Analytical device and analytical method

Abstract

An analysis device and an analysis method realize detection and analysis of a formed component in a specimen at a lower cost. The analysis device has a flow cell (13A) having a flow path (138) of a specimen, a branch portion (102) that branches light transmitted through the flow path (138) into at least a first light path and a second light path, a first imaging portion (100A) and a second imaging portion (100B) that capture images of the specimen in the flow path (138) using the light of the first light path and the light of the second light path, and a control portion (14) that processes the captured images, the image captured by the first imaging portion (100A) and the image captured by the second imaging portion (100B) having the same field of view but different characteristics.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Analytical Apparatus and Analytical Method", filed on August 2, 2018, with application number 201810871939.3. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to analytical apparatus and analytical methods. Background Technology

[0003] In the examination of collected urine, it is considered to photograph the urine sample flowing in the flow path of the flow path formed by the flow path through the wall of the flow path. For example, a known method is to photograph the urine sample flowing in the flow path provided in the flow path, and to analyze the sediment components (solid components in urine such as blood cells, epithelial cells, cylinders, bacteria, and crystals) in the urine by analyzing the photographed image (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the device described in Patent Document 1, a detector captures the sediment components in the urine sample passing through the detection area, and after a delay time, a pulsed light source is emitted in the imaging area downstream of the detection area to photograph the sediment components.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 06-288895

[0005] However, because the flow velocity of the sediment components differs between the central part of the flow path in the flow tank and near the wall, it is necessary to detect the passage position of the sediment components within the flow tank and adjust the delay time accordingly. This complicates control. Furthermore, the need for separate optical systems for detecting sediment components in the detection area and for capturing images of the sediment components in the imaging area further complicates the device and increases manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to achieve the detection and analysis of formed elements in a sample at a lower cost.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an analytical apparatus comprising: a flow cell having a flow path containing a sample having a constituent that absorbs light of a predetermined color; a branching section that branches light transmitted through the flow path into at least a first optical path and a second optical path; a first imaging unit and a second imaging unit that use light from the first optical path and light from the second optical path to capture an image of the sample within the flow path; and a control unit that processes the captured image, wherein the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit have the same field of view, the second imaging unit has an optical filter that transmits only light of the same color as the predetermined color, and the second imaging unit captures images with characteristics different from those captured by the first imaging unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention includes inventions of methods corresponding to the above-described analytical apparatus.

[0009] According to the present invention, the detection and analysis of formed elements in a sample can be achieved at a lower cost. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the analysis apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the general structure of the flow cell.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the approximate structure near the confluence and wedge-shaped sections.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the distribution of sheath fluid and specimen circulating in the fourth pathway.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of classifying formed elements.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the analysis apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of classifying formed elements.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the analysis apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0018] Label Explanation

[0019] 1: Camera device; 12: Light source; 13A: Flow cell; 14: Controller; 20: Analysis device; 100A: First camera unit; 100B: Second camera unit; 101: Objective lens; 102: Branching section; 104: Mask. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the constituent components described in this embodiment.

[0021] (First Implementation)

[0022] Figure 1This is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the analysis device 20 according to the first embodiment. The analysis device 20 includes an imaging device 1. The imaging device 1 takes pictures of a sample, such as urine, and analyzes the formed elements in the urine by analyzing the captured images. However, the imaging device 1 can also be applied to the analysis of formed elements in liquid samples other than urine, such as blood and body fluids.

[0023] The imaging device 1 includes an imaging unit 10 for photographing the specimen, a light source 12 for imaging, and a flow cell unit 13. The flow cell unit 13 has a stage (not shown), on which a flow cell 13A for the specimen to flow is fixedly mounted. The flow cell 13A can also be freely mounted and detached relative to the stage.

[0024] The imaging device 1 includes an objective lens 101, a branch 102, a first lens group 103A, a second lens group 103B, a mask 104, a first camera 105A, and a second camera 105B. The first camera 105A and the second camera 105B use imaging elements such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor for imaging. Hereinafter, the objective lens 101, branch 102, first lens group 103A, mask 104, and first camera 105A are collectively referred to as the first imaging unit 100A, and the objective lens 101, branch 102, second lens group 103B, and second camera 105B are collectively referred to as the second imaging unit 100B. The first lens group 103A and the second lens group 103B each include an eyepiece, and sometimes also an imaging lens. The flow cell 13A is disposed between the light source 12 and the objective lens 101, which are shared in the first imaging unit 100A and the second imaging unit 100B.

[0025] The analysis device 20 is equipped with a controller 14 as a control unit. The controller 14 has a CPU 14A, a ROM 14B, a RAM 14C, an EEPROM 14D, and an interface circuit 14E, which are interconnected via a bus 14F.

[0026] The CPU (central processing unit) 14A operates according to the program stored in ROM (read-only memory) 14B and read into RAM (random access memory) 14C, controlling the entire analysis device 20. ROM 14B stores the program and data used to operate the CPU 14A. RAM 14C provides a working area for the CPU 14A and temporarily stores various data and programs. EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) 14D stores various setting data, etc. Interface circuit 14E controls communication between the CPU 14A and various circuits.

[0027] The interface circuit 14E is connected to control lines for the first camera unit 100A, the second camera unit 100B, the light source 12, the first pump 15A, and the second pump 15B. These devices are controlled by control signals from the controller 14. The first pump 15A supplies sheath fluid to the flow cell 13A via the first supply pipe 132A, and the second pump 15B supplies the sample to the flow cell 13A via the second supply pipe 133A. Sheath fluid is the liquid that controls the flow of the sample in the flow cell 13A; for example, physiological saline is used when the sample is urine. However, solutions other than physiological saline can also be used as sheath fluid.

[0028] Branching section 102 branches the light from the flow cell 13A in two or more directions. Branching section 102 is, for example, a beam splitter such as a semi-reflective mirror, which branches the light in two directions by transmitting a portion of the light passing through objective lens 101 and reflecting the remaining light. Then, the light transmitted through branching section 102 from the branched light is incident on the first lens group 103A and onto the imaging surface of the imaging element of the first camera 105A. That is, it is used for imaging by the first imaging unit 100A. On the other hand, the light reflected by branching section 102 is incident on the second lens group 103B and onto the imaging surface of the imaging element of the second camera 105B. That is, it is used for imaging by the second imaging unit 100B. The optical path between branching section 102 and the first camera 105A is called the first optical path, and the optical path between branching section 102 and the second camera 105B is called the second optical path. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 As shown, the branch 102 is positioned on the optical axis 11B of the objective lens 101. Additionally, in Figure 1 In the diagram, 111A represents the optical axis of the first optical path, and 111B represents the optical axis of the second optical path.

[0029] A mask 104 is disposed between the branch 102 and the first lens group 103A (i.e., inserted into the first optical path). The mask 104 is formed by opening a circular hole in a plate, and the optical axis 111A of the first lens group 103A passes through the central axis of the hole in the mask 104 and is positioned perpendicular to the optical axis 111A of the first optical path. The mask 104 functions as an aperture to reduce the amount of light directed toward the first camera 105A by blocking a portion of the light in the first optical path. The mask 104 increases the depth of field of the first camera 105A.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the flow cell 13A. The flow cell 13A is formed by joining (e.g., heat-pressing) the first plate 130 and the second plate 131. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the flow cell 13A as viewed from the first plate 130 side. Additionally, [the following will be included] Figure 2 The width direction of the flow cell 13A shown is set as the X-axis direction in an orthogonal coordinate system, the length direction as the Y-axis direction, and the thickness direction as the Z-axis direction. The sample being photographed flows within the flow cell 13A in the Y-axis direction. The optical axis 11B of the objective lens 101 is positioned in the Z-axis direction.

[0031] The materials used in the flow cell 13A can include materials with visible light transmittance of over 90%, such as PMMA (propylene resin), COP (cyclic olefin polymer), PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), PP (polypropylene), and quartz glass.

[0032] The first plate 130 is provided with a first supply port 132 for supplying sheath fluid, a second supply port 133 for supplying a specimen, and an outlet 134 for discharging sheath fluid and a specimen. The first supply port 132, the second supply port 133, and the outlet 134 all penetrate the first plate 130. The first supply port 132 is located at one end of the first plate 130 along its length, the second supply port 133 is located at the other end of the first plate 130 along its length, and the outlet 134 is located between the first supply port 132 and the second supply port 133 along the length of the first plate 130.

[0033] The first supply port 132, the second supply port 133, and the discharge port 134 are interconnected via passages 135A, 135B, 136, and 138. These passages 135A, 135B, 136, and 138 are formed by recesses into the surface of the first plate 130 on the mating side, creating a rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, the cross-sections of these passages 135A, 135B, 136, and 138 are formed in the width direction (…). Figure 2 The X-axis direction is greater than the depth direction. Figure 2(in the Z-axis direction) is large. When the first plate 130 and the second plate 131 are joined, the second plate 131 becomes the wall material forming the passages 135A, 135B, 136, and 138.

[0034] A first passage 135A and a second passage 135B are connected to the first supply port 132. The first passage 135A and the second passage 135B flow in opposite directions along the outer edge of the first plate 130 toward the second supply port 133, merging at a confluence 137. A third passage 136 is connected to the second supply port 133, merging with the first passage 135A and the second passage 135B at the confluence 137. The confluence 137 is connected to the discharge port 134 via a fourth passage 138. A wedge-shaped portion 138A is formed in the fourth passage 138, with the depth of the fourth passage 138 (which is the length of the first plate 130 in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction)) gradually decreasing from the confluence 137 toward the discharge port 134. The wedge-shaped portion 138A has an inclination of, for example, 2° to 8°.

[0035] The first supply port 132 is connected to Figure 1 The first supply pipe 132A shown is connected to the second supply port 133. Figure 1 The second supply tube 133A shown has a discharge tube (not shown) connected to the outlet 134. Sheath fluid supplied from the first supply tube 132A to the first supply port 132 flows through the first passage 135A and the second passage 135B. Specimen supplied from the second supply tube 133A to the second supply port 133 flows through the third passage 136. Furthermore, the sheath fluid and specimen merge at the confluence 137 and flow through the fourth passage 138, exiting from the outlet 134 into the discharge tube.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a schematic structure near the confluence 137 and the wedge-shaped portion 138A. At the confluence 137, the third passage 136 is positioned biased toward the second plate 131, and the sample flows along the second plate 131 at the confluence 137.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the distribution of sheath fluid and specimen flowing in the fourth pathway 138. From... Figure 4 After the sheath fluid and the sample are supplied to the upper side of the plate, they merge at the confluence point 137. Immediately after the sheath fluid and sample merge at the confluence point 137, the sample within the sheath fluid is concentrated in a relatively narrow area on the wall side of the second plate 131 (see reference). Figure 4 (AA section). Then, as the specimen flows through the wedge 138A, the specimen is pressed by the sheath fluid and expands in a flattened shape along the wall near the second plate 131 (see reference). Figure 4(BB profile). Furthermore, as the sample flows, it leaves the wall of the second plate 131 due to the tubular-pinch effect and rises towards the center of the fourth passage 138 (see reference). Figure 4 (CC section).

[0038] The distribution of formed elements is affected by the distribution of the sample fluid in the sheath fluid. Imaging more locations of formed elements can improve the accuracy of their analysis. In flow cell 13A, as... Figure 4 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the flow of the specimen varies depending on its position along the Y-axis. Figure 4 At the location of the CC section, compared to the location of the BB section, the specimen has a larger width in the Z-axis direction. Figure 4 At the location of the CC section, the formed elements in the specimen are distributed in a manner that extends along the Z-axis, which is therefore unsuitable for imaging of the formed elements.

[0039] On the other hand, Figure 4 At the location of the BB section, the sheath fluid flows from above, pressing the specimen towards the second plate 131, thereby causing the specimen to be dispersed by the sheath fluid and spread thinly. Therefore, in Figure 4 At the location of the BB profile, the formed elements in the sample exist in a manner that does not extend along the Z-axis, making it easy to focus. Furthermore, both the sheath fluid and the sample fluid form laminar flows, with almost no mixing. Since this BB profile location is suitable for photographing the formed elements along the Y-axis, the sample is photographed from this Y-axis position. This position is referred to as the imaging position, and the optical axis 11B of the objective lens 101 is aligned with this imaging position.

[0040] In the first imaging unit 100A, a mask 104 is inserted in the first optical path to narrow the amount of light directed toward the first camera 105A (numerical aperture reduction). On the other hand, no aperture equivalent to the mask 104 is provided in the second optical path. Therefore, the depth of field of the image captured by the first imaging unit 100A is deeper than that of the image captured by the second imaging unit 100B. Conversely, the resolution of the second imaging unit 100B is higher than that of the first imaging unit 100A. Furthermore, the diameter of the aperture formed in the mask 104 is set to a desired numerical aperture in the first imaging unit 100A. The desired numerical aperture can be set according to the required depth of field of the first imaging unit 100A.

[0041] In addition, the depth of field of the second camera unit 100B is set in such a way that the depth of field of the image captured by the second camera unit 100B is included in the depth of field of the image captured by the first camera unit 100A.

[0042] Still images of formed elements in a sample flowing through a flow cell 13A are simultaneously captured by a first camera 105A and a second camera 105B. The imaging is magnified, and the illumination time of the light source 12 is synchronized with the imaging time (exposure time) of the first camera 105A and the second camera 105B by a controller 14. Parallel light is incident from the light source 12 onto the flow cell 13A. During imaging, the light source 12 is illuminated one to multiple times. The illumination time of the light source 12 is set, for example, from 0.1 to 10 μsec, depending on the flow rate of the sample, to keep the subject jitter within acceptable limits. The light source 12 can also be illuminated multiple times for a single exposure, thereby increasing the number of formed elements contained in an image. By capturing more formed elements, the analytical accuracy of the formed elements can be further improved. In this case, the flashing timing of the light source 12 is determined considering the relationship between the flow rate of the sample and the illumination time of the light source 12, so that the same sample is not captured repeatedly. The light source 12 can be, for example, a xenon lamp or a white LED, but is not limited to these; other light sources can also be used. Take multiple images like this.

[0043] At branch 102, the optical path is branched into a first optical path and a second optical path, and a mask 104 is provided only on the first optical path. Therefore, when images of light from the light source 12 transmitted through the flow cell 13A are simultaneously captured by the first imaging unit 100A and the second imaging unit 100B, two images with the same field of view but different characteristics such as depth of field and resolution can be obtained. Regarding the image captured by the first imaging unit 100A, which has a deeper depth of field than the second imaging unit 100B, the range of formed elements focused is wider, making it suitable for determining the position and quantity of formed elements. On the other hand, the image captured by the second imaging unit 100B, with its higher resolution, is suitable for morphological observation of cell nuclei, etc., and for further detailed classification of formed elements by type.

[0044] CPU 14A determines the position, size, and quantity of formed elements based on the image, and determines the image cropping size based on the determined size of the formed elements, generating a cropped image. This image is captured by the first camera unit 100A using the first camera unit 100A and the second camera unit 100B to image the sample flowing in the flow cell 13A. The cropped image, compared to the background image and the captured image, is obtained by cropping the image within the areas where differences exist, enclosing them with quadrilaterals.

[0045] Before generating the cropped image, CPU 14A uses stored image data to create an image as a background image by averaging the pixel values ​​of each pixel. Pixel values ​​can be the brightness of each pixel or RGB values. The cropped image is generated by CPU 14A executing a program (cropping process) stored in ROM 14B. The cropped image, along with the cropping position and size, is stored in RAM 14C. For example, CPU 14A generates a cropped image for all formed elements contained in the captured image.

[0046] The CPU 14A extracts an image (hereinafter referred to as the second cropped image) from the image captured by the second camera unit 100B. This second cropped image has the same cropping position and size as the cropped image (hereinafter referred to as the first cropped image) generated from the image captured by the first camera unit 100A. The first cropped image and the second cropped image are then stored together in RAM 14C. The first and second cropped images are then used by the CPU 14A for various analyses.

[0047] Since formed elements can be identified from the images captured by the first camera unit 100A, it is unnecessary to perform the process of identifying formed elements from the images captured by the second camera unit 100B. Thus, the location, size, and quantity of formed elements are determined based on the images captured by the first camera unit 100A, while detailed morphological observation of the formed elements is performed based on the images captured by the second camera unit 100B. Through this morphological observation, formed elements can be analyzed and classified with high precision.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of classifying formed elements. This flowchart is executed by CPU 14A.

[0049] In step S101, the CPU 14A acquires images captured by the first camera unit 100A and the second camera unit 100B. Hereinafter, the image captured by the first camera unit 100A is referred to as the first image, and the image captured by the second camera unit 100B is referred to as the second image.

[0050] When step S101 is completed, proceed to step S102, where CPU 14A extracts formed elements from the first image to generate a first sliced ​​image, which is then stored in RAM 14C.

[0051] When step S102 is completed, the process proceeds to step S103, where CPU 14A acquires the position information and feature values ​​of the first sliced ​​image. The position information and feature values ​​of the first sliced ​​image are stored in RAM 14C in association with the first sliced ​​image. The feature values ​​can include color, shape, and size. The acquisition of the feature values ​​can be performed using a program pre-stored in ROM 14B.

[0052] When step S103 is completed, proceed to step S104, where CPU 14A extracts formed elements from the second image to generate a sliced ​​image (second sliced ​​image). The second sliced ​​image is generated by extracting images of the same position and size as the first sliced ​​images based on the position information of the multiple first sliced ​​images.

[0053] When step S104 is completed, proceed to step S105, where CPU 14A acquires the feature values ​​of the second sliced ​​image. The feature values ​​of the second sliced ​​image are stored in RAM 14C in association with the second sliced ​​image.

[0054] When step S105 is completed, the process proceeds to step S106, where CPU 14A classifies the formed elements based on the feature values ​​obtained in steps S103 and S105. In this classification, a program pre-stored in ROM 14B is used. For example, CPU 14A classifies the formed elements by comparing the feature values ​​of the first or second sliced ​​image with the feature values ​​of each formed element pre-stored in ROM 14B.

[0055] When step S106 is completed, proceed to step S107. CPU 14A counts the formed elements according to each category of formed elements classified in step S106, then proceeds to step S108 and outputs the counting result from step S107. CPU 14A can also perform various analyses based on the counting result.

[0056] In this way, the location and quantity of formed elements can be determined based on the first segmented image, and the formed elements can be classified based on the second segmented image, thereby improving the accuracy of formed element analysis. Furthermore, when acquiring images with different characteristics, such as the first and second images, only one light source 12 and one objective lens 101 are needed. Additionally, by simultaneously capturing the first and second images with the same field of view, a delay time is not required during the capture of the first and second images, thus simplifying the apparatus and control. Therefore, the detection and analysis of formed elements in a sample can be achieved at a lower cost.

[0057] In addition, as described above, a mask 104 can be used as an optical component to reduce the amount of light, but it can also be replaced by an optical slit.

[0058] (Second Implementation)

[0059] In the first embodiment, the depth of field and resolution of the first image are varied by the mask 104. However, in the second embodiment, instead of the mask 104 being configured in the first camera unit 100A, an optical filter 106 is configured in the second camera unit 100B. Hereinafter, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0060] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the analysis apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment. No mask 104 is provided in the first imaging unit 100A. In the second imaging unit 100B, an optical filter 106 is provided between the second camera 105B and the second lens group 103B. The optical filter 106 is, for example, an optical filter that transmits only light of a predetermined wavelength.

[0061] For example, the detection of red blood cells as a sediment component in a urine sample will be explained. Since red blood cells absorb green light, by setting an optical filter 106 that transmits green light, the formed elements other than red blood cells in the sample can be captured by the second camera 105B. At this time, the formed elements containing red blood cells are captured in the image simultaneously captured by the first camera 105A. Moreover, if a formed element that can be recognized in the first image cannot be recognized in the second image, that formed element can be classified as a red blood cell. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish red blood cells from calcium oxalate crystals, which are very similar to red blood cells, with high precision. The transmission wavelength of the optical filter 106 can be appropriately selected according to the sample fluid and formed elements. The optical filter 106 can be easily changed according to the formed elements that need to be distinguished.

[0062] Thus, by using the optical filter 106, the formed elements in the sample can be easily classified. The CPU 14A generates a first slice image based on the first image, generates a second slice image with the same position and size as the first slice image based on the second image, and compares it with the first slice image to classify the formed elements.

[0063] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of classifying formed elements. This flowchart is executed by CPU 14A.

[0064] From step S201 to step S205, CPU 14A executes and Figure 5 The processes shown in steps S101 to S105 are the same.

[0065] When step S205 is completed, the process proceeds to step S206, where CPU 14A classifies formed elements based on the feature quantities obtained in steps S203 and S205. For example, if a formed element can be recognized in the first sliced ​​image but not in the corresponding second sliced ​​image at the same location, it is classified as a formed element corresponding to light of a wavelength that cannot be transmitted by the optical filter 106. The classification uses a program pre-stored in ROM 14B.

[0066] When step S206 is completed, the process proceeds to step S207, where CPU 14A counts the formed elements classified in step S206, and then proceeds to step S208, outputting the counting result from step S207. CPU 14A can also perform various analyses based on this counting result. Furthermore, CPU 14A can analyze formed elements based on the first segmented image of the classification, or it can analyze formed elements based on images in the second segmented image that can identify formed elements.

[0067] By classifying formed elements based on the first and second sliced ​​images, the accuracy of formed element analysis can be improved. Furthermore, by inserting an optical filter 106 into one of the multiple optical paths, the wavelength characteristics of the light incident on the first imaging unit 100A and the second imaging unit 100B are different. Therefore, when acquiring images with different characteristics, such as the first and second images, only one light source 12 and one objective lens 101 are needed. Additionally, by simultaneously capturing the same field of view, a delay time is not required in capturing the first and second images, thus simplifying the apparatus and control. Consequently, the detection and analysis of formed elements in a sample can be achieved at a lower cost.

[0068] (Third Implementation)

[0069] In the first and second embodiments, a first camera unit 100A and a second camera unit 100B are provided as camera units, but more camera units may be provided. Furthermore, the mask 104 of the first embodiment and the optical filter 106 of the second embodiment can be combined. Additionally, multiple masks with different apertures may be provided in different camera units. Furthermore, multiple optical filters with different wavelengths of transmitted light may be provided in different camera units. Additionally, a slit may be provided. The structure with three camera units will be described below.

[0070] Figure 8This diagram shows a schematic structure of the analysis device 20 according to the third embodiment. The imaging device 1 includes a first imaging unit 100A, a second imaging unit 100B, and a third imaging unit 100C. Additionally, the imaging device 1 includes a first branch 102A and a second branch 102B. The first imaging unit 100A includes an objective lens 101, a first branch 102A, a first lens group 103A, a mask 104, and a first camera 105A. The second imaging unit 100B includes an objective lens 101, a first branch 102A, a second branch 102B, a second lens group 103B, an optical filter 106, and a second camera 105B. The third imaging unit 100C includes an objective lens 101, a first branch 102A, a second branch 102B, a third lens group 103C, and a third camera 105C.

[0071] The first lens group 103A, the second lens group 103B, and the third lens group 103C each include an eyepiece, and sometimes also an imaging lens. The objective lens 101 and the light source 12 are shared in the first imaging unit 100A, the second imaging unit 100B, and the third imaging unit 100C.

[0072] The first branch 102A and the second branch 102B are, for example, beam splitters such as half-reflective mirrors. The first branch 102A branches the light in two directions by allowing a portion of the light passing through the objective lens 101 to pass through and reflecting the remaining light. The light transmitted through the first branch 102A is incident on the first lens group for imaging by the first imaging unit 100A.

[0073] The second branch 102B further branches the light in two directions by allowing a portion of the light reflected by the first branch 102A to pass through and reflecting the remaining light. The light transmitted through the second branch 102B is incident on the second lens group 103B for imaging by the second imaging unit 100B. The light reflected by the second branch 102B is incident on the third lens group 103C for imaging by the third imaging unit 100C.

[0074] The controller 14 is connected to a first camera unit 100A, a second camera unit 100B, a third camera unit 100C, a light source 12, a first pump 15A, and a second pump 15B. These devices are controlled by the controller 14.

[0075] CPU 14A simultaneously captures images with the same field of view using the first camera unit 100A, the second camera unit 100B, and the third camera unit 100C. Then, based on the images captured by the first camera unit 100A, the position, size, and quantity of formed elements are determined; based on the images captured by the second camera unit 100B and the third camera unit 100C, formed elements in the sample are classified; and based on the images captured by the third camera unit 100C, detailed morphological observation of the formed elements is performed. The aperture of the mask 104 and the type of optical filter 106 are appropriately selected according to the type of formed elements and the content of the analysis. In the analysis of formed elements, only those related to… Figure 5 or Figure 7 The same process as shown in the flowchart can be applied.

[0076] As shown above, even with three or more cameras, images with the same field of view can be captured simultaneously, thus simplifying the apparatus and control. This enables the detection and analysis of formed elements in samples at a lower cost.

[0077] In addition, in the above embodiment, for example, an optical component that reduces the amount of incident light to the first camera 105A is provided in the first camera unit 100A, and an optical filter 106 is provided in the second camera unit 100B. However, it is obvious that it is sufficient to provide an optical component or an optical filter in only one camera unit.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the description focused on the form in which the sample, after passing through the wedge-shaped portion 138A of the flow cell 13A, contacts the wall of the flow cell 13A. However, the structure of the flow cell and the flow of the sample are not limited to this form. For example, a flow cell can be used with the following structure: after passing through the wedge-shaped portion 138A of the flow cell 13A, the sheath fluid surrounds the sample, and the sample is stretched thinly by the center of the sheath fluid. Additionally, there are no particular limitations on the first camera 105A and the second camera 105B used in the above embodiment; obviously, the same camera can be used, or cameras with different performance can be used.

[0079] (Fourth Implementation)

[0080] use Figure 1This embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the number of pixels of the imaging element of the first camera 105A of the first imaging unit 100A (hereinafter also referred to as the number of pixels of the first camera 105A or the number of pixels of the first imaging unit 100A) is smaller than the number of pixels of the imaging element of the second camera 105B of the second imaging unit 100B (hereinafter also referred to as the number of pixels of the second camera 105B or the number of pixels of the second imaging unit 100B). Since the first imaging unit 100A has a mask 104, the depth of field of the image captured by the first imaging unit 100A is greater than that of the image captured by the second imaging unit 100B. On the other hand, the resolution of the second imaging unit 100B is higher than that of the first imaging unit 100A. In addition, the field of view of the first imaging unit 100A is the same as that of the second imaging unit 100B.

[0081] Here, since there exists a camera pixel count that is appropriate for the resolution of the imaging unit, when the pixel count of the camera used is not taken into account the resolution of each imaging unit, sometimes the pixel count becomes too small (few) or too large (many) for the resolution. "Too large (many) pixels for the resolution" means that the size of a single pixel is too small for the resolution. "Too small (few) pixels for the resolution" means that the size of a single pixel is too large for the resolution. For example, if a camera with a pixel count corresponding to the resolution of the second imaging unit 100B is used in the first imaging unit 100A, then sometimes the pixel count in the first imaging unit 100A becomes greater than required for the resolution. On the other hand, if a camera with a pixel count corresponding to the resolution of the first imaging unit 100A is used in the second imaging unit 100B, then sometimes the pixel count in the second imaging unit 100B becomes too small for the resolution.

[0082] In contrast, by making the number of pixels in the first camera 105A smaller than the number of pixels in the second camera 105B, it is possible to configure a camera with a number of pixels corresponding to the resolutions of the first imaging unit 100A and the second imaging unit 100B. Furthermore, in combinations of the number of pixels in the first camera 105A and the second camera 105B, the following combinations are considered, for example: (1) setting the number of pixels in the first camera 105A to 2 million to 3 million pixels and the number of pixels in the second camera 105B to 18 million to 20 million pixels; (2) setting the number of pixels in the first camera 105A to 2 million to 3 million pixels and the number of pixels in the second camera 105B to 5 million to 12 million pixels; and (3) setting the number of pixels in the first camera 105A to 1 million pixels or less and the number of pixels in the second camera 105B to 2 million to 3 million pixels, but the combination of pixel numbers is not limited to these. For example, the number of pixels in the first camera 105A only needs to be sufficient to determine the position and quantity of formed elements. On the other hand, the number of pixels in the second camera 105B only needs to be sufficient for detailed morphological observation of formed elements. By selecting such a number of pixels, the number of pixels in the first camera 105A is smaller than the number of pixels in the second camera 105B.

[0083] Generally, the lower the pixel count of a camera, the lower its price. Therefore, by making the pixel count of the first camera 105A smaller than that of the second camera 105B, the price of the first camera 105A can be reduced, thereby lowering the overall cost of the analysis device 20. Furthermore, generally, a smaller pixel count results in a lower image processing load. Therefore, by making the pixel count of the first camera 105A smaller than that of the second camera 105B, the processing speed of the images captured by the first camera 105A can be increased, and the overall processing speed of the analysis device 20 can be improved.

Claims

1. An analytical apparatus comprising: A flow cell having a flow path containing a sample containing constituent elements that absorb light of a specified color; A branch section that causes light transmitted through the flow path to branch into at least a first optical path and a second optical path; A first camera unit and a second camera unit use light from the first optical path and light from the second optical path to capture images of the specimen within the flow path; and The control unit processes the captured images. The first camera and the second camera have the same field of view. The second camera unit has an optical filter that transmits only light of the same color as the specified color. The light incident on the first camera unit and the light incident on the second camera unit have different wavelength characteristics. The control unit performs the following processing: generates position information of the formed elements based on the image captured by the first camera unit, and extracts an image of the formed elements from the image captured by the second camera unit based on the position information. When a formed element that can be recognized in an image captured by the first camera unit cannot be recognized in an image captured by the second camera unit, the formed element is classified as a formed element that absorbs light of the specified color.

2. The analytical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit compares the image captured by the first camera unit using light branched from the branch into the first optical path with the image captured by the second camera unit using light branched from the branch into the second optical path to perform the formed element detection processing.

3. The analytical apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first camera unit has an optical component that reduces the amount of incident light, and the depth of field of the first camera unit is greater than the depth of field of the second camera unit.

4. The analytical apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The number of pixels in the first camera unit is smaller than the number of pixels in the second camera unit.

5. An analytical method comprising the following steps: Light from a light source is shone into a flow cell, which has a flow path containing a sample containing formed elements that absorb light of a specified color. The light transmitted through the flow path is branched into at least a first optical path and a second optical path; The light from the first optical path is used to capture a first image, which is an image of the specimen within the flow path; The light in the second optical path is passed through an optical filter to obtain transmitted light with wavelength characteristics different from the light in the first optical path. The transmitted light is used to capture a second image. The optical filter only transmits light of the same color as the specified color. The second image has the same field of view as the first image but has different characteristics. Extract a first sliced ​​image containing the formed elements from the first image, and determine the position information of the first sliced ​​image; and A second cropped image, in which the formed elements are extracted from the second image based on the location information, is obtained. If a formed element that can be recognized in the first sliced ​​image cannot be recognized in the second sliced ​​image, the formed element is classified as a formed element that absorbs light of the specified color.

Images