display view of the
cultivation matching data as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. The
place to forward 4 is promoted to show a display of "Input the
cultivation matching data". If necessary for changes, "Date of
cultivation completion" and "Transportation and placing order
price" can be inputted to change the description in textbox
corresponding thereto by clicking the "Show" button. In spite of
changes, in accordance with clicking the "Register" button by the
place to be forwarded 5, the transportation matching data is
established and the contract indication data is made in the
terminal of place to forward 4a (S116 (matching data
establishment)), thus to transfer to the server 7. In case of no
changes, the content defined by the cultivation matching data
becomes the content defined by the cultivation contract between the
place to forward 4 and the place to be forwarded 5.
[0129] (Placing Order and Placing Order Process)
[0130] In case where the above change took place, the content of
change is judged to be right or not by the compensation measures
105 of the server 7. When it is right, the content of change is
considered to be a matching data, and when it is not right, the
content of change is deleted and/or changed, and amend the matching
data in order to be in an appropriate extent. Then, the matching
data as amended is registered in the matching data DB 111, and then
the content of contract (matching data) will be established.
[0131] The displaying and creating means 104 is constituted to make
a display view of transportation request data as shown in FIG. 17
in accordance with a transportation matching data of the matching
data as established at S116 (matching data establishment). The
control means 101 transfers to the terminal of place to forward 4a
and the terminal of carrier 2a with use of the transmission means
114, and supports to conclude with so-called transportation
cultivation contract. (S117 (transportation cultivation contract
conclusion support)) As a result of the transmission, a display
view for confirming the transportation request data as shown in
FIG. 17 is displayed in the terminal of place to forward 4a. The
place to forward 4 is promoted to show a display of "Input placing
order and receiving order". A signal of placing order is
transferred from the terminal of place to forward 4a to the server
7 by clicking a "Placing order" button. Thus, the placing order as
a contract is done. A display view for confirming transportation
request data as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed in the terminal of
carrier 2a. The carrier 2 is promoted to show a display of "Input a
placing order and/or a receiving order" to transfer a signal of
receiving order from the terminal of carrier 2a to the server 7
(S118 (receiving order signal transmission)) by clicking a
"Receiving order" button. Thus, the receiving order as a contract
can be done. As a result, the server 7 can be considered to be
concluded with a transportation contract by receiving a signal of
placing order and a signal of receiving order.
[0132] The displaying and creating means 104 is constituted to make
a display view for confirming the cultivation request data as shown
in FIG. 18 in accordance with the cultivation matching data of the
matching data as established. The control means 101 transfers to
the terminal of place to forward 4a and the terminal of place to be
forwarded 5a with use of the transmission means 114. As a result of
transmission, the display view for confirming the cultivation
request data as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed in the terminal of
place to forward 4a. The place to forward 4 is promoted to show a
display of "Input a placing order and/or a receiving order" to
transfer a signal of placing order from the terminal to forward 4a
to the server 7 (S119 (placing order signal transmission)), thus to
place an order as a contract. A display view for confirming the
cultivation request data as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed in the
terminal of place to be forwarded 5a. The place to be forwarded 5
is promoted to show a display of "Input a placing order and/or a
receiving order" to transfer a signal of receiving order from the
terminal of place to be forwarded 5a to the server 7 (S120
(receiving order signal transmission)), thus to receive an order as
a contract. Thus, the server 7 can be considered to conclude with a
cultivation contract by receiving a signal of placing order and a
signal of receiving orders. As above mentioned, a process of a
placing order and a receiving order is terminated.
[0133] (Inspection and Transportation Process)
[0134] The displaying and creating means 104 is constituted to make
a display view of quality data at the time of receiving goods and
transportation acceptance data as shown in FIG. 19 at the date as
transported in accordance with transportation matching data of the
matching data as the contract concluded with, and the control means
101 transfers to the terminal of place to forward 4a, the terminal
of carrier 2a, and the terminal of place to be forwarded 5a. The
terminal of place to forward 4a, the terminal of carrier 2a, and
the terminal of place to be forwarded 5a show a display view of
quality data at the time of receiving goods and transportation
acceptance data. The place to forward 4 and the carrier 2 are
promoted to show a display of "Input the quality data at the time
of receiving goods (make inspection)" and it is inspected on the
spot whether it is contaminated by cells or not, with use of the
detection element 18 for inspecting contaminant such as cells as
infiltrated. (S121 (inspection & transportation start)) The
carrier 2 or the place to forward 4 is inspected by the detection
device 30, 30a, 30b. The result of the inspection is transferred
from the detection device 30, 30a, 30b through the communication
line 6 to the server 7. Then, the result of inspection is memorized
in the quality data DB 112 of the storage means 115.
[0135] The result of inspection is transferred to the terminal of
place to forward 4a, the terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal
of place to be forwarded 5a with use of the transmission means 114.
In the terminal of place to forward 4a, the terminal of carrier 2a,
and the terminal of place to be forwarded 5a, the result of
inspection is displayed as a grade of quality and a mass of cell as
to "sample quality" on a display view of the quality data at the
time of receiving goods and transportation acceptance data. Then, a
record for receiving the quality confirmation signal at the server
7 is transferred to the server 7 by clicking a "Confirmation"
button corresponding to each of a grade of quality and a mass of
cell in the place to forward 4, the carrier 2, and the place to be
forwarded 5, in each of the terminal of place to forward 4a, the
terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal of place to be forwarded
5a. The place to forward 4, the carrier 2, and the place to be
forwarded 5 are mutually confirmed in quality of the organism by
the record for receiving the quality confirmation signal at the
server 7. The control means 101 of the server 7 shows a mark of
"Already guaranteed" on a display view of the quality data at the
time of receiving goods and the transportation acceptance data in
accordance with the record for receiving the quality confirmation
signal signal. When a mark of "Already guaranteed" is shown, the
carrier 2 is able to transport the storage case 100 to click an
"Acceptance" button, receive the storage case 100 from the place to
forward 4, and start the transportation. (S121 (inspection &
transportation start)) In addition, a sample low-temperature
storage transportation case ID is enabled to be inputted before and
after clicking the "Acceptance" button. An input into textbox or an
input by a bar-code reader comes to be possible. The sample
low-temperature storage transportation case ID is inputted from the
terminal of place to forward 4a or the terminal of carrier 2a to
transfer to the server 7. The ID is registered in the matching data
DB 111, as corresponded to the detail of sample as organism ID.
[0136] (Transportation Environmental Data Processing)
[0137] When the transportation starts (S121 (inspection &
transportation start)), the dedicated terminal 8 of the storage
case 100 measures date (Month, Day, Time, Minute) by a built-in
timer, measure a moving point (Position) by a built-in GPS,
measures the temperature at the time of transportation by a
built-in thermometer, receives with use of the receiving a
temperature of case measured by a temperature measuring element 67
of the storage case 100 with use of the receiving means 8a, and
receipt of an ID of the storage case 100 from the storage case 100.
The dedicated terminal 8 memorizes the date (Month, Date, Time,
Minute), the moving point (Position), the temperature, the storage
temperature, the acceleration, and the ID of the storage case 100
as a transportation environmental data in the storage means 8c, and
transfers to the server 7 with use of the transmission means 8b.
(S122 (transportation environmental data transmission)) The
measurement, receipt, and transmission are repeatedly done at a
prescribed time interval. In case where a measured value of the
storage case or the like is beyond the prescribed threshold, the
measured value may be received and transmitted together with the
date measured at the same time.
[0138] The server 7 receives the transportation environmental data
with use of the receiving means 113. The registration means 103 of
the server 7 registers the transportation environmental data in the
quality data DB 112. (5123 (transportation environmental data
registration)) The displaying and creating means 104 of the server
7 makes a display view of the transportation environmental data as
shown in FIG. 20 in accordance with the transportation environment
data. In response to the terminal of place to forward 4a, the
terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal of place to be forwarded
5a, the control means 101 transfers a display view of
transportation environmental data to the terminal of place to
forward 4a, the terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal of place
to be forwarded 5a with use of the transmission means 114. As a
result of the transmission, a display view of the transportation
environmental data as shown in FIG. 20 is shown in the terminal of
place to forward 4a, the terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal
of place to be forwarded 5a. The place to forward 4, the carrier 2,
and the place to be forwarded 5 are promoted by a display of
"Display Transportation environmental data is shown. Input the
sample detail (ID)" to input the detail of sample (ID) for desiring
to see in textbox of the sample detail. Thus, the sample detail is
transferred from the terminal of place to forward 4a, the terminal
of carrier 2a, and the terminal of place to be forwarded 5a to the
server 7. The control means 101 of the server 7 is corresponded to
the sample detail as received to extract the ID of the storage case
100 storing the organism in reality, extract the transportation
environmental data (Date (Month, Date, Time, Minute), the Moving
point (Position), temperature, storage temperature, and
acceleration) corresponded to the ID of the storage case 100 as
extracted, and transfer to the terminal of place to forward 4a, the
terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal of place to be forwarded
5a as the sample detail (ID) inputted. (S124 (transportation
environmental data transmission)) The terminal of place to forward
4a, the terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal of place to be
forwarded 5a receive the transportation environmental data and show
a display view of transportation environmental data as shown in
FIG. 20. The place to forward 4, the carrier 2, and the place to be
forwarded 5 can inspect the transportation environmental data at
the terminals 4a, 2a, 5a, respectively. Then, a share of data in
common can be realized. The consensus development of opinion in
quality guarantee of organism can be smoothly done at the time of
transferring the organism from the carrier 2 as later described to
the place to be forwarded 5. Although a display in FIG. 20 has been
described as PUSH type, a display of PULL type may be made to
respond to a request from the terminal of place to be forwarded
5a.
[0139] (Receiving and Inspection Process at Place to be
Forwarded)
[0140] The displaying and creating means 104 is constituted to make
a display view of quality data at the time of goods delivery and
the receipt and inspection as shown in FIG. 21 in accordance with
the transportation matching data of the matching data as a contract
concluded with, at the date of goods delivery to the place to be
forwarded 5. The control means 101 transfers to the terminal of
place to forward 4a, the terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal
of place to be forwarded 5a with use of the transmission means 114.
A grade of quality of the sample quality or the like is memorized
in the storage means 115 of the server 7 through the terminal of
place to forward 4a by the place to forward 4 such as A cultivation
center before the date of goods delivery. The terminal of place to
forward 4a, the terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal of place
to be forwarded 5a show a display view of the quality data at the
time of goods delivery and the receipt & inspection. The
carrier 2 and the place to be forwarded 5 are promoted to show a
display view of "Input the quality data at the time of goods
delivery (make an inspection)" at the time of receiving and
forwarding the storage case 100, and to inspect whether it is
contaminated on the spot by cells with use of the detection element
18 for inspecting the contaminant such as cells as infiltrated.
(S125 (inspection & cultivation start)) The inspection is done
by the carrier 2 and the place to be forwarded 5 with use of the
detection device 30, 30b, 30c. A result of inspection is
transferred from the detection device 30, 30b, 30c through the
communication line 6. The result of inspection is memorized in the
quality data DB 112 of the storage means 115.
[0141] The result of inspection is transferred by the control means
101 to the terminal of place to forward 4a, the terminal of carrier
2a, and the terminal of place to be forwarded 5a with use of the
transmission means 114. The result of inspection is displayed as a
grade of quality and a mass of cell in "Sample quality" displayed
on a view of the quality data at the time of goods delivery and
receipt & inspection by the terminal of place to forward 4a,
the terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal of place to be
forwarded 5a. The quality confirmation signal is transferred to the
server 7 by clicking "Confirmation" button corresponding to each of
the grade of quality and the mass of cell. A quality of organism is
mutually confirmed by the place to forward 4, the carrier 2, and
the place to be forwarded 5 according to a record for receiving the
quality confirming signal at the server 7. It is extremely
important to confirm a quality of organism one another at the time
of the receipt & inspection service of the organism to be
easily deteriorated. In particular, a person receiving and
inspecting the sample low-temperature storage case existing in the
place to forward 5 inputs a name in the corresponding textbox and
click a "Confirmation" button in order to express a meaning as
already inspected. The name as inputted is transferred from the
terminal of place to be forwarded 5a to the server 7 (S126 (name of
person for confirming the quality inspection transmission)), and
registered in the quality data DB 112 of the server 7. (S127 (name
of person for confirming the quality inspection registration))
Further, the name is transferred from the server 7 to the terminal
of place to forward 4a and the terminal of carrier 2a (S130 (name
of person for confirming the quality inspection transmission)), and
displayed as a person for receiving & inspecting the sample
low-temperature storage case on a view of quality data at the time
of goods delivery and receipt and inspection.
[0142] The control means 101 of the server 7 shows a display of
"Already guaranteed" on a display of quality data at the time of
goods delivery and receipt & inspection in accordance with a
record for receiving the quality assurance signal. When the display
of "Already confirmed" is displayed, the place to be forwarded 5 is
possible to receive the storage case 100, and click an "Acceptance"
button to start the cultivation service to start it from the
carrier 2. On the other hand, the transportation service of the
carrier 2 terminates.
[0143] (Cultivation Environmental Data Processing)
[0144] When the cultivation starts (S125 (inspection &
cultivation start)), the displaying and creating means 104 of the
server 7 is constituted to make a display view of cultivation
environmental data as shown in FIG. 22. The control means 101
transfers a display view of cultivation environmental data to the
terminal of place to be forwarded 5a with use of the transmission
means 114. The display view of cultivation environmental data as
shown in FIG. 22 is displayed in the terminal of place to be
forwarded 5a. The place to forward (Cultivation center 3) is
promoted to show a display of "Input the cultivation environmental
data/Input the sample detail (ID)" to input the sample detail (ID)
of organism in textbox of the sample detail and further input the
date (Month, Day, Time, Minute), Sample No. . . . , Cultivated
condition No. . . . , Cultivation stage level, the date scheduled
for completion (Month, Day, Time, Minute), or the like in textbox
formed like a table of cultivation environmental data. The terminal
of place to be forwarded 5a supports the place to be forwarded 5
(cultivation center 3) with the support for easily making the
cultivation environmental data by entering a condition of
cultivation in textbox. The cultivation environmental data is
established by clicking a "Registration" button in the place to be
forwarded 5 (cultivation center 3) to transfer it from the terminal
of place to be forwarded 5a to the server 7 together with the
sample detail. (S201 (cultivation environmental data transmission)
in FIG. 11) Then, the registration means 103 registers the
cultivation environmental data and the sample detail in the quality
data DB 112. (S202 (cultivation environmental data
registration))
[0145] The control means 101 of the server 7 transfers a display
view of cultivation environmental data as shown in FIG. 22, the
cultivation environmental data, and the sample detail to the
terminal of place to forward 4a and the terminal of carrier 2a with
use of the transmission means 114. (S203 (cultivation environmental
data transmission)) A display view of cultivation environmental
data as shown in FIG. 22 is displayed in the terminal of place to
forward 4a and the terminal of carrier 2a. The cultivation
environmental data as received and the sample detail are displayed
on a display view of the cultivation environmental data in the
terminal of place to forward 4a and the terminal of carrier 2a. The
place to forward 4 and the carrier 2 are able to inspect the
cultivation environmental data in the terminal of place to forward
4a and the terminal of carrier 2a, thus to realize a share of data.
The consensus development of opinion in confirmation of quality of
organism can be smoothly done at the time of goods delivery of
organism from the place to be forwarded 5 to the carrier 2 for the
return as later described. It is not required for inspection of all
of the cultivation environmental data, but may be limited for
inspection as a date for terminating in cultivation (date scheduled
for completion).
[0146] The displaying and creating means 104 is constituted to make
a display view of the cultivation completion data as shown in FIG.
23 in accordance with the matching data registered in the matching
data DB 111 at the date scheduled for terminating the cultivation
(date for terminating the cultivation). The control means 101
transfers to the terminal of place to be forwarded 5a with use of
the transmission means 114. Then, the display view of cultivation
terminating data is displayed in the terminal of place to be
forwarded 5a. The place to be forwarded 5 (cultivation center 3) is
promoted to show a display of "Input the cultivation terminating
data" to inspect whether the organism as cultivated is contaminated
by cells or not. This inspection is done before stored in the
storage case 100. A result of the inspection is inputted in textbox
of a grade of quality and a mass of cell in "quality of sample
cultivating body" displayed on a display view of cultivation
terminating data at the place to be forwarded 5 (cultivation center
3). The result of inspection is transferred from the terminal of
place to be forwarded 5a through the communication line 6 to the
server 7. The result of inspection is memorized in the quality data
DB 112 of the storage means 115. Then, the result of inspection is
transferred to the terminal of place to forward 4a, the terminal of
carrier 2a, and the terminal of place to be forwarded 5a with use
of the transmission means 114 together with the display view of the
cultivation terminating data as shown in FIG. 23. Then, the result
of inspection is displayed as a grade of quality and a mass of cell
in "Quality of sample cultivating body" displayed on a display view
of cultivation terminating data at the terminal of place to forward
4a, the terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal of place to be
forwarded 5a. The quality confirmation signal is transferred to the
server 7 by clicking a "Confirmation" button corresponding to a
grade of quality and a mass of cell by each of the place to forward
4, the carrier 2, and the place to be forwarded 5 at the place to
forward 4a, the carrier 2, and the place to be forwarded 5a,
respectively. The place to forward 4, the carrier 2, and the place
to be forwarded 5 are designed to confirm the quality of organism
one another by a record for receiving the quality confirmation
signal at the server 7. It is extremely important to confirm the
quality of organism one another at the time of doing the receipt
and inspection service of sample of the organism to be easily
deteriorated. In particular, a person for confirming the quality
inspection of sample cultivating body in the place to be forwarded
5 inputs a name in the corresponding textbox, and click the
"Confirmation" button to show the fact that the inspection has
passed. The name as inputted is transferred from the terminal of
place to be forwarded 5 to the server 7 (S204 (name of person for
confirming the quality inspection transmission)), and registered in
the quality data DB 112 of the server 7 (S205 (name of person for
confirming the quality inspection registration)). Further, the name
is transferred from the server 7 to the terminal of place to
forward 4a and the terminal of carrier 2a (S206 (name of person for
confirming the quality inspection transmission)), and shown as a
person for confirming the quality inspection of the sample
cultivating body on the display view of the cultivation terminating
data.
[0147] When the quality confirmation signal is received at the
server 7, the displaying and creating means 104 makes a display
view for confirming the return (forwarding) request data as shown
in FIG. 24 with use of the matching data registered in the matching
data DB 111. As this transportation is forwarded back to the prior
place to be forwarded, a place for forwarding the sample
low-temperature storage case can be specified in the A cultivation
center as the place to be forwarded 5 of the prior forwarding. The
place to be forwarded can be specified at the internal department
of the A hospital as the place to forward 4 of the prior
transportation. The name of carrier for goods receipt for
transporting the sample low-temperature storage case can be
specified as A transportation distribution of goods of the carrier
2 experienced in the prior transportation. The date for receiving
goods can be specified to be a date scheduled for terminating the
cultivation (date for terminating the cultivation) memorized in the
quality data DB. The date for forwarding can be a date as dates
required for the prior transportation are added to the date for
receiving goods. The transportation and placing order price can be
designated at the same price as the transportation costs of the
prior transportation. The sample detail can be designated as the
same as the sample detail of the prior transportation.
[0148] The return (transportation) request data (so-called matching
data) in a display view for confirming the return (transportation)
request data made by the displaying and creating means 104 is
registered in the matching data DB (111). (S207 (return request
data registration)) The display view for confirming the return
(transportation) request data is transferred from the server 7 to
the terminal of place to forward 4a, the terminal of carrier 2a,
and the terminal of place to be forwarded 5a. (S208 (return request
data transmission)) The display view for confirming the return
(transportation) request data is displayed in the terminal of place
to forward 4a, the terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal of
place to be forwarded 5a. The place to forward 4, the carrier 2,
and the place to be forwarded 5 (Change of the cultivation center
3) is promoted to show a display of "Input the return
(transportation) request data). When there are defects in the
return (transportation) request data, it can be made to change the
date of goods delivery, the transportation placing order price, or
the like in the textbox. When there is no change therein, the
return (transportation) request data (matching data) is returned to
the server 7 by clicking the "Registration" button. (S209 (matching
data transmission))
[0149] When there are changes, the change are judged by the
compensation measures 105. When the change is right, the change is
considered to be proper as the matching data. When the change is
not right, the change is made to modify the matching data to be in
a proper range, and the modified matching data is registered in the
matching data DB 111. Thus, the contract (matching data) comes to
be concluded with and the receiving order comes to be formally
established.
[0150] (Inspection and Return Process)
[0151] The displaying and creating means 104 is constituted to make
a display view of the quality data at the time of receiving goods
and the transportation acceptance as shown in FIG. 25 in accordance
with the matching data as established at the date of goods receipt.
The control means 101 transfers to the terminal of place to forward
4a in the hospital 1 to be returned, the terminal of carrier 2a,
and the cultivation center 3 to return with use of the transmission
means 114. A display view of the quality data at the time of goods
receipt and the transportation acceptance are displayed in the
terminal of place to forward 4a, the terminal of carrier 2a, and
the terminal of place to be forwarded 5a. The place to forward 4
and the carrier 2 are promoted to show a display of "Input the
quality data at the time of goods receipt (Make an inspection)" to
inspect whether it is contaminated with cells on the spot by the
detection element 18 for inspecting contaminant such as cells as
infiltrated. (S121 (inspection & transportation start)) The
inspection can be done in the same manner as the inspection in FIG.
19 of the prior transportation (inspection and transportation
process).(S121 (inspection & transportation start))
[0152] (Transportation Environmental Data Processing)
[0153] The transportation environmental data processing in this
time can be done in the same manner as a processing described in
the prior transportation (transportation environmental data
processing). When the transportation starts (S121 (inspection &
transportation start)), the transportation environmental data is
transferred from the dedicated terminal 8 to the server 7 (S122
(transportation environmental data transmission)), and the
transportation environmental data is registered in the quality data
DB 112 by the registration means 103 of the server 7. The
displaying and creating means 104 of the server 7 makes a display
view of the transportation environmental data as shown in FIG. 26
in accordance with the transportation environmental data. In
response to a request from the terminal of place to forward 4a, the
terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal of place to be forwarded
5a, the control means 101 transfers the display view of the
transportation environmental data to the terminal of place to
forward 4a, the terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal of place
to be forwarded 5a with use of the transmission means 114. As a
result of the transmission, the display view of transportation
environmental data as shown in FIG. 26 is displayed in the terminal
of place to forward 4a, the terminal of carrier 2a, and the
terminal of place to be forwarded 5a. The transportation
environmental data processing (S124 (transportation environmental
data transmission) etc.) as later described is done in the same
manner as the processing described with FIG. 20 of the prior
transportation (transportation environmental data processing).
[0154] (Receipt and Acceptance Processing at a Place for Forwarding
Back)
[0155] The displaying and creating means 104 makes a display view
of the quality data at the time of goods delivery and receipt &
acceptance as shown in FIG. 27 in accordance with the matching data
at the time of goods delivery to the place to forward 4 for
returning. The control means 101 transfers it to the terminal of
place to forward 4a, the terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal
of place to be forwarded 5a with use of the transmission means 114.
The display view of the quality data at the time of goods delivery
and receipt & acceptance is displayed in the terminal of place
to forward 4a, the terminal of carrier 2a, and the terminal of
place to be forwarded 5a. Receipt and acceptance procedure at a
place for returning (S125 (inspection & cultivation start), 126
(name of person for confirming the quality inspection
registration), S127 (name of person for confirming the quality
inspection registration), and S130 (name of person for confirming
the quality inspection transmission)) can be done in the same
manner as described in FIG. 21 of the prior transportation (receipt
and acceptance procedure at a place for forwarding). Then, a
transportation service of the carrier 2 is terminated in.
[0156] As above mentioned, the organism transportation supporting
system 9 is constituted to refrigerate and hold the sample stored
in the storage case 100, and arrange the detection element 18
changing chemical property and physical property by sticking, for
example, contaminate in a room temperature area inside the storage
case 100. Then, the infiltration of contaminant inside the storage
case 100 is inspected in a short period at the time of receiving
and forwarding the sample, thus to share the data at least one of
the place to forward 4, the carrier 2, and the place to be
forwarded 5. Thus, a good condition without contamination of sample
can be inspected and accepted at the time of receipt and delivery
of sample among these three parties. Accordingly, a service (work)
on the subject of organism transportation based on non-contaminant
condition of sample can be created and established as a commercial
transaction.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0157] The present invention is preferable as a sample
low-temperature storage case preserving, transporting and storing
samples of cells, microbes, proteins, or the like used in, for
example, regenerative medicine, biochemical study, drug
development, medical diagnosis, food inspection, or the like. The
present invention is also preferable as transportation transaction
supporting system making use of the sample low-temperature storage
case.
* * * * *