Control method of sample transfer system

Abstract

The invention provides a control method of a sample transfer system, the sample transfer system comprises a cache structure, a timer and a controller, the timer is in signal connection with the controller, and the cache structure is used for temporarily storing a sample rack. The sample frame can inject a sample from the buffer structure to the analysis instrument and can discharge the sample from the analysis instrument to the buffer structure after the analysis instrument sucks the sample, and the control method comprises the following steps: the timer starts timing from a sample injection moment and obtains a timing duration, and the sample injection moment is a moment when the sample frame injects the sample from the buffer structure to the analysis instrument; the timing duration is compared with a preset duration t, when the timing duration is larger than or equal to the preset duration t, the controller sends out a first abnormal conveying prompt, and the preset duration t is the estimated maximum duration of the sample frame from sample feeding to sample discharging. According to the technical scheme, the problem that the transmission state of the sample frame is difficult to judge when instruments of other manufacturers are spliced on an assembly line in the prior art can be effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of biological sample analysis, and in particular to a control method for a sample transfer system. Background Art

[0002] The entire process of laboratory inspections, from sampling to report generation, is complex and tedious, involving multiple steps and numerous specialized technicians. This results in low automation and inefficient testing. In contrast, the laboratory has introduced a fully automated production line that efficiently and accurately completes every step of the sample collection, sorting, processing, testing, result analysis, and report generation process, achieving "sample in, result out."

[0003] The use of fully automated production lines reduces the errors and risks associated with manual operation, significantly improving laboratory efficiency and accelerating report generation. Production lines typically consist of multiple analytical instruments and transport mechanisms, ensuring the proper transport of samples along the line.

[0004] When the assembly line is spliced with instruments from other manufacturers (that is, the instruments are purchased from outside), since the instrument manufacturers provide less information, after the sample rack is sent to the instrument, it is equivalent to entering a black box. Where the sample rack is on the instrument, whether it will be sent back, etc., everything is unknown. If the sample rack transmission status is abnormal and is not handled in a timely manner, it will not only affect the transportation of the sample, but also the results, causing TAT (test turn-around time, which refers to the time from the clinical department submitting the test application to the patient receiving the test report) to time out. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a control method for a sample transfer system to solve the problem in the related art that it is difficult to determine the transfer status of a sample rack when the pipeline is spliced with instruments from other manufacturers.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a control method for a sample transfer system. The sample transfer system includes a buffer structure, a timer, and a controller. The timer is connected to the controller by signal. The buffer structure is used to temporarily store a sample rack. The sample rack can be fed from the buffer structure to an analytical instrument and can be discharged from the analytical instrument to the buffer structure after the analytical instrument completes sample aspiration. The control method includes:

[0007] The timer starts timing from the injection time and obtains the timing duration, wherein the injection time is the time when the sample rack is injected from the buffer structure into the analysis instrument;

[0008] The timing duration is compared with the preset duration t. When the timing duration is greater than or equal to the preset duration t, the controller issues a first transport abnormality prompt, wherein the preset duration t is the estimated maximum duration from sample injection to sample removal of the sample rack.

[0009] Furthermore, the control method further includes:

[0010] The controller monitors the operating status of the analytical instrument. When the analytical instrument operates abnormally, the timer stops timing and continues timing until the analytical instrument resumes normal operation; and / or,

[0011] When the sample discharging time is reached and the timing duration is less than the preset duration t, the timer stops timing, wherein the sample discharging time is the time when the sample rack discharges the sample from the analysis instrument to the buffer structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the sample transfer system also includes a transfer structure, an injection channel and a sample outlet channel. The transfer structure, the injection channel and the sample outlet channel are connected to the controller signal. The transfer structure can be movably arranged and can transport the sample rack between the cache structure and the injection channel and between the cache structure and the sample outlet channel. The transfer structure has a scanning piece and can obtain the rack number information of the sample rack. The injection channel is connected to the injection port of the analytical instrument and can transport the sample rack to the analytical instrument. The sample outlet channel is connected to the sample outlet of the analytical instrument and can receive the sample rack sent by the analytical instrument. The injection time is the time when the analytical instrument takes the sample rack from the injection channel; and / or the sample outlet time is the time when the transfer structure receives the sample rack from the sample outlet channel.

[0013] Furthermore, the control method further includes: the controller monitors the operating status of the sample output channel, and when the sample output channel operates abnormally, the timer stops timing, and the timer continues timing until the sample output channel resumes normal operation.

[0014] Furthermore, after the controller issues a first transport abnormality prompt when the timing duration is greater than or equal to the preset duration t, the control method further includes: the controller clears the binding relationship between the sample rack and the cache structure; and / or obtains the number of sample racks in the cache structure, and when the number of sample racks in the cache structure is less than or equal to the preset number, issues a prompt to replenish the sample racks.

[0015] Furthermore, the sample transfer system also includes a sample rack supplement structure, which is connected to the controller signal and is used to load the sample rack. The transfer structure can transport the sample rack at the sample rack supplement structure to the cache structure.

[0016] Furthermore, the control method further includes:

[0017] When the transfer structure receives the sample rack from the sample outlet channel, the transfer structure obtains the rack number information of the sample rack;

[0018] The controller determines whether there is a binding relationship between the sample rack and the cache structure. When there is a binding relationship between the sample rack and the cache structure, the sample rack is defined as a normal transport sample rack, and the transfer structure transports the normal transport sample rack to the cache structure. When there is no binding relationship between the sample rack and the cache structure, the sample rack is marked as an abnormal transport sample rack, and the controller issues a second transport abnormality prompt.

[0019] Furthermore, the buffer structure includes a first buffer area for temporarily storing sample racks that are normally transported and a second buffer area for temporarily storing sample racks that are abnormally transported. The control method further includes:

[0020] When there is no binding relationship between the sample rack and the buffer structure and the sample rack is marked as an abnormal transport sample rack, the controller controls the transfer structure to transport the abnormal transport sample rack to the second buffer area of the buffer structure; and / or,

[0021] The controller receives the quantity adjustment instruction and adjusts the quantity of abnormally transported sample racks that can be stored in the second buffer area according to the quantity adjustment instruction.

[0022] Furthermore, the first transport abnormality prompt includes: rack number information of the sample rack, tube number information of the sample tubes on the sample rack, and timeout information; and / or, the second transport abnormality prompt includes: rack number information of the sample rack and recovery information.

[0023] Furthermore, before the timer starts timing from the injection moment and obtains the timing duration, the control method also includes: calculating a preset duration t, wherein the preset duration t is obtained based on the number a of sample tubes on the sample rack, the number b of sample items in each sample tube, the sample aspiration duration c corresponding to the item, and the transport duration d of the sample rack from the injection moment to the sample discharge moment.

[0024] By applying the technical solution of the present invention, a timer is added and starts timing at the time of sample injection. The obtained timing duration is the duration of time the sample rack enters the analytical instrument; the timing duration is compared with a preset duration t representing the estimated maximum duration of time from sample injection to sample output of the sample rack. When the timing duration is greater than or equal to the preset duration t, it indicates that the sample rack has not been transported out within the estimated maximum duration of time from sample injection to sample output of the sample rack, indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the transportation of the sample rack within the analytical instrument. At this time, the controller issues a first transportation abnormality prompt to remind the operator that an abnormality has occurred in the transportation of the sample rack within the analytical instrument. In this application, by adding a timer, the relationship between the timing duration and the preset duration t reflects whether the sample rack is transported normally within the analytical instrument. Although the specific transportation status of the sample rack within the analytical instrument cannot be known, an error can be reported when a transportation abnormality occurs, allowing the operator to quickly intervene to check and handle the problem, thereby ensuring that the samples in the abnormal sample rack can be processed in a timely manner without delaying the sample transmission efficiency. Therefore, the technical solution of the present application can effectively solve the problem in the related art that it is difficult to determine the transmission status of the sample rack when the pipeline is spliced with instruments from other manufacturers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of this application, are intended to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are intended to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic top view of an embodiment of a sample transfer system according to the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 2 It shows a structural block diagram of an embodiment of a sample transfer system according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 An optional flow chart of a control method for a sample transfer system according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 4 An optional flow chart of a control method for a sample transfer system according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 5 An optional flow chart of a control method for a sample transfer system according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3 ;

[0031] Figure 6 An optional flow chart of a control method for a sample transfer system according to the present invention is shown. Figure 4 ;

[0032] Figure 7An optional flow chart of a control method for a sample transfer system according to the present invention is shown. Figure 5 ;

[0033] Figure 8 An optional flow chart of a control method for a sample transfer system according to the present invention is shown. Figure 6 .

[0034] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0035] 10. Cache structure; 20. Transfer structure; 30. Sample injection channel; 40. Sample output channel; 50. Sample rack supplement structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention and its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0038] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of the parts and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual proportional relationships. The technology, methods and equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but in appropriate cases, the technology, methods and equipment should be considered as a part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed here, any specific value should be interpreted as being merely exemplary, rather than as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments can have different values. It should be noted that similar numbers and letters represent similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in an accompanying drawing, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the present application provides a control method for a sample transfer system, wherein the sample transfer system includes a buffer structure 10, a timer, and a controller, wherein the timer is connected to the controller signal, the buffer structure 10 is used to temporarily store a sample rack, and the sample rack can be fed from the buffer structure 10 to the analytical instrument and can be discharged from the analytical instrument to the buffer structure 10 after the analytical instrument completes the sample aspiration. The control method includes:

[0040] The timer starts timing from the injection time and obtains the timing duration, wherein the injection time is the time when the sample rack is injected from the buffer structure 10 into the analysis instrument;

[0041] The timing duration is compared with the preset duration t. When the timing duration is greater than or equal to the preset duration t, the controller issues a first transport abnormality prompt. The preset duration t is the estimated maximum duration from sample injection to sample removal of the sample rack.

[0042] Applying the technical solution of this embodiment, a timer is added and begins timing at the moment of sample injection. The resulting time duration is the time it takes for the sample rack to enter the analyzer. The time duration is then compared with a preset time duration t, which represents the estimated maximum time duration from sample injection to sample removal. When the time duration is greater than or equal to the preset time duration t, it indicates that the sample rack has not been transported out of the analyzer within the estimated maximum time duration from sample injection to sample removal, indicating an abnormality in the transport of the sample rack within the analyzer. In this case, the controller issues a first transport abnormality alert to the operator of the abnormality in the transport of the sample rack within the analyzer. In this embodiment, by adding a timer, the relationship between the time duration and the preset time duration t indicates whether the sample rack is being transported normally within the analyzer. Although the specific transport status of the sample rack within the analyzer cannot be determined, an error message can be generated when a transport abnormality occurs, allowing the operator to quickly intervene, inspect, and address the situation. This ensures that samples in the abnormal sample rack can be promptly processed without delaying sample transport efficiency. Therefore, the technical solution of this embodiment can effectively solve the problem in the related art that it is difficult to determine the transmission status of the sample rack when the pipeline is spliced with instruments from other manufacturers.

[0043] Among them, the abnormal situation of the sample rack being transported in the analytical instrument may be that the sample rack is stuck at a certain position in the analytical instrument or the sample rack is sent out from other outlets of the analytical instrument. The timer can be a structure set independently of the controller, or it can be integrated inside the controller (that is, part of the circuit in the controller realizes the timing function). The execution subject of the above-mentioned "comparing the timing duration with the preset duration t" can be the controller of the sample transfer system; of course, in other feasible embodiments, the execution subject of "comparing the timing duration with the preset duration t" can also be a component on other components of the assembly line that can play a control role, for example, it can be a controller or middleware of the assembly line track.

[0044] It should be noted that the sample racks temporarily stored in the cache structure 10 include sample racks to be tested, sample racks recovered after the test is completed, and empty sample racks.

[0045] Of course, when there is an abnormally transported sample rack transported by the analytical instrument (details will be described later), the buffer structure 10 can also be used to temporarily store the abnormally transported sample rack.

[0046] In this embodiment, the time difference (i.e., the time duration) between the moment the sample rack was removed by the analyzer and the current moment is calculated and compared with a preset threshold (i.e., the preset time duration t). If the time difference is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, an error message is displayed, indicating that the analyzer has not returned the sample rack for an extended period of time. This embodiment utilizes this time difference and the preset threshold to detect the normal transfer status of the sample rack in real time, thereby ensuring the correct flow of samples and enabling timely processing of abnormal samples without affecting sample transfer efficiency.

[0047] Of course, the above-mentioned "calculation of the time difference between the moment when the sample rack is taken away by the analytical instrument and the current moment" can be achieved by accumulating the time through a timer, or by separately obtaining the time when the sample rack is taken away by the analytical instrument and the current time and comparing the time difference between the two times in real time.

[0048] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the control method of this embodiment also includes:

[0049] The controller monitors the operating status of the analytical instrument. When the analytical instrument operates abnormally, the timer stops timing and continues timing until the analytical instrument resumes normal operation.

[0050] Specifically, when the analytical instrument operates abnormally, the sample rack will be stuck in the current position and unable to continue to be transported downward. However, the transportation of the sample rack is not necessarily abnormal at this time. By monitoring the operating status of the analytical instrument and stopping the timing when the analytical instrument operates abnormally, the transportation stagnation time caused by the instrument abnormality can be avoided from being counted in the timing duration, so that the timing duration can accurately reflect the transportation duration of the sample rack, avoiding the influence of the abnormal operation of the analytical instrument on the judgment of the transportation status of the sample rack.

[0051] Specifically, when the analytical instrument operates abnormally, the analytical instrument will proactively report an error to alert the operator and transmit the error information to the controller. Based on the error information, the controller controls the timer to stop timing.

[0052] Among them, abnormal operation of analytical instruments includes instrument failure, the need to replace reagents, etc.

[0053] Furthermore, the control method of this embodiment further includes: when the sample discharge time is reached and the timed duration is less than a preset time t, the timer stops timing, wherein the sample discharge time is the time when the sample rack is discharged from the analyzer to the buffer structure 10. When the sample discharge time is reached and the timed duration is less than the preset time t, it indicates that the sample rack is being transported normally within the analyzer. At this time, the timer stops timing, which can prevent the system from subsequently identifying the sample rack as a sample rack with abnormal transportation due to continued timing.

[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the sample transfer system also includes a transport structure 20, an injection channel 30 and a sample outlet channel 40. The transport structure 20, the injection channel 30 and the sample outlet channel 40 are connected to the controller signal. The transport structure 20 can be movably arranged and can transport the sample rack between the cache structure 10 and the injection channel 30 and between the cache structure 10 and the sample outlet channel 40. The transport structure 20 has a scanning piece and can obtain the rack number information of the sample rack. The injection channel 30 is connected to the injection port of the analytical instrument and can transport the sample rack to the analytical instrument. The sample outlet channel 40 is connected to the sample outlet of the analytical instrument and can receive the sample rack sent by the analytical instrument. The injection moment is the moment when the analytical instrument takes the sample rack from the injection channel 30; the sample outlet moment is the moment when the transport structure 20 receives the sample rack from the sample outlet channel 40.

[0055] It should be noted that, when the sample transfer system includes a transfer structure 20, an injection channel 30 and a sample output channel 40, "the moment when the sample rack is injected into the analytical instrument from the cache structure 10" is "the moment when the analytical instrument takes away the sample rack from the injection channel 30", and "the moment when the sample rack is discharged from the analytical instrument to the cache structure 10" is "the moment when the transfer structure 20 receives the sample rack from the sample output channel 40".

[0056] When the transport mechanism 20 transports the sample rack to the injection channel 30, and the injection channel 30 transports the sample rack to the injection port of the analytical instrument, the sample rack may need to wait at this location until it is removed by the analytical instrument. This waiting time depends on the operating status of the analytical instrument and is likely different for each sample rack. In this embodiment, by using the time when the analytical instrument removes the sample rack from the injection channel 30 as the injection time, this variable waiting time is not included in the timing, ensuring accurate judgment of the sample rack's transportation status within the analytical instrument.

[0057] After the analytical instrument sends the sample rack that has completed the experiment to the sample outlet channel 40, the controller can only know that a sample rack has been sent out, but does not know the specific information of the sample rack (that is, the rack number of the sample rack and the tube number of the sample tube on the sample rack). By using the time when the transfer structure 20 with the scanning device receives the sample rack from the sample outlet channel 40 as the sample outlet time, the specific information of the sample rack can be known, which is convenient for the corresponding end timing of the sample rack.

[0058] An optical coupler detector is provided on the sample inlet 30 near the sample inlet of the analyzer. By real-time monitoring of the state changes of the optical coupler detector on the sample inlet 30, it can be determined whether the analyzer has removed the sample rack. Once the sample rack removal is detected, the optical coupler detector sends a detection signal to the controller, which controls a timer to record the time variable time1 when the sample rack was removed. The initial value of time1 is 0. The timer executes once per second. During the process of the sample rack being removed by the analyzer and being received again by the transfer mechanism 20, the timer increments time1 by one each time it executes, i.e., time1++. If an abnormality is detected in the analyzer and / or the sample outlet channel 40, time1 pauses counting until both the analyzer and the sample outlet channel 40 return to normal operation, and then continues counting.

[0059] The preset time t is the estimated maximum time from sample injection to sample removal of the sample rack, and its specific value can be a general value obtained based on the maximum sample volume, the maximum number of projects, and the maximum sample aspiration time in the project.

[0060] In specific implementation, once the time for the normally transported sample to be discharged is reached, the timer stops timing, that is, when the transfer structure 20 receives the normally transported sample rack sent out by the sample discharge channel 40, the timing stops; when the transfer structure 20 receives the abnormally transported sample rack sent out by the sample discharge channel 40, since the relevant information of the sample rack has been cleared or there is no information about the sample rack (which will be described in detail later), that is, there is no timing information of the sample rack in the system, there is no operation to stop timing.

[0061] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the control method of this embodiment also includes:

[0062] The controller monitors the operating status of the sample outlet channel 40. When the sample outlet channel 40 operates abnormally, the timer stops timing and continues timing until the sample outlet channel 40 resumes normal operation.

[0063] Specifically, when the sample outlet channel 40 operates abnormally, the sample outlet channel 40 will send a fault signal to the analytical instrument. At this time, the analytical instrument will stop conveying the sample rack to the sample outlet channel 40, that is, the analytical instrument will retain the sample rack inside it. However, at this time, the conveying of the sample rack is actively paused due to the abnormality of the sample outlet channel 40, and is not paused due to the abnormality of the conveying of the sample rack. By detecting the operating status of the sample outlet channel 40 and stopping the timing when the sample outlet channel 40 operates abnormally, it is possible to avoid counting the conveying stagnation time caused by the abnormality of the sample outlet channel 40 in the timing duration, thereby enabling the timing duration to accurately reflect the conveying duration of the sample rack, thereby avoiding the influence of the abnormal operation of the sample outlet channel 40 on the judgment of the conveying status of the sample rack.

[0064] Specifically, the sample outlet channel 40 may include a transmission belt, a push rod, and other structures. "Abnormal operation of the sample outlet channel 40" refers to the malfunction of these components. When the sample outlet channel 40 is abnormal, the sample outlet channel 40 will automatically report an error to alert the operator. Based on this error information, the controller controls the timer to stop timing.

[0065] Specifically, in this embodiment, the operating status of the analytical instrument and the sample outlet channel 40 is continuously monitored. By monitoring the operating status of the analytical instrument and the sample outlet channel 40 and stopping the timer when an abnormality is detected, the abnormal sample rack transportation caused by other components can be eliminated, so that the timing duration can accurately reflect the sample rack transportation time.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, after the step of the controller issuing a first delivery abnormality prompt when the timing duration is greater than or equal to the preset duration t, the control method further includes:

[0067] The controller clears the binding relationship between the sample rack and the cache structure 10 .

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, after the step of the controller issuing a first delivery abnormality prompt when the timing duration is greater than or equal to the preset duration t, the control method further includes:

[0069] The controller obtains the number of sample racks in the cache structure 10 and issues a prompt to replenish sample racks when the number of sample racks in the cache structure 10 is less than or equal to a preset number.

[0070] Since the analytical instrument can process multiple sample racks at a time, in order to maximize the processing efficiency of the analytical instrument, the cache structure 10 is generally provided with multiple sample rack storage locations to ensure uninterrupted delivery of sample racks to the analytical instrument. If an abnormality occurs during the delivery of a sample rack within the analytical instrument, that is, the sample rack does not return to the transfer structure 20 within the preset time period t, it indicates that the sample rack will most likely not return to the cache structure 10. At this time, the sample rack storage location on the cache structure 10 originally reserved for the sample rack will no longer receive a sample rack and will become idle. This lack of sample rack input may result in a relatively low operating load of the analytical instrument, thereby affecting the overall experimental efficiency of the sample analysis system equipped with the sample transfer system of this embodiment.

[0071] In this embodiment, after determining that there is an abnormality in the transport of a sample rack, the controller clears the binding relationship between the sample rack with the abnormal transport and the cache structure 10, so that the sample rack storage position originally used to receive the sample rack is released. At the same time, the controller issues a sample rack replenishment prompt to remind the operator to replenish an empty sample rack to place it in the released sample rack storage position, thereby ensuring the efficiency of transporting the sample rack to the analytical instrument.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, the sample transfer system also includes a sample rack replenishing structure 50, which is electrically connected to the controller and is used to load sample racks. The transport structure 20 can transport the sample racks at the sample rack replenishing structure 50 to the buffer structure 10. By providing the sample rack replenishing structure 50, the operator can manually replenish the sample racks through the sample rack replenishing structure 50 after receiving a prompt to replenish the sample racks. The replenished sample racks can be transported to the buffer structure 10 under the action of the transport structure 20, thereby fully utilizing the released sample rack storage spaces and avoiding the situation where the sample rack storage spaces within the buffer structure 10 are idle.

[0073] Specifically, in this embodiment, the sample rack replenishing structure 50 is a drawer-type structure. When the empty sample rack needs to be replenished, the operator can pull out the sample rack replenishing structure 50 and put an empty sample rack into it, and then push the sample rack replenishing structure 50 into the rack. The subsequent transfer structure 20 will automatically transport the empty sample rack in the sample rack replenishing structure 50 to the inside of the cache structure 10.

[0074] Of course, in other feasible embodiments, the sample rack supplement structure can also be set as a fixed structure, and a cover structure corresponding to the sample rack supplement structure can be directly set on the shell, and the operator can directly open the cover structure to supplement the sample rack supplement structure with a new sample rack.

[0075] like Figure 2As shown, the controller is used to control the transmission of the sample rack by the sample inlet channel 30, the sample outlet channel 40 and the transfer structure 20 and can receive feedback signals from each component. At the same time, it can receive the opening / closing request of the sample rack supplement structure 50 and control the locking state of the sample rack supplement structure, etc.

[0076] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the sample transfer system also includes a software interface (human-computer interaction interface), wherein the software interface is used to interact with the operator. The operator can operate on the software interface to allow the controller to process certain matters. The controller can also display some processed information (for example: the first delivery abnormality prompt and the second delivery abnormality prompt) on the software interface for the operator to view.

[0077] The sample transfer system can also transmit signals with the middleware, which is the pipeline control software (the solution of this application only involves one module on the entire pipeline), which can transmit some sample information or control instructions to the controller and receive feedback information from the controller.

[0078] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the control method further includes:

[0079] When the transport structure 20 receives the sample rack from the sample outlet channel 40 , the transport structure 20 obtains the rack number information of the sample rack;

[0080] The controller determines whether there is a binding relationship between the sample rack and the cache structure 10. When there is a binding relationship between the sample rack and the cache structure 10, the sample rack is defined as a normal transport sample rack, and the transfer structure 20 transports the normal transport sample rack to the cache structure 10. When there is no binding relationship between the sample rack and the cache structure 10, the sample rack is marked as an abnormal transport sample rack, and the controller issues a second transport abnormality prompt.

[0081] When a sample rack is transported from the sample outlet channel 40 to the transport mechanism 20, the sample rack's rack number information is obtained through a scan on the transport mechanism 20, thereby determining the information of the received sample rack. After obtaining the sample rack's rack number information, the controller determines whether there is a binding relationship between the sample rack and the buffer mechanism 10. By determining whether there is a binding relationship between the sample rack and the buffer mechanism 10, it can be determined whether the sample rack is a sample rack with a transport abnormality. Specifically, if there is a binding relationship between the sample rack and the buffer mechanism 10, it indicates that the sample rack was transported from the buffer mechanism 10 to the analyzer and that no abnormality occurred during transport within the analyzer. If there is no binding relationship between the sample rack and the buffer mechanism 10, it indicates that the binding relationship between the sample rack and the buffer mechanism 10 has been cleared (for example, the sample rack was transported after a preset time period t) or that there was no binding relationship between the sample rack and the buffer mechanism 10 (for example, the sample rack was not transported from the buffer mechanism 10 to the analyzer, such as a sample rack manually placed into the analyzer by an operator), indicating that the sample rack is a sample rack with a transport abnormality. By judging the conveying status of the sample rack, subsequent processing operations of the sample rack are facilitated.

[0082] like Figure 8 As shown, when a sample rack is output from the sample output channel 40, the transfer structure 20 needs to receive the sample rack to determine whether it is an abnormally transported sample rack. If the sample rack is an abnormally transported sample rack, in order to ensure that the output of the next sample rack is not affected, the transfer structure 20 may also transport the abnormally transported sample rack to the cache structure 10. Therefore, after receiving the abnormally transported sample rack, the transfer structure 20 needs to first determine whether there is an empty sample rack storage position in the cache structure 10 for placing the abnormally transported sample rack. If there is no empty sample rack storage position in the cache structure 10, the sample transfer system shuts down and reports an error, waiting for the operator to handle it. If there is an empty sample rack storage position in the cache structure 10, the transfer structure 20 sends the abnormally transported sample rack to the cache structure 10 and performs the subsequent steps of obtaining specific information about the sample tubes on the abnormally transported sample rack.

[0083] It should be noted that the abnormally transported sample rack mentioned above will occupy a sample rack storage position after being sent to the buffer structure 10 , which may affect the subsequent return operation of the normally transported sample rack.

[0084] To address the aforementioned issues, in a preferred embodiment, the cache structure 10 includes a first cache area for temporarily storing normally transported sample racks and a second cache area for temporarily storing abnormally transported sample racks. The control method further includes: when there is no binding relationship between the sample rack and the cache structure 10 and the sample rack is marked as an abnormally transported sample rack, the controller controls the transfer structure 20 to transport the abnormally transported sample rack to the second cache area of the cache structure 10. The first cache area includes multiple sample rack storage locations, and the second cache area includes one or more sample rack storage locations (the specific number of which can be set by the operator). The first buffer area is used to temporarily store the normally transported sample rack, wherein the transport trajectory of the normally transported sample rack in the sample transfer system is as follows: the sample tube on the assembly line is grabbed by the robotic arm and placed on the empty sample rack in the first buffer area, the transfer structure 20 transports the sample rack containing the sample tube to the injection channel 30, the analyzer receives the sample rack from the injection channel 30 and performs experiments on the samples in the sample tubes, after the sample aspiration is completed, the analyzer transports the sample rack to the sample outlet channel 40, the transfer structure 20 then transports the sample rack on the sample outlet channel 40 to the reserved sample rack storage position in the first buffer area, and then the robotic arm returns the sample tube that has completed the test to the assembly line, and the empty sample rack continues to the next cycle. When a sample rack transport anomaly is detected, the controller will clear the binding relationship between the sample rack and the cache structure 10, and the sample rack originally used to store the sample rack will be released to accommodate a newly placed empty sample rack. Therefore, there is no space in the first cache area for sample racks that have been delivered overtime or sample racks that have not originally passed through the cache structure 10 to enter the analytical instrument. By adding a second cache area in the cache structure 10 to specifically accommodate abnormally transported sample racks, the problem of abnormally transported sample racks having no storage space or occupying the storage space of other normally transported sample racks is solved.

[0085] Among them, when it is determined that the sample delivery channel 40 has delivered an abnormal sample rack, a second delivery abnormality prompt can be directly issued to wait for the operator to handle it; or the second delivery abnormality prompt can be issued and at the same time it is determined whether there is a vacant space in the second buffer area of the buffer structure 10. When there is a vacant space, the abnormal sample rack is directly delivered to the second buffer area. When there is no vacant space, wait for the operator to handle it.

[0086] Specifically, for abnormally transported sample racks, since the binding relationship between them and the cache structure 10 has been cleared or there was no binding relationship between them and the cache structure 10 in the first place, after the transfer structure 20 receives the abnormally transported sample rack or transports the abnormally transported sample rack to the second cache area, it is necessary to re-scan the sample tubes on the abnormally transported sample rack to record the sample information, thereby facilitating subsequent processing operations. As for normally transported sample racks, since the controller stores their specific information (including rack number information, tube number information, and hole position information, the hole position information is used to represent the storage position of the sample tubes on the sample rack), after the transfer structure 20 receives the normally transported sample rack, it is not necessary to re-scan the sample tubes on it.

[0087] Furthermore, the control method also includes: the controller receives a quantity adjustment instruction and adjusts the number of abnormal transport sample racks that can be stored in the second cache area according to the quantity adjustment instruction. By setting the cache quantity in the second cache area to be adjustable, the operator can define the cache quantity in the second cache area according to actual needs, thereby increasing the flexibility of the system. Specifically, the operator can input the cache quantity in the second cache area in the software interface. Based on the input information, the controller will receive the quantity adjustment instruction and re-divide the cache area on the cache structure, so that the number of abnormal transport sample racks that can be stored in the second cache area becomes the number set by the operator. At this time, the number of sample racks that can be stored in the first cache area will also change accordingly.

[0088] Specifically, the first transport abnormality notification includes the rack ID of the sample rack, the tube IDs of the sample tubes on the rack, and a timeout message. The first transport abnormality notification allows the operator to identify the specific sample rack experiencing the transport abnormality at the analyzer and the sample tubes on the rack.

[0089] Of course, the first abnormal transport prompt may also include hole position information. Through the rack number information, hole position information and tube number information of the sample rack, the operator can clearly know the storage position of a certain sample tube on the sample rack.

[0090] When a cache structure 10 is used to interface with multiple groups of sample inlet channels 30, sample outlet channels 40 and analytical instruments, the first transport abnormality prompt may also include instrument information of the analytical instrument, which is used to prompt the operator which sample rack and which analytical instrument has a transport abnormality.

[0091] Among them, the first abnormal transmission prompt can be displayed in the software interface as "Rack number: XXX, tube number: XXX, it has been in the analytical instrument for more than N seconds, and the sample rack may have been recycled by the analytical instrument!" Among them, "XXX" is the specific rack number of the sample rack and the tube number of the sample tube, and "N" is the specific value of the preset time t.

[0092] The second transport abnormality prompt includes the rack number and recovery information of the sample rack. Through the second transport abnormality prompt, the operator can know which sample rack that is not bound to the buffer structure 10 has been transported out of the analyzer. Information about the sample tubes on the sample rack can be obtained through subsequent scanning.

[0093] Among them, the second abnormal transmission prompt can be displayed in the software interface as: "Rack number: XXX, the corresponding rack number is not found in the cache structure 10, the sample rack sent back by the analyzer is incorrect, and the samples on the sample rack will be recycled!" Among them, "XXX" is the rack number of the specific sample rack.

[0094] After obtaining the rack number information of the above-mentioned abnormally transported sample rack and the tube number information of the sample tube placed thereon, the above information can be displayed on the "Error Sample" interface of the software interface to facilitate the operator to subsequently process these samples in a targeted manner.

[0095] Specifically, a universal preset time t can be set for different sample racks. The specific value is determined according to the maximum number of sample tubes that can be placed on the sample rack, the maximum number of projects that the samples in each sample tube will be subjected to, and the maximum sample aspiration time in the project. However, not all sample racks are completely full, and not all samples in all sample tubes will be subjected to all projects. The amount of sample required for each project is different, and not all projects need to be sampled according to the maximum sample aspiration time. Therefore, the universal preset time t is actually longer than the transportation time of most sample racks in the analytical instrument, which will cause the sample rack transportation to be abnormal for a long time before an error is reported.

[0096] In order to solve the above problems, Figure 5 As shown, before the timer starts timing from the injection moment and obtains the timing duration, the control method also includes: the controller calculates a preset duration t, wherein the preset duration t is obtained based on the number a of sample tubes on the sample rack, the number b of sample items in each sample tube, the sample aspiration duration c corresponding to the item, and the transport duration d of the sample rack from the injection moment to the sample discharge moment.

[0097] Due to the different number of sample tubes on each sample rack, the different number of projects required for the sample tubes, or the different sample aspiration times corresponding to each project, the actual preset time t of each sample rack may be different. By calculating the preset time t of each sample rack before starting to time it, the preset time t of the sample rack can be accurately obtained, which can achieve more refined control.

[0098] Among them, the number a of sample tubes on the sample rack can be obtained by scanning the code of each hole position of the sample rack that accommodates the sample tubes through the transfer structure 20, or it can be transmitted to the controller in the sample transfer system through the middleware or the controller of the assembly line track; the number of items b of the samples in each sample tube is set on the middleware when the operator registers the sample, and the middleware transmits the registration data to the controller; the sample aspiration time c corresponding to the item and the transportation time d of the sample rack from the injection time to the sample discharge time can both be input by the operator according to the estimated time.

[0099] The following illustrates the calculation of the preset duration t, taking as an example a case where the number a of sample tubes on the sample rack is 2, the number b of items in the first sample tube is 1, the number b of items in the second sample tube is 3, the sample aspiration time c corresponding to the items in the first sample tube is t1, and the sample aspiration times corresponding to the three items in the second sample tube are t2, t3, and t4, respectively. In this case, the preset duration t is the sum of the total durations of the items in each sample tube plus the sample rack transport time d from the moment of sample injection to the moment of sample removal, i.e., t = t1 + t2 + t3 + t4 + d. It should be noted that this example is merely illustrative of the calculation of the preset duration t; specific experimental situations may be more complex and diverse.

[0100] It should be noted that the above-mentioned “transportation time d of the sample rack from the sample injection time to the sample discharge time” is the actual transport time required for the sample rack and / or the sum of the actual transport time required for the sample rack and the allowed timeout time.

[0101] In the description of the present invention, it is to be understood that "plurality" refers to a quantity of two or more than two. The directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "lateral, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. The directional words "inside" and "outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0102] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figures. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0103] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0104] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a sample transfer system, characterized in that: The sample transfer system comprises a buffer structure (10), a timer and a controller, wherein the timer is connected to the controller by signal, the buffer structure (10) is used to temporarily store a sample rack, the sample rack can be fed from the buffer structure (10) to an analytical instrument and can be discharged from the analytical instrument to the buffer structure (10) after the analytical instrument completes sample aspiration, and the control method comprises: The timer starts timing from the injection time and obtains the timing duration, wherein the injection time is the time when the sample rack is injected from the buffer structure (10) into the analysis instrument; The timing duration is compared with a preset duration t. When the timing duration is greater than or equal to the preset duration t, the controller issues a first transport abnormality prompt. The preset duration t is the estimated maximum duration of the sample rack from sample injection to sample removal.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control method further includes: The controller monitors the operating status of the analytical instrument. When the analytical instrument operates abnormally, the timer stops timing and continues timing until the analytical instrument resumes normal operation; and / or, When the sample discharging time is reached and the timing duration is less than the preset duration t, the timer stops timing, wherein the sample discharging time is the time when the sample rack discharges the sample from the analysis instrument to the buffer structure (10).

3. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: The sample transfer system further comprises a transport structure (20), an injection channel (30) and an output channel (40), wherein the transport structure (20), the injection channel (30) and the output channel (40) are connected to the controller signal, the transport structure (20) is movably arranged and can transport the sample rack between the cache structure (10) and the injection channel (30) and between the cache structure (10) and the output channel (40), the transport structure (20) has a scanning part and can obtain the rack number information of the sample rack, the injection channel (30) is docked with the injection port of the analytical instrument and can transport the sample rack to the analytical instrument, the output channel (40) is docked with the output port of the analytical instrument and can receive the sample rack sent by the analytical instrument, wherein, The injection time is the time when the analytical instrument removes the sample rack from the injection channel (30); and / or, The sample discharging moment is the moment when the transport structure (20) receives the sample rack from the sample discharging channel (40).

4. The control method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The control method further includes: The controller monitors the operating state of the sample outlet channel (40). When the sample outlet channel (40) operates abnormally, the timer stops timing, and the timer continues timing until the sample outlet channel (40) resumes normal operation.

5. The control method according to claim 3, characterized in that: After the step of the controller issuing a first delivery abnormality prompt when the timing duration is greater than or equal to the preset duration t, the control method further includes: The controller clears the binding relationship between the sample rack and the cache structure (10); and / or, The number of the sample racks in the cache structure (10) is obtained, and when the number of the sample racks in the cache structure (10) is less than or equal to a preset number, a prompt for replenishing the sample racks is issued.

6. The control method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sample transfer system further includes a sample rack replenishing structure (50), which is connected to the controller signal and is used to load the sample rack. The transport structure (20) is capable of transporting the sample rack at the sample rack replenishing structure (50) to the cache structure (10).

7. The control method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The control method further includes: When the transport structure (20) receives the sample rack from the sample outlet channel (40), the transport structure (20) obtains rack number information of the sample rack; The controller determines whether there is a binding relationship between the sample rack and the cache structure (10); when there is a binding relationship between the sample rack and the cache structure (10), the sample rack is defined as a normal transport sample rack, and the transfer structure (20) transports the normal transport sample rack to the cache structure (10); when there is no binding relationship between the sample rack and the cache structure (10), the sample rack is marked as an abnormal transport sample rack, and the controller issues a second transport abnormality prompt.

8. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The buffer structure (10) comprises a first buffer area for temporarily storing the normally transported sample rack and a second buffer area for temporarily storing the abnormally transported sample rack. The control method further comprises: When there is no binding relationship between the sample rack and the cache structure (10) and the sample rack is marked as an abnormal transport sample rack, the controller controls the transfer structure (20) to transport the abnormal transport sample rack to the second cache area of the cache structure (10); and / or, The controller receives a quantity adjustment instruction and adjusts the quantity of the abnormally transported sample racks that can be stored in the second buffer area according to the quantity adjustment instruction.

9. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first transport abnormality prompt includes: the rack number information of the sample rack, the tube number information of the sample tubes on the sample rack, and timeout information; and / or, The second transport abnormality prompt includes: rack number information and recovery information of the sample rack.

10. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: Before the step of the timer starting timing from the injection moment and obtaining the timing duration, the control method further includes: calculating the preset duration t, wherein the preset duration t is obtained based on the number a of sample tubes on the sample rack, the number b of sample items in each sample tube, the sample aspiration duration c corresponding to the item, and the transport duration d of the sample rack from the injection moment to the sample discharge moment.

Images