Specimen transport device, specimen analysis system, specimen pretreatment system, and specimen transport method

Abstract

The magnetic body (203) has a plurality of magnetic bodies having different inductance characteristics, and the arithmetic unit (210) calculates inductance characteristic values (403A, 403B) at predetermined current values flowing in the magnetic pole (207) detected by the current detection unit (209), determines the kind of the magnetic body (203) having different inductance characteristics based on the calculated inductance characteristic values (403A, 403B), and thereby distinguishes the rack (202). The present application provides a specimen transport device, a specimen analysis system, a specimen pretreatment system, and a specimen transport method, which can reduce human errors compared with the present.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a sample carrying device of a sample analysis system and a sample pretreatment system for performing pretreatment required for analysis of a biological sample (hereinafter referred to as a sample) such as blood, plasma, serum, urine, other body fluids, and the like, and a sample carrying method. BACKGROUND

[0002] As one example of a laboratory sample distribution system that is very flexible and brings high carrying performance and a corresponding method of action, in Patent Literature 1, there is described a system that has: several container carriers each having at least one magnetically active device, preferably at least one permanent magnet, and adapted to transport a sample container; a carrying plane adapted to transport the container carriers; and several electromagnetic actuators statically arranged below the carrying plane and adapted to move the container carriers on the carrying plane by applying a magnetic force to the container carriers.

[0003] In addition, as an example of a laboratory sample distribution system that can recognize a position on a transfer surface, in Patent Literature 2, there is described a system that has: a transfer surface; a plurality of sample container carriers; a drive mechanism configured to move the sample container carriers on the transfer surface; a control device configured to drive the drive mechanism so that the sample container carriers move along corresponding transfer paths, thereby controlling movement of the sample container carriers on the transfer surface; and a plurality of geometric shapes that can be optically recognized, which are placed on the transfer surface, each of the geometric shapes indicating a dedicated area on the transfer surface.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-77971

[0007] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-119962 SUMMARY

[0008] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] As a sample processing system for automatically performing sample analysis, there are a sample pretreatment system that performs sample input and centrifugal separation, dispensing processing, labeling processing, and the like, and a sample analysis system that analyzes a sample processed by the sample pretreatment system.

[0010] In the sample pretreatment system or the sample analysis system, in order to carry a sample to a mechanism that performs a predetermined process or analysis, a sample carrying line using a conveyor belt or the like is provided. By mounting a plurality of such carrying lines on a sample carrying device, a sample is carried to a predetermined mechanism.

[0011] In recent years, with the advancement of advanced medical technology and the development of an aging society, the importance of specimen processing has been continuously increasing. Therefore, in order to improve the analytical and processing capabilities of specimen analysis systems, there is a desire for high-speed, large-volume, simultaneous, and multi-directional transport of specimens.

[0012] As an example of a technology for achieving this transfer, there are technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0013] Here, in the specimen handling device, a variety of specimens are handled and processed, including general specimens that are usually processed, specimens that require rapid handling, emergency specimens that require analysis and processing, and control specimens for performance verification. Users can visually identify the specimen containers according to their intended use.

[0014] Therefore, in the transport method of the electromagnetic actuator using the specimen holder described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the transport of multiple specimen carriers is performed in the specimen transport section on the plane, which may result in human error such as incorrect placement of the specimen into the specimen holder. Therefore, improvement is desired.

[0015] The purpose of this invention is to provide a specimen handling device, a specimen analysis system, a specimen pretreatment system, and a specimen handling method that can reduce human error compared to the past.

[0016] Methods for solving problems

[0017] The present invention includes multiple means for solving the aforementioned problem. One example is characterized by comprising: a first magnetic body disposed on a transport container having a sample container holding a sample; a magnetic circuit having a second magnetic body and a winding wound around the outer periphery of the second magnetic body; a drive unit supplying current to the winding of the magnetic circuit; a current detection unit detecting the current value flowing through the magnetic circuit; and an arithmetic unit distinguishing the transport container based on a predetermined current value flowing through the magnetic circuit detected by the current detection unit. The first magnetic body has multiple magnetic bodies with different inductance characteristics. The arithmetic unit calculates the inductance characteristic value among the predetermined current values ​​flowing in the magnetic circuit detected by the current detection unit, and determines the types of first magnetic bodies with different inductance characteristics based on the calculated inductance characteristic value, thereby distinguishing the transport container.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] According to the present invention, human error can be reduced compared to the past. Other issues, structures, and effects beyond those described above will become clear through the following description of embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1This is a top view showing the overall configuration of a specimen analysis system equipped with the specimen transport device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the specimen transport device of Example 1.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a graph showing the current overlap characteristic of the inductance of the magnetic body in the specimen transport device of Example 1.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the support of the specimen transport device in Example 1 during testing.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of an example of the stent involved in the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the conveying device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the conveying device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the specimen handling device, specimen analysis system, specimen pretreatment system, and specimen handling method of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the structural elements (including element steps, etc.) are not necessarily required except where specifically stated or where they are explicitly considered necessary in principle.

[0029] In addition, in all the accompanying drawings used to illustrate the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used to label the same parts in principle, and repeated descriptions are basically omitted.

[0030] <Example 1>

[0031] use Figures 1 to 5 Example 1 of the specimen handling device, specimen analysis system, specimen pretreatment system and specimen handling method of the present invention will be described.

[0032] First, use Figure 1 The overall structure of the specimen analysis system equipped with a specimen handling device is described. Figure 1 This is a plan view showing the overall structure of the specimen analysis system having the specimen transport device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment 1, the sample analysis system 100 is a system that automatically analyzes the components of samples such as blood and urine.

[0034] The main structural elements of the specimen analysis system 100 are the specimen input section 101, the specimen receiving section 102, the centrifugation processing section 103, the plug opening processing section 104, the sub-specimen container generation processing section 105, the dispensing processing section 106, the plug closing processing section 107, the analysis processing section 108, the specimen transport section 109, and the control section 110.

[0035] The sample delivery unit 101 is a unit used to deliver the sample container 201 containing the sample into the sample analysis system 100. Additionally, the sample delivery unit 101 is equipped with a sample identification unit, an embolus detection unit, and a sample holder identification unit (all omitted from the illustrations) to identify the sample container 201 being transported (see reference). Figure 2 The container type, the shape of the container plug, and the support 202 on which the specimen container 201 is mounted (see reference) Figure 2 The ID information assigned is used to determine the information of the specimen container 201 being transported.

[0036] In addition, specimen holder identification units are installed at various locations within the specimen analysis system 100, enabling the location of the specimen container 201 to be confirmed through these identification units.

[0037] The centrifugation processing unit 103 is a unit used to centrifuge the sample container 201 into which it is placed.

[0038] The thrombus opening treatment unit 104 is a unit used to open the thrombus from the inserted specimen container 201.

[0039] The sub-sample container generation and processing unit 105 is a unit used to prepare other sample containers 201 needed for dispensing the sample contained in the inserted sample container 201 through the next dispensing and processing unit 106, and to affix barcodes, etc.

[0040] The dispensing processing unit 106 is for analyzing samples that have not been centrifuged or have been separated by centrifugation in the centrifugation processing unit 103, and then further subdividing the samples into units in another sample container 201 prepared by the sub-sample container generation processing unit 105.

[0041] The thrombus closure processing unit 107 is a unit used to close thrombi in the specimen container 201 after the thrombi have been opened or in the subdivided specimen container 201. Alternatively, the specimen analysis system 100 may have a structure with two or more thrombus closure processing units 107, depending on the type of thrombus used to close the specimen container 201.

[0042] The analytical processing unit 108 is a unit used to transfer samples processed by various processing units within the sample analysis system 100 for qualitative and quantitative analysis of sample components. The analytical items in this unit are not particularly limited, and the structure of a known automated analytical device for analyzing biochemical and immunological items can be adopted. Furthermore, if multiple units are installed, they can be of the same or different specifications; there are no particular limitations.

[0043] The specimen receiving section 102 is a unit that receives the specimen container 201 which is closed by the closure processing section 107.

[0044] The sample transport unit 109 is a mechanism that transfers the sample container 201, which is inserted from the sample input unit 101, and the further subdivided sample container 201, which is dispensed in the dispensing processing unit 106, to various parts within the sample analysis system 100, such as the centrifugation processing unit 103, the dispensing processing unit 106, and the analysis processing unit 108. Furthermore, the sample transport unit 109 is also used for transporting samples to various mechanisms within the centrifugation processing unit 103, the dispensing processing unit 106, and the analysis processing unit 108 that perform predetermined operations.

[0045] Thus, the support 202, which holds the sample container 201 inserted from the sample input section 101, is transported via the sample transport section 109 to a predetermined pretreatment unit, and then to the analysis and processing section 108.

[0046] The control unit 110 controls the operation of each part and mechanism within the sample analysis system 100, and analyzes the measurement data in the analysis and processing unit 108. It is composed of a computer equipped with a display device such as an LCD, input devices, storage devices, a CPU, a memory, etc. Through communication with the aforementioned parts or mechanisms, the control unit 110 can confirm the location of the sample within the sample analysis system 100 based on the ID information of the support 202.

[0047] The control unit 110 controls the operation of each device based on various programs recorded in the storage device within the control unit 110.

[0048] Furthermore, the control processing of actions performed by the control unit 110 can be centralized in one program, divided into multiple programs, or a combination of them. Additionally, part or all of the program can be implemented using dedicated hardware, or it can be modularized.

[0049] also, Figure 1The example shown is of the specimen transport unit 109 configured in combination with multiple specimen transport devices of the present invention described below. However, the specimen transport device of the present invention may also be configured only by the specimen transport device described below, or it may be a configuration that combines the specimen transport device without the calculation unit 210 described below with the specimen transport device described below. The specimen transport unit 109 only needs to have at least one or more specimen transport devices of the present invention.

[0050] In addition, in the aforementioned Figure 1 The text describes a system 100 that includes various pre-processing units such as a sample input unit 101 for sample pre-processing, but it can also be a system without pre-processing units (a system in which multiple analysis and processing units 108 are connected via a sample transport device).

[0051] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a transport device connecting various units in a sample pretreatment system from a sample analysis system 100 where the analysis processing unit 108 is omitted.

[0052] Next, according to Figure 2 The structure of the specimen transport device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the specimen transport device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0053] exist Figure 2 In the specimen transport device, multiple supports 202 are provided, which hold specimen containers 201. Each of the multiple supports 202 has a magnetic body 203 on its bottom surface, which has different inductive properties due to at least one difference in material, density, or shape.

[0054] The magnetic material 203 may be made of permanent magnets such as neodymium or ferrite, but may also be made of other magnets and soft magnetic materials, which may be appropriately combined.

[0055] Furthermore, the inductance characteristics of all magnetic bodies 203 of the support 202 in the specimen transport device do not need to be different. It is sufficient to divide them into at least two ranges: a group of inductance characteristics with specifications set within a certain specific range, and a group of specifications that are clearly converged to a certain specific range of inductance characteristics different from that group.

[0056] In addition, it is not necessary to provide a magnetic body 203 on the lower surface of the support 202, but from the viewpoint of the range of the transport force involved in electromagnetic transport, it is preferable to provide it on the lower surface.

[0057] The support 202 with magnetic body 203 moves in a sliding manner on the transport surface 204. In order to generate the transport force, a plurality of magnetic poles 207, each consisting of a cylindrical iron core 205 and a winding 206 wound around the outer periphery of the iron core 205, are provided on the lower part of the transport surface 204.

[0058] A drive unit 208 is connected to the magnetic pole 207, which causes a predetermined current to flow through the winding 206 by applying a predetermined voltage to the magnetic pole 207. In this embodiment, the drive unit 208 is also connected to the other magnetic poles 207, which are omitted for the sake of illustration.

[0059] The magnetic pole 207, energized by the drive unit 208, functions as an electromagnet, attracting the magnetic body 203 of the support 202 located on the transport surface 204. After the support 202 is attracted by the magnetic pole 207, the drive unit 208 stops applying voltage to the magnetic pole 207, and voltage is applied from the drive unit 208 to the different magnetic poles adjacent to the magnetic pole 207 in the same manner as described above, thereby attracting the magnetic body 203 of the support 202 to the adjacent magnetic pole.

[0060] By repeatedly performing this step using all adjacent magnetic poles 207, the support 202 moves on the transport surface 204, thereby transporting the specimen contained in the specimen container 201 held by the support 202 with the magnetic body 203 to the destination.

[0061] The current flowing in the winding 206 of the magnetic pole 207 during transport is detected by the current detection unit 209. The current detection unit 209 performs a current detection step to detect the value of the current flowing when current is supplied to the winding 206 of the magnetic pole 207. The current flowing in the winding 206 of the magnetic pole 207 detected by the current detection unit 209 is sent to the calculation unit 210 for numerical processing.

[0062] In this embodiment, when different supports 202 are present in the same area, it is more preferable for the current detection unit 209 to detect the current value when the different supports 202 are stopped in the same area. However, it can also be done during transportation. During transportation, it is preferable to detect the current value when the different supports 202 are present in the same area.

[0063] Furthermore, methods for determining those within the same range can be known, such as Hall elements, or various other means.

[0064] The arithmetic unit 210 uses various information such as the position, speed, and weight of the support 202 to calculate the current flowing to each winding 206 and outputs a command signal to each drive unit 208. The drive unit 208 applies a voltage to the corresponding winding 206 based on the command signal.

[0065] Furthermore, the arithmetic unit 210 of this embodiment performs processing to distinguish the bracket 202 based on a predetermined current value flowing in the magnetic pole 207 detected by the current detection unit 209. More specifically, it calculates the inductance characteristic values ​​403A and 403B (refer to...) in the predetermined current value flowing in the magnetic pole 207 detected by the current detection unit 209. Figure 3 Based on the calculated inductance characteristic values ​​403A and 403B, the types of magnetic bodies 203 with different inductance characteristics are determined, thereby performing a process to distinguish the support 202. That is, the calculation steps are performed by the calculation unit 210.

[0066] The following is based on Figure 3 The current superposition characteristics of the inductance of the magnetic body 203 on the support 202 side of the present invention will be explained. Figure 3 This is a graph showing the current superposition characteristic of the inductance of the magnetic body 203 in this embodiment.

[0067] The current overlap characteristic refers to the property that when a direct current flows through a magnetic body, the magnetic body approaches magnetic saturation, thereby reducing the inductance value. By increasing the flowing current, the inductance value decreases.

[0068] The magnetic body 203 contained in the support 202 varies depending on its material, shape, etc. Figure 3 As shown, an inductor waveform 401A or an inductor waveform 401B representing a specific current overlap characteristic is obtained, and the value of inductor waveform 401A, i.e., inductor characteristic value 403A, or the value of inductor waveform 401B, i.e., inductor characteristic value 403B in a specific current value 402 is stored in the arithmetic unit 210.

[0069] Furthermore, by setting the predetermined threshold 404 within a range that distinguishes the inductance characteristic values ​​403A and 403B, it is possible to differentiate the different magnetic materials 203 and distinguish the support 202 from support type A and support type B. Using this, the type of support 202 (for general specimens, emergency specimens, standard specimens, precision management specimens, etc.) can be identified, or the type of specimen container 201 mounted on the support 202 (for general specimens, emergency specimens, standard specimens, precision management specimens, etc.) can be identified.

[0070] The arithmetic unit 210 is implemented by reading programs and performing calculations into a computer or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) equipped with a CPU, memory, interface, etc. These programs are stored in internal or external recording media (not shown) within each component and are read and executed by the CPU.

[0071] Furthermore, action control processing can be centralized in a single program, distributed across multiple programs, or a combination thereof. Additionally, a portion or all of a program can be implemented using dedicated hardware, or it can be modularized. Moreover, various programs can be installed onto different devices from program distribution servers, internal recording media, or external recording media.

[0072] Furthermore, it is not necessary to be independent of the drive unit 208, etc.; two or more units can be integrated and shared, with only the processing being handled separately. In addition, at least a part of the structure can be connected via a wired or wireless network.

[0073] Next, refer to Figure 4 This describes the bracket detection action of the specimen handling device when handling the specimen in this embodiment. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the support of the conveying device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention during the detection process.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, firstly, the specimen transport component 109 of the specimen analysis system 100 begins to transport the support 202 that holds the specimen container 201 containing the specimen (step S301).

[0075] In this specimen handling operation, the stent 202 is moved to the magnetic pole 207 (step S302), and the magnetic pole 207 adopts a method of... Figure 2 The current detection unit 209 shown is designed to detect the current flowing in the winding 206.

[0076] After the support 202 is moved to the upper part of the predetermined magnetic pole 207, a predetermined voltage is applied to the magnetic pole 207 from the drive unit 208 (step S303).

[0077] The current value flowing in the winding 206 of the magnetic pole 207 by the predetermined voltage applied in step S303 is detected by the current detection unit 209 and sent to the calculation unit 210 (step S304).

[0078] The storage device of the arithmetic unit 210 records the relationship between the current value flowing in the winding 206 of the magnetic pole 207 and the inductance characteristic value of each magnetic body 203 of the support 202 corresponding to the current value. The inductance characteristic value of the magnetic body 203 of the support 202 transported to the upper part of the magnetic pole 207 is detected based on the current value detected by the current detection unit 209 (step S305).

[0079] In addition, in the arithmetic unit 210, based on the current value detected in step S304, it is determined whether the inductance characteristic value of the support 202 containing the magnetic body 203 exceeds a predetermined threshold (step S305).

[0080] In step S305, if it is determined that the inductance characteristic value of bracket 202 exceeds the threshold, bracket 202 is classified as "bracket category A" (step S306). The bracket 202, which is distinguished from bracket category A, is moved to the predetermined bracket standby position of bracket category A (step S307).

[0081] On the other hand, if the calculation unit 210 determines in step S305 that the inductance characteristic value of the bracket 202 does not exceed a predetermined threshold, the bracket 202 is classified as "bracket category B" (step S309). The bracket 202 that is classified as bracket category B is then moved to a predetermined bracket standby position for bracket category B (step S307).

[0082] The identification of stent 202 ends when it is moved to the standby position of stent type A or stent type B. The operator then performs the usual handling operations such as setting up the specimen container 201 on the stent 202 (step S308).

[0083] In addition, Figure 3 , Figure 4 The text describes two cases where the magnetic material 203 has two inductance characteristics, namely, the stent type is category A and category B. However, when there are three or more stent types, it is also possible to use three or more stent types in the specimen transport device by repeatedly performing stent discrimination.

[0084] In this case, a threshold value for the inductance characteristic corresponding to the magnetic body 203 included in the support 202 is pre-stored in the arithmetic unit 210. Figure 4 In step S305, stent 202 is distinguished from multiple stent categories by implementing discrimination against multiple thresholds.

[0085] Through repeated practice Figure 4 The process shown allows the standby state where the supports 202, distinguished by their inductance characteristics, are each assigned to a predetermined location. Therefore, for example, when an operator places a sample container 201 containing a general sample on the support 202, by moving the support 202 for general samples (which is classified as support type A or support type B, etc.) from the predetermined waiting area to the location where the sample container 201 containing the general sample is placed on the support 202, compared to the past, it is possible to prevent the operator from mistakenly placing the sample container 201 for a general sample on a different support than the support 202 for general samples.

[0086] Furthermore, by distinguishing the stent 202, for example, in the case of transporting emergency specimens that require rapid transport and analysis, it is also possible to transport them on a dedicated transport path for emergency specimens that is different from the stent 202 used for general specimens and is also set on the specimen transport section 109, thereby enabling faster transport operations.

[0087] Next, the structure of the support 202 will be explained. Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of an example of the stent involved in the present invention.

[0088] In this invention, the type of stent is determined based on the inductance characteristics of the magnetic body 203, such as the permanent magnet contained in the stent 202. Therefore, the structure of the stent 202 itself is not necessarily limited to a structure that can support one specimen container 201, but can also be a structure that can support multiple specimen containers 201.

[0089] For example, you can use such as Figure 2 The type of specimen container 201 shown is as follows: Figure 5 The connection shown is more than 2 Figure 2 The bracket 202A shown is a structure of bracket 202.

[0090] Based on the structure of the stent 202A, in tests requiring a large number of samples, such as multiple analytical projects, more than two sample containers 201 can be set up using the same stent information. Therefore, compared to the previous method of setting up and using sample containers 201 separately on each stent 202, it reduces the need for integrating the information from each stent 202 with the information from the sample containers 201, thereby reducing errors such as sample loss and incorrect sample collection.

[0091] In addition to the supports 202 and 202A that hold one or two specimen containers 201, specimen racks that hold three or more specimen containers 201 can also be used.

[0092] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be explained.

[0093] The specimen transport device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention described above includes: a magnetic body 203 disposed on a support 202 on which a specimen container 201 containing a specimen is mounted; a magnetic pole 207 having an iron core 205 and a winding 206 wound around the outer periphery of the iron core 205; a drive unit 208 that supplies current to the winding 206 of the magnetic pole 207; a current detection unit 209 that detects the current value flowing in the magnetic pole 207; and a calculation unit 210 that calculates the current value based on the current detection unit. The current detection unit 209 detects a predetermined current value flowing in the magnetic pole 207 to distinguish the support 202. The magnetic body 203 has multiple magnetic bodies with different inductance characteristics. The calculation unit 210 calculates the inductance characteristic values ​​403A and 403B of the predetermined current value flowing in the magnetic pole 207 detected by the current detection unit 209. Based on the calculated inductance characteristic values ​​403A and 403B, the type of magnetic body 203 with different inductance characteristics is determined, thereby distinguishing the support 202.

[0094] Therefore, in the electromagnetic actuator-based handling method, the magnetic body 203 on the side of the support 202 necessary for handling can be used to determine the type of the support 202 on which the specimen container 201 is mounted, increasing the amount of material available for category determination compared to the past. Thus, as a device and a specimen handling device, the type of specimen support can be automatically determined with higher accuracy, reducing or eliminating the user's identification work. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the support 202 from being moved to the wrong position, thereby further improving user work efficiency and further reducing human error.

[0095] In particular, compared to five supports, one support allows for flexible handling in accordance with the application situation. However, according to the present invention, since the means of determining the type of support 202 has been increased, the type of support 202 can be identified with higher accuracy than in the past, thereby reducing errors significantly compared to the past.

[0096] Furthermore, in the practical application of the specimen pretreatment system 120 or the specimen analysis system 100, when a specimen transport device capable of classifying the type of the aforementioned stent 202 is arranged in front of the buffer where the empty stent is held after processing based on the specimen pretreatment system 120 or the specimen receiving part 102 after analysis based on the specimen analysis system 100, the effect of classifying the aforementioned high-precision stent type can be achieved more effectively.

[0097] Furthermore, since the magnetic body 203 has different inductance characteristics due to at least one difference in material, density, or shape, the inductance characteristics can be easily made different on the side of the magnetic body 203, and the differentiation accuracy of the bracket 202 can be achieved with a simpler structure.

[0098] Furthermore, the current detection unit 209 detects the current value when different supports 202 are in the same area, especially when different supports 202 stop in the same area. This improves the accuracy of calculating the inductance characteristic values ​​403A and 403B, and thus enables more accurate differentiation of the types of supports 202.

[0099] <Example 2>

[0100] use Figure 6 The specimen handling device, specimen analysis system, specimen pretreatment system, and specimen handling method of Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the specimen transport device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0101] Figure 6 The specimen transport device of this embodiment shown includes: a plurality of magnetic poles 207; a drive unit 208A that applies a voltage to each of the plurality of magnetic poles 207 individually; a plurality of current detection units 209 that detect the current value flowing through the winding 206 of each magnetic pole 207 based on the voltage applied by the drive unit 208A; and an arithmetic unit 210A that distinguishes the type of the support 202 at each magnetic pole 207 based on the current value detected by the plurality of current detection units 209.

[0102] The other structures and operations are substantially the same as those of the specimen handling device, specimen analysis system, specimen pretreatment system, and specimen handling method in Embodiment 1, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0103] In the specimen handling device, specimen analysis system, specimen pretreatment system, and specimen handling method of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the same effects as those of the specimen handling device, specimen analysis system, specimen pretreatment system, and specimen handling method of Embodiment 1 can also be obtained.

[0104] In addition, by having multiple magnetic poles 207, multiple current detection units 209, at least one drive unit 208, and at least one arithmetic unit 210, the structure has multiple parts for obtaining the inductance characteristic value of the bracket 202, thereby increasing the timing for distinguishing the type of bracket 202 and making it a structure less prone to handling errors.

[0105] Furthermore, since the structures of the magnetic poles 207 and the drive unit 208 required for typical specimen handling are the same as in Embodiment 1, the holders 202 can be distinguished with high precision during the handling of the holders 202. Therefore, even during handling operations where the holders 202 are returning to a predetermined holder waiting area or a new location for setting up the specimen container 201 after a predetermined handling operation has been completed, the holders 202 can be distinguished during the return handling operation, which can help shorten the handling preparation time.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, there may be multiple arithmetic units 210A and driving units 208A.

[0107] <Example 3>

[0108] use Figure 7 The specimen handling device, specimen analysis system, specimen pretreatment system, and specimen handling method of Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the specimen transport device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0109] exist Figure 7 In the specimen transport device of this embodiment, a specific magnetic pole 207B in the specimen transport device of Embodiment 2 has a circuit with a core 205B and winding 206B having a different shape than the core 205 and winding 206 of the other magnetic poles 207. This magnetic pole 207B can exist in the specimen transport device at least once, and its number is not particularly limited.

[0110] Furthermore, either the core 205B or the winding 206B of a specific magnetic pole 207B can have a shape that is different from either the core 205 or the winding 206 of the other magnetic pole 207. In addition to shape, any one or more of the material, density, or shape can also be different from any one of the core 205 or the winding 206 of the other magnetic pole 207.

[0111] In the calculation unit 210B of this embodiment, threshold values ​​for inductance characteristics are set for adjacent magnetic poles 207 with different structures. Based on these, different inductance characteristics of the magnetic body 203 are calculated using detection values ​​from a current detection unit 209B that detects current flowing in a specific magnetic pole 207B and a current detection unit 209 that detects current flowing in other magnetic poles 207. Thus, during the normal transport operation of the support 202, the inductance characteristics detected when the support 202 passes over the magnetic poles 207 and 207B are compared between adjacent magnetic poles 207 and 207B.

[0112] The structure of the drive unit 208B that applies voltage to a specific magnetic pole 207B and other magnetic poles 207 is the same as that of the drive unit 208A in Embodiment 2.

[0113] The other structures and operations are substantially the same as those of the specimen handling device, specimen analysis system, specimen pretreatment system, and specimen handling method in Embodiment 1, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0114] In the specimen handling device, specimen analysis system, specimen pretreatment system, and specimen handling method of Embodiment 3 of the present invention, the same effects as those of the specimen handling device, specimen analysis system, specimen pretreatment system, and specimen handling method of Embodiment 1 can also be obtained.

[0115] Furthermore, the magnetic pole 207B has a circuit with at least one different structure in terms of material, density, and shape among the iron cores 205 and 205B and the windings 206 and 206B. The arithmetic unit 210B can distinguish the bracket type in a more detailed range by calculating the different inductance characteristics of the magnetic body 203 detected by the magnetic poles 207 and 207B with different structures. Alternatively, it can be configured for specific bracket identification unrelated to handling operations, allowing the operator to manually identify the bracket 202 during normal use, such as when setting up the specimen container 201.

[0116] In addition, with Figure 2 as well as Figure 6 Similarly, for the structure shown, Figure 7 The different magnetic poles 207B shown can, of course, also be used as magnetic poles in normal handling operations.

[0117] <Other>

[0118] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but includes various modifications. The described embodiments are examples provided for the purpose of readily understanding the present invention and are not limited to having all the described structures.

[0119] Furthermore, a portion of the structure of one embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment; additionally, the structure of another embodiment can be added to the structure of one embodiment. Furthermore, for a portion of the structure of each embodiment, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0120] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0121] 100… Specimen Analysis System

[0122] 101… Specimen Input Department

[0123] 102…Specimen Containment Department

[0124] 103…Centrifugal Processing Department

[0125] 104…Unlocking and Repair Department

[0126] 105…Sub-sample container generation and processing unit

[0127] 106…Dispensing Processing Department

[0128] 107…Thrombus Treatment Department

[0129] 108…Analysis and Processing Department

[0130] 109… Specimen Transportation Department

[0131] 110…Control Department

[0132] 120… Specimen Pretreatment System

[0133] 201…sample container

[0134] 202, 202A… Support (transport container)

[0135] 203…Magnetic body (first magnetic body)

[0136] 204…Transportation Surface

[0137] 205, 205B... Iron core (second magnetic element)

[0138] 206, 206B… winding

[0139] 207, 207B… Magnetic poles (magnetic circuit)

[0140] 208, 208A, 208B… Drive Unit

[0141] 209, 209B... Current Detection Section

[0142] 210, 210A, 210B... Arithmetic Unit

[0143] 401A, 401B... Inductor waveforms

[0144] 402… Current value

[0145] 403A, 403B... Inductor characteristic values

[0146] 404... threshold

Claims

1. A sample transport device, characterized in that, have: The first magnetic body is placed on a transport container that holds a sample container containing the sample. A magnetic circuit having a second magnetic body and a winding wound around the outer periphery of the second magnetic body, and acting as an electromagnet to move the first magnetic body based on whether a voltage is applied. A drive unit that supplies current to the windings of the magnetic circuit; A current detection unit detects the current value flowing through the magnetic circuit; The arithmetic unit distinguishes the transport container based on a predetermined current value flowing in the magnetic circuit detected by the current detection unit. The first magnetic body has multiple magnetic bodies with different inductance characteristics. The calculation unit calculates the inductance characteristic value of a predetermined current flowing in the magnetic circuit detected by the current detection unit, and determines the type of the first magnetic body with different inductance characteristics based on the calculated inductance characteristic value, thereby distinguishing the transport container.

2. The specimen handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inductive properties of the first magnetic body are different due to differences in at least one of its material, density, and shape.

3. The specimen handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specimen transport device includes multiple magnetic circuits, multiple current detection units, at least one drive unit, and at least one calculation unit.

4. The specimen handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic circuit has a structure with at least one different material, density, or shape from the second magnetic body and the winding. The computational unit calculates the different inductance characteristics of the first magnetic body detected by the magnetic circuits with different structures.

5. The specimen handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The current detection unit detects the current value when different transport containers are located in the same area.

6. The specimen handling device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The current detection unit detects the current value when different transport containers stop in the same area.

7. A sample analysis system, characterized in that, It has the specimen transport device as described in claim 1.

8. A sample pretreatment system, characterized in that, It has the specimen transport device as described in claim 1.

9. A method for transporting a specimen, comprising transporting a specimen contained within a specimen container held by a transport container provided with a first magnetic body, characterized in that, The first magnetic body contains multiple magnetic bodies with different inductance characteristics. This method has the following characteristics: The current detection step detects the current value flowing through the winding of a magnetic circuit having a second magnetic body and a winding wound around the outer periphery of the second magnetic body, the magnetic circuit acting as an electromagnet moves the first magnetic body based on whether a voltage is applied. The calculation step involves calculating the inductance characteristic value of a predetermined current flowing in the magnetic circuit detected in the current detection step, determining the type of the first magnetic body with different inductance characteristics based on the calculated inductance characteristic value, and distinguishing the type of the transport container.

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