Sample information detection device and sample information detection method

Abstract

A specimen information detection device and a specimen information detection method are provided, which can detect the state of a specimen with high accuracy and efficiency. The specimen information detection device according to the embodiment comprises: a photographing device that photographs a specimen container containing a specimen; a lighting device that irradiates the specimen container with light from a direction intersecting with the photographing direction during the photographing; and an information processing unit that detects the state inside the specimen container through image processing based on image information of the specimen container acquired by photographing the specimen container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a specimen information detection device and a specimen information detection method. Background Art

[0002] For example, in various blood tests such as biochemical analysis, the following process is performed, that is, an image of a specimen container is acquired as a pre-processing, and the state of the specimen before the test is detected based on the image. The specimen container is made of a transparent material such as glass. (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-76185)

[0003] Many specimen containers have labels indicating specimen information such as identification information attached to their outer peripheral surfaces. In such cases, it is difficult to detect the state of the specimen in the container from an image captured of the appearance of the specimen container.

[0004] In such pre-processing before inspection, it is required to detect the state of the specimen with high accuracy and efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0005] The specimen information detection device involved in the embodiment includes: a photographing device, which photographs a specimen container containing a specimen; an illumination device, which irradiates light to the specimen container from a direction intersecting with the photographing direction during the photographing; and an information processing unit, which detects the state inside the specimen container through image processing based on image information of the specimen container obtained by photographing the specimen container.

[0006] Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the specimen information detection device and the specimen information detection method according to the present invention, the state of the specimen can be detected with high accuracy and high efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a plan view showing the structure of the sample information detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a side view showing the structure of the sample information detection device.

[0010] Figure 3 It is an explanatory diagram showing a test tube and a specimen according to this embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing a part of the sample information detection device involved in this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram showing the processing procedure of the specimen processing method involved in this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship in the imaging process of the specimen information detection method.

[0014] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship in the imaging process of the specimen information detection method.

[0015] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram of a sidelight image of a test tube of the specimen information detection device and a backlight image as a comparative example.

[0016] Fig. 9 This is a diagram illustrating the sample information detection method.

[0017] Fig.10 It is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of an analysis device according to another embodiment.

[0018] Fig.11 It is a process explanation diagram showing the processing steps of the analysis device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] [First embodiment]

[0020] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 8 A sample information detection device 10 and a sample information detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention are described. In addition, the structure is appropriately enlarged, reduced, or omitted in each figure. Arrows X, Y, and Z in each figure represent three orthogonal directions.

[0021] Figure 1 , Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the sample information detection device 10 according to the present embodiment. Figure 3 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a test tube as a specimen container and a specimen. The specimen information detection device 10 is a pre-processing device that detects the state of a specimen before various inspection processes such as biochemical analysis of the specimen, and is used as one of the pre-processing devices of an analysis device, for example. In this embodiment, as inspection obstacle factors, in addition to milky matter and hemolysis, foreign matter containing states such as fibrin and scurvy are also detected.

[0022] The specimen information detection device 10 is constructed to include: a device body 11; a transport unit 12, which transports a test tube 25 (specimen container) along a prescribed transport path 20a (transport path); an image acquisition unit 14, which photographs the specimen to acquire image information; and an inspection obstacle cause detection unit 15, which performs inspection obstacle cause detection processing based on various images acquired using the image acquisition unit 14.

[0023] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the transport unit 12 is a conveyor-type tray transport mechanism provided on the upper part of the device body 11, and is configured to include: a pair of guide rails 21 provided with a certain width along a transport path 20a extending in the X-axis direction in the figure; a conveyor belt 22 disposed between the guide rails 21 over the entire transport path 20a; and a drive unit such as a conveyor roller that drives the conveyor belt 22 to rotate on the inner side of the conveyor belt 22 to transport the conveyor belt 22. In addition, the specimen information detection device 10 includes: a reading unit 30 disposed at a pickup position P0 on the transport path 20a; and a transfer device 19 that transfers a test tube 25 between a pickup point P0 (pickup position) and an imaging point P1 (photographing position) on the transport path 20a.

[0024] The reading unit 30 includes: a barcode reader 31 that detects information attached to a label 27 attached to a test tube 25; a label sensor 32 that detects the position of the label 27; a rotating device 33 as a position adjustment device that rotates the test tube 25; and a position sensor 34 that detects the presence or absence of the test tube 25.

[0025] The barcode reader 31 reads, for example, identification information displayed on the label 27 of the test tube 25 on the transport path 20 a .

[0026] The label sensor 32 detects the orientation of the test tube 25 by detecting the position of the edge 27 d of the label 27 of the test tube 25 .

[0027] The rotating device 33 rotates the test tube 25 on the conveying path 20a to move the outer peripheral surface of the test tube 25 between label reading processes. In addition, the rotating device 33 adjusts the rotation amount to adjust the orientation of the test tube 25 to an orientation suitable for imaging in the subsequent process.

[0028] For example, the rotating device 33 includes a roller 33a that rotates while contacting the outer surface of the test tube 25 or the outer surface of the bracket 24, and the test tube 25 is rotated by the rotation of the roller 33a. The rotating device 33 is controlled by the control unit 18 to rotate at a predetermined timing and rotation amount, so that the entire circumference of the test tube 25 is sequentially read between the reading processes of the reading unit 30, and the posture of the test tube 25 is adjusted to a posture suitable for the shooting direction.

[0029] The transfer device 19 has a robot arm and transfers the test tube 25 in the conveying path 20a to the imaging point P1 in the chamber 45 of the image acquisition unit 14 while keeping the test tube 25 upright, or takes the test tube 25 out of the chamber 45 after imaging and returns it to the conveying path 20a.

[0030] The specimen container, i.e., the test tube 25, which contains the specimen 25a, is held by the bracket 24 and conveyed along the conveying path 20a in an upright state. The bracket 24 is supported by a pair of guide rails 21 and conveyed as the conveyor belt 22 moves. The test tube 25 or the specimen 25a is subjected to various treatments by various treatment devices provided along the conveying path 20a. The test tube 25 is transferred from the conveying path 20a to the imaging point P1 in the chamber 45 in an upright state by the transfer device 19, and the imaging treatment (photographic treatment) is performed in the chamber 45. After the imaging, the test tube 25 passes through the transfer device 19 again and returns to the conveying path 20a and is conveyed to the downstream side.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the test tube 25 is made of transparent glass or the like, and is configured so that the specimen inside can be visually confirmed from the outside. The test tube 25 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape having a cylindrical space inside for accommodating the specimen. A label 27 is, for example, bonded to the outer peripheral side of the test tube 25.

[0032] The label 27 has a printed portion 27a such as a barcode indicating various information such as identification information of the specimen 25a. The label 27 is affixed to a portion of the outer circumference of the test tube 25, covering a predetermined area of ​​the circumferential surface of the test tube 25. The circumferential ends of the label 27, i.e., a pair of edges 27d, are separated, and the test tube 25 is provided with an exposed portion 27b, i.e., a portion where the label 27 is not affixed, at least in a portion of the outer circumference. The specimen inside the test tube 25 can be visually confirmed from the outside through the transparent test tube 25 at the exposed portion 27b.

[0033] Regarding the specimen 25a inside the test tube 25, three layers of a blood clot layer 25b, a separating agent (silicon) layer 25c, and a serum layer 25d are separated and arranged in order from the bottom. A first boundary surface 25e is formed between the blood clot layer 25b and the separating agent layer 25c, a second boundary surface 25f is formed between the separating agent layer 25c and the serum layer 25d, and a specimen liquid surface 25g is formed as a third boundary surface on the serum layer 25d.

[0034] The area of ​​the serum layer 25d is exposed with a predetermined width on the side of the test tube 25. Here, as an example, a test tube 25 having an exposed portion 27b at a portion where the label 27 is not attached is shown as an example. Alternatively, the exposed portion 27b may be formed by peeling off a predetermined area of ​​the label 27 in advance through other pretreatment.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the image acquisition section 14 includes: a shooting section 41 (image detection unit), which is a shooting device that shoots the side of the test tube 25 to obtain image information of the specimen; a side light 42, which is an illumination device that irradiates light from the side of the shooting direction; and a chamber 45, which accommodates the above-mentioned device.

[0036] The sidelight 42 is composed of a pair of white LEDs arranged on both sides of the test tube 25 with the imaging section 41 as the front side, and illuminates the test tube 25 from the side that intersects the imaging direction of the test tube 25, that is, the image detection axis. As an example, in this embodiment, the image detection axis is along the Y direction, and the illumination direction is along the X direction, which are orthogonal to each other. The sidelight 42 is composed of a white LED, for example, and irradiates light from the side of the test tube 25. In addition, the test tube 25 is placed in such a way that the exposed portion 27b is located on the front side of the imaging at the imaging point P1.

[0037] The imaging unit 41 (image detection means) is, for example, a CCD camera having an image sensor, and is disposed at the side of the imaging point P1 of the conveying path. The imaging unit 41 images the circumference of the test tube 25 held in an upright state at the imaging point P1 from the side of the conveying path of the test tube 25, and acquires image information. The acquired image information is recorded in the storage unit 16 and transmitted to the data processing unit 17.

[0038] The chamber 45 is provided, for example, at the side of the conveying path 20a. An imaging point P1 is provided at a predetermined position on the bottom of the chamber 45, and the holder 24 is provided. A cover that can be opened and closed when the test tube 25 is taken out or put in is provided on the upper surface of the chamber 45.

[0039] The image information acquisition unit 14 operates under the control of the control unit 18 and performs side-light photography in which photography is performed while irradiating light from both sides in a direction different from the photography direction at a predetermined timing.

[0040] The imaging unit 41 irradiates light to the test tube 25a from the side and captures the image from the front during side-light photography, thereby acquiring image information of the specimen 25a inside the transparent test tube 25. At this time, the optical axis of the imaging unit 41 is along the Y direction, while the optical axis of the illumination is along the X direction. Therefore, the optical axis of the imaging unit 41 and the optical axis of the illumination are in different directions. For example, the angle between the optical axis of the imaging unit 41 and the optical axis of the illumination is greater than or equal to 60 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0041] The imaging unit 41 and the side light 42 are set to have a positional relationship such that, for example, the light of the side light 42 enters the inside through the exposed portion 27b of the test tube 25, and the incident light is reflected by the inner wall of the test tube 25, so that it does not pass through the printed portion 27a of the label 27 but enters the imaging unit 41. As an example, the side light 42 is arranged in a range where the central angle with respect to the imaging direction is greater than or equal to 45 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees with respect to the central position of the test tube 25 as a reference. Preferably, the side light 42 is arranged in a range where the central angle with respect to the imaging direction, which is the central position of the test tube 25, is greater than or equal to 60 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees. By setting such a positional relationship, the light irradiated from the side light 42 enters the test tube 25 through the exposed portion 27b, and the light is reflected and detoured by the back surface of the label 27 attached to the peripheral surface of the test tube 25 as a reflector, thereby detecting the light that has not passed through the printed portion 27a on the surface of the label 27 and performing imaging.

[0042] In addition to the above-mentioned image acquisition unit 14, the inspection obstacle cause detection unit 15 is constructed to include: a storage unit 16 (storage unit), which stores various data including image information; a data processing unit 17 (information processing unit), which performs data processing such as calculations and judgments including image processing based on various data; and a control unit 18 (control unit), which controls the operation of each part.

[0043] Below, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The process of the sample information detection method involved in this embodiment is explained. Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing a part of the sample information detection device. Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing the processing sequence of the specimen processing method. Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship in the imaging process.

[0044] As step ST1, the control unit 18 holds the test tube 25 flowing through the conveying path 20a by the transfer device 19 at the pickup point P0, and sets the test tube 25 at the imaging point P1 in the chamber 45. As a pre-processing of the placement process, the control unit 18 first performs a reading process of the identification information of the label 27 by the barcode reader 31, a detection of the edge position by the label sensor 32, and a rotation process of the test tube 25 by the rotating device 33. For example, when reading by the barcode reader 31, the control unit 18 detects the position of the edge 27d of the label 27 of the test tube 25 on the conveying path 20a by the label sensor 32, and adjusts the rotation amount of the rotating device 33 based on the position information of the detected edge 27d, thereby adjusting the orientation of the test tube 25.

[0045] At this time, in the subsequent photographing process, the test tube 25 is placed in such an orientation that the light of the side light 42 can enter the inside of the test tube 25 from the exposed portion 27b, and the incident light is reflected on the inner wall of the test tube 25 without passing through the printed portion 27a of the label 27, and enters the photographing portion 41. As an example, the control unit 18 places the test tube 25 in such an orientation that the exposed portion 27b faces the camera and the printed portion 27a of the label 27 faces the back side of the photographing direction. Then, the test tube 25 is transferred by the transfer device 19, so that the exposed portion 27b is arranged in an orientation opposite to the camera at the photographing position of the chamber 45. In addition, the cover is opened and closed at a predetermined timing when the test tube 25 is taken out or loaded into the chamber 45, and the cover is closed during photographing to block the intrusion of external light.

[0046] As step ST2, the control unit 18 controls the image acquisition unit 14 to perform side-light photography. In side-light photography, the sidelights 42 are used to illuminate the test tube 25 from both sides of the imaging surface, that is, in the X direction in this embodiment, and the test tube 25 in an upright state is photographed from the front side in the Y direction to acquire image information.

[0047] The control unit 18 stores the image acquired in step ST2 in the storage unit 16 as a first image.

[0048] In the side-light photography, light is irradiated from the side by the sidelight 42 at a preset light intensity, and light transmitted through the specimen 25a and the test tube 25 is received to perform photography. Figure 7 As shown, the light irradiated by the side light 42 enters the test tube 25 from the exposed portion 27b and is reflected at the transparent peripheral wall surface on the back side of the label 27. That is, the back side of the label 27, that is, the inner curved surface on which the adhesive layer is formed without printing, acts as a reflector, and the light reflected from the back side of the label 27 is transmitted through the serum. Then, the imaging unit 41 detects the light transmitted from the serum and acquires an image.

[0049] Regarding the images acquired by this side-light shooting process, for example Figure 7 As shown, when the light for illumination is transmitted, the influence of the printing portion 27a on the image is weakened because the printing portion 27a does not exist. Figure 8 4 shows a first image Im1 obtained by sidelighting based on a pair of sidelights 42, and a backlight image Im2 obtained by backlighting from the back side as a comparative example. Figure 8As shown, in backlight shooting, the lighting direction and the shooting direction are the same, so the content printed on the label is reflected in the image, but in sidelight shooting, the lighting direction and the shooting direction are different, thereby suppressing the reflection of the content printed on the label, and forming an image in which only foreign matter emerges. Therefore, compared with backlight shooting, various measurement items can be detected with high accuracy.

[0050] Next, the control unit 18 performs boundary position detection processing by image processing based on the first image information to determine the determination target area AR (step ST3). Fig. 9 As shown, the line B1 indicating the sample liquid surface 25g, the line B3 indicating the first boundary surface 25e, the line B2 indicating the second boundary surface 25f, and the pair of lines B4 indicating the edge of the test tube 25 are detected, and the coordinates as the position information of each line are detected. Then, the control unit 18 determines the determination target area AR based on the various position information obtained.

[0051] That is, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown in the figure, the area surrounded by the line B1 of the sample liquid surface 25g, the line B2 of the second boundary surface 25f, and the line B4 of the edge of the test tube 25 is set as the emulsion and hemolysis inspection area AR1. In addition, the second determination target area AR2 surrounded by the line B1 of the sample liquid surface 25g, the line B3 of the second boundary surface 25f, and the pair of edge lines B4 is set as the target area for determining whether a foreign matter is contained.

[0052] Next, by image processing, it is determined whether or not substances (foreign matter) other than normal serum, such as fibrin and bad blood, are contained based on the contrast with the surroundings of the determination target area AR2 (step ST4).

[0053] "Fibrin" refers to a product that is finally formed when blood coagulates, and the protein fibers (fibrinogen) coagulate in the shape of seaweed. In a blood test, red blood cells + fibrin are precipitated by centrifugation to obtain serum as the supernatant. However, when centrifugation is performed in a state where coagulation is delayed compared to usual, fibrin precipitation is not complete, and sometimes continues to precipitate even after serum separation. In this case, an agar-like semisolid substance will be produced in the serum, which becomes an obstacle to automatic dispensing. There are various shapes of substances that can be confirmed by the naked eye and substances that cannot be confirmed in fibrin. Fibrin is a translucent substance that floats in the serum. In the presence of fibrin, a difference in thickness appears in the serum of the object area.

[0054] "Bad blood clots" refer to a state in which a separation agent layer is not formed between the serum (serum, plasma) layer and the blood clot (blood clot, blood cell) layer due to insufficient movement of the separation agent after centrifugation, and the separation is not complete. In this case, similar to fibrin precipitation, it becomes an obstacle to automatic dispensing.

[0055] In the above-mentioned state of containing foreign matter, a contrast with the surroundings is generated. Therefore, in step ST4, as a foreign matter containing state determination process, based on the first image information, the contrast of the determination target area AR2 is detected by image analysis, and based on the contrast, it is determined that the state contains foreign matter when the contrast is greater than or equal to a specified value.

[0056] Then, in step ST5, the data processing unit 17 performs hemolysis determination based on the first image by image analysis. "Hemolysis" refers to a phenomenon in which hemoglobin in red blood cells is dissolved out of the cells due to the destruction of red blood cells. At this time, other components in the red blood cells are also dissolved, thus affecting the test value, etc. In this embodiment, the hemolysis state is determined by utilizing the characteristic that the serum turns red due to hemolysis.

[0057] As a hemolysis determination, the color information of the determination target area AR1 is detected by the data processing unit 17. As the color information, the hue value (H) is measured by the HSV method, for example. Then, the data processing unit 17 determines whether the state is hemolyzed based on the detected color information.

[0058] Then, as step ST6, the data processing unit 17 determines whether the sample is in a milky state. "Milky" refers to a substance that is a white turbid state due to the breakdown of fat or a substance that is a white turbid state due to the absorption of fat. Sometimes, some blood test items cannot be accurately measured due to the milky state.

[0059] In the milky state, the serum layer becomes turbid and the density of the serum layer is darker than normal. Therefore, as a state determination process including inspection obstacle, based on the first image, the density value (density information) of the determination target area AR1 is measured by image analysis, and when the density value is greater than or equal to a specified value, it is determined to be in the milky state.

[0060] Then, the data processing unit 17 performs a comprehensive final judgment based on the judgment results of various inspection obstacle factors judged in steps ST4 to ST6 (step ST7). As the comprehensive final judgment, for example, based on the results of the foreign matter determination, the hemolysis determination, and the milky determination, if the level of each item is greater than or equal to a certain level, it is determined that the inspection is impossible, if it does not reach the certain level, it is determined that the inspection is possible, or if it is within a predetermined range, it is determined that the inspection is possible but the inspection result needs to be corrected.

[0061] According to the sample information detection device 10 according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0062] The optical axis of the photographing and the optical axis of the illumination are made different, so that the influence of the printing part 27a of the label 27 can be reduced, and the judgment can be made with high accuracy. That is, the side lights 42 are arranged on both sides of the test tube 25 for illumination, that is, the optical axis of the photographing and the optical axis of the illumination are set in different directions, so that the light can be incident on the test tube 25 from the exposed part 27b and reflected at the back of the label 27, and can be incident on the photographing part 41 without passing through the printing part 27a. For example, in the case of a backlit image, the optical axis of the photographing and the optical axis of the illumination pass through the printing part, so the influence of the reflection of the printing part increases. According to the above embodiment, light is irradiated from the side, so that the light can be bypassed into the test tube 25 from the exposed part 27b without passing through the printing part 27a, and the image can be taken with the influence of the printing of the label 27 reduced. Therefore, by processing and analyzing the side-light image, the detection accuracy of the cause of the inspection failure of the clinical examination of the blood specimen can be improved. Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, a common image is commonly used for a plurality of determinations, so that determinations of a plurality of inspection failure factors can be processed at high speed and with high accuracy.

[0063] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the position of the tag 27 is detected by using the tag sensor 32 that detects the position of the edge of the tag 27 and the tag 27 is placed in the orientation for imaging, thereby further improving processing efficiency.

[0064] [Second embodiment]

[0065] Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, refer to Fig.10 An analysis device 1 as a sample processing device including a sample information detection device 10 will be described. Fig.10 1 is a plan view schematically showing an analysis device 1 having a sample information detection device 10. The analysis device is configured by arranging a plurality of devices that are independently configured so that their respective transport paths are continuous.

[0066] The analysis device 1 is configured such that an input device 63, a sample information detection device 10, a classification device (classification unit) 64, an output device 65, a dispensing device (dispensing unit) 66, and an analysis device 61 are arranged in a processing order from the upstream side to the downstream side of a predetermined conveying path. A conveyor-type conveying unit for conveying the test tube 25 to each device is provided, and the conveying paths of the plurality of conveying units are arranged continuously.

[0067] The input device 63 includes a transport unit for transporting the tray 24 along a transport path and a transfer mechanism such as a robot arm, and transfers, for example, the test tube 25 provided on the rack mounting unit 68 at the side to the transport path.

[0068] The specimen information detection device 10 is configured similarly to the first embodiment. In the specimen information detection device 10, the processing steps of step ST1 to step ST7 are performed similarly to the first embodiment, and various inspection trouble factor detection processes are performed based on the image information captured from the side of the test tube 25 and by image processing.

[0069] The sorting device 64 includes a conveying unit that conveys the tray 24 and a door unit 71 as a guide unit that guides the conveying direction of the tray 24 based on the result of the inspection obstacle factor detection under the control of the control unit 18 .

[0070] A branching portion is provided in the middle of the conveying path, and a branching path that branches from the conveying path to form a different path can be provided. The gate portion 71 performs the following switching operation, that is, the test tube 25 determined to be untestable is allocated to the branching path according to the control of the control portion 18. For example, the test tube 25 that contains the specimen 25a that is determined to be untestable due to the presence of an inspection obstacle is guided to the branching path, and the normal test tube 25 is guided in a manner of being conveyed to the dispensing and dispensing device 66 on the downstream side along the conveying path. The downstream side of the branching path is continuous with the output device 65 for the specimen in the milky or hemolyzed state that performs a different process from that of the normal specimen. On the other hand, the normal specimen that is neither in the milky state nor in the hemolyzed state is guided to the dispensing and dispensing device 66 on the downstream side along the conveying path.

[0071] The output device 65 outputs, for example, a test tube 25 containing a specimen 25a that is determined to be untestable due to a test failure factor, and excludes the test tube 25 from the objects of aliquoting and dispensing.

[0072] The dispensing and dispensing device 66 includes: a conveying section that conveys the bracket 24 along the conveying path 20a; and a dispensing and dispensing chip that can be raised and lowered and is arranged to face the opening of the test tube 25. When the test tube 25 containing the specimen is arranged at a predetermined position on the conveying path and stops, a predetermined amount of serum is dispensed from the test tube 25 containing the specimen by the dispensing and dispensing chip and dispensed into a sample cup that is separately conveyed. The sample cup with the serum dispensed is input to the analysis device 61 on the downstream side for analysis.

[0073] Below, refer to Fig.11 The processing procedure of the analysis device 1 will be described. Fig.111 shows the processing flow of the analysis device 1. First, the input device 63 provided on the upstream side performs the following input processing, that is, the test tube 25 containing the specimen stored in the test tube rack of the rack mounting portion 68 is grasped and transferred to the conveying path (step ST31). The rack 24 is on standby on the conveying path, and the test tube 25 is placed on the rack 24. The transferred test tube 25 is conveyed to the specimen information detection device 10 on the downstream side along the conveying path while being held on the rack 24.

[0074] In the specimen information detection device 10, the processing of steps ST1 to ST7 is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The test tube 25 for which the failure factor detection processing has been completed is held in an upright state by the rack 24 and conveyed to the classification device 64 on the downstream side.

[0075] Next, in the classification device 64 provided on the downstream side of the specimen information detection device 10, the gate 71 is switched according to the comprehensive judgment result of step ST7 by the control of the control unit 18, and the process of distributing the test tubes 25 is completed (step ST33). For example, the test tube 25 containing the specimen 25a judged as untestable is guided to the branch path by switching the gate 71, and is guided to the output device 65 on the downstream side. On the other hand, a normal specimen that is neither in the milky state nor in the hemolyzed state is guided to the collection and injection device 66 on the downstream side along the conveying path.

[0076] In the output device 65 on the downstream side of the branch path, the test tube 25 containing the specimen 25a determined to be untestable due to the presence of an inspection failure is output and excluded from the objects of aliquoting and dispensing (step ST34).

[0077] The following aliquoting and dispensing process is performed in the aliquoting and dispensing device 66, that is, a predetermined amount of serum is aliquoted from the test tube 25 containing a normal specimen by the aliquoting and dispensing chip and dispensed into a sample cup that is separately transported (step ST35). The sample cup dispensed with serum is output from the output device on the downstream side and input to the analysis device 61 through the connection path on the downstream side. Then, the analysis process for checking various reactions is performed in the analysis device 61 (step ST36).

[0078] According to the analysis device 1 involved in this embodiment, the inspection trouble factor is detected in advance as a pre-inspection process, thereby changing the dilution ratio of the reagent, the inspection condition, or excluding it from the inspection object according to the inspection trouble factor before the analysis process, thereby preventing waste of inspection process and waste of reagent. In addition, by performing image analysis using images common to multiple inspection trouble factors, it is possible to perform detection at high speed and high precision. In addition, according to the above-mentioned embodiment, the common image is used for multiple determinations, so the determination of multiple inspection trouble factors can be processed at high speed and high precision.

[0079] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and the structural elements may be deformed and embodied without departing from the scope of the main purpose in the implementation stage. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the specimen is processed for each test tube 25 is shown as an example, but multiple test tubes 25 can also be processed at the same time.

[0080] In the above embodiment, in addition to milky matter and hemolysis, examples are given of the detection of multiple inspection obstacle factors including bad blood clots, fibrin and other foreign matter-containing states, wherein any one of them may be omitted, or other items may be added. For example, as an inspection obstacle factor, the jaundice state may also be detected. "Jaundice" refers to the state in which the bilirubin in the blood increases and the bilirubin causes yellow precipitation in tissues such as the skin and mucous membranes. In the case of serum, there is a tendency for the yellow component to become concentrated due to the increase in bilirubin, so the jaundice state can be detected, for example, by RGB method.

[0081] In addition, the method of detecting the milky state, hemolysis, foreign matter-containing state, etc. by analyzing the first image is not limited to the above method, and various image analyses can be applied. For example, in the hemolysis determination, an example of determining hemolysis based on the hue value (H) as color information is shown, but it is not limited to this. For example, the color component of the red (R) of the determination target area can be extracted in RGB format by image processing, and based on the value of the red component, for example, when the R component is greater than or equal to a specified value, it is determined to be a hemolysis state.

[0082] For example, an example of determining the emulsion based on the shading value is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the emulsion state can be determined based on the transmittance of light. For example, as a specific example of an index of the transmittance, the value of V (brightness) of the color tone circle of the HSV method can be used, or the value of the shutter speed that can adjust the shutter speed of the camera of the imaging unit 41 and obtain a predetermined brightness can be set as an index of the transmittance.

[0083] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the test tube 25 with the exposed portion 27b formed in advance in the predetermined area is used as the object, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, a label peeling device that peels off the label 27 of the test tube 25 before acquiring the image may be provided on the upstream side of the conveying path, or provided as another device, so that as a pre-processing for shooting, the predetermined area required for shooting is peeled off when the exposed portion 27b is not formed at the predetermined position.

[0084] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the label sensor 32 and the rotating device 33 are arranged on the upstream side of the transfer device 19, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, an example is shown in which the orientation of the label is adjusted before transfer, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the label sensor 32 for detecting the position of the edge of the label 27 and the rotating device 33 for rotating the test tube 25 may be provided in the chamber 45 as part of the image acquisition unit 14. In this case, after the label 27 is transferred to the chamber 45 by the transfer device 19, the rotating device 33 and the label sensor 32 may be used to detect the position of the label 27 and adjust the orientation of the test tube 25.

[0085] In addition, each component illustrated in the above embodiment may be deleted, and the shape, structure, material, etc. of each component may be changed. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiment.

[0086] Description of the label

[0087] A... conveying path, AR1, AR2... determination target area, 1... analyzing device (specimen processing device), 10... specimen information detection device, 11... device body, 12... conveying unit, 14... image acquisition unit, 15... inspection failure factor detection unit, 16... storage unit, 17... data processing unit, 18... control unit, 20a... conveying path, 20... conveying unit, 24... bracket, 25... test tube, 25a... specimen, 25b... blood clot layer, 25c... separation agent layer, 25d... serum layer, 2 5e…the first boundary surface, 25f…the second boundary surface, 25g…the sample liquid surface, 27…the label, 27a…the printing part (printing part), 27b…the exposure part, 30…the reading unit, 31…the barcode reader, 32…the label sensor, 33…the rotating device, 34…the position sensor, 41…the photographing part, 42…the side light, 45…the chamber, 61…the analyzing device, 62…the label peeling device, 63…the input device, 64…the classification device, 65…the output device, 66…the dispensing and injection device.

Claims

1. A specimen information detection device, wherein: The specimen information detection device comprises: The image acquisition unit includes: a photographing device for photographing a specimen container containing a specimen; and a side light for irradiating light to the specimen container from a direction different from a photographing direction during the photographing; an information processing unit that detects a milky state, a hemolytic state, or a foreign matter-containing state in the specimen container through image processing based on image information of the specimen container acquired by photographing the specimen container; a label sensor for detecting the orientation of the specimen container by detecting the position of an edge of a label having a printed portion of the specimen container; a position adjustment device for adjusting the orientation of the label attached to the outer peripheral surface of the specimen container before the photographing so that the printed portion of the label faces the back side of the photographing direction; and a chamber for accommodating the specimen container and blocking external light during the photographing; The specimen container has the label and an exposed portion at least partially on the periphery to which the label is not attached. The sidelight is composed of a pair of LEDs arranged on both sides of the specimen container at the photographing position. The image acquisition unit performs side-light photography in the chamber while irradiating light from both sides in a direction different from the shooting direction using the pair of LEDs, so that the light irradiated from the pair of LEDs enters the specimen container and is reflected at the back of the label, so that the light transmitted from the specimen does not pass through the printing unit but is received by the photography device. The illumination light from the side light has a center angle greater than or equal to 60 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees with respect to the imaging direction, based on the center position of the specimen container.

2. The specimen information detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The specimen information detection device comprises: a transport path that transports the specimen containers in sequence; and A control unit detects a label in the label sensor for a specimen container in an upright state in the conveying path, transfers the specimen container into the chamber through a transfer device after the position adjustment device adjusts the orientation of the specimen container, and performs the side light photography in the chamber.

3. The specimen information detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The printing section does not exist in the area through which the light for illumination is transmitted during photographing.

4. The specimen information detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The information processing unit detects the density information of the image of the target area through image processing based on the image information of the specimen container obtained by photographing the specimen container before the inspection process of the specimen, and detects the emulsion state of the specimen based on the density information. Color information of the sample is detected by image processing based on the image information, and the hemolysis state of the sample is detected based on the color information.

5. The specimen information detection device according to claim 2, wherein: The information processing unit detects the density information of the image of the target area through image processing based on the image information of the specimen container obtained by photographing the specimen container before the inspection process of the specimen, and detects the emulsion state of the specimen based on the density information. Color information of the sample is detected by image processing based on the image information, and the hemolysis state of the sample is detected based on the color information.

6. The sample information detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Based on the image information, the contrast of the target area is detected by image processing, and the foreign matter-containing state of the specimen is detected based on the contrast.

7. A method for detecting sample information, wherein: The sample information detection method has the following steps: The orientation of the specimen container is detected by detecting the position of an edge of a label of the specimen container, wherein the specimen container contains the specimen and has the label and an exposed portion at least partially on the periphery to which the label is not attached, and the label has a printing portion; By adjusting the orientation of the label attached to the outer peripheral surface of the specimen container, the printing portion of the label faces the back side of the shooting direction; After the label is detected and the direction is adjusted, the specimen container is placed in a chamber that blocks external light, and a photographing device is used to photograph the specimen container while irradiating light from both sides in a direction different from the photographing direction of the specimen container using a pair of LEDs, thereby performing side-light photography; and Based on the image information of the specimen container obtained by photographing the specimen container, the emulsion state, the hemolysis state, or the foreign matter state in the specimen container is detected by image processing, In the side-light photography, a pair of LEDs arranged on both sides of the specimen container irradiate light toward the specimen container from a light irradiation direction having a central angle greater than or equal to 60 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees with respect to the photography direction and being directions on both sides intersecting with the image detection axis during the photography, so that the light enters the specimen container and is reflected at the back side of the label, so that the light transmitted from the specimen does not pass through the printing portion but enters the photography device.

8. The sample information detection method according to claim 7, wherein: The method comprises the steps of irradiating the sample container with light from both sides of a light irradiation direction intersecting with a photographing direction, the photographing direction being an image detection axis during photographing and a direction in which the sample containers are arranged, Prior to the imaging, the orientation of the label affixed to the outer peripheral surface of the specimen container is adjusted.

9. The sample information detection method according to claim 7, wherein: Based on image information of the specimen container acquired by photographing the specimen container before the specimen inspection process, the density information of the image of the target area is detected by image processing, and the emulsion state of the specimen is detected based on the density information. Color information of the sample is detected by image processing based on the image information, and the hemolysis state of the sample is detected based on the color information.

10. The sample information detection method according to claim 7, wherein: Based on the image information, the contrast of the target area is detected by image processing, and the foreign matter-containing state of the specimen is detected based on the contrast.

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