Measurement system

Abstract

The invention provides a measurement system. This measurement system is provided with: a first element that holds a sample carrier to which a sample, which is assumed to contain an object to be measured, is applied; a second element into which the first element is embedded; an imaging unit that acquires a verification image by imaging a verification region in the first element, the verification region including a measurement region in which the object to be measured is located in the sample applied to the sample carrier; and an analysis unit that analyzes the verification image and detects an abnormality after embedding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring system for optically measuring a measuring object. Background Art

[0002] The fluorescence detection device described in Patent Document 1 includes an illuminance sensor as a detection unit, and particularly detects errors caused by external light (external stray light) when shutters of a carry-in port and a carry-out port are not closed.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-315772 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the case of an optical measurement device using an immunochromatographic test piece that performs measurement in a dark space such as fluorescent immunochromatographic measurement, and in a system where the user assembles the optical measurement device by himself, it is necessary to assemble it correctly and confirm whether there is any abnormality after assembly, such as whether external stray light enters the area to be measured, etc. In this case, the test piece is usually sealed individually and needs to be used quickly after opening, so the confirmation of whether there is any abnormality needs to be performed before inserting the test piece into the optical measurement device.

[0008] Means for solving problems

[0009] A measurement system of one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first element, which holds a sample carrier, to which a sample assumed to contain a measurement object is applied; a second element, in which the first element is embedded; a photographing unit, which photographs a verification area in the first element to obtain a verification image, wherein the verification area includes a measurement area where the measurement object is located in the sample applied to the sample carrier; and an analyzing unit, which analyzes the verification image to detect abnormalities after the embedding.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to check abnormalities after assembly in the optical measurement device without inserting a sample carrier such as a test piece. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 A holding portion as a first element used in the embodiment is shown in an upper perspective view.

[0013] Figure 2 The perspective view below shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the insertion opening of the holding portion.

[0014] Figure 3 The sample carrier used in the embodiment is shown in a plan view.

[0015] Figure 4 The upper perspective view shows a state where the sample carrier is mounted on the holding portion.

[0016] Figure 5 Shown from a bird's-eye view Figure 4 status.

[0017] Figure 6 A housing as a second element used in the embodiment is shown in an upper perspective view.

[0018] Figure 7 The shell is shown from a bottom-up perspective.

[0019] Figure 8 The housing of the embodiment is shown in an upper perspective view.

[0020] Fig. 9 The above stereogram shows Figure 8 The housing is in a state where a sample carrier is installed.

[0021] Fig.10 A smart device used in the embodiment is shown in a bottom-up view.

[0022] Fig.11 The measuring system of the embodiment is shown in the upper perspective view.

[0023] Fig.12 The above stereogram shows Fig.11 The measuring system removes a portion of the outer wall.

[0024] Fig.13 express Fig.12 Section XIII-XIII.

[0025] Fig.14 This is a functional block diagram of a measurement system according to an embodiment.

[0026] Fig.15 The control unit is represented by a block diagram.

[0027] Fig.16 This is a flowchart showing an overview of abnormality detection in the measurement system according to the embodiment.

[0028] Fig.17 An example showing a verification area.

[0029] Fig.18 This is a flowchart showing an outline of a first abnormality detection step for detecting an abnormality in an assembly state.

[0030] Fig.19Indicates the location of the boundary area in the verification area and the recognition area.

[0031] Fig. 20 This is a flowchart showing an outline of a second abnormality detection step for detecting suitability of a first element.

[0032] Fig.21 Indicates the identification area in the verification area where identification information is displayed.

[0033] Fig. 22 This is a flowchart showing an outline of a third abnormality detection step for detecting an abnormality of an optical filter.

[0034] Fig.23 Indicates the position of the measurement area in the verification area.

[0035] Fig.24 Indicates the confirmed area and allowed area in the verification image taken in a dark room.

[0036] Fig.25 1 is a flowchart showing an outline of a fourth abnormality detection step for detecting an external stray light abnormality.

[0037] Description of Reference Numerals

[0038] 10 Measurement system

[0039] 30 Shell

[0040] 40 Holding unit

[0041] 45 filters

[0042] 48 Identification Information

[0043] 51 Filming Department

[0044] 52 Lighting Department

[0045] 60 sample carriers

[0046] 90 verification area

[0047] 91 Measurement area

[0048] 92 Border Area

[0049] 94 Identification Area

[0050] 95 Allowed Area

[0051] 96Specific Areas

[0052] 97 Confirmed Area

[0053] 250 Analysis Department DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings indicate the same parts even if there is no special description. In addition, the components and parts shown in the drawings are only schematically depicted, and the dimensions and positional relationships of the actual products may not be accurately represented.

[0055] (1) The first element

[0056] Figure 1 The measuring system 10 of this embodiment is shown in the upper perspective view (see Fig.11 ) is a diagram of a holding unit 40 as a first element used in the measurement system 10 of the present invention. Figure 8 ) components, and may also include Figure 1 The holding portion 40 is box-shaped, and has two openings, a measurement opening 43 and an identification opening 44, formed on the upper surface. A filter 45 having characteristics described later is embedded in the measurement opening 43. A sensor 47 for sensing light is also provided on the upper surface. A sample carrier 60 described later (see Figure 3 ) is inserted into the insertion port 41. The internal space of the insertion port 41 is also connected to the measurement opening 43 and the identification opening 44, and becomes a space for accommodating a part of the sample carrier 60, that is, the accommodating portion 46. In addition, on the upper surface of the holding portion 40, near the measurement opening 43, identification information 48 of the holding portion 40 as a first element is displayed in the form of, for example, a QR code (registered trademark). The holding portion 40 as a first element is a structure that holds the sample carrier 60 to which the measurement object is applied.

[0057] Figure 2 The figure is a perspective view below which shows the vicinity of the insertion port 41 of the holding part 40 in an enlarged manner. The sensor 47 is provided near the measurement opening 43 of the storage part 46 which is the internal space of the insertion port 41. From the light source 42 (see Fig.13 ) irradiates light including light of a wavelength suitable for photographing the object to be measured. Furthermore, the optical filter 45 has an optical characteristic of appropriately transmitting only light of a wavelength suitable for the photographing.

[0058] (2) Sample carrier

[0059] Figure 3 The measuring system 10 of this embodiment is shown in a plan view (see Fig.11) is a diagram of a sample carrier 60 used in a test apparatus. The sample carrier 60 of the present embodiment is formed as a test piece having a flat rod-like appearance. A gripping portion 65 whose upper surface is recessed is formed at one end of the sample carrier 60. The user can grip the sample carrier 60 by pinching the gripping portion 65 with fingers. A strip-shaped test paper 64 along the length direction of the sample carrier 60 is accommodated inside the sample carrier 60. The test paper 64 is exposed upward at two openings formed on the upper surface of the sample carrier 60. Of the two openings, the opening closer to the gripping portion 65 is a sample dripping portion 63, and the opening farther from the gripping portion 65 is a measurement opening 61 for performing measurement of the object to be measured. In addition, a sample carrier identification area 62 is formed on the upper surface of the other end side of the sample carrier 60, that is, the portion farthest from the gripping portion 65, and the sample carrier identification area 62 records information related to the sample carrier 60. Hereinafter, regarding the sample carrier 60, the side close to the holding portion 65 is referred to as the "upstream side", and the side close to the sample carrier identification region 62 is referred to as the "downstream side". Figure 3 The rod-shaped test piece as shown may also be used as a sample carrier formed as a plate having a measuring piece or a well, for example.

[0060] The test paper 64 is formed by coating a water-absorbing layer on the surface of a water-absorbing body such as filter paper or a substrate made of synthetic resin. A reaction reagent that reacts with the object to be measured and develops color is applied to the test paper 64. A sample that is assumed to contain the object to be measured is dripped on the sample dripping part 63. As the sample, there can be cited liquid specimens collected from organisms, such as blood or urine, or diluents obtained by diluting them with appropriate solvents, or solids or mucus collected from organisms, or liquid specimens obtained by diluting or suspending them in appropriate solvents. As the object to be measured, there can be cited components contained in the liquid specimen, or antigens derived from foreign microorganisms or viruses.

[0061] Figure 4 The figure is a top perspective view showing a state where the sample carrier 60 is mounted on the holding portion 40. Figure 5 This is a top view of the state. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the sample carrier 60 is inserted into the interior of the receiving portion 46 from the insertion port 41 with the downstream side as the leading end. Figure 5 As shown, the measurement opening 61 and the measurement opening 43 are located at the same position in the plan view, and the sample carrier identification region 62 and the identification opening 44 are located at the same position in the plan view.

[0062] In this state, when the sample is dripped onto the sample dripping portion 63, the capillary phenomenon is used to make the test paper 64 flow in the downstream direction, and a control reaction zone (not shown) indicating the dripping of the sample is generated at a position on the downstream side of the measuring opening 61. Furthermore, when the sample contains a measuring object, an object reaction zone (not shown) having an intensity corresponding to its concentration is generated at a position on the upstream side. In the test paper 64, the object reaction zone is located at the central part of the measuring opening 61, and the control reaction zone is located on the downstream side away from the central part. The measuring system 10 of this embodiment measures the concentration of the measuring object by irradiating the object reaction zone with light emitted from the light source 42 and measuring the intensity of the generated light. Identification information is recorded in the above-mentioned sample carrier identification area 62, and the identification information is information related to the sample carrier 60, such as what kind of test paper 64 is accommodated in the sample carrier 60. As identification information, bar codes, QR codes (registered trademark), etc. can be cited.

[0063] (3) Second element

[0064] Figure 6 The measuring system 10 of this embodiment is shown in the upper perspective view (see Fig.11 ) is used as a part of the structure of the second element. In addition, Figure 7 The figure shows the housing 30 in a bottom-up manner. The housing 30 is configured as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped paper box with an open upper surface and a lower surface. The housing 30 in this embodiment is provided as a product in a flat folded state, and is assembled into a three-dimensional box as shown in the figure when in use. The four sides of the housing 30 form an outer wall portion 34 that is vertically erected. A loading frame 32 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 30, and the loading frame 32 is used to load the smart device 50 described later (see Fig.10 A box-shaped shading portion 33 is formed on one side of the interior of the housing 30 (hereinafter referred to as the "front side"), in which the window 31 is opened, the upper surface is closed, and the lower surface is open (see Figure 7 ) The housing 30 as a part of the second element is a structure in which the holding portion 40 as the above-mentioned first element is embedded.

[0065] Here, among the four faces of the outer wall portion 34, the face on the side where the light shielding portion 33 is located is set as the front face 34a, the face on the opposite side is set as the back face 34b, the face on the left side when viewed from the front face 34a is set as the left side face 34c, and the face on the opposite side is set as the right side face 34d. In addition, the interior of the housing 30 is divided by a reinforcing portion 35 parallel to the front face 34a and the back face 34b. Moreover, a rectangular cutout portion 36 is formed at the lower edge of the front side of the left side face 34c.

[0066] (4) Housing

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown, a gap is formed between the lower edge of the light shielding portion 33 and the lower edge of the outer wall portion 34, and the gap is used as the height. The space surrounded by the front surface 34a, the reinforcing portion 35, the left side surface 34c and the right side surface 34d is called the receiving area 37. By embedding the holding portion 40 in the receiving area 37 of the housing 30, Figure 8 The assembly of the housing 20 shown in FIG. 1 is completed. In this state, the cutout portion 36 of the housing 30 is aligned with the insertion opening 41 of the holding portion 40. In this state, the insertion opening 41 is Figure 4 and Figure 5 The state where the sample carrier 60 is installed as shown is as follows. Fig. 9 As shown in the upper stereogram shown.

[0068] (5) Smart devices

[0069] Fig.10 The measuring system 10 (see Fig.11 ) is shown in a bottom view in a state where a smart device 50 used in the smart device 50 is placed on the housing 20. Here, the structure in which the smart device 50 is placed on the housing 30 is the second element. In the present embodiment, a smartphone serves as the smart device 50, but a tablet terminal with a camera function may also be used as the smart device 50. A shooting unit 51 configured as a camera and an illumination unit 52 configured as a flash lamp irradiating visible light are provided on the bottom side (the so-called back side) of the smart device 50. In addition, the top side (the so-called surface) of the smart device 50 serves as a display unit 53. When obtaining the verification image described later, the illumination unit 52 illuminates the verification area 90 of the holding unit as the first element (refer to Fig.17 ).

[0070] (6) Measurement system

[0071] exist Fig. 9 The inner side of the mounting frame 32 of the housing 20 shown in the figure makes Fig.10 The smart device 50 shown is placed in a manner that the camera unit 51 and the lighting unit 52 are aligned with the window 31 and the display unit 53 faces upward, thereby forming a Fig.11 The measuring system 10 of this embodiment is shown in the upper perspective view of FIG. As shown in the state where the front surface 34a, the left side surface 34c and the right side surface 34d of the outer wall portion 34 are removed from this state Fig.12 As shown in the upper perspective view of the embodiment, the measuring opening 43 and the identification opening 44 of the holding portion 40 should be covered by the light shielding portion 33, and the entry of light from the outside is blocked. However, depending on the assembly method of the housing 30 and the installation of the housing 30 and the holding portion 40, external stray light sometimes leaks into the interior of the housing 30. This will be described later.

[0072] In addition, if the XIII-XIII section is used to represent Fig.12 of Fig.13 As shown, the measuring opening 43 and the filter 45 are located above the measuring opening 61 of the sample carrier 60, and the identification opening 44 is located above the sample carrier identification area 62. In addition, a light source 42 for irradiating the measuring opening 61 from obliquely above is provided at a position slightly behind the identification opening 44 below the identification opening 44. The window 31 of the housing 30 is located just above the measuring opening 43, so that the imaging unit 51 of the smart device 50 includes the sample carrier identification area 62 in its field of view in addition to the measuring opening 43.

[0073] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing a functional block diagram of the measurement system 10 according to the present embodiment. Fig.10 The imaging unit 51, the lighting unit 52, Fig.11 The display unit 53 and the control unit 100 for controlling them are shown. The control unit 100 functions as the following means by using a CPU 110, a ROM 120, a RAM 130, and a storage device 150 described later as hardware resources of the computer.

[0074] That is, the control unit 100 functions as a lighting switching unit 200 that switches the lighting of the lighting unit 52 on / off (lit / extinguished). Specifically, the lighting switching unit 200 can be implemented as an application installed in the smart device 50, but in addition, it can also be implemented as a unit that utilizes electrical or optical sensing between the holding unit 40, or as a wireless communication unit (such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) etc.) between the holding unit 40. In addition, the control unit 100 functions as a shooting condition storage unit 210 that stores the shooting conditions of the shooting unit 51. The conditions specified as shooting conditions include, for example, the standby time required for the reaction between the measured object and the reagent. In addition, the control unit 100 functions as a dripping detection unit 220 that detects the dripping of the sample to the sample carrier 60 through the shooting unit 51. In addition, the control unit 100 functions as a standby time measurement unit 230 that measures the standby time. Furthermore, the control unit 100 functions as an image storage unit 240 that stores the measurement region 91 (see FIG. 1 ) including the measurement opening 43 captured by the imaging unit 51. Fig.17 ) image. Furthermore, the control unit 100 functions as an analysis unit 250 that analyzes the image captured by the imaging unit 51. The imaging unit 51 captures the verification area 90 (see Fig.17), and obtains the verification image described later, wherein the measurement area 91 is the area where the measurement object in the sample applied to the sample carrier 60 is located. In addition, the analysis unit 250 analyzes the verification image obtained by the imaging unit 51, and as described later, detects an abnormality after the holding unit 40 as the first element is embedded in the housing 30 as the second element. In other words, the imaging unit 51 and the analysis unit 250 are provided in the smart device 50 possessed by the second element. That is, it can also be said that the second element has the imaging unit 51.

[0075] like Fig.15 As shown in the hardware structure of FIG. 1 , the control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 120, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 130, and a storage device 150. Each component is connected via a bus 190 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0076] The CPU 110 is a central processing unit that executes various programs or controls various components. Specifically, the CPU 110 reads programs from the ROM 120 or the storage device 150 and executes the programs using the RAM 130 as a work area. The CPU 110 controls the measurement system 10 according to the programs recorded in the ROM 120 or the storage device 150.

[0077] ROM 120 stores various programs and various data. RAM 130 temporarily stores programs or data as a work area. Storage device 150 is configured as a memory based on HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive) or flash memory, and stores various programs including an operating system and various data.

[0078] On the other hand, the holding unit 40 includes: a light source 42 that illuminates the measurement area 91; a sensor 47 that detects the on / off (lighting / extinguishing) of the lighting unit 52; and a light source control unit 49 that lights the light source 42 when a signal from the sensor 47 is input. The light source control unit 49 is configured as a hardware resource of a computer in the same manner as the control unit 100 of the smart device 50. In addition, as long as the light source control unit 49 can control the light source 42 to be lit when the measurement area 91 is photographed as described later, it can realize the control of lighting the light source 42 regardless of the input method of the signal from the sensor 47 (for example, wired or wireless). In addition, the light source control unit 49 can also control the light source 42 to be extinguished.

[0079] In the measurement system 10, based on the verification image described later captured in a state where the housing 30 as the second element is a dark room, the verification area 90 (see Fig.17 ) in the confirmed area 97 (refer to Fig.24 ) and a specific area 96 (refer to Fig.24 ) to detect external stray light anomaly. In addition, in the above-mentioned measurement system 10, it is preferred that when the housing 30 as the second element becomes a dark room, the external stray light anomaly is detected by comparing the light amount of at least one of the confirmation area 97 and the specific area 96 with a specified threshold. For example, if the average value of the light amount of pixels in the confirmation area 97 or the specific area 96 represented by the image is greater than the specified threshold, it can be determined that there is an external stray light anomaly. Alternatively, if the number of pixels in the confirmation area 97 or the specific area 96 whose light amount is greater than the specified threshold is greater than a specified number (for example, 10), it can be determined that there is an external stray light anomaly.

[0080] In the above-mentioned measuring system 10, it is preferable that the verification area 90 (see Fig.17 ) in addition to including the measurement area 91 (refer to Fig.17 ), at least the boundary region 92 (see Fig.19 ), the analysis unit 250 determines at least the boundary area 92 on the image in the verification area 90 (refer to Fig.19 ) and detects abnormalities after embedding based on the determined position. In this case, in the above-mentioned measurement system 10, it is more preferable that an identification area 94 (refer to Fig.19 ), detects abnormalities after embedding based on the position of the identification area 94 on the image in the verification area 90, and detects the suitability of the holding unit 40 as the first element based on the content of the identification information 48.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned measuring system 10, it is preferable that in the measuring area 91 (refer to Fig.23 ) is provided with a filter 45 separating the sample carrier 60 from the imaging unit 51, and an abnormality of the filter 45 is detected based on image information of the filter 45 in a verification image described later.

[0082] (7) Anomaly detection based on embedded measurement system

[0083] Reference Fig.16 , Fig.18 , Fig. 20 , Fig. 22 and Fig.25 Flowchart and Fig.17 , Fig.19 , Fig.21 , Fig.23 and Fig.24 Schematic diagram of the verification area 90 is provided to illustrate an example of abnormality detection after embedding the measurement system 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0084] Fig.16 1 is a flowchart showing an overview of abnormality detection in a measurement system according to an embodiment. In this figure, in the three columns divided vertically, the steps performed by the user are shown in the left column, the steps performed by the lighting unit 52 and the imaging unit 51 are shown in the center column, and the steps performed by the analysis unit 250 are shown in the right column.

[0085] First, in the step S10, the user places the housing 30 as the second element. Figure 6 Then, the holding portion 40 as the first element is embedded in the housing 30, thereby assembling the three-dimensional box. Figure 8 Then, in a state where the sample carrier 60 is not installed in the holding portion 40, Fig.10 The smart device 50 shown is Fig.11 The housing 20 is placed at the position shown. In this state, in step S20, the user operates the smart device 50, so that the lighting unit 52 illuminates the interior of the housing 30 and the imaging unit 51 captures the image.

[0086] That is, in the step S30, the lighting switching unit 200 (see Fig.14 ) turns on the flashlight of the illumination unit 52. While the flashlight is on, in the step shown in S40, as shown in FIG. Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , the imaging unit 51 captures an image of the verification area 90 including the upper surface of the holding unit 40 and the front surface 34a, the left side surface 34c, the right side surface 34d around it, and the lower edge of the reinforcing unit 35. The image includes the measurement area 91, which is the area where the measurement object is measured when the sample carrier 60 is inserted. The image is temporarily stored in the RAM 130 or the storage device 150 of the control unit 100 as a verification image.

[0087] Next, based on Fig.17 The analysis unit 250 performs the first abnormality detection step shown in S70 based on the verification image of the verification area 90 shown in FIG. 1. The first abnormality detection step is a step of detecting abnormalities in the assembly state. Fig.18 An overview is shown in the flowchart shown.

[0088] First, in the step S71, the analysis unit 250 determines the number of cells in the verification area 90. Fig.19The boundary region 92, the corner region 93, and the identification region 94 are shown. Here, the boundary region 92 is determined as a region corresponding to the boundary between the holding portion 40 as the first element and the housing 30 as the second element, and specifically, is determined as a region corresponding to the four sides of the holding portion 40. In addition, the corner region 93 is determined as a region corresponding to the four corners between adjacent boundary regions 92. The identification region 94 is determined as a region surrounding the identification information 48.

[0089] Next, in the stage shown in S72, the analysis unit 250 verifies whether the inclination of the boundary area 92 is within the allowable range. Ideally, the boundary areas 92 are respectively substantially straight and the relative boundary areas 92 should be parallel to each other, but this may not be the case depending on the assembly of the housing 20. Therefore, in the storage device 150 of the control unit 100, a numerical range indicating the degree of deviation from the ideal state is allowed is stored as an allowable range. In the case where it is determined that the inclination of the boundary area 92 is not within the allowable range, the stage shown in S75 is entered, and the control unit 100 performs a prescribed error display on the display unit 53 of the smart device 50 indicating that the assembly is incorrect.

[0090] In the case where it is determined at the stage shown in S72 that the inclination of the boundary area 92 is within the allowable range, at the stage shown in S73, the analysis unit 250 verifies whether the angle of the corner area 93 is within the allowable range. Ideally, the corner area 93 should be at a right angle, but this may not be the case depending on the assembly of the housing 20. Therefore, in the storage device 150 of the control unit 100, a numerical range indicating the degree of deviation from the ideal state is allowed is stored as an allowable range. In the case where it is determined that the angle of the corner area 93 is not within the allowable range, the stage shown in S75 is entered, and the control unit 100 performs a prescribed error display on the display unit 53 of the smart device 50 indicating that the assembly is incorrect.

[0091] If it is determined at the stage S73 that the angle of the corner area 93 is within the permissible range, then at the stage S74, the analysis unit 250 verifies whether the position of the identification area 94 is within the permissible range. The storage device 150 of the control unit 100 stores a numerical range indicating the degree to which the identification area 94 is allowed to deviate from the position where it should be in the verification area 90 as the permissible range. If it is determined that the position of the identification area 94 is within the permissible range, the control unit 100 proceeds to the next step. Fig.16 On the other hand, when it is determined that the position of the identification area 94 is not within the permitted range, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S75, and the control unit 100 displays a prescribed error indicating that the assembly is incorrect on the display unit 53 of the smart device 50.

[0092] If it is determined at the stage shown in S74 that the position of the recognition area 94 is within the allowable range, the analysis unit 250 Fig.17 The verification image of the verification area 90 shown in FIG. Fig.16 The second abnormality detection step is a step of detecting whether the holding unit 40 as the first element is suitable or not. Fig. 20 An overview is shown in the flowchart shown.

[0093] First, in the step S81, the analysis unit 250 determines the number of cells in the verification area 90. Fig.21 Specifically, the analysis unit 250 identifies information (eg, product number, purpose, expiration date, etc.) related to the mounted holding unit 40 as the first element based on the identification information 48 located in the identification area 94 .

[0094] Next, in the stage shown in S82, the analyzing unit 250 determines whether the installed holding unit 40 as the first element is suitable for the measuring system 10. If it is determined to be suitable, the process proceeds to Fig.16 On the other hand, if it is determined that the holding unit 40 is not suitable, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S83, and the control unit 100 displays a predetermined error on the display unit 53 of the smart device 50 indicating that the holding unit 40 is not suitable.

[0095] At the stage shown in S82, when it is determined that the holding unit 40 as the first element is suitable for the measurement system 10, based on Fig.17 The analysis unit 250 performs the verification image of the verification area 90 shown in FIG. Fig.16 The third abnormality detection step is a step of detecting an abnormality of the optical filter 45. Fig. 22 An overview is shown in the flowchart shown.

[0096] First, in the step S91, the analysis unit 250 verifies the area 90 based on the Fig.23 The image of the measurement area 91 shown defines the image information of the filter 45 .

[0097] Next, in the stage shown in S92, the analysis unit 250 determines whether there is an abnormality based on the image information of the filter 45. As an abnormality, it is assumed that there is damage or fingerprint adhesion. For example, if there is different image data in the image information of the filter 45, the analysis unit 250 can determine that there is such an abnormality. If it is determined that there is no abnormality in the filter 45, the process proceeds to Fig.16On the other hand, when it is determined that the optical filter 45 is abnormal, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S93, and the control unit 100 displays a predetermined error indicating that the optical filter 45 is abnormal on the display unit 53 of the smart device 50.

[0098] Here, in Fig.16 After the image is captured in step S40, in step S50, the lighting switching unit 200 (see Fig.14 ) turns off the flash of the illumination unit 52. After the flash is turned off, in the step shown in S60, the photographing unit photographs Fig.24 The image of the verification area 90 in the state where the housing 30 is in a dark room as shown in FIG. The image includes an allowed area 95 corresponding to the measurement area 91, a specific area 96 corresponding to the boundary between the holding portion 40 and the reinforcing portion 35, and a confirmation area 97, which is an area other than the allowed area 95 and the specific area 96. The image is temporarily stored in the RAM 130 or the storage device 150 of the control unit 100 as a verification image. Based on the verification image, the analysis unit 250 executes the fourth abnormality detection step in step S100. The fourth abnormality detection step is a step of detecting an external stray light abnormality. Fig.25 An overview is shown in the flowchart shown.

[0099] First, at the stage S101, the analysis unit 250 determines the Fig.24 The permitted area 95 is an area equivalent to the measurement area 91. Here, in the state of executing the fourth abnormality detection step, the sample carrier 60 is not mounted on the holding portion 40, so light may enter the receiving portion 46 from the outside through the insertion port 41 (see Figure 1 ),like Fig.24 As shown, the light may be detected in the permitted area 95. In the fourth abnormality detection step of the present embodiment, the light detected in the permitted area 95 is not a target of abnormality detection.

[0100] Next, at step S102, the analysis unit 250 determines the number of Fig.24 The specific area 96 shown in FIG. The specific area 96 is, for example, Fig.19 The boundary region 92 shown in FIG. 1 is an area where a gap between the holding portion 40 as the first element and the housing 30 as the second element is likely to be generated, and is an area where external stray light is likely to be generated. Fig.24 The area of ​​the verification area 90 shown excluding the permitted area 95 and the specific area 96 is defined as the confirmation area 97 .

[0101] Next, at the stage shown in S103, the analysis unit 250 verifies whether the light amount in the confirmation area 97 is within the allowable range. Specifically, the brightness of each pixel data constituting the confirmation area 97 is confirmed, and it is determined whether there is pixel data with a brightness greater than a specified value. Furthermore, if such pixel data is adjacent to a certain number or more, it can be determined that it deviates from the allowable range. In the case where it is determined that the light amount in the confirmation area 97 is not within the allowable range, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S105, and the control unit 100 performs a specified error display on the display unit 53 of the smart device 50 indicating the presence of external stray light.

[0102] Then, at the stage shown in S104, the analysis unit 250 confirms whether the light quantity ratio of the confirmation area 97 to the specific area 96 is within the allowable range. Specifically, the brightness of each pixel data constituting the specific area 96 is confirmed. Next, with respect to the average value of the brightness of each pixel data constituting the confirmation area 97, when there are more than a predetermined number of pixel data of the specific area 96 having a brightness greater than a predetermined magnification, it can be determined that it deviates from the allowable range. When it is determined that the light quantity ratio of the confirmation area 97 to the specific area 96 is not within the allowable range, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S105, and the control unit 100 performs a predetermined error display on the display unit 53 of the smart device 50 indicating the presence of external stray light.

[0103] After the analysis unit 250 detects no abnormality in the first abnormality detection step to the fourth abnormality detection step, the sample carrier 60 is installed in the housing 20, and the measurement of the measurement object in the specimen is performed by the measurement system 10 of the present invention, but its detailed description is omitted in the present invention.

[0104] Possibility of Industrial Application

[0105] The present invention can be used in a measurement system that optically measures a measurement object.

Claims

1. A measurement system comprising: A first element holds a sample carrier to which a sample assumed to contain a measurement object is applied; A second element, which is embedded in the first element; an imaging unit that captures an inspection area in the first element to obtain an inspection image, the inspection area including a measurement area where the measurement object in the sample applied to the sample carrier is located; and An analyzing unit analyzes the verification image to detect abnormalities after the embedding.

2. The measuring system according to claim 1, wherein Based on the verification image captured when the second element is in a dark room, in the verification area, external stray light abnormality is detected based on the light amount of at least one of a confirmation area where external stray light may be generated and a specific area where external stray light is likely to be generated.

3. The measuring system according to claim 2, wherein: In a state where the second element is a dark room, an external stray light abnormality is detected by comparing the light amount of at least one of the confirmation area and the specific area with a predetermined threshold value.

4. The measuring system according to claim 1, wherein The verification area includes at least a boundary area serving as a boundary between the first element and the second element in addition to the measurement area. The analysis unit determines at least a position of the boundary region on the image in the verification region based on the verification image, and detects an abnormality after the embedding based on the determined position.

5. The measuring system according to claim 1, wherein There is an identification area in the verification area that displays identification information of the first element, The analyzing section detects the abnormality after the embedding based on the position of the recognition area on the image in the verification area.

6. The measuring system according to claim 5, wherein: The suitability of the first element is detected based on the content of the identification information.

7. The measuring system according to claim 1, wherein: A filter is provided in the measurement area to separate the sample carrier from the imaging unit, and The analyzing section detects abnormality of the optical filter based on image information of the optical filter in the verification image.

8. The measuring system according to claim 2, wherein: The verification area includes at least a boundary area serving as a boundary between the first element and the second element in addition to the measurement area. Before detecting the external stray light anomaly, the analysis unit determines at least the position of the boundary area on the image in the verification area based on the verification image captured when the second element is illuminated by the lighting unit, and detects the embedded anomaly based on the determined position.

9. The measuring system according to claim 2, wherein: There is an identification area in the verification area that displays identification information of the first element, The analyzing unit detects the abnormality after embedding based on the position of the recognition area in the verification area on an image captured in a state where the second element is illuminated by the illumination unit before detecting the abnormality of the external stray light.

10. The measuring system according to claim 9, wherein: The suitability of the first element is detected based on the content of the identification information.

11. The measuring system according to claim 2, wherein: A filter is provided in the measurement area to separate the sample carrier from the imaging unit, and The analyzing unit detects abnormality of the optical filter based on image information of the optical filter in the verification image captured in a state where the second element is illuminated by the illumination unit before detecting the abnormality of the external stray light.

12. The measuring system according to claim 1, wherein: The second element includes the imaging unit.

13. The measuring system according to claim 1, wherein: The imaging unit and the analyzing unit are provided in a smart device included in the second element.

14. The measuring system according to claim 1, wherein: The second element includes a housing and a smart device.

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