Automatic analysis device

Abstract

An automatic analyzer is provided that appropriately manages consumables and efficiently utilizes them. The automatic analyzer comprises: a container holding unit that holds a container for storing consumables; a conveying mechanism that conveys the consumables stored in the container; and a control unit. The container holds a first consumable and a second consumable. The control unit determines the usage status of the container for the first consumable and the usage status of the container for the second consumable, and based on the usage status of the container for the first consumable, determines whether the first consumable stored in the container can be used. Based on the usage status of the container for the second consumable, the control unit determines whether the second consumable stored in the container can be used.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzing device. Background Art

[0002] In an automatic analyzer, if the reagents contained within the device are insufficient during analysis, the analysis is halted, reducing analytical efficiency. Therefore, in the event of a reagent shortage, a warning regarding the shortage is issued to prevent the device from having to stop operating to replenish or replace the reagents during analysis. Patent Document 1 describes an automatic analyzer in which a filling system is provided on a portion of a fixed disk for the reagents used in the analysis, allowing for the internal installation of reagent containers. This allows for the replacement of any reagent container regardless of the operating status of the reagent fixed disk.

[0003] Automated immunoassay analyzers, which require strict control over sample contamination, use dispensing tips and reaction vessels as disposable consumables. These consumables are also supplied to the automated analyzer by the user, but the automated analyzer must be supplied with a quantity sufficient for the requested number of measurements. If insufficient, the analysis is terminated.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-189611 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] To prevent measurements from being stopped due to insufficient consumables, the user must be able to supply consumables to the automated analyzer even while the device is in the process of performing a measurement. Furthermore, to prevent consumable shortages caused by delayed supply, the device must manage consumable levels in real time and display this information on a user interface, allowing the user to constantly check remaining levels.

[0009] While it's important to avoid reducing analytical efficiency, it's also important to manage consumables appropriately and use them effectively. Effective use means avoiding situations where unused consumables are discarded or used consumables are used in a degraded state.

[0010] In existing automatic analyzers, there is a device that does not store the remaining amount of consumables after the analysis and measurement are completed. In this case, since the usage status of the consumables is reset at the end of the measurement, the consumables must be transported from the head storage position of the storage container at the beginning of the measurement. Therefore, if the consumables filled into the storage container in the previous measurement are not completely consumed, the storage container must be replaced with a new one (a state of being completely filled with unused consumables) in preparation for the next measurement, or the user must manually refill the unused consumables (consumables that were not consumed in the previous measurement and remained) from the head storage position of the storage container in the amount required for the measurement. In the former case, after the loss of consumables occurs, the frequency of replacement of the consumable storage container increases. In addition, in the latter case, old consumables remain on the storage container depending on the situation, and they may be used for analysis, so it is not preferred from the perspective of the reliability of the analysis results.

[0011] Furthermore, in an automatic analyzer that stores multiple consumables in the same storage container, the amount of consumables used in the analysis and the time when the remaining amount of the consumables reaches zero sometimes vary depending on the conditions. For example, when performing a measurement that requires multi-stage dilution of the sample, a large amount of dispensing tips is sometimes consumed compared to a normal measurement that does not require sample dilution. In addition, during device maintenance, special measurements that only use one of the multiple consumables in the storage container (for example, only using a reaction container) are sometimes performed. In such a case, in order to achieve the effective use of the consumables, it is required to manage the usage status of each type of consumable for the same storage container.

[0012] Means for solving problems

[0013] An automatic analysis device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a storage container holding portion, which holds a storage container for storing consumables; a conveying mechanism, which conveys the consumables stored in the storage container; and a control portion, wherein the storage container stores a first consumable and a second consumable, and the control portion determines the usage status of the storage container involving the first consumable and the usage status of the storage container involving the second consumable, and decides whether the first consumable stored in the storage container can be used based on the usage status of the storage container involving the first consumable, and decides whether the second consumable stored in the storage container can be used based on the usage status of the storage container involving the second consumable.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] Provided is an automatic analyzer that appropriately manages consumables and efficiently operates. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Other issues and novel features will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an automatic analysis device.

[0018] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing the consumables delivery unit and its peripheral units.

[0019] Figure 3 Shows an example of the storage status of dispensing tips and reaction vessels in a storage container.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the conveying order (supply order) of consumables.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart for determining the usage status of a storage container.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a management table for the priority of storage container usage.

[0023] Figure 7 Shows an example of the storage status of dispensing tips and reaction vessels in a storage container.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the storage status, usage status, and usage priority of storage containers.

[0025] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of the consumables delivery unit and its peripheral units.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a flow chart for transporting consumables to the temporary storage area.

[0027] Figure 11 This is an example of a detailed flow chart for transporting consumables to the temporary storage unit.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a specific example of transporting consumables to a temporary storage unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The automatic analyzer of this embodiment is described using the accompanying drawings. The automatic analyzer includes, for example, a biochemical automatic analyzer, an immune automatic analyzer, etc. However, these are merely examples and are not limited to the embodiments described below, and generally include devices that react a sample with a reagent and analyze the sample based on the results of the reaction. For example, it also includes a mass spectrometer used in clinical examinations, a coagulation analyzer for measuring blood clotting time, etc. In addition, it can also be applied to a composite system of these with a biochemical automatic analyzer or an immune automatic analyzer, or an automatic analysis system that uses them.

[0030] Figure 1 The automatic analyzer is schematically illustrated. The automatic analyzer includes a rack conveyor line 102 that conveys a storage rack 101 , a reagent refrigeration unit 103 , an incubator (reaction disk) 104 , a sample dispensing mechanism 105 , a reagent dispensing mechanism 106 , a consumables conveying unit 107 , and a detection unit 108 .

[0031] The storage rack 101 stores a plurality of sample containers 109 containing biological samples (samples, specimens, and test materials) such as blood and urine. The storage rack 101 containing the sample containers 109 is transported on the storage rack conveyor line 102. The reagent refrigeration unit 103 is a reagent container storage unit that stores and refrigerates a plurality of reagent containers 110 containing reagents used for sample analysis. At least a portion of the upper surface of the reagent refrigeration unit 103 is covered by a reagent disk cover 111. The incubator 104 has: a reaction container configuration unit 113, which is configured with a plurality of reaction containers 112 for reacting samples with reagents; and a temperature adjustment mechanism that adjusts the temperature of the reaction containers 112 configured on the reaction container configuration unit 113 to a desired temperature. The sample dispensing mechanism 105 has a rotation drive mechanism and a vertical drive mechanism, and these drive mechanisms are used to dispense samples from the sample container 109 into the reaction container 112 stored in the incubator 104. In particular, to minimize contamination between samples, the sample is dispensed with the dispensing tip attached to the distal end of the sample probe of the sample dispensing mechanism 105. The reagent dispensing mechanism 106 also includes a rotational drive mechanism and a vertical drive mechanism, which dispense reagents from the reagent container 110 into the reaction container 112 housed in the incubator 104. The detection unit 108 includes a photomultiplier tube, a light source lamp, a spectrometer, and a photodiode, and has the function of regulating their temperatures, to analyze the reaction solution.

[0032] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing details of the consumables transport unit 107 and its surrounding units. The consumables transport unit 107 includes: a storage container 115 that stores a plurality of unused reaction containers 112 and dispensing tips 114; a storage container holding portion 116 that holds the storage container 115; and a transport mechanism 117 that holds and transports the dispensing tips 114 or reaction containers 112 stored in the storage container 115. The consumables transport unit 107 is provided with a plurality of (in Figure 2 In the example, there are two storage container holding portions 116. In this example, the reaction container 112 is stored in the left half of the storage container 115, and the dispensing tip 114 is stored in the right half.

[0033] The transport mechanism 117 is movably provided in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions (not shown), and transports the reaction vessels 112 stored in the storage container 115 to the incubator 104 and transports the dispensing tips 114 to the dispensing tip supply position 118. Furthermore, the used reaction vessels in the incubator 104 are discarded into the waste port 119.

[0034] The container holder 116 can be pulled out of the automatic analyzer independently of other mechanisms. If the transport mechanism 117 is not accessing the container 115, the user can pull out the container holder 116 and replace the container 115. Furthermore, the container holder 116 is preferably provided with a locking mechanism to prevent the container holder 116 from being pulled out when the transport mechanism 117 is accessing the container 115. Furthermore, the container holder 116 includes a sensor for detecting whether the container 115 is installed, and can detect whether the container 115 is held in the container holder 116. Furthermore, the automatic analyzer includes a sensor for detecting the pulling out of the container holder 116, monitoring whether the user has pulled out the container.

[0035] The storage rack conveyor line 102, reagent refrigeration unit 103, incubator 104, sample dispensing mechanism 105, reagent dispensing mechanism 106, consumables conveying unit 107, and detection unit 108 described above in the automatic analyzer are referred to as the analysis operation unit. Furthermore, in addition to the analysis operation unit, the automatic analyzer also includes a control unit 120 and an operating unit 121 for controlling the overall operation of the automatic analyzer. The control unit 120 is composed, for example, of a hardware substrate and a computer, and is connected to a storage device 122 such as a hard disk. The operating unit 121 is composed of a display, i.e., a display device, a mouse, a keyboard, and other input devices. The storage device 122 stores, for example, temperature ranges corresponding to each unit. The control unit 120 can be composed of hardware using a dedicated circuit substrate, or it can be composed of software executed by a computer. If composed of hardware, it can be implemented by integrating multiple computing units that perform processing on a wiring substrate or within a semiconductor chip or package. If composed of software, it can be implemented by installing a high-speed general-purpose CPU on a computer and running a program that performs the desired computing processing. By recording the recording medium having the program, existing devices can also be upgraded. In addition, these devices, circuits, and computers are connected through a wired or wireless network to appropriately send and receive data.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] Next, the method for managing consumables in the automatic analyzer of Example 1 will be described. Figure 2 The following description will be given of an example in which two storage containers 115 can be provided. Figure 3The following shows an example of the storage status of the reaction containers 112 and the dispensing tips 114 in each storage container before and after the second analysis operation. Figure 4 Indicates the order of delivery of consumables from the storage container (the order of supply to the incubator 104 or the dispensing tip supply position 118). In this example, the storage container 115 has 42 consumable storage positions (hereinafter referred to as "storage positions"), the left half of which stores reaction containers (first consumables), and the right half stores dispensing tips (second consumables) used in pairs with the reaction containers. Therefore, one storage container is completely filled by storing 21 reaction containers and 21 dispensing tips respectively. The reaction containers and dispensing tips stored in the storage container 115 are respectively stored in the order of Figure 4 The order shown is delivered.

[0038] Before the start of the first analysis and measurement, both storage containers A and B are in a new state (meaning they are completely filled with unused consumables (reaction container 112 and dispensing tip 114)) in state 301. First, the consumables stored in storage container A are used (302). In this example, at the end of the first analysis and measurement, regarding the storage status of each storage container, the remaining amount of consumables in storage container A becomes zero, and the consumables in storage container B are used (303). Then, in the second analysis and measurement, the use of consumables starts from state 303, and the consumables stored in storage container B are continued.

[0039] As the storage status of consumables in the storage container, the remaining amount of consumables and the storage position last accessed by the conveying mechanism 117 are stored in the storage device 122 according to each storage container (A / B) and the category of consumables (reaction container / dispensing pipette tip). Whenever the remaining amount is used in analysis and measurement, the remaining amount on the storage device 122 is subtracted according to the amount used. If the remaining amount of consumables on the storage container is zero during the analysis and measurement, the storage container is considered empty, and the user is notified of this situation as an alarm display. Finally, when all the storage containers mounted on the automatic analyzer become empty in this case, the analysis and measurement is stopped. At this point, even if the analysis and measurement is completed, the storage status of the consumables in the storage container will not be reset. When the analysis and measurement is continued, the conveyance of consumables will continue from the next storage position after the last storage position of the accessed storage container stored in the storage device 122.

[0040] Next, the method for determining the usage status of the storage container will be described. The usage status of the storage container is determined for each storage container (A / B) according to the category of consumables (reaction container / dispensing pipette tip), and is stored in the storage device 122 in the same way as the storage status of the consumables in the storage container. In order to grasp the usage status of the storage container, the device confirms the filling status of each storage container and each consumable category at a predetermined time described later. At this time, the filling status of all storage positions on the storage container can be confirmed, or only a plurality of predetermined storage positions required for the determination of the usage status can be confirmed. In addition, as a unit for confirming the filling status, the gripping action of the consumables by the conveying mechanism can be utilized, or a camera can be set above the storage container to confirm the presence of consumables by image analysis. In addition, a distance measuring device such as a laser displacement meter can be installed on the conveying mechanism 117 to confirm the presence of consumables by measuring the distance between the conveying mechanism and the storage container.

[0041] The control unit 120 compares the filling status of the consumables in the storage container confirmed at the predetermined time with the storage status of the consumables in the storage container stored in the storage device 122. Based on the results, the control unit 120 classifies the usage status of the reaction container and the dispensing pipette tip into five states: "unused (new)", "unused (old)", "in use", "empty", and "unknown origin" for each storage container, and decides whether the consumables can be used based on the status.

[0042] Figure 5 An example of a flowchart for determining the usage status of a storage container is shown. The automatic analyzer performs the determination shown in this flowchart on each category of consumables for each storage container carried. First, it is confirmed whether the storage position at the beginning of the storage container is filled with consumables (S502). In addition, Figure 4 In the example, the first storage position is (1, 1) when the consumables are reaction containers, and (4, 1) when the consumables are dispensing tips. If there are consumables at the first storage position, it is recognized that the storage container is unused. Next, it is determined whether the remaining amount of the consumables stored in the storage device 122 is full ( Figure 4 In the example, it is 21 (S503). In this case, it is determined that it was not used at the time of the previous analysis and measurement, that is, "unused (old)" (S504). Otherwise, the storage container was replaced with a new one after the previous analysis and measurement, that is, it is determined as "unused (new)" (S505).

[0043] In step S502, if it is determined that the consumables have not been filled to the first storage position, it can be identified that the storage container is not a new one. Therefore, it is confirmed whether the next storage position of the storage position last accessed and stored in the storage device 122 is filled with consumables (S506). If it is filled, the storage container is determined to be "in use" (S508). Otherwise, it is determined whether the remaining amount of the consumables stored in the storage device 122 is 0 (S507). Here, if the remaining amount of the consumables is 0, it is determined to be "empty" (S509). In the case of inconsistency, it is deemed that the filling status was operated by the user and it is determined to be "unknown" (S510).

[0044] For containers identified as "of unknown origin," it is preferable to notify the user of this fact through an alarm display, prompting them to replace the container with a new one, or for the automated analyzer to automatically discard the consumables in the container. This is because user manipulation of the reaction container and the dispensing tip could damage the reaction container, cause the transport mechanism to fail to grip, or seal the tip of the dispensing tip, preventing accurate dispensing.

[0045] For example, if the user pulls out the container holder 116 from the automated analyzer while the device is in standby mode and no analysis or measurement is being performed, the determination of the usage status can be performed during the preparatory process before the analysis or measurement begins. Alternatively, if the user pulls out the container holder 116 during the preparatory process, the determination can be performed immediately after the analysis or measurement begins. By performing the determination while the container holder 116 is pulled out, it is possible to consistently confirm the filling status of the container, ensuring that the user has not manipulated the container.

[0046] Furthermore, as one of the device maintenance, an item for determining the usage status may be provided. Thus, even outside the aforementioned time, the user can confirm the usage status at that time by executing the item.

[0047] In addition, it is preferred that the timing (date and time) of the determination of the usage status and its determination result are pre-stored in the storage device 122. This is to prevent old consumables from remaining and being used in a degraded state from the perspective of the reliability of the analytical performance. In the case where all the consumables on the storage container cannot be completely consumed even after a certain period of time has passed since the replacement with a new product, the user can be notified of this situation through an alarm display, urging the replacement of the storage container, or the automatic analyzer can automatically discard all the consumables of the storage container, or the use of the storage container can be stopped. From the perspective of usability, the certain period for urging the replacement of consumables can be freely set by the user within the period of quality assurance. In addition, the method of handling consumables after this certain period can also be selected by the user.

[0048] The above-described method for managing and determining the use status of storage containers is merely an example. For example, in addition to the above-described classification of the use status, classifications such as "in use (new)" and "in use (old)" may also be provided.

[0049] When the automatic analyzer has a plurality of storage containers, the automatic analyzer determines the usage priority for each storage container based on the determined usage status. Figure 6 This is an example of a priority management table for two storage containers. Separate priority management tables exist for each consumable category, namely, reaction containers and dispensing tips. This example determines priority based on two rules: "Use from old consumables" and "Do not use if empty or unidentified." Furthermore, if both containers are "Unused (New)" or "Unused (Old)," usage priority can be determined based on the time elapsed since the storage container replacement, as stored in storage device 122.

[0050] Based on this usage priority order, a method of managing the usage order of consumables will be described using an automatic analyzer that can be provided with three storage containers 115 as an example. Figure 7 Indicates the storage status of the dispensing tips and reaction containers in storage containers A to C. In addition, in the case of reaction container 112, the next storage position to be accessed is 701 (the third storage position of storage container B), and in the case of dispensing head 114, the next storage position to be accessed is 702 (the sixth storage position of storage container C). Storage container A is a reaction container, and the dispensing tips are all "empty". In addition, the reaction container of storage container B is "in use", and the dispensing tips are "empty". Furthermore, the reaction container of storage container C is "unused (new)", and the dispensing tips are "in use". Here, when the user replaces storage container A with a new one, the automatic analysis device detects the implementation of the pulling-out operation of the storage container holding portion, and performs an inspection operation on the filling status of consumables on storage containers A to C. According to Figure 5 The flowchart determines the usage status of the storage container and uses it according to the latest usage status. Figure 6 The management table shown is updated using the priority order. Figure 8Displays the storage status, usage status, and usage priority of the reaction vessels and dispensing tips in each storage container before and after replacement of storage container A. 801 shows the storage status of each storage container before replacement, and 802 shows the storage status of each storage container after replacement. 803 shows the usage status and usage priority of each storage container before replacement, and 804 shows the usage status and usage priority of each storage container after replacement. With the replacement of storage container A, the usage status of both the reaction vessels and dispensing tips is updated from "Empty" to "Unused (New)" for storage container A. Furthermore, the usage status of the reaction vessel in storage container C is updated from "Unused (New)" to "Unused (Old)." With the updated usage status, the usage priority of each storage container is also redefined. Regarding the dispensing tips, after replacement, the status of storage container A is updated from "Unused" to "Standby 1." Meanwhile, regarding the reaction vessels, since storage container C ("Unused (Old)") remains in "Standby 1," storage container A ("Unused (New)") is updated to "Standby 2." In other words, if storage container B becomes empty, storage container C is used first, not A.

[0051] As described above, according to this embodiment, even in situations where the remaining amount of each consumable reaches zero at different times, the usage status and usage priority of the storage containers can be appropriately managed.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] Next, the method for managing consumables in the automatic analyzer of Example 2 is described. In this embodiment, in addition to the storage container holding portion that holds the storage container, a temporary storage portion that temporarily holds the consumables is also provided. In the case of Example 1, if the remaining amounts of multiple consumables filled in the same storage container are inconsistent, for example, if one of the dispensing pipette tip and the reaction container is empty and the other is in use, in order to avoid loss of consumables, the user needs to wait for the storage container to be replaced until the consumables on both sides are empty. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a remaining amount inconsistency occurs, the consumables in use are transported to the temporary storage portion 901, thereby reducing the remaining amount inconsistency between the types of consumables. As a result, the user does not have to wait for a long time until the storage container is replaced.

[0054] Figure 9This diagram shows the details of the consumables transport unit 107 and its surrounding units in this embodiment. The consumables transport unit 107 includes a storage container 115 that stores a plurality of unused reaction vessels 112 and dispensing tips 114; a storage container holder 116 that holds the storage container 115; a temporary storage section 901 that temporarily holds the reaction vessels or dispensing tips; and a transport mechanism 117 that grasps and transports the dispensing tips 114 or reaction vessels 112 stored in the storage container 115 or the temporary storage section 901. The transport mechanism 117 operates similarly to that of the first embodiment, but also transports the reaction vessels or dispensing tips filled in the storage container 115 to the temporary storage section 901.

[0055] Figure 10 This flowchart shows the transport of consumables to the temporary storage section 901. For example, consider a case where there are more remaining reaction vessels than dispensing tips among the currently used storage containers. The automated analyzer checks whether there are any available storage locations in the temporary storage section 901 (S1002). If a location is determined to be available in step S1003, at least one reaction vessel is transported from the currently used storage container 115 to the temporary storage section 901 (S1004). To quickly eliminate any remaining quantity discrepancies, it is sufficient to transport as many consumables (reaction vessels) as possible to the temporary storage section within a single analysis cycle (a unit of measurement). Alternatively, the number of reaction vessels to be transported can be determined based on the number of available storage locations in the temporary storage section 901 and the difference between the remaining quantity of dispensing tips and the remaining quantity of reaction vessels. Information regarding the usage status of the reaction vessels is also retained after transport to the temporary storage section 901. If the reaction vessels are in use, they are transported from the temporary storage section 901 to the incubator (S1005). When using a dispensing tip, the tip is transported from the storage container 115 to the dispensing tip supply position 118 (S1006). In step S1007, it is checked whether there is a difference between the remaining amount of the dispensing tip and the remaining amount of the reaction container. If there is a difference, the tip is transported to the temporary storage section 901 during the next analysis cycle. If there is no difference in the remaining amount, the tip is transported to the temporary storage section 901 (S1008).

[0056] Figure 11 This is an example of a more detailed flowchart for conveying consumables to the temporary storage section 901 . Figure 11Assume that the maximum number of consumables that can be delivered to the temporary storage section 901 during one analysis cycle is 4. In this case, the case where there are more reaction containers remaining in the storage container than dispensing tips is also taken as an example. First, it is confirmed whether the difference between the remaining amount of the dispensing tips and the reaction containers is greater than the maximum number that can be delivered (greater than 4) (S1102). Here, if it is less than the maximum number that can be delivered (less than 4), the number of reaction containers delivered to the temporary storage section 901 is set to (the difference in the remaining amount + 1) (S1104). If it is greater than the maximum number that can be delivered (greater than 4), the number of deliveries is set to the maximum number that can be delivered (4) (S1103). Next, the set number of transports is compared with the number of free storage positions in the temporary storage section (S1105, 1106). If the free number is greater than the set number of transports, the set number of transports is not changed (S1107, 1109). On the other hand, if it is less than the set number of transports, the setting is changed so that the free number of transports is reached (S1108, 1110). The subsequent transport of the reaction container to the incubator (S1111 to 1114) and the transport of the dispensing tip to the tip installation position (S1115 to 1118) are the same as Figure 10 same.

[0057] Furthermore, in step S1104, the number of transfers is set to (the difference in the remaining amount + 1) because, in the subsequent step S1113, the reaction container is transferred from the temporary storage unit, and in step S1117, the dispensing tip is transferred from the storage container. In other words, the number of dispensing tips is further reduced by one in the subsequent step, thereby equalizing the remaining amount in the storage container.

[0058] Figure 12 A specific example of conveying consumables in the temporary storage unit 901 is shown. Figure 11According to the flowchart, the maximum number of consumables that can be delivered to the temporary storage section 901 during one analysis cycle is four. At the beginning of analysis cycle 1, the remaining number of dispensing tips is seven less than the remaining number of reaction vessels (state a). The number of reaction vessels to be delivered to the temporary storage section 901 is set. The difference in the remaining number of consumables (7) is greater than the maximum number that can be delivered to the temporary storage section (4), so the number of deliveries to the temporary storage section is set to four. Next, when the set delivery number is compared with the number of available storage locations in the temporary storage section, the number of available locations is greater than the set delivery number (4), so the delivery number remains unchanged at four. Therefore, the set delivery number is determined, and the set number of four reaction vessels (state b) is delivered to the temporary storage section 901. After delivery to the temporary storage section, the reaction vessels and dispensing tips are transported to the incubator and tip mounting position, respectively, for analysis. In this case, the reaction vessels are delivered from the temporary storage section, not from the storage containers. Meanwhile, the dispensing tips are transported from the storage container. As a result, at the end of analysis cycle 1, the difference in the remaining consumables in the storage container is reduced by three to four compared to before analysis cycle 1. The same transport process is repeated in analysis cycle 2, eliminating the remaining difference by the end of analysis cycle 2. This allows the number of reaction vessels and dispensing tips on the storage container to be reduced simultaneously, allowing the user to quickly replace the storage container with new ones once all the consumables have been used up.

[0059] Regarding the management of the remaining amount of consumables in the temporary storage section 901, the same management method as that of the storage container described in the first embodiment can be applied (see Figure 5 ). That is, when the user pulls out the storage container holding portion 116 from the automatic analyzer, the filling status is confirmed by the gripping action of the conveying mechanism and image analysis during the preparatory action before the analysis and measurement. At this time, the filling status of all storage positions in the temporary storage section can be confirmed, or only a plurality of predetermined storage positions can be confirmed. It is determined whether there is a difference between the filling status of the temporary storage section and the storage status stored in the storage device. If the conditions are consistent, the consumables stored in the temporary storage section 901 continue to be used. On the other hand, if the conditions are different, it is determined that the filling status was manipulated by the user, and all reaction containers and dispensing tips on the temporary storage section 901 are discarded.

[0060] Description of Reference Signs

[0061] 101: Storage rack, 102: Storage rack conveyor line, 103: Reagent refrigeration unit, 104: Incubator, 105: Sample dispensing mechanism, 106: Reagent dispensing mechanism, 107: Consumables conveying unit, 108: Detection unit, 109: Sample container, 110: Reagent container, 111: Reagent disk cover, 112: Reaction container, 113: Reaction container configuration unit, 114: Dispensing tip, 115: Storage container, 116: Storage container holding unit, 117: Conveying mechanism, 118: Dispensing tip supply position, 119: Waste hole, 120: Control unit, 121: Operation unit, 122: Storage device, 901: Temporary storage unit.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that The automatic analysis device has: a container holding portion that holds a first container and a second container for storing consumables and is pulled out to replace the first container or the second container; a conveying mechanism for conveying the consumables stored in the first storage container or the second storage container; and Control Department, The first storage container and the second storage container respectively store a first consumable product and a second consumable product. The control unit determines usage status of the first storage container and the second storage container related to the first consumable and usage status of the first storage container and the second storage container related to the second consumable, assigns priority between the usage status of the first storage container and the usage status of the second storage container, and decides to start using the first consumable stored in the storage container with the higher priority based on the usage status of the first storage container and the second storage container related to the first consumable, and decides to start using the second consumable stored in the storage container with the higher priority based on the usage status of the first storage container and the second storage container related to the second consumable, When the analysis and measurement are completed, the control unit stores the storage status of the consumables in the storage container in the storage device. When the usage status of the storage container is determined after the analysis and measurement, the usage status of the storage container is determined by comparing the filling status of the consumables in the storage container with the storage status of the consumables in the storage container stored in the storage device. When the usage status of the storage container is a usage status in which the user operates the filling status of the consumables, the use of the consumables stored in the storage container is set to no.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first consumable and the second consumable are used in pairs, The storage device stores the usage status of the first storage container and the second storage container related to the first consumable product and the usage status of the first storage container and the second storage container related to the second consumable product. The control unit determines which pair to use: the first consumable stored in the first storage container and the second consumable stored in the first storage container, the first consumable stored in the first storage container and the second consumable stored in the second storage container, the first consumable stored in the second storage container and the second consumable stored in the first storage container, and the first consumable stored in the second storage container and the second consumable stored in the second storage container.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that When the analysis and measurement are finished, the control unit stores the storage status of the consumables in the storage container in the storage device. When the control unit determines the usage status of the storage container after the analysis and measurement, it determines the usage status of the storage container by comparing the filling status of the consumables in the storage container with the storage status of the consumables stored in the storage container of the storage device, and decides whether the consumables stored in the storage container can be used based on the usage status of the storage container.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, characterized in that When the analysis and measurement are finished, the control unit stores the remaining amount of the consumables filled in the storage container and the storage position of the storage container last visited by the conveying mechanism as the storage status of the consumables in the storage container in the storage device. When the control unit determines the usage status of the storage container after the analysis and measurement, it determines the usage status of the storage container by comparing the filling status of the consumables in the storage container with the remaining amount of the consumables filled in the storage container stored in the storage device and the storage position of the storage container last visited by the conveying mechanism.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, characterized in that When the control unit detects that the storage container retaining portion is pulled out, it determines the usage status of the storage container by comparing the filling status of the consumables in the storage container with the storage status of the consumables stored in the storage container of the storage device, and updates the priority of the storage container based on the usage status of the storage container.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that One of a reaction container for reacting a sample with a reagent and a dispensing tip attached to the distal end of a sample probe of a sample dispensing mechanism is the first consumable item, and the other is the second consumable item.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, characterized in that The usage status of the storage container includes a first unused state and a second unused state having a higher priority than the first unused state. The control unit identifies the storage container as unused when there are consumables at the beginning storage position of the storage container. Then, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the consumables in the storage container is full, if it is determined that the remaining amount of the consumables in the storage container is full in the determination of the last usage status of the storage container, the storage container is determined to be the above-mentioned second unused state. If it is determined that the remaining amount of the consumables in the storage container is not full in the determination of the last usage status of the storage container, the storage container is determined to be the above-mentioned first unused state.

8. The automatic analysis device according to claim 7, characterized in that The use status of the storage container also includes being used, unknown, and empty. When the analysis and measurement are completed, the control unit stores the storage status of the consumables in the storage container in the storage device. When the consumables are not filled to the beginning storage position of the storage container, the control unit identifies that the storage container is not a new one, and confirms whether the next storage position after the last accessed storage position stored in the storage device is filled with the consumables. If so, the storage container is determined to be in use. If the remaining amount of the consumables in the storage container is 0, the storage container is determined to be empty. If they are inconsistent, the storage container is determined to be of unknown origin.

9. The automatic analysis device according to claim 8, characterized in that The control unit does not use the storage container when the usage status of the storage container is the unknown origin or the empty. However, when the usage status of the storage container is the first unused, the second unused, and the in use, the control unit sets them to the in use, the second unused, and the first unused in descending order of priority.

10. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that The automatic analysis device has: a container holding portion for holding a container for storing consumables; a conveying mechanism for conveying the consumables stored in the storage container; Temporary storage; and Control Department, The storage container stores a first consumable and a second consumable. The temporary storage portion temporarily holds the first consumable product or the second consumable product. The control unit determines a usage status of the storage container related to the first consumable and a usage status of the storage container related to the second consumable, and decides whether the first consumable stored in the storage container can be used based on the usage status of the storage container related to the first consumable, and decides whether the second consumable stored in the storage container can be used based on the usage status of the storage container related to the second consumable, and when the remaining amount of the first consumable filled in the storage container exceeds the remaining amount of the second consumable, the first consumable is transported from the storage container to the temporary storage unit by the transport mechanism, and the first consumable is used from the temporary storage unit. The control unit compares the remaining amount of the first consumable and the remaining amount of the second consumable filled in the storage container in each analysis cycle. When the difference between the remaining amount of the first consumable and the remaining amount of the second consumable is less than the maximum amount that can be transported from the storage container to the temporary storage section in one analysis cycle, the control section uses the transport mechanism to transport the first consumable to the temporary storage section, wherein the amount of the first consumable transported is the difference between the remaining amount of the first consumable and the remaining amount of the second consumable + 1.

11. The automatic analysis device according to claim 10, characterized in that When the analysis and measurement are finished, the control unit stores the storage status of the first consumable and the second consumable in the storage container and the temporary storage unit in the storage device, respectively. When the control unit determines the usage status of the storage container after the analysis and measurement, the control unit compares the filling status of the consumables in the storage container and the temporary storage section with the storage status of the consumables stored in the storage device and the temporary storage section for the first consumable and the second consumable, thereby determining the usage status of the storage container and the temporary storage section, and based on the usage status of the storage container and the temporary storage section, decides whether the consumables stored in the storage container and the temporary storage section can be used.

12. The automatic analysis device according to claim 11, characterized in that When the analysis and measurement are finished, the control unit stores, for the first consumable and the second consumable, the remaining amounts of the consumables filled in the storage container and the temporary storage section and the storage position of the storage container last accessed by the conveying mechanism as the storage status of the consumables in the storage container and the temporary storage section, respectively. When the control unit determines the usage status of the storage container after the analysis and measurement, the control unit compares the filling status of the consumables in the storage container and the temporary storage section with the remaining amount of the consumables filled in the storage container and the temporary storage section stored in the storage device and the storage position of the storage container and the temporary storage section last visited by the conveying mechanism for the first consumable and the second consumable, thereby determining the usage status of the storage container and the temporary storage section.

13. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that The automatic analysis device has: a container holding portion for holding a first container and a second container for storing consumables; a conveying mechanism for conveying the consumables stored in the first storage container or the second storage container; and Control Department, The first storage container and the second storage container respectively store a first consumable product and a second consumable product. The control unit determines usage status of the first storage container and the second storage container related to the first consumable and usage status of the first storage container and the second storage container related to the second consumable, and assigns priority between the usage status of the first storage container and the usage status of the second storage container based on the determined usage status of the first storage container and the second storage container related to the first consumable and the usage status of the first storage container and the second storage container related to the second consumable, and determines to start using the first consumable stored in the storage container with the higher priority based on the usage status of the first storage container and the second storage container related to the first consumable, and determines to start using the second consumable stored in the storage container with the higher priority based on the usage status of the first storage container and the second storage container related to the second consumable, The usage status of the storage container includes a first unused state and a second unused state having a higher priority than the first unused state. The control unit identifies the storage container as unused when there are consumables at the beginning storage position of the storage container. Then, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the consumables in the storage container is full, if it is determined that the remaining amount of the consumables in the storage container is full in the determination of the last usage status of the storage container, the storage container is determined to be the above-mentioned second unused state. If it is determined that the remaining amount of the consumables in the storage container is not full in the determination of the last usage status of the storage container, the storage container is determined to be the above-mentioned first unused state.

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