A urine analyzer and a test tube in-place detection method thereof

Abstract

The urine analyzer and the test tube in-place detection method thereof provided by the application make the target test tube position of the test tube rack be in the sample suction position by moving the test tube rack. The test tube rack is provided with at least two test tube positions for loading test tubes, and the upper part of each test tube position is provided with a mark for identifying the position number of the corresponding test tube position. The mark of the target test tube position is collected to obtain the position number of the target test tube position; then it is judged whether the position number of the target test tube position is correct, and if yes, the urine sample on the target test tube position is sucked for testing. The position of the test tube position is determined by collecting the mark, the unexpected movement of the test tube rack can be detected, the mark is arranged at the upper part of the test tube position, and is collected in a non-contact manner, the safety of the reading device is improved, and it can be seen that the above scheme reduces the failure rate of the urine analyzer and improves the efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical devices, specifically to a urine analyzer and a method for detecting the placement of test tubes. Background Technology

[0002] Urine analyzers are used to automatically detect formed elements and / or chemical properties in urine. Fully automated urine analyzers require placing a test tube containing a urine sample into the instrument's dedicated tube rack; the instrument then automatically completes the sample injection, aspiration, and analysis.

[0003] During automated sample loading, the test tube rack passes through the sampling positions sequentially, moving one test tube position at a time for each test until all samples have been tested. If a malfunction causes the test tube rack to not move the predetermined distance, such as jamming or insufficient movement steps, it can result in needle puncture or incorrect sample results. To ensure proper testing, the test tube rack's operational status needs to be monitored in real time.

[0004] Current technology uses contact sensors to detect test tubes; each time a test tube moves, the sensor signal changes. This method can detect the movement of the test tube rack, but it cannot determine the absolute position of the rack. If the rack moves unexpectedly during the detection interval, it cannot be detected in real time, causing the urine analyzer to malfunction and resulting in low efficiency. Because the sampling needle is located at the top of the test tube, and the sidewalls of the test tube are covered by the rack, the contact sensor can usually only be placed at the bottom of the rack. Furthermore, in current urine sample testing, the test tubes containing the urine sample are open and without caps. In case of malfunction or improper operation, the urine sample may spill onto the sampler stage, contaminating the sensor located at the bottom of the rack, causing sensor failure, and preventing the sample analyzer from functioning properly, resulting in low efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention mainly provides a urine analyzer and a method for detecting the placement of test tubes, so as to improve the working efficiency of the urine analyzer.

[0006] One embodiment provides a test tube placement detection method for a urine analyzer, comprising the following steps:

[0007] Move the test tube rack so that the target test tube position is in the sample aspiration position; the test tube rack is provided with at least two test tube positions for loading test tubes, and each test tube position is marked on the upper part, the mark being used to identify the position number of the corresponding test tube position; the test tube is used to load urine samples;

[0008] The location of the target test tube is obtained by non-contact acquisition of the marker of the target test tube location;

[0009] Determine whether the location number of the target test tube is correct. If so, collect the urine sample from the test tube at the target test tube location for testing.

[0010] In one embodiment of the method, if the position number of the target test tube is incorrect, a fault alarm message is output.

[0011] The method provided in one embodiment further includes the step of:

[0012] Determine whether the target test tube position is the last test tube position on the test tube rack. If so, end the test for that test tube rack; otherwise, move the test tube rack so that the next test tube position is in the sampling position.

[0013] One embodiment of the method provides that the mark includes an coded mark, the coded mark includes at least two coded patterns, and the light and dark states of all coded patterns correspond to the binary code of the position number.

[0014] One embodiment of the method provides that the step of acquiring the mark of the target test tube location in a non-contact manner to obtain the location number of the target test tube location includes:

[0015] The photoelectric sensor emits detection light to each coded pattern of the target test tube position and receives the reflected light to obtain the brightness state of each coded pattern. The brightness state of each coded pattern is then binary-decoded to obtain the position number of the target test tube position.

[0016] One embodiment of the method provides that the step of acquiring the mark of the target test tube location in a non-contact manner to obtain the location number of the target test tube location includes:

[0017] The marking includes a QR code or barcode; scanning the marking of the target test tube location yields the location number of the target test tube location; or,

[0018] The marking includes character markings; an image of the markings on the target test tube position is captured, and image recognition is performed on the image to obtain the position number of the target test tube position.

[0019] The method provided in one embodiment further includes:

[0020] If the target test tube position cannot be marked, a fault alarm message will be output.

[0021] In one embodiment of the method, the test tube position is used to load test tubes; the mark is acquired by a reading device; the width of the acquisition range of the reading device and the width of the mark are such that when the positional deviation of the test tube position exceeds a preset deviation, the mark is not within the acquisition range.

[0022] One embodiment provides a urine analyzer, comprising:

[0023] A sample introduction device is used to move the test tube rack so that the target test tube position of the test tube rack is in the sample aspiration position; the test tube rack is provided with at least two test tube positions for loading test tubes, and each test tube position is marked on the upper part, the mark being used to identify the position number of the corresponding test tube position; the test tube is used to load urine samples.

[0024] A reading device is used to acquire the mark of the target test tube position in a non-contact manner to obtain the position number of the target test tube position;

[0025] The sampling mechanism is used to draw urine samples from the test tube in the sampling position and output them to the testing device;

[0026] A testing device for testing the urine sample;

[0027] The processor is used to determine whether the position number of the target test tube is correct. If so, it controls the sampling mechanism to perform sampling and the testing device to perform testing.

[0028] One embodiment provides a urine analyzer, comprising:

[0029] Memory, used to store programs;

[0030] A processor for executing the program stored in the memory to implement the method described above.

[0031] One embodiment provides a computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that it includes a program that can be executed by a processor to implement the method described above.

[0032] According to the urine analyzer and its test tube positioning detection method described in the above embodiment, the target test tube position on the test tube rack is positioned for sample aspiration by moving the test tube rack. The test tube rack has at least two test tube positions for loading test tubes, and each test tube position has a mark on its upper part to identify the corresponding test tube position's location number. The mark of the target test tube position is collected in a non-contact manner to obtain the target test tube position's location number; then, it is determined whether the target test tube position's location number is correct. If correct, a urine sample is aspirated from the target test tube position for testing. By detecting the mark of the test tube position to determine its position, unexpected movement of the test tube rack can be detected. Furthermore, the mark is located on the upper part of the test tube position, and the collection is done in a non-contact manner, improving the safety of the reading device. Therefore, the above solution reduces the failure rate of the urine analyzer and improves efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure of an embodiment of the urine analyzer provided by the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2A front view of one embodiment of the test tube rack in the urine analyzer provided by the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 A flowchart of one embodiment of the test tube positioning detection method provided by the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 A left view of one embodiment of the test tube rack in the urine analyzer provided by the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the marking and collection range. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by associated similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to this application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of this application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0039] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0040] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0041] To address the shortcomings mentioned in the background art, this invention adds a mark to the upper part of each test tube position on the test tube rack and uses a reading device configured on the instrument to read the mark in real time. This allows for the real-time acquisition of the absolute position of the test tube rack, achieving accurate positioning of the test tubes. Several embodiments are described in detail below.

[0042] like Figure 1As shown, the urine analyzer provided by the present invention is used to analyze collected urine samples, and includes: a human-computer interaction device (not shown in the figure), a memory (not shown in the figure), a scanning device 10, a sample injection device 20, a processor 30, a reading device 40, a testing device 50, and a sampling mechanism 60.

[0043] The human-computer interaction device serves as the interface between the urine analyzer and the user, receiving user input and outputting information via sound, light, or electricity. For example, a touchscreen can be used to both receive user input and display visual information; alternatively, a mouse, keyboard, trackball, or joystick can be used as the input device to receive user input, while a display screen serves as the display device to show visual information. The display screen visually presents the analysis results and / or prompts from the processor 30, or information such as the testing progress, to the user.

[0044] Scanning device 10 is used to scan the test tube rack A (see) that has entered the urine analyzer. Figure 2 The system scans the test tubes held in the test tube racks to obtain the scan results. Each test tube rack has an identification tag. The scan results include the identification tag of the test tube rack, such as the test tube rack number. The test tube racks are equipped with QR codes, barcodes, or RFID tags, etc., which can be identified by scanning the test tube racks. The test tube racks are used to hold test tubes, and the test tubes are used to hold urine samples.

[0045] The sample introduction device 20 is used to move the test tube rack A so that the target test tube position of the test tube rack A is at the sample aspiration position 551. Typically, the target test tube position is the position of the test tube where the sample aspiration test will be performed. Figure 2 As shown, test tube rack A has at least two test tube positions for loading test tubes. Figure 2 The image shows 10 test tube positions (1-10). Figure 2 This is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the number of test tube positions; two or more test tube positions are sufficient. Each test tube position is marked with a label B at its top, for example, on the side or top of the test tube position. In this embodiment, as shown... Figure 2 As shown, marker B is placed on the side above the test tube position. Marker B is used to identify the position number of the corresponding test tube position. For example, Figure 2 The 10 test tube positions are marked with B, representing numbers 1-10 respectively. Marker B is located on the upper part of test tube rack A, so that urine will not contaminate the reading device 40 in case of malfunction or improper operation.

[0046] The reading device 40 is used to collect the mark of the target test tube position to obtain the position number of the target test tube position. The mark and the position number correspond one-to-one. The reading device 40 can be set on the side or top of the sampling position 551 to collect the mark of the target test tube position at the sampling position 551.

[0047] After the target test tube position of the test tube rack A is moved to the sampling position 551, the sampling mechanism 60 draws the urine sample to be tested from the test tube at the target test tube position and outputs it to the testing device 50. That is, the sampling mechanism 60 draws the urine sample from the test tube at the sampling position. The sampling mechanism 60 can use a dispensing needle (sampling needle) to dispense the sample.

[0048] The testing device 50 is used to test (detect) urine and output test results, for example, by outputting the test results to the processor 30 or storing them in a memory. Depending on the detection method, a urine analyzer can be a urine sediment analyzer or a dry chemical urine analyzer; some urine analyzers can perform both urine sediment analysis and dry chemical analysis. Taking a urine sediment analyzer as an example... Figure 1 As shown, the testing device 50 is a microscope, which includes a light source device 540, a counting cell 520, an image acquisition device 530, and an objective lens 510. The counting cell 520 can be set on a sample stage or a stage, and can be moved along a first direction, a second direction, or a third direction under the drive of a driving mechanism to adjust the position of the counting cell 520, so as to form different imaging positions on the counting cell 520. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other and lie in the same plane, and the third direction can be perpendicular to the plane containing the first direction and the second direction.

[0049] The microscope may also include different types of objective lenses 510 (such as high-power and low-power lenses), which are used to magnify the urine sample placed in the counting chamber 520. The image acquisition device 530 takes pictures of the urine sample in the counting chamber 520 through the objective lens 510. When taking pictures of the urine sample in the counting chamber 520, the processor 30 can control the light source device 540 to emit light to illuminate the urine sample in the counting chamber 520, and the processor 30 can control the drive mechanism to move the counting chamber 520 to a preset shooting position.

[0050] After the image acquisition device 530 takes pictures of the urine sample in the counting chamber 520 through the objective lens 510, it can generate a preset number of images. Each image may include urine and one or more formed elements in the urine. The formed elements may include, but are not limited to, red blood cells, white blood cells, bacteria, yeast, crystals, casts, and epithelial cells. An image may also not contain any formed elements. Since the counting chamber 520 has a certain size and the field of view of the microscope objective lens 510 is limited, it may not be possible to cover the entire urine sample or the space or shooting area of ​​the counting chamber 520 in one go. Therefore, to obtain an image that covers the entire urine sample or the counting chamber 520, the processor 30 can take multiple pictures of different shooting positions in the counting chamber 520 through the microscope to obtain multiple images. The processor 30 can control the counting chamber 520 to move in a third direction so that the counting chamber 520 matches the type of objective lens 510 used.

[0051] The processor 30 performs shaped element recognition on the captured image. For example, by acquiring particle image features such as boundaries, curvature, brightness, texture, and color, the processor identifies, classifies, and counts the shaped elements to obtain analysis results.

[0052] Of course, some urine sediment analyzers can also use flow cytometry to analyze the formed elements in urine. For example, the testing device 50 can use various reagents to stain the corresponding formed elements. Then, the formed elements pass through the detection channel rapidly in sequence under the influence of sheath fluid. A light source illuminates the detection channel, and a receiving device captures the intensity of scattered light at different angles and converts it into electrical signals. The processor 30 integrates these electrical signals to obtain a scatter plot of urine formed elements, thereby obtaining the analysis results for various formed elements.

[0053] For a dry chemistry urine analyzer, its testing device 50 may include a reagent strip selection device, a reagent strip transport device, a light source device, and a receiving device. The reagent strip selection device selects reagent strips according to testing needs. The reagent strip transport device transports the selected reagent strips to a preset position. The sampling mechanism 60 outputs the urine sample onto the test strip at the preset position. The reagent on the test strip reacts with the biochemical components in the urine, causing a color change in the test strip. The light source device illuminates the test strip, and the test strip scatters or transmits the light emitted by the light source device, which is received by the receiving device. The receiving device performs photoelectric conversion on the received scattered or transmitted light, converting it into a corresponding electrical signal and outputting it to the processor 30. The reagent strip transport device then transports the reagent strip to the reagent strip recovery device. The processor 30 processes the electrical signal, calculates the reflectance, and determines the content of biochemical components in the urine based on the reflectance.

[0054] The testing devices 50 of the urine sediment analyzer and the dry chemical urine analyzer can also be integrated into one analyzer to obtain a urine analyzer that can perform both urine sediment analysis and dry chemical analysis. The specific testing device is as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0055] Since the improvement of this invention lies in the detection of the test tube's position, the above-described testing device 50 is merely an example, and it can also adopt other structures or testing methods, which are not limited here.

[0056] The processor 30 determines whether the position number of the target test tube is correct. If so, it controls the sampling mechanism 60 to perform sampling and the testing device 50 to perform testing. Therefore, the urine analyzer provided by this invention can detect which test tube is in the sampling position, and only begins sampling and testing after the test tube is correctly positioned, avoiding errors and improving the working efficiency of the urine analyzer. The processor 30 can be connected to a human-machine interface device (not shown in the figure), a memory (not shown in the figure), a scanning device 10, a sample introduction device 20, a reading device 40, a testing device 50, and a sampling mechanism 60 via a connection 70. By controlling these devices and mechanisms, the functions of the urine analyzer are realized.

[0057] The memory is used to store various test results, analysis results, and / or programs.

[0058] In embodiments of the present invention, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 3 The process of performing the placement test on the test tube is described in detail below:

[0059] Step 1: The test tube currently being tested is located at the target test tube position. The sample injection device 20 moves the test tube rack A so that the target test tube position is at the sampling position. That is, the sample injection device 20 moves the target test tube position to the sampling position. The sampling position can be the position where the sampling needle draws the urine sample.

[0060] Step 2: The reading device 40 acquires the marker B of the target test tube position to obtain the location number of the target test tube position. For example, if the target test tube position is the test tube position with location number 1, then the reading device 40 will acquire its location number 1 after acquiring its marker B. In existing sample analyzers, blood analyzers handle small blood sample volumes, are difficult to collect, and are easily contaminated. Therefore, they use capped test tubes to hold blood samples, which, although costly, avoids the spillage problem associated with urine analyzers (which are usually uncapped). In existing urine analyzers, test tubes on the rack are usually capless. The tubes may or may not have patient-identified barcodes, and these barcodes are often affixed by the patient, resulting in irregular affixing and making identification difficult. Therefore, it's impossible to determine the tube's position by identifying the barcode. Current technology uses contact sensors to detect whether the tube has moved to the sampling position. Each time the tube moves, the contact sensor signal changes. This method can detect rack movement but cannot pinpoint the specific tube. For example, if a tube is misaligned, this method cannot detect it, leading to incorrect test results. Furthermore, the tube opening requires sampling, and the rack needs space on both sides, necessitating the placement of the contact sensor at the bottom, increasing the risk of urine contamination. In this embodiment, the reading device 40 acquires the marker B of the target tube position in a non-contact manner. This non-contact method eliminates the need to touch the tube, preventing the reading device 40 from affecting or being affected by the tube, thus avoiding urine contamination. Moreover, the non-contact method allows the marker B to be set on the side or top of each test tube position, and the corresponding reading device 40 can be set on the side or top of the sampling position. Even if the instrument malfunctions or improper operation causes the urine sample to be spilled, it is difficult to contaminate the reading device 40, which greatly reduces the probability of the reading device 40 failing, thereby improving the overall working efficiency of the urine analyzer.

[0061] The marker B can take various forms, as long as it corresponds to the reading device 40. For example, marker B may include a QR code or barcode; the QR code or barcode is pre-associated with a location number, and the reading device 40 may include a camera. The camera scans the QR code or barcode to obtain the location number corresponding to the QR code or barcode. Alternatively, marker B may include character markers (numbers, letters, Chinese characters, symbols, etc.). The reading device 40 may include a camera, which captures an image of marker B on the target test tube location, performs image recognition on the captured image, and obtains the location number corresponding to marker B.

[0062] In this embodiment, marker B includes an coded marker, which comprises at least two coded graphics. The number of coded graphics is related to the total number of test tube positions on the test tube rack. The brightness (different colors also reflect different brightness) of all coded graphics corresponds to the binary code of the position number. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, since this example uses 10 test tubes, the coding markers include four coding patterns. For example... Figure 2 As shown, four coded patterns (squares in the diagram) are used for encoding. White squares represent "0", and black squares represent "1". The code for the first test tube position is "0001". After the reading device 40 collects the data, it decodes it to obtain the position number 1. Correspondingly, in this embodiment, the reading device 40 includes a photoelectric sensor, which includes a light-emitting part and a receiving part. The light-emitting part and the receiving part appear in pairs, and their number is the same as the number of coded patterns. Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the acquisition of marker B by a photoelectric sensor. The sensor's four light-emitting units emit detection light rays towards the coded pattern corresponding to the target test tube location. These rays are reflected by the coded pattern and return to the receiving unit. The receiving unit receives and amplifies the reflected light to obtain the brightness state of each coded pattern. Binary decoding of the brightness state of each coded pattern yields the position number of the target test tube location. The photoelectric sensor can be positioned around the sampling location, such as on the side or top, to acquire the data of marker B located at that location.

[0063] In optional embodiments, linear CCDs, image sensors, etc., can be used instead of photoelectric sensors for tag acquisition. Since they are also acquiring light signals, they will not be described in detail here.

[0064] This invention provides a non-contact photoelectric detection method performed on the upper part of a test tube rack, avoiding the impact of urine spillage or splashing on the sensor. The binary coded markers are easy to manufacture, and the photoelectric sensor is small in size, low in cost, and highly reliable.

[0065] Step 3: The processor 30 determines whether the position number of the target test tube is correct. If so, it confirms that the target test tube is in the sampling position and proceeds to Step 4; otherwise, it determines that the position number of the target test tube is incorrect, i.e., the position of the target test tube is abnormal, and proceeds to Step 5. The inability of the reading device 40 to acquire the mark of the target test tube also falls under the category of incorrect position numbering. For example, if the reading device 40 malfunctions, mark B is not within the acquisition range of the reading device 40, or mark B partially enters the acquisition range of the reading device 40, the reading device 40 will not be able to acquire the complete mark B. In other words, when the reading device 40 cannot acquire the mark of the target test tube, the processor 30 outputs a fault alarm message.

[0066] The width of the acquisition range of the reading device 40 and the width of the mark B are such that if the positional deviation of the test tube exceeds a preset deviation, the mark is not within the acquisition range. Typically, when the sampling needle aspirates a sample, the ideal position of the sampling needle is in the center of the test tube. Therefore, the deviation of the test tube relative to the sampling needle cannot exceed the radius of the test tube; otherwise, the sampling needle will extend outside the test tube, making sample aspiration impossible. Therefore, the preset deviation can be set as needed, with its maximum value being the radius of the test tube. For example, if... Figure 5 As shown, under ideal conditions, i.e., when the test tube position is without deviation, the left side of marker B is within the acquisition range of reading device 40. Figure 5 The distance L1 to the right of the dashed box is less than the radius of test tube C. Therefore, if the test tube position deviation is half the width of the test tube, the reading device 40 will not be able to acquire the mark B, and the processor 30 will output a fault alarm 5. In other words, when the test tube position encoding is correct, the sampling needle can accurately penetrate the corresponding test tube. Similarly, ideally, the distance L2 between the right side of mark B and the left side of the reading device 40's acquisition range is less than the radius of test tube C.

[0067] Step 4: The processor 30 controls the sampling mechanism 60 to draw the urine sample to be tested from the test tube position in the sampling position and output it to the testing device 50, and controls the testing device 50 to test the urine sample to be tested.

[0068] Step 5: The processor 30 outputs a fault alarm message and proceeds to step 8. For example, the fault alarm message can be displayed on a monitor, triggered by an indicator light on the urine analyzer, or announced audibly.

[0069] Step 6: The processor 30 determines whether the target test tube position is the last test tube position on the test tube rack A. If so, proceed to step 8: The processor 30 ends the test of the test tube rack A and removes the test tube rack A through the sample injection device. Otherwise, proceed to step 7: Move the test tube rack A so that the next test tube position is in the sample aspiration position, and then proceed to steps 2, 3, ..., and so on, until the test tube rack A test is completed.

[0070] As can be seen, the urine analyzer and its test tube positioning detection method provided by this invention, by adding an coded mark to the upper part of each test tube position on the test tube rack, and using a photoelectric sensor configured on the instrument to collect and decode the coded mark, can obtain the absolute position of the test tube rack in real time. Simultaneously, the non-contact photoelectric detection method performed on the upper part of the test tube rack avoids the influence of urine spillage or overflow on the sensor. Thus, the stability of the urine analyzer's operation is ensured, and work efficiency is improved.

[0071] This document describes various exemplary embodiments with reference to them. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this document. For example, various operational steps and components for performing operational steps can be implemented in different ways depending on the specific application or considering any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system (e.g., one or more steps can be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps).

[0072] Furthermore, as those skilled in the art will understand, the principles herein can be reflected in a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium pre-loaded with computer-readable program code. Any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be used, including magnetic storage devices (hard disks, floppy disks, etc.), optical storage devices (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), flash memory, and / or the like. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to form a machine, such that instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, can generate means for performing a specified function. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner, such that instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium can form an article of manufacture, including means for implementing the specified function. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to perform a series of operational steps on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, can provide steps for implementing the specified function.

[0073] While the principles herein have been illustrated in various embodiments, numerous modifications to the structure, arrangement, proportions, elements, materials, and components, particularly suited to specific environmental and operational requirements, may be used without departing from the principles and scope of this disclosure. These modifications and other alterations or alterations will be included within the scope of this document.

[0074] The foregoing specific descriptions have been described with reference to various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, considerations for this disclosure are to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are to be included within its scope. Similarly, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems with respect to various embodiments have been described above. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that produce these, or make them more explicit, should not be construed as critical, essential, or necessary. The term “comprising” and any other variations thereof as used herein are non-exclusive inclusion, meaning that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or not part of the process, method, system, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the term “coupled” and any other variations thereof as used herein refer to physical connections, electrical connections, magnetic connections, optical connections, communication connections, functional connections, and / or any other connections.

[0075] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes can be made to the details of the above embodiments without departing from the basic principles of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined according to the following claims.

Claims

1. A test tube in place detection method of a urine analyzer, characterized by, The method comprises the following steps: moving the test tube rack so that the target test tube site is at the sample suction site, the test tube rack passing through the sample suction site one by one during automatic sample feeding, and the test tube rack moving a distance of one test tube site each time; the test tube rack is provided with at least two test tube sites for loading test tubes, and the upper part of each test tube site on the test tube rack is provided with a mark for identifying the position number of the corresponding test tube site on the test tube rack; the test tube is used for loading a urine sample; the reading device collects the mark of the test tube site on the sample suction site in a non-contact manner to obtain the position number of the test tube site on the sample suction site; determining whether the position number of the test tube site on the sample suction site is the position number of the target test tube site to determine whether the test tube rack has moved a distance of one test tube site correctly, and if so, determining that the target test tube site is on the sample suction site, and sucking the urine sample loaded in the test tube on the target test tube site for testing.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, If the position number of the test tube site on the sample suction site is not the position number of the target test tube site, it is determined that the position of the target test tube site is abnormal, and a fault alarm information is output.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising the steps of: determining whether the target test tube site is the last test tube site on the test tube rack, and if so, ending the test of the test tube rack, otherwise moving the test tube rack so that the next test tube site is at the sample suction site.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The mark comprises a coded mark, and the coded mark comprises at least two coded patterns, and the light and dark states of all coded patterns correspond to the binary code of the position number.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The reading device collects the mark of the test tube site on the sample suction site in a non-contact manner to obtain the position number of the test tube site on the sample suction site, which comprises: The photoelectric sensor emits detection light to each coded pattern of the test tube site on the sample suction site and receives the reflected light to obtain the light and dark state of each coded pattern, and the light and dark state of each coded pattern is decoded in binary to obtain the position number of the test tube site on the sample suction site.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The reading device collects the mark of the test tube site on the sample suction site in a non-contact manner to obtain the position number of the test tube site on the sample suction site, which comprises: The mark comprises a two-dimensional code mark or a bar code mark; the reading device scans the mark of the test tube site on the sample suction site to obtain the position number of the test tube site on the sample suction site; or The mark comprises a character mark; the reading device takes an image of the mark of the test tube site on the sample suction site, and performs image recognition on the image to obtain the position number of the test tube site on the sample suction site.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: when the reading device cannot collect the mark of the test tube site on the sample suction site, outputting a fault alarm information.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The width of the collection range of the reading device and the width of the mark satisfy that when the position deviation of the test tube site exceeds a preset deviation, the mark is not within the collection range.

9. A urine analyzer characterized by comprising: ​ An injection device is used to move a test tube rack so that a target test tube site of the test tube rack is at a sample injection site, and the test tube rack sequentially passes through the sample injection site in the process of automatic sample injection, and the test tube rack moves a distance of one test tube site each time; the test tube rack is provided with at least two test tube sites for loading test tubes, and an upper part of each test tube site on the test tube rack is provided with a mark, and the mark is used to identify a position number of a corresponding test tube site on the test tube rack; the test tube is used to load a urine sample; A reading device is used to collect the mark of the test tube site on the sample injection site in a non-contact manner to obtain the position number of the test tube site on the sample injection site, so as to obtain an absolute position of the test tube rack; A sampling mechanism is used to suck the urine sample from the test tube on the sample injection site and output to a testing device; The testing device is used to test the urine sample; A processor is used to determine whether the position number of the test tube site on the sample injection site is the position number of the target test tube site, so as to determine whether the test tube rack has correctly moved a distance of one test tube site, and if yes, it is determined that the target test tube site is at the sample injection site, and the sampling mechanism is controlled to sample and the testing device is controlled to test.

10. A urine analyzer characterized by Comprise: A memory is used to store a program; A processor is used to execute the program stored in the memory to realize the method in any one of claims 1-8.

11. A computer readable storage medium, characterized in that, Comprise a program capable of being executed by a processor to realize the method in any one of claims 1-8.

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