A fully automated sample management, transfer and transmission device

Abstract

The present invention provides a fully automated sample management, handover and transmission equipment, including a laboratory information management system, a scanning window, a crawler conveyor, a sample receiving platform, a mechanical arm and a cold storage, wherein the scanning window is located at the front end of the crawler conveyor; the sample receiving platform is connected to the crawler conveyor; the cold storage is located behind the scanning window, and the cold storage is connected to the scanning window through the crawler conveyor; the crawler conveyor runs through the cold storage; the mechanical arm is installed on both sides of the crawler conveyor, and the samples are grabbed by the mechanical arm and stored in various areas of the cold storage in a classified manner; the laboratory information management system is connected to the scanning window, the crawler conveyor, the sample receiving platform, the mechanical arm and the cold storage. The fully automated sample management, handover and transmission equipment of the present invention saves sample collection and circulation time, reduces labor, improves efficiency, reduces the possibility of sample loss, excessive loss and failure, and the sample circulation time is traced throughout the whole process, and the traceability is simple.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ecological environment monitoring equipment, and in particular to a fully automated sample management, handover and transmission equipment. Background Art

[0002] In today's environmental monitoring field, sample management and sample handover are important and indispensable links in laboratory management. ① The sample management of the environmental monitoring laboratory requires a dedicated person to be responsible for the real-time sample handover work with the sample delivery personnel; ② The sample quantity, properties, status, timeliness, storage conditions, label information, etc. must be manually checked and confirmed with signatures; ③ The laboratory sample preparation requires signature confirmation after the target sample is collected from the sample room and then transported back to the laboratory for analysis; ④ Samples are distributed multiple times within the laboratory for different experimental projects as needed.

[0003] The main problems in sample management and sample handover are: the working cycle of sample management and on-site sampling is poor; manual sample handover, manual identification of sample information, and manual transfer and collection of samples are required; sample loss and cross-contamination often occur during sample transfer; the timing of sample distribution between laboratories is disordered; the entire handover process is prone to breakage and lacks traceability; samples enter the laboratory directly without handover confirmation, and other illegal operating procedures.

[0004] The difficulty in solving the problem is: 1) The working hours of the sample manager do not match the actual sample handover time, and the sample management work is too centralized; 2) The sample validity verification method is too manual and time-consuming; 3) The sample transportation and storage conditions are difficult to achieve, such as air bag constant temperature and refrigeration, which have high requirements for laboratory space and configuration; 4) Manual operation is difficult, error-prone and omission-prone during sample collection, return and disposal; 5) The timeliness of sample circulation is difficult to control; 6) Changes in sample storage environment conditions are difficult to control, and the rationality of sample storage space division directly affects sample validity.

[0005] The significance of solving the above problems and defects is as follows: fully automated laboratory handover will break the time and space limitations between personnel docking barriers; the laboratory can accept samples at any time and store samples according to the set rules to avoid cross contamination and sample expiration; the sample handover sequence is limited from the process to avoid direct entry into the laboratory without the handover process; the inefficiency of manual sample identification and sample loss are reduced; this invention will fundamentally change the sample handover process of traditional laboratories, accurately identify sample properties and information through a fully automated program, realize point-to-point transmission and distribution of samples through specific transmission channels, and implement operations in full compliance with the sample management procedure specifications. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention provides a fully automated sample management, handover and transmission device, in which the transmission system automatically transmits samples point-to-point, reducing sample loss and ineffective communication between personnel, solving the problem of difference in working cycles between sample collection and sample delivery, and ensuring the traceability of sample handling throughout the entire process.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0008] The fully automated sample management, handover and transmission equipment of the present invention comprises a laboratory information management system, a scanning window, a crawler conveyor, a sample receiving platform, a mechanical arm and a cold storage, wherein the scanning window is located at the front end of the crawler conveyor; the sample receiving platform is located in each department of the laboratory and is connected to the crawler conveyor; the cold storage is located behind the scanning window, and the cold storage is connected to the scanning window through the crawler conveyor; the crawler conveyor runs through the cold storage, and both sides of the crawler conveyor are cold storage partition placement areas, the crawler channel of the crawler conveyor is a fully enclosed refrigeration channel, and the sample is transmitted to the cold storage through the crawler conveyor; the mechanical arm is installed on both sides of the crawler conveyor, and the sample is grabbed by the mechanical arm and stored in each area of ​​the cold storage according to classification; the laboratory information management system is connected to the scanning window, the crawler conveyor, the sample receiving platform, the mechanical arm and the cold storage for communication, and controls the operation of the scanning window, the crawler conveyor, the sample receiving platform, the mechanical arm and the cold storage by sending instructions.

[0009] Optionally, in the above-mentioned fully automated sample management, handover and transmission equipment, the scanning window includes a built-in camera and a barcode scanner. The scanning window is used to scan the sample label QR code or barcode, identify the sample information, and identify whether the sample meets the circulation conditions according to the set specifications, and mark the samples that do not meet the storage conditions.

[0010] Optionally, in the above-mentioned fully automated sample management, handover and transmission equipment, the crawler conveyor device includes: a fully wrapped crawler, rollers, a small elevator conveyor box, a sample receiving window, a refrigerator and a fresh air delivery port, wherein the fully wrapped crawler is used to transport the samples scanned and identified by the front scanning window to the cold storage, and the information identified by the laboratory information management system is classified and captured by the robotic arm. The laboratory selects the required samples through the laboratory management information system, and after being captured by the robotic arm, the samples are transmitted in parallel by the fully wrapped crawler and vertically by the small elevator conveyor box to realize long-distance sample circulation.

[0011] Optionally, in the above-mentioned fully automated sample management, handover and transmission equipment, the sample receiving platform is arranged in the laboratory department, and the sample receiving platform includes a platform to be tested, a tested platform and a sample retention platform. Each sample receiving platform window is provided with an internal scanning window, and the internal scanning window is connected to the crawler conveyor device. The samples required by the laboratory department will be transmitted to the platform to be tested, and the used samples will be returned to the sample receiving platform window according to the corresponding status. The status will be changed to retained sample through the laboratory management information system, and the crawler conveyor device will transport the retained sample back to the cold storage sample retention area.

[0012] Optionally, in the above-mentioned fully automated sample management, handover and transmission equipment, each area of ​​the cold storage is divided into a water sample storage area, a gas sample storage area, a soil sample storage area, and a solid waste sample storage area according to the sample type.

[0013] Optionally, in the above-mentioned fully automated sample management, handover and transmission equipment, the workflow of the fully automated sample management, handover and transmission equipment is as follows: S1: placing the actual sample on the scanning window; S2: scanning the sample label QR code through the scanning window to identify the sample information, and the laboratory information management system identifies the sample storage conditions according to the label information, and sends the sample photo and information to the sample administrator remotely in real time. Samples that do not meet the sample management regulations will be rejected, and those that meet the requirements will be remotely operated by the sample administrator through the laboratory information management system to be transferred to the sample storage cold storage through the crawler conveyor; S3: The sample is transported to the cold storage by the crawler conveyor, and the sample is grabbed by the robotic arm and placed in different storage areas according to the storage conditions identified in the previous step, waiting for the laboratory to pick up and analyze; S4 enter the required sample number in the laboratory information management system according to the required test items, and choose to pick up the sample. The laboratory information management system will notify the sample management personnel of the specific collection information. After both parties confirm online, the selected sample The sample will be picked up by the robotic arm and placed on the crawler conveyor; S5: The crawler conveyor will convey the sample to the test platform of the designated department's sample receiving platform. The experimenter can estimate the sample preparation time and the sample delivery time in the laboratory information management system. Other departments can pre-select the sample receiving time. The tested samples can be placed on the tested platform and then transferred between rooms through the crawler conveyor; S6: If the sample that has completed all the tests is a retained sample, it can be placed on the test platform of the sample receiving table. After the scanning window in the test platform recognizes the sample, it will prompt the sample management personnel through the laboratory information management system. The management personnel can remotely query the status of the sample and whether there is a preset demand from other departments in the laboratory. If not, directly choose to store it in the warehouse. After the instruction is confirmed, it will be transferred back to the designated area of ​​the cold storage by the crawler conveyor for retention and processing; S7: The laboratory information management system will retain all information such as personnel, cycles, storage conditions, entry and exit time of all operation steps, leaving traces throughout the process for the convenience of management personnel to review, and no personnel can change it.

[0014] According to the technical solution of the present invention, the beneficial effects produced are:

[0015] The fully automated sample management, handover and transmission equipment of the present invention has changed the traditional method of manually confirming sample handover, can be operated in a full-process system, overcomes the problems of sample timeliness and quantity confusion, and changes the manual transmission and handover of samples to point-to-point automatic transmission of samples by the transmission system, thereby reducing sample loss and ineffective communication between personnel, solving the problem of different working cycles for sample collection and sample delivery, and can ensure the traceability of sample handling throughout the entire process.

[0016] In order to better understand and illustrate the concept, working principle and effect of the present invention, the present invention is described in detail below through specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific implementation of the present invention or the technical solution in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the specific implementation or the description of the prior art are briefly introduced below.

[0018] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the fully automated sample management, handover and transmission equipment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In order to make the purpose, technical method and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific examples. These examples are only illustrative and not limiting of the present invention.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the fully automated sample management and handover transmission equipment of the present invention includes a laboratory information management system, a scanning window 1, a crawler conveyor 2, a sample receiving platform, a mechanical arm and a cold storage 3, wherein the scanning window 1 is located at the front end of the crawler conveyor 2, and the sample receiving platform is located in each department of the laboratory and connected to the crawler conveyor 2. The cold storage 3 is located behind the scanning window 1, and the cold storage 3 is connected to the scanning window 1 through the crawler conveyor 2, the crawler conveyor 2 runs through the cold storage 3, and both sides of the crawler conveyor 2 are cold storage partition placement areas. The mechanical arm is installed on both sides of the crawler conveyor 2, and each partition of the cold storage is provided with a mechanical arm. The crawler channel of the crawler conveyor 2 is a fully enclosed refrigeration channel; the sample is transmitted to the cold storage 3 through the crawler conveyor 2, and the cold storage is classified and arranged, and the sample is grabbed by the mechanical arm and stored in each area of ​​the cold storage according to the scanning information, wherein each area of ​​the cold storage is divided into a water sample storage area, a gas sample storage area, a soil sample storage area, and a solid waste sample storage area according to the sample type. Among them, each type of preservation area is further refined: water sample preservation areas are divided into surface water areas and wastewater areas, gas samples are divided into fixed source areas and unorganized source areas, soil samples are divided into contaminated site areas and ordinary areas, and solid waste is divided into general solid waste and hazardous waste preservation areas.

[0021] Scanning window: including built-in camera and barcode scanner, the scanning window is located at the front end of the crawler conveyor. The scanning window is used to scan the sample label QR code or barcode, identify the sample information, including sample properties, medium, storage conditions, number, etc., and identify whether the sample meets the circulation conditions according to the set specifications, and mark the samples that do not meet the storage conditions. All identified sample information will be sent to the sample management personnel through the laboratory management information system. After the management personnel agree to receive the sample, it will be sent to the sample storage cold storage through the crawler conveyor.

[0022] Crawler conveyor: includes fully wrapped crawlers, rollers, small elevator conveyor box, sample receiving window, refrigerator and fresh air delivery port. The fully wrapped crawlers can realize parallel conveyance of samples, and the small elevator conveyor box can realize vertical conveyance of samples. The fully wrapped crawlers are used to convey the samples scanned and identified by the front scanning window to the cold storage according to the established track. According to the scanning window, the information identified by the laboratory information management system is classified and grabbed by the robotic arm into the storage condition area specified for the sample. The laboratory selects the required samples through the laboratory management information system, and after being grabbed by the robotic arm, they are conveyed in parallel by the fully wrapped crawlers and vertically by the small elevator conveyor box to realize long-distance sample circulation.

[0023] Sample receiving platform: It is set up in the laboratory department, and the sample receiving platform includes three types of sample receiving platforms: the platform to be tested, the platform to be tested, and the sample retention platform. Each sample receiving platform window is equipped with an internal scanning window, which is connected to the crawler conveyor. The samples required by the laboratory department will be transmitted to the platform to be tested, and the used samples will be returned to the sample receiving platform window according to the corresponding status. The status will be changed to the sample retention through the laboratory management information system, and the crawler conveyor will transport the retained samples back to the cold storage sample retention area for final processing.

[0024] Robotic arm recognition and grasping is an existing technology. The robotic arm is driven by a motor and controlled by a laboratory information management system. It is equipped with a camera device that can scan and identify the QR code on the sample label.

[0025] Laboratory Information Management System: This system is owned by each laboratory and can be connected to each device through communication. All instructions are given by the laboratory through the laboratory information management system. The laboratory selects the required samples, and the robotic arm grabs the corresponding samples and transmits them to each laboratory via a crawler conveyor.

[0026] The workflow of the fully automated sample management, handover and transmission equipment of the present invention is as follows:

[0027] S1: The sample delivery person places the actual sample on the scanning window;

[0028] S2: Scan the QR code on the sample label through the scanning window to identify the sample information. The laboratory information management system identifies the sample storage conditions according to the label information and sends the sample photo and information to the sample manager remotely in real time. According to the suggestions of the database and the identification of the management personnel, samples that do not meet the sample management regulations are rejected. Samples that meet the requirements are remotely operated by the sample manager through the laboratory information management system and sent to the sample storage cold storage via the crawler conveyor.

[0029] S3: The samples are transported to the cold storage by the crawler conveyor connected to the scanning window. The samples are grabbed by the robotic arm and placed in different storage areas according to the storage conditions identified in the previous step, waiting to be picked up by the laboratory for analysis.

[0030] S4: The experimenter enters the required sample number in the laboratory information management system according to the required test items and chooses to collect the sample. The laboratory information management system will notify the sample management personnel of the specific collection information. After the two parties confirm online, the selected sample will be collected by the robot arm and placed on the crawler conveyor.

[0031] S5: The crawler conveyor device transports the samples to the corresponding laboratory department. The crawler system is kept at a low temperature throughout the process to ensure the validity of the samples. The samples are transported to the designated department's sample receiving platform to be tested. The experimenter can estimate the sample preparation time and sample delivery time in the laboratory information management system. Other departments can pre-select the sample receiving time. The tested samples can be placed on the tested platform and then transferred between laboratories through the crawler conveyor device.

[0032] S6: After all the tests have been completed, if the samples are to be retained, they can be placed on the test platform of the sample receiving table. After the scanning window in the test platform recognizes the sample, it will prompt the sample management personnel through the laboratory information management system. The management personnel can remotely query the status of the sample and whether there are preset requirements from other departments of the laboratory. If not, they can directly choose to store it in the warehouse. After the instruction is confirmed, the sample will be transported back to the designated area of ​​the cold storage by the crawler conveyor for processing.

[0033] S7: The laboratory information management system will retain all the information of personnel, cycle, storage conditions, storage time, etc. of all operation steps, leaving traces throughout the process for easy access by management personnel. No personnel can change it.

[0034] The device of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0035] 1) The whole is a precise pipeline transmission device under computer program control. It is an independent automated sample management process and transmission equipment based on the sample management end of the laboratory information management system. The sample is placed in a special handover box and the sample label QR code is scanned through the scanning window to identify the sample properties, items and other information. If the two parties cannot hand over the samples face to face, remote sample handover can be achieved, and the handed over or temporarily stored samples can be reasonably preserved. The built-in camera device in the scanning window can be used to take photos and record videos to retain the status evidence of the remote sample handover, providing a basis for subsequent sample management;

[0036] 2) After the sample information is identified and recorded, the real-time information is sent to the sample administrator’s management terminal. After the identified content is compared with the project entrustment and confirmed to be correct, the handover can be remotely controlled and confirmed;

[0037] 3) The laboratory information management system selects and standardizes the storage conditions according to the results of sample information identification and automatically transfers the samples to the appropriate storage area for classified storage through fully automated sample management and transfer equipment to prevent sample failure and contamination;

[0038] 4) The laboratory can find the target sample, sample information and storage area in the laboratory information management system through the project number, and enter the collection instruction on the system side to collect the sample. The system notifies the sample administrator to confirm whether the sample is handed over to the laboratory. After both parties confirm synchronously, the system outputs the instruction grabbing platform to grab the target sample and transmit it to the laboratory where the demand instruction is issued through the fully automated sample management and handover transmission equipment. The transmission device can maintain low temperature, light protection, and low disturbance throughout the process.

[0039] 5) The system updates the estimated time for the collection of the same type of samples in real time based on the estimated analysis time output by the laboratory. Other departments can know the time period when the samples can be collected through the estimated time. After the current department completes the sample preparation, it is placed in the transmission system and sent to the next department in need. When other departments need samples from the same batch, they can also input instructions on the system to remind the department where the target sample is located of the required sample quantity and time, reducing the time for laboratory personnel to urge each other and wait blindly, improving the efficiency of inter-laboratory circulation, and reducing the probability of sample failure caused by sample loss, loss, and environmental parameter fluctuations when inter-laboratory samples are distributed.

[0040] 6) Each sample receiving platform window is actually an independent sample storage room that can achieve temperature control. Different storage conditions can be achieved according to the sample information identified by the front scanning window in accordance with the specification requirements. The measured platform must be used to place samples that are not needed during the experiment, and temporarily store the samples as required to reduce the probability of sample failure caused by environmental parameter fluctuations during the sample preparation process. The sample retention platform is a temporary storage area for sample interaction between rooms.

[0041] 7) The entire process is completed by the laboratory information management system through input and output instructions, and information such as sample quantity, time point, contact person, storage conditions, etc. are recorded throughout the process.

[0042] In summary, compared with traditional sample circulation, the fully automated sample management, handover and transmission equipment of the present invention saves time for sample collection and circulation, reduces labor, improves efficiency, reduces the possibility of sample loss, excessive loss and failure, and leaves traces of the entire sample circulation time, making traceability simple.

[0043] The above description is the best embodiment based on the concept and working principle of the invention. The above embodiment should not be understood as limiting the protection scope of the present claims, and other implementations and combinations of implementations according to the concept of the present invention belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fully automated sample management, transfer and transmission device, characterized in that: It includes a laboratory information management system, a scanning window, a crawler conveyor, a sample receiving platform, a robotic arm and a cold storage, among which: The scanning window is located at the front end of the crawler conveyor; The sample receiving platform is located in each department of the laboratory and is connected to the crawler conveyor; The cold storage is located behind the scanning window, and the cold storage is connected to the scanning window through the crawler conveyor; The crawler conveyor runs through the cold storage, and both sides of the crawler conveyor are the partitioned storage areas of the cold storage. The crawler channel of the crawler conveyor is a fully enclosed refrigeration channel, and the samples are transported to the cold storage through the crawler conveyor; The mechanical arms are installed on both sides of the crawler conveyor, and the samples are grabbed by the mechanical arms and stored in different areas of the cold storage according to their classification; The laboratory information management system is communicatively connected with the scanning window, the crawler conveyor, the sample receiving platform, the robotic arm and the cold storage, and controls the operation of the scanning window, the crawler conveyor, the sample receiving platform, the robotic arm and the cold storage by sending instructions.

2. The fully automated sample management, transfer and transmission equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The scanning window includes a built-in camera and a barcode scanner. The scanning window is used to scan the sample label QR code or barcode, identify the sample information, and identify whether the sample meets the circulation conditions according to the set specifications, and mark the samples that do not meet the storage conditions.

3. The fully automated sample management, transfer and transmission equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The crawler conveyor device includes: a fully wrapped crawler, rollers, a small elevator conveying box, a sample receiving window, a refrigerator and a fresh air delivery port, wherein the fully wrapped crawler is used to convey the samples scanned and identified by the front scanning window to the cold storage according to a predetermined track, and the information identified by the laboratory information management system is classified and captured by the robotic arm. The laboratory selects the required samples through the laboratory management information system, and after being captured by the robotic arm, the samples are transmitted in parallel by the fully wrapped crawler and vertically by the small elevator conveying box to realize long-distance sample circulation.

4. The fully automated sample management, transfer and transmission equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The sample receiving platform is arranged in the laboratory department, and the sample receiving platform includes three types of sample receiving platforms: a platform to be tested, a platform that has been tested, and a sample retention platform. Each sample receiving platform window is provided with an internal scanning window, and the internal scanning window is connected to the crawler conveyor device. The samples required by the laboratory department will be transmitted to the platform to be tested, and the used samples will be returned to the sample receiving platform window according to the corresponding status. The status will be changed to sample retention through the laboratory management information system, and the crawler conveyor device will transport the retained samples back to the cold storage sample retention area.

5. The fully automated sample management, transfer and transmission equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The cold storage areas are divided into water sample storage area, gas sample storage area, soil sample storage area, and solid waste sample storage area according to the sample type.

6. The fully automated sample management, transfer and transmission equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The workflow of the fully automated sample management, transfer and transmission equipment is as follows: S1: The sample delivery person places the actual sample on the scanning window; S2: Scan the QR code on the sample label through the scanning window to identify the sample information. The laboratory information management system identifies the sample storage conditions according to the label information, and remotely sends the sample photo and information to the sample administrator in real time. Samples that do not meet the sample management regulations are rejected. Samples that meet the requirements are remotely operated by the sample administrator through the laboratory information management system and transmitted to the sample storage cold storage through the crawler conveyor; S3: The samples are transported to the cold storage by the crawler conveyor, and the samples are grabbed by the robotic arm and placed in different storage areas according to the storage conditions identified in the previous step, waiting for the laboratory to pick them up for analysis; S4 Input the required sample number in the laboratory information management system according to the required test items and select to collect the sample. The laboratory information management system will notify the sample management personnel of the specific collection information. After the two parties confirm online, the selected sample will be collected by the robot arm and placed on the crawler conveyor; S5: The crawler conveyor device conveys the sample to the test platform of the sample receiving platform of the designated department. The experimenter can estimate the sample preparation time and the sample delivery time in the laboratory information management system. Other departments can pre-select the sample receiving time. The tested samples can be placed on the tested platform and then transferred between rooms through the crawler conveyor device. S6: The samples that have been tested completely, if they are reserved samples, can be placed on the test platform of the sample receiving station. After the scanning window in the test platform recognizes the sample, it prompts the sample management personnel through the laboratory information management system. The management personnel can remotely query the status of the sample and whether there is a preset demand from other departments in the laboratory. If not, the sample can be directly stored in the warehouse. After the instruction is confirmed, the sample will be transported back to the designated area of ​​the cold storage by the crawler conveyor for processing; S7: The laboratory information management system will retain all the information of personnel, cycles, storage conditions, entry and exit time of all operation steps, leaving traces throughout the process for easy review by management personnel, which cannot be changed by any person.

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