Automated analyzer

Abstract

An automatic analysis device is provided with: a container holding unit (114) having a plurality of specimen container installation positions (102) at which each of a plurality of specimen containers (109) for analyzing specimens can be arranged; a detection unit that detects, for each of the sample container installation positions (102), whether or not a sample container (109) is disposed at the sample container installation position (102); a reader (106) that reads information on the specimen container (109); and a control unit (142) that performs control so that the reader (106) only reads the specimen container installation position (102) at which the specimen container (109) has been detected by the detection unit. As a result, provided is an automatic analysis device capable of completing the insertion of a container relating to the analysis of a specimen or the like in a shorter time than in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzing device. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a device comprising: an action stopping unit, which stops the action of the unit when an abnormality in the action of the unit is detected; a measurement restart instruction accepting unit, which accepts an instruction to restart the measurement action after the measurement action is stopped by the action stopping unit; and a measurement restart unit, which controls the control unit and the detection unit to restart the measurement action after the unit is moved to the initial position when the measurement restart instruction accepting unit accepts the instruction to restart the measurement action.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5143630 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In an automatic analyzer that automatically analyzes samples such as blood and urine, for example, when a sample is introduced into the device, the position of a sample container placed on a sample disk is sometimes identified by a barcode.

[0008] In this case, if position recognition is performed for each position on the sample disk, one position recognition takes 1 second, which increases the time required for sample input. Therefore, improvement is desired.

[0009] This also applies to reading information when a reagent is added to a reagent disk or when a plurality of containers are added.

[0010] The present invention provides an automatic analyzer capable of completing the introduction of a container related to analysis of a specimen or the like in a shorter time than before.

[0011] Means for solving problems

[0012] The present invention includes multiple means for solving the above-mentioned problems. As an example, it comprises: a container holding unit, which has multiple positions for each of the multiple containers for analysis of the specimen; a detection unit, which detects whether the container is configured at each of the positions; a reader, which reads the information of the container; and a control unit, which controls so that the reader only reads the position detected by the detection unit as having the container configured.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to complete the introduction of containers related to analysis of specimens, etc. in a shorter time than before. Other problems, structures, and effects than those described above will become clear from the following description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a plan view showing details of the sample presence sensor and the sample position sensor in the automatic analyzer of the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a side view showing details of the sample presence sensor and the sample position sensor in the automatic analyzer of the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the sample presence sensor signal and the sample position sensor signal in the automatic analyzer of the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the flow of sample information reading processing in the automatic analyzer of the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a configuration required for reading sample information in an automatic analyzer.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the difference in time required to read sample information between the automatic analyzer of the embodiment and a conventional automatic analyzer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] use Figures 1 to 7 In the drawings used in this specification, identical or corresponding components are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions of these components may be omitted.

[0023] In the following embodiments, description will be given of a case where the container is a specimen container 109 holding a specimen and the container holder is a container holder 114 holding a plurality of specimen containers 109 , but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0024] For example, it may be an automatic analyzer in which one or more specimen containers 109 are held on a rack (equivalent to a container holding portion) and transported to a specimen dispensing position by a specimen transport device, or it may be an automatic analyzer in which a container is set as a reagent container for holding a reagent that reacts with the specimen and the container holding portion is set as a reagent holding portion 117.

[0025] First, use Figure 1 The overall structure of the automatic analyzer will be described. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer.

[0026] The automatic analyzer 1 is a device for analyzing a specimen using reagents corresponding to predetermined analysis items, and comprises a container holding unit 114, a specimen dispensing unit 115, a reagent holding unit 117, a reagent dispensing unit 119, a reaction disk 120, a detection unit 121, a control device 140, a UI unit 110, etc.

[0027] The container holder 114 has a disk structure having a sample container placement position 102 for annularly arranging a plurality of sample containers 109 for sample analysis. During sample dispensing, the container holder 114 rotates and transports the sample containers 109 to an access position of the sample dispensing unit 115.

[0028] Since a label recording information related to the stored sample is attached to the sample container 109 , the reader 106 is provided around the container holder 114 . The container holder 114 reads the label and transmits the label information to the control device 140 .

[0029] In addition, in the present embodiment, a detection unit is provided for each of the sample container setting positions 102 to detect whether or not a sample container 109 is placed at the sample container setting position 102 .

[0030] The detection unit is composed of, for example, a sample presence sensor 130 for detecting the presence of a sample container 109 and a sample position sensor 135 for detecting whether the reading location of the sample presence sensor 130 is the sample container setting position 102. Details will be described later.

[0031] The specimen dispensing unit 115 is composed of a rotation drive mechanism, a vertical drive mechanism, and a dispensing probe, and moves between a specimen suction position and a specimen discharge position.

[0032] The reagent holding unit 117 is a mechanism having a cooling function for storing a reagent pack containing a reagent, and includes a reagent disk and a reagent pack holding unit (both are omitted for convenience of illustration).

[0033] The reagent disk is provided with a reagent pack holding portion arranged in a ring shape, configured to hold a plurality of reagent packs. The reagent disk is provided with a rotation drive mechanism, which moves each reagent pack to a predetermined position on the circumference through rotational motion.

[0034] The reagent dispensing unit 119 consists of a rotary drive mechanism, a vertical drive mechanism, and a dispensing probe. The reagent dispensing unit 119 rotates and descends toward the position of a predetermined reagent pack on the reagent disk, aspirating a predetermined amount of reagent. After the reagent is aspirated, the reagent dispensing unit 119 ascends. It then rotates and descends toward the predetermined reaction unit on the reaction disk 120, which serves as the reagent discharge destination, dispensing each reagent.

[0035] The reaction disk 120 is temperature-controlled to an appropriate temperature in order to promote the reaction between the sample and the reagent.

[0036] The following describes the biochemical analysis process.

[0037] First, the sample dispensing unit 115 dispenses a predetermined amount of sample into a predetermined reaction unit on the reaction disk 120. The reaction disk 120 then rotates, moving the reaction unit from which the sample has been discharged to a position close to the reagent dispensing unit 119. The reagent dispensing unit 119 then dispenses a predetermined amount of reagent into the reaction unit from which the sample has been discharged.

[0038] When the reaction process between the specimen and the reagent on the reaction disk 120 is completed, the reaction disk 120 rotates to move the reaction unit containing the reaction solution after the reaction is completed to the location where the detection unit 121 is set.

[0039] Thereafter, the detection unit 121 measures the reaction signal.

[0040] The mechanism described above in the automatic analyzer 1 is referred to as an analysis operation unit.

[0041] Furthermore, the automatic analyzer 1 includes a control device 140 that controls the operation of each device in the automatic analyzer 1 and a UI unit 110 .

[0042] The control device 140 is constituted by, for example, a hardware substrate and a computer, and has a built-in storage unit 144 such as a hard disk, a control unit 142 , and the like.

[0043] The control unit 142 controls the operation of each of the aforementioned mechanisms. In this embodiment, the control unit 142 specifically controls the reader 106 to read only the sample container placement position 102 where the detection unit detects that the sample container 109 is located. Furthermore, if the sample presence sensor 130 detects a signal while the sample position sensor 135 is detecting whether the reading location is the sample container placement position 102, the control unit 142 determines that a sample container 109 is present at the reading location. During detection by the sample position sensor 135 and the sample presence sensor 130, the control unit 142 maintains the container holder 114 in a rotating state. This is preferable for shortening reading time. Details of this are described later.

[0044] The storage unit 144 is composed of a recording medium storing control parameters and the like corresponding to each unit.

[0045] The control device 140 can be composed of hardware with a dedicated circuit substrate, or it can be composed of software executed by a computer. In the case of being composed of hardware, it can be implemented by integrating multiple computing units that perform processing on a wiring substrate, or in a semiconductor chip or package. In the case of being composed of software, it can be implemented by equipping a computer with a high-speed general-purpose CPU and executing a program for performing the desired computing processing. Existing devices can also be upgraded by recording a medium with the program recorded. In addition, these devices, circuits, and computers are connected via a wired or wireless network to appropriately send and receive data.

[0046] The UI unit 110 is composed of a display device such as a display, and input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard.

[0047] Next, use Figure 2 The following drawings illustrate the characteristic structure of this embodiment.

[0048] First, use Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 Specific examples of the configuration and arrangement positions of the specimen presence sensor and the specimen position sensor will be described. Figure 2 This is a top view showing details of the specimen presence sensor and the specimen position sensor. Figure 3 It is a side view showing details of the specimen presence sensor and the specimen position sensor.

[0049] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the specimen presence sensor 130 is a reflective sensor composed of a light emitting unit 130 a and a light receiving unit 130 b that detects light emitted from the light emitting unit 130 a and reflected by the specimen container 109 .

[0050] Among them, such as Figure 2 As shown, the light emitting portion 130a is arranged so that its optical axis 131a1 does not pass through the rotation axis 114a of the container holding portion 114. Figure 3 As shown, the light emitting unit 130 a is configured to emit light to the specimen container 109 protruding from the upper surface of the container holding unit 114 .

[0051] The specimen position sensor 135 is, for example, a rotary encoder that converts the mechanical displacement of the container holding portion 114 during rotation into an electrical signal and processes the signal to detect the position, speed, etc. Figure 3 As shown, it is arranged below the container holding portion 114 in the vertical direction.

[0052] Next, use Figure 4An example of the relationship between the detection signal of the specimen presence sensor 130 and the detection signal of the specimen position sensor 135 will be described. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the specimen presence sensor signal and the specimen position sensor signal.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 142 determines that the sample container 109 is not set when the detection signal of the sample presence sensor 130 is "1", and determines that the sample container 109 is set when the detection signal remains "0" for a predetermined time period or longer.

[0054] In addition, when the detection signal of the specimen position sensor 135 is "1", the control unit 142 determines that the area of ​​the container holding unit 114 directly above the timing is not the specimen container setting position 102. When the detection signal remains "0" for time t2 exceeding the predetermined time, the control unit 142 determines that the area of ​​the container holding unit 114 directly above the timing is the specimen container setting position 102.

[0055] In such a case, the control unit 142 determines that the specimen container 109 is set at the specimen container setting position 102 when the detection signal of the specimen position sensor 135 is "0" during the time t2 that is longer than the predetermined time (the specimen container is set at the specimen container setting position 102), and the detection signal of the specimen presence sensor 130 is "0" during the time t1 that is longer than the predetermined time (the specimen container 109 exists).

[0056] In addition, even when the detection signal of the specimen position sensor 135 is "0" during a time t2 that is longer than a predetermined time, when the detection signal of the specimen presence sensor 130 is "0" during a time t1 that is shorter than a predetermined time, or is "1", the control unit 142 determines that the specimen container 109 is not set at the specimen container setting position 102 directly above it.

[0057] When the detection signal of the specimen position sensor 135 is "0" or "1" for a period of time t2 shorter than a predetermined time, the control unit 142 determines that the area immediately above is not the specimen container installation position 102 and allows the sample to flow directly.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 142 ignores the detection signals of the sample presence sensor 130 and the sample position sensor 135 during a predetermined period of time from the start of rotation of the container holder 114, and does not detect signals during the period of rotational acceleration, thereby further improving detection accuracy. Furthermore, the sample position sensor 135 and the sample presence sensor 130 may be configured to output no detection signals during a predetermined period of time from the start of rotation of the container holder 114, or to output a detection signal indicating that no container is set or that the position is not the sample container setting position 102.

[0059] Next, use Figure 5 , a flowchart of the characteristic sample information reading process of the present invention is described using a flowchart. Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the flow of sample information reading processing.

[0060] When the specimen position sensor 135 of the container holder 114 recognizes that the specimen container 109 is set and instructs execution of the container detection operation ( S11 ), the control unit 142 rotates the container holder 114 to the detection start position ( S12 ).

[0061] Next, the control unit 142 starts detection of the presence of the sample container 109 by the sample presence sensor 130 and detection of the sample container setting position 102 by the sample position sensor 135 ( S13 ).

[0062] Next, the control unit 142 rotates the container holding unit 114 once while the specimen presence sensor 130 detects the presence of the specimen container 109 and the specimen position sensor 135 detects the specimen container setting position 102 ( S14 ).

[0063] Next, the detection units of the sample presence sensor 130 and the sample position sensor 135 complete the container detection process, transmit the detection result information to the control unit 142 ( S15 ), and complete the container detection operation ( S16 ).

[0064] Thereafter, the reader 106 executes a process of acquiring container information of the sample position sensor 135 that has been installed and determined to have the sample container 109 installed therein ( S17 ).

[0065] Next, use Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The difference in time required to read sample information between the automatic analyzer 1 of the embodiment and a conventional automatic analyzer will be described. Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration required for reading sample information in an automatic analyzer. Figure 7This is a diagram illustrating the difference in time required to read sample information between the automatic analyzer of the embodiment and a conventional automatic analyzer.

[0066] Here, it is assumed that both the embodiment and the prior art have 60 specimen container placement positions 102 (not shown as "60" for ease of illustration). Furthermore, the time required for conventional specimen container 109 detection by the specimen presence sensor 130 and acquisition of specimen container 109 information by the reader 106 is assumed to be approximately 0.5 seconds per specimen. In the present invention, the time required for acquisition of specimen container 109 information is assumed to be approximately 0.08 seconds per position for specimen container 109 detection by the specimen presence sensor 130 and the specimen position sensor 135, and approximately 0.5 seconds per specimen for acquisition of specimen container 109 information by the reader 106.

[0067] In such conditions, as Figure 7 As shown, in the conventional method, each time the sample container setting position 102 is moved and stopped, detection is performed at each of the sample container setting positions 102, so the detection by the sample presence sensor 130 takes a total of 30.0 seconds, and additional time is spent from the position "1" where the sample presence sensor 130 initially performs detection to the position "2" where the reader 106 performs reading. Therefore, each number of sample container setting positions 102 during this period takes 0.5 seconds. Therefore, until the reading process of the information of the sample containers 109 at all the sample container setting positions 102 on the container holding portion 114 is completed, the number of sample container setting positions 102 from the "1" position to the "2" position (1 to 60) × 0.5 seconds + 30.0 seconds is required, that is, the minimum time required is 30.5 seconds and the maximum time required is 60.0 seconds.

[0068] In contrast, in the present invention, it is first detected whether all the specimen container setting positions 102 need to be read by the reader 106, and then the reader 106 performs information reading processing only at the position where the specimen container 109 is set. Therefore, it takes 4.8 seconds for the specimen presence sensor 130 and the specimen position sensor 135 to set the presence or absence of the specimen container 109, and the reader 106 takes a minimum of 0.5 seconds (1) and a maximum of 30.0 seconds (60) to read the information of the specimen container 109. The total minimum requirement is 5.3 seconds and the maximum requirement is 34.8 seconds.

[0069] Although it depends on the number of specimen containers 109 installed in the container holder 114, it is basically assumed that all or most of the specimen container installation positions 102 of the container holder 114 are used, so it is assumed that the processing method of the present invention often completes the reading process earlier.

[0070] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0071] The automatic analyzer 1 of the present embodiment described above comprises: a container holding unit 114 having a plurality of specimen container setting positions 102 each of which can be configured to accommodate a plurality of specimen containers 109 for specimen analysis; a detection unit for detecting, for each of the specimen container setting positions 102, whether a specimen container 109 is configured at the specimen container setting position 102; a reader 106 for reading information about the specimen container 109; and a control unit 142 for controlling the reader 106 so that it reads only the specimen container setting positions 102 detected by the detection unit as being configured with the specimen container 109.

[0072] With this configuration, it is possible to complete the introduction of containers related to analysis of specimens, etc., in a shorter time than before.

[0073] In addition, the detection unit is composed of a specimen presence sensor 130 for detecting whether there is a specimen container 109, and a specimen position sensor 135 for detecting whether the reading location of the specimen presence sensor 130 is the specimen container setting location 102. During the period when the specimen position sensor 135 detects whether the reading location is the specimen container setting location 102, when the specimen presence sensor 130 detects a signal, the control unit 142 determines that there is a specimen container 109 at the reading location, so that the number of sensors required for the detection unit can be minimized and high-speed reading of specimen information can be achieved.

[0074] Moreover, the container holding portion 114 is a disk having a plurality of specimen container setting positions 102 on its circumference, and the specimen presence sensor 130 is a reflective sensor consisting of a light-emitting portion 130a and a light-receiving portion 130b for detecting light emitted from the light-emitting portion 130a and reflected by the specimen container 109. The light-emitting portion 130a is configured so that its optical axis 131a1 does not pass through the rotation axis 114a of the disk, thereby preventing objects existing at the rotation center of the container holding portion 114, such as structures such as the rotation axis 114a, from being mistakenly detected as the specimen container 109.

[0075] Furthermore, the light emitting unit 130 a of the sample presence sensor 130 is arranged to emit light toward the sample container 109 protruding from the upper surface of the container holding unit 114 , thereby simplifying the structure of the sample presence sensor 130 .

[0076] Furthermore, the control unit 142 can further shorten the time required to read the container information by causing the container holder 114 to continue rotating during detection by the sample presence sensor 130 and detection by the sample position sensor 135 .

[0077] Furthermore, by arranging the specimen position sensor 135 below the container holding portion 114 in the vertical direction, interference with other structures can be minimized.

[0078] <Other>

[0079] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. The above-described embodiments are examples described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the described configurations.

[0080] Description of Reference Numerals

[0081] 1Automatic analysis device

[0082] 102 specimen container setting position

[0083] 106 Reader

[0084] 109 specimen container

[0085] 110UI Department

[0086] 114 container holding portion

[0087] 114a Rotation axis

[0088] 115 Specimen Dispensing Department

[0089] 117 Reagent holding unit

[0090] 119 Reagent dispensing unit

[0091] 120 reaction tray

[0092] 121 Inspection Department

[0093] 130 Specimen presence sensor (detection unit, first sensor)

[0094] 130a light emitting unit

[0095] 131a1 optical axis

[0096] 130b light receiving part

[0097] 135 specimen position sensor (detection unit, second sensor)

[0098] 140 control device

[0099] 142 Control Department

[0100] 144 storage unit.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that The automatic analysis device comprises: a container holding portion having a plurality of positions where a plurality of containers for use in analyzing a specimen can be respectively placed; a detection unit configured to detect, for each of the positions, whether the container is disposed at the position; a reader for reading information of the container; as well as A control unit controls so that the reader reads only the position where the container is detected by the detection unit.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The detection unit is composed of a first sensor that detects the presence of the container and a second sensor that detects whether the reading location of the first sensor is the position. When the first sensor detects a signal while the second sensor detects whether the reading location is the position, the control unit determines that the container is present at the reading location.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that The container holding portion is a disk having a plurality of the positions on its circumference, The first sensor is a reflective sensor composed of a light emitting element and a light receiving element for detecting light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected by the container. The light emitting element is arranged such that its optical axis does not pass through the rotation axis of the disk.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, characterized in that The light emitting element of the first sensor is configured to emit the light toward the container protruding from the upper surface of the container holding portion.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, characterized in that The control unit keeps rotating the container holding unit during detection by the first sensor and detection by the second sensor.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that The second sensor is arranged vertically below the container holding portion.

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