Diagnostic device for transporting cassettes by a conveyor belt and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a diagnostic device and a control method for transporting a cartridge by a conveyer. The control method of the present invention includes the steps of: loading a first cartridge to a first slot of the conveyer; transporting the first cartridge to a measurement section when a predetermined time for incubation elapses from the loading time of the first cartridge; reversely driving the conveyer to load a second cartridge to a second slot located behind the first slot when the first cartridge in incubation exists on the conveyer; reading a reaction result in the first cartridge; and discharging the read first cartridge from the conveyer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a control method for a diagnostic device, and more particularly, to a control method for increasing the throughput of a diagnostic device that transports diagnostic cassettes via a lateral flow conveyor belt, and a diagnostic device using the method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of medical, biotechnology, and related technologies, the detection of various molecular indicators such as blood cells, genes, proteins, antigens, and pathogens in prescribed biological samples such as urine and blood is being widely implemented. Generally, the testing process involves the following steps: after sample collection, the sample is reacted with a prescribed reagent suitable for the target indicator, and then the changes are analyzed and observed. Through this process, qualitative and / or quantitative analysis of various molecular indicators contained in the sample can be performed, and information related to disease diagnosis, progression, or prognosis can be obtained based on the analysis.

[0003] On the other hand, devices are being used that can handle large volumes of lateral flow diagnostic cartridges. When a user places the necessary consumables into the diagnostic device and inserts a sample, the device picks up the sample, mixes it with a detection buffer (DB) for pretreatment, and automatically executes a predetermined algorithm to dispense the pretreated sample into cartridges for measurement. The diagnostic results are then stored in memory, transmitted externally via a communication unit, or displayed on a display device. Such diagnostic devices require further increases in hourly processing capacity.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] (Patent Document 1) Publication of Patent No. KR20180090201(A) (Automated Liquid Immunoassay Analyzer). Summary of the Invention

[0007] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a control method for increasing the throughput of a diagnostic device that transports diagnostic cartridges via a conveyor belt in a side-flow manner, and a diagnostic device using the method.

[0009] (II) Technical Solution

[0010] One aspect of the present invention, proposed to achieve the above objectives, provides a control method for a diagnostic device that transports cassettes via a conveyor belt. The control method includes the following steps: loading a first cassette into a first slot of the conveyor belt; transporting the first cassette to a measuring unit after a predetermined incubation time has elapsed since the loading time of the first cassette; reversing the conveyor belt while a first cassette in incubation is present on the conveyor belt to load a second cassette into a second slot located behind the first slot; reading the reaction result in the first cassette; and discharging the read first cassette from the conveyor belt.

[0011] Preferably, in the loading step of the second card box, the second card box is loaded such that the reading time of the second card box is later than the reading time of the first card box.

[0012] Preferably, the second slot is adjacent to the first slot. During the loading step of the second cartridge, when the first cartridge is discharged from the conveyor belt, the second cartridge is loaded into the second slot located behind the first slot without reversing the drive of the conveyor belt.

[0013] Preferably, the control method of the diagnostic device further includes the following step: driving the conveyor belt in the forward direction to transport the first cartridge to the sample dispensing position.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention provides a diagnostic device for processing cassettes in a side-flow manner. The diagnostic device includes: a conveyor belt having a plurality of cassette slots for loading the cassettes; a measuring unit for reading reaction results in the cassettes; a cassette ejection unit for ejecting cassettes mounted in a hopper onto the conveyor belt; and a control unit for controlling the driving of the conveyor belt and the cassette ejection unit, wherein the control unit performs the following operations: driving the cassette ejection unit to load a first cassette into a first slot of the conveyor belt; when a predetermined incubation time has elapsed since the loading time of the first cassette, the control unit drives the conveyor belt to convey the first cassette to the measuring unit; when a first cassette in incubation is present on the conveyor belt, the control unit reverses the drive of the conveyor belt and drives the cassette ejection unit to load a second cassette into a second slot located behind the first slot; and the control unit drives the conveyor belt to discharge the read first cassette from the conveyor belt.

[0015] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0016] The present invention with the above structure can control the position and time of the diagnostic device ejecting the diagnostic card from the conveyor belt via a side-flow method, thereby increasing the hourly processing capacity of the diagnostic device. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a diagnostic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram shows the overall structure and operation of the diagnostic device.

[0019] Figure 3 It is used for Figure 1 An example of a diagnostic card holder for a diagnostic device is shown.

[0020] Figure 4 Is loading Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the magazine for the diagnostic card cartridge.

[0021] Figure 5 This means that in Figure 4 The diagram shows the state of the card box being loaded in the material box.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the hopper station in the diagnostic device.

[0023] Figure 7a This means that in Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure used for sample pretreatment and dispensing in the diagnostic device. Figure 7b This is a structural diagram of the sub-comment module. Figure 7c This is a diagram illustrating a tubular container holding a test buffer.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the measuring section and the cartridge ejection section of the diagnostic device.

[0025] Figure 9 Is Figure 1 The flowchart shows the control method executed by the control unit in the diagnostic device for the forward drive of the conveyor belt.

[0026] Figure 10 Is Figure 1 The flowchart shows the control method executed by the control unit in the diagnostic device for reverse drive of the conveyor belt.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0028] 100: Diagnostic device; 101: Sample transport unit

[0029] 102: Sample feeding station; 104: Sample mixing section

[0030] 106: Sample discharge station; 108: Material box station

[0031] 109: Card box transport section 109a: Card box slot

[0032] 110: Main buffer station; 112: Sub-buffer station

[0033] 114: Suction Head Station; 116: Optical Measurement Department

[0034] 118: Suction head discharge section; 202: Sample holder

[0035] 204, 208: Drive unit; 206: Sample information reader

[0036] 212: Material box barcode reader; 214: Card box ejector.

[0037] 300: Diagnostic card holder; 302: Card holder barcode.

[0038] 304: Injection port; 306: Measuring window

[0039] 400: Material box; 402: Material box barcode

[0040] 404: Ejector slot; 406: Ejector cartridge exit point

[0041] 408: Quantity marker line; 702: Sub-committee module

[0042] 706: Adapter; 708: Injection Pump

[0043] 722: Detection buffer; 724: Buffer tube

[0044] 726: Sealing paper; 802: Card box ejection section Detailed Implementation

[0045] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are exemplary and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a diagnostic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram shows a conceptual representation of the overall structure and operation of the diagnostic device 100. As shown, the diagnostic device 100 includes a sample delivery unit 101, a magazine station 108, a cartridge delivery unit 109, a main buffer station 110, a sub-buffer station 112, a tip station 114, an optical measurement unit 116, and a tip discharge unit 118. The sample delivery unit 101 includes a sample input station 102, a sample mixing unit 104, and a sample discharge station 106.

[0047] When a sensor (not shown) detects the insertion of a sample rack 202 containing 10 sample containers, the sample insertion station 102 drives the drive unit 204 to transport the sample rack 202 in directions A and B. A sample information reader 206 reads the barcode of the sample rack 202 transported by the sample insertion station 102 to confirm the sample type and reads the barcode of the container containing the sample to confirm patient information. The sample information reader 206 can also be implemented as a camera, in which case it has the advantage of also being able to recognize handwritten patient information. When the sample information reader 206 reads that a sample requiring mixing has been delivered, the sample mixing unit 104 rotates the sample container mounted on the sample rack 202. The sample discharge station 106 drives the drive unit 204 to move the sample rack 202 in directions C and D, thereby discharging the sample after measurement.

[0048] The main buffer station 110 is the location for installing the detection buffer (DB) contained in containers. In this embodiment, four sets of 25 detection buffers can be installed. Samples taken from the sample holder 202 are mixed with the detection buffer in their respective buffer containers and pretreated. When the item to be measured requires two buffers, another buffer is installed in the sub-buffer station 112.

[0049] Figure 3 It is used for Figure 1 An example of a diagnostic card holder 300 in a side-flow mode of the diagnostic device shown. Figure 4 Is loading Figure 3 The diagram shown is a structural diagram of the material box 400 of the diagnostic card box 300. Figure 5 This means that in Figure 4 The diagram shows the state in which the diagnostic card holder 300 is loaded in the material box 400.

[0050] The diagnostic cartridge 300 is printed with a cartridge barcode 302 indicating the item to be measured and the manufacturing lot. The pretreated sample is inserted into the dispensing orifice 304. The sample's reaction is measured through the measuring window 306.

[0051] For example, cartridge 400 can hold up to 25 diagnostic card cartridges 300. A barcode 402 printed on cartridge 400 indicates the measurement item and manufacturing batch of the loaded diagnostic card cartridge 300. An ejector inlet 404 and a cartridge ejector outlet 406 are formed facing each other on the lower part of cartridge 400.

[0052] The cartridge 400 can be made of a transparent or translucent material to allow for identification of the loaded cartridges 300. Additionally, a quantity marking line 408 can be provided to easily identify the number of loaded cartridges 300.

[0053] When the cultured diagnostic cartridge 300 is transported via the cartridge transport unit 109, the optical measurement unit 116 moves primarily in the I direction and scans the reaction results from the measurement window 306 of the diagnostic cartridge 300. To accurately scan the reaction results, the optical measurement unit 116 moves in both the I direction (or the front-back direction) and the transport direction of the diagnostic cartridge 300 (or the left-right direction) and performs a two-dimensional scan.

[0054] The cartridges scanned by the optical measurement unit 116 are transported by the cartridge transport unit 109 and discharged from the cartridge discharge unit (not shown).

[0055] The tip station 114 is equipped with 120 pipette tips loaded onto the tip rack. After being used for sample collection, mixing of sample and buffer, and dispensing of mixture, the pipette tips are discharged through the tip discharge section 118.

[0056] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the cartridge station 108 in the diagnostic device 100. As shown in the figure, the cartridge station 108 is equipped with a cartridge support 210, a cartridge barcode reader 212, and a cartridge ejection part 214.

[0057] The cartridge barcode reader 212 identifies the barcode 402 printed on the cartridge 400. The cartridge ejector 214 moves in the E direction and is inserted into the ejector inlet 404, thereby allowing the cartridge 300 to eject through the cartridge ejector outlet 406. The cartridge holder 210 moves in the F direction (in... Figure 2 (As shown in the image) The upper conveyor box 400 controls the barcode recognition position and the card box ejection position.

[0058] The cartridge transport unit 109 is configured as a conveyor belt and is provided with a plurality of cartridge slots 109a. A cartridge 300 is placed in a cartridge slot 109a via a cartridge ejection unit 214. A control unit (not shown) drives the cartridge transport unit 109 in the G direction (or forward) to transport the cartridge 300 placed in the cartridge slot 109a to the dispensing position.

[0059] Figure 7a This diagram illustrates the structure used for sample pretreatment and dispensing in the diagnostic device 100. Figure 7b This is a structural diagram of the injection module 702. Figure 7c This is a structural diagram of tube 720, which stores the detection buffer.

[0060] The test buffer 722 is the solution required for sample pretreatment. The buffer tube 724 is a container for holding the test buffer 722. The opening of the buffer tube 724 is sealed with sealing paper 726. The sealing paper 726 is aluminum-based paper that is adhered to the buffer tube 724. During sample pretreatment, the sealing paper 726 is perforated by the suction tip (not shown).

[0061] The dispensing module 702 is provided with a structure that connects the adapter 706 and the syringe pump 708 via a tube 710. The adapter 706 is connected to a drive unit (not shown) that moves in the Z-axis direction, and its lower end is shaped to facilitate the installation and removal of a suction tip for sample dispensing. The syringe pump 708 draws in and dispenses the sample or mixture.

[0062] The dispensing module drive unit 704 moves the dispensing module 702 in the X and Y directions. When the cartridge 300 is transported to the dispensing position via the cartridge transport unit 109, the dispensing module 702 moves to the pipette tip station 114 via the dispensing module drive unit 704, and the dispensing module 702 moves the adapter 706 in the Z direction and inserts the pipette tip at its lower end. Then, the dispensing module 702 moves to the sample holder 202 via the dispensing module drive unit 704, and uses the injection pump 708 to draw the sample into the pipette tip inserted into the adapter 706, and then discharges the sample into the buffer tube 724 loaded in the buffer station 110. The dispensing module 702 draws in the mixture of sample and detection buffer from the buffer tube 724 and dispenses it into the dispensing port 304 of the cartridge 300.

[0063] The cartridge delivery unit 109 is maintained at a predetermined temperature for incubation. When a cartridge has completed incubation, the control unit (not shown) drives the cartridge delivery unit 109 in the forward direction and delivers the cartridge to the optical measurement unit 116 to measure the reaction results in the cartridge.

[0064] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the optical measurement unit 116 and the cartridge ejection unit 802 of the diagnostic device 100. The optical measurement unit 116 is located in the I direction (in... Figure 2 (As shown in the figure) The sensor unit moves upward and scans the reaction result through the measurement window 306 of the cartridge 300.

[0065] The cartridge ejection section 802 is located in front of the optical measurement section 116. That is, when a cartridge scanned by the optical measurement section 116 is transported forward, it reaches the ejection section 802, falls, and is collected in a cartridge collection bin (not shown). Therefore, the optical measurement section 116 needs to scan the cartridges in the order they are inserted into the slots of the cartridge transport section 109. The scanning time is determined by the dispensing time and the culture reaction time. The culture reaction time varies depending on the measurement item. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the dispensing time or the cartridge insertion time so that the scanning time of a cartridge located later is not earlier than that of a cartridge located in front.

[0066] The operation of the diagnostic device 100 will be described below.

[0067] In the inspection preparation step of the diagnostic device 100, the inspection buffer for the item to be measured is installed into the buffer station 110, and the cartridge 400 is installed into the cartridge station 108. Additionally, it is checked whether there are any extra suction tips for measurement in the tip station 114. The item information of the installed cartridge, read via barcode 402, is stored in the memory of the diagnostic device 100.

[0068] After mounting the sample on the sample rack (rack) matching the sample container type, place the sample rack 202 into the sample input station 102. The sample information reader 206 reads the barcode of the sample rack 202 transported by the sample input station 102 and confirms the sample container type. The sample is then transported from the sample input station 102 in the B direction (in... Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram) The sample holder 202 is used to transport samples, and the number of samples is confirmed by the sample information reader 206. In addition, the patient information affixed to the sample container is read by the sample information reader 206 and stored in the memory.

[0069] Then, the dispensing module 702 inserts the pipette tip into the lower end of the adapter 706 and confirms it. When the dispensing module 702 is delivered to the sample acquisition position, a sample is quantitatively taken according to the quantification item. For pretreatment, the taken sample is delivered to buffer stations 110, 112 to mix with buffer and undergo pretreatment.

[0070] Among multiple cartridges, a cartridge is ejected from the cartridge containing the cartridges to be measured. The ejected cartridge is inserted into the cartridge slot 109a of the cartridge transport section 109 and transported to the dispensing position. The dispensing module 702 draws in the mixture of sample and test buffer and dispenses it from the dispensing position into the cartridge 300.

[0071] During the culture reaction time, the cartridge 300 waits in the cartridge transport unit 109 and is then transported to the optical measurement position for measurement. When the optical measurement unit 116 sends scan information after moving and scanning the cartridge 300, the control unit calculates the diagnostic result through internal calculations. The control unit stores the calculated diagnostic result in the memory of the diagnostic device 100 or displays it on a display. Alternatively, the control unit can transmit the diagnostic result externally via LAN, RS232C, WIFI, etc.

[0072] Figure 9 Is Figure 1 The flowchart shows the control method executed by the control unit in the diagnostic device 100 for the forward drive of the cartridge delivery unit 109.

[0073] When the inspection begins, the cartridge delivery unit 109 is initialized (S902), and it is confirmed whether sample processing can be performed (S904). While the optical measurement unit 116 is scanning the cartridge, the process waits until the scanning is completed (S906). When sample processing can be performed, the sample is pre-processed by the dispensing module 702 (S908).

[0074] Then, the cartridge 300 loaded in the material box 400 is ejected into the slot 109a of the cartridge conveying unit 109 by the cartridge ejection unit 214 (S910), and the control unit drives the cartridge conveying unit 109 in the forward direction and conveys the cartridge 300 to the dispensing position (S912).

[0075] After dispensing via dispensing module 702, the sample is allowed to undergo a culture reaction (S914). During the reaction waiting period, it is determined whether the next sample can be processed (S904). When the reaction is complete (S916), the control unit drives the cartridge delivery unit 109 forward to deliver the cartridge to the optical measurement unit 116, enabling optical scanning (S918). The optical measurement unit 116 scans the reaction results in the cartridge 300 and stores them in a memory (not shown) (S920).

[0076] Then, it is determined whether there are any reacting cartridges in the cartridge transport unit 109 (S922). If there are reacting cartridges, wait until the reaction is completed (S914). If there are no reacting cartridges, initialize the conveyor belt and end the check (S924).

[0077] according to Figure 9 The control method shown involves directly inserting another cartridge into the cartridge slot of the cartridge transport unit 109 while the cartridge 300 with the culture reaction completed is being transported to the scanning position of the optical measurement unit 116 in a forward-driven state. Therefore, an empty slot exists between the previously inserted cartridge and the current cartridge. Consequently, the number of cartridges performing the culture reaction in the cartridge transport unit 109 is limited.

[0078] Figure 10 Is Figure 1 The flowchart shows the control method executed by the control unit in the diagnostic device 100 for the reverse drive of the cartridge delivery unit 109.

[0079] When the inspection begins, the cartridge delivery unit 109 is initialized (S1002), and the sample is pretreated by the dispensing module 702 (S1004).

[0080] Then, it is determined whether there is a reacting card in the card delivery unit 109 (S1006). If there is a reacting card, the slot position where the last card was inserted is located (S1008). The position of the slot adjacent to the slot where the last card was inserted is calculated (S1010). Therefore, a card can be inserted without an empty slot. Then, the control unit drives the card delivery unit 109 in the reverse direction (H direction) so that the slot at the position calculated in step 1010 is located at the position where the card was ejected from the cartridge 400 (S1012), and the card is inserted into the slot (S1014). When there is no reacting card in the card delivery unit 109, the card is directly inserted without reversing the drive of the card delivery unit 109 (S1014). If the card is inserted into the slot without reversing, an unread card may detach during the insertion of another card.

[0081] Then, the cartridge delivery unit 109 is driven forward to move the cartridge to the dispensing position (S1016). After dispensing via the dispensing module 702, the culture reaction is awaited (S1018). During the waiting period, the next sample is processed (S1004). When the reaction is complete (S1020), the control unit drives the cartridge delivery unit 109 forward and delivers the cartridge to the optical measurement unit 116 to enable optical scanning (S1022). The optical measurement unit 116 scans the reaction results in the cartridge 300 and stores them in a memory (not shown) (S1024).

[0082] Then, it is determined whether there are any reacting cartridges in the cartridge transport unit 109 (S1026). If there are reacting cartridges, wait until the reaction is completed (S1018). If there are no reacting cartridges, initialize the conveyor belt and end the check (S1028).

[0083] according to Figure 10 The control method shown involves driving the cartridge delivery unit 109 forward so that after the optical measurement unit 116 scans the cartridge 300 after the culture reaction is complete, the cartridge delivery unit 109 is driven in reverse so that there is no empty slot between the previously inserted cartridge and the current cartridge. Therefore, compared to Figure 9The control method shown increases the number of cartridges performing the culture reaction in the cartridge delivery unit 109, thereby increasing the processing capacity of the diagnostic device 100.

[0084] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concepts of the present invention as defined in the claims are also included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method of a diagnostic apparatus that controls a diagnostic apparatus that conveys a cassette by a conveyer belt, characterized by, comprises the steps of: loading a first cartridge to the conveyer and dispensing a sample into a first slot of the first cartridge; conveying the first cartridge to a measurement section when a first predetermined time for incubation elapses from a time of loading of the first cartridge; driving the conveyer in a reverse direction to load a second cartridge to a second slot located behind the first slot when the first cartridge in incubation is present on the conveyer, the second cartridge being loaded so that a second predetermined time required for incubation of the second cartridge is longer than a remaining incubation time of the first cartridge to prevent the second cartridge from reaching the measurement section before the first cartridge; reading a reaction result in the first cartridge; and discharging the first cartridge read from the conveyer.

2. The control method of a diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second slot is adjacent to the first slot.

3. The control method of a diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the loading step of the second cartridge, a second cartridge is loaded to the second slot without driving the conveyer in a reverse direction after the first cartridge is discharged from the conveyer.

4. The control method of a diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising the steps of: driving the conveyer in a forward direction to convey the first cartridge to a sample dispensing position.

5. A diagnostic device handling a lateral flow type cartridge, characterized by, comprises: a conveyer provided with a plurality of cartridge slots to load the cartridges; a measurement section to read a reaction result in the cartridge; a cartridge ejecting section to eject the cartridge mounted in the magazine to the conveyer; and a control section to control driving of the conveyer, wherein the control section performs the following control operations: driving the cartridge ejecting section to load a first cartridge to a first slot of the conveyer and to dispense a sample, driving the conveyer to convey the first cartridge to the measurement section when a first predetermined time for incubation elapses from a time of loading of the first cartridge, driving the conveyer in a reverse direction to load a second cartridge to a second slot located behind the first slot when the first cartridge in incubation is present on the conveyer, the second cartridge being loaded so that a second predetermined time required for incubation of the second cartridge is longer than a remaining incubation time of the first cartridge to prevent the second cartridge from reaching the measurement section before the first cartridge, discharging the first cartridge read by the measurement section from the conveyer.

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