Automatic analysis system

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technique whereby, in an automatic analysis system in which a transport mechanism accesses a consumable storage box, the transport mechanism can accurately and efficiently ascertain the state of a consumable in the storage box. In the automatic analysis system of the present invention, the consumables have code marks indicating the attributes thereof, the storage device has a transmission window through which the inside thereof can be observed from the outside thereof, and the category, remaining amount, and storage position of the consumables are detected by capturing images of the code marks through the transmission window. Furthermore, when an event that is likely to cause a change in the consumable in the storage device is detected, the code mark is imaged again (referring to fig. 1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automated analysis system for analyzing samples. Background Technology

[0002] In automated analytical apparatuses, to perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of the analyte components contained in unknown samples with high precision, operations are carried out according to a predetermined workflow. Patent Document 1 describes an automated analytical system that uses an autonomous mobile robot to reduce human workload. This document also describes labeling reagents to indicate consumable information (paragraph 0046) and equipping refrigerators with location markers for the autonomous robot to track its position (paragraph 0026). Figure 4 ).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: WO2020 / 021837 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0006] The technology described in Patent Document 1 is believed to be able to identify at least some of this information through labels marked on reagents or location markers on refrigerators. However, when both humans and autonomous robots access consumables, this information alone may not be sufficient for the autonomous robot to grasp the accurate status of the consumables.

[0007] The present invention was made in view of the aforementioned problems, and its object is to provide a technology in which the conveying mechanism can accurately and efficiently grasp the status of consumables in the storage box in an automatic analysis system for accessing consumable storage boxes.

[0008] Solution for solving the problem

[0009] In the automatic analysis system of the present invention, consumables have coded tags indicating their attributes, and the storage device has a viewing window that allows observation of the interior from the outside. By capturing an image of the coded tags through the viewing window, the type, remaining quantity, and storage location of the consumables are detected. Furthermore, if an event is detected that suggests a possible change in the consumables within the storage device, the coded tags are captured again.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] According to the automatic analysis system of the present invention, in the automatic analysis system for a conveying mechanism accessing a consumable storage box, the conveying mechanism can accurately and efficiently grasp the status of consumables in the storage box. Other structures, issues, effects, etc., of the present invention will become clear from the following description of embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the automatic analysis system 1 according to implementation method 1.

[0013] Figure 2A This is a top view diagram illustrating the process by which the conveying mechanism 13 retrieves the consumable 2 from the storage equipment 12.

[0014] Figure 2B This is a top view diagram illustrating the process by which the conveying mechanism 13 retrieves the consumable 2 from the storage equipment 12.

[0015] Figure 2C This is a top view diagram illustrating the process by which the conveying mechanism 13 retrieves the consumable 2 from the storage equipment 12.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the storage device 12 in the automatic analysis system 1 of embodiment 2.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a structural example of storage device 12.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the storage device 12 included in the automatic analysis system 1 of embodiment 3.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another structural example of the storage device 12 included in the automatic analysis system 1 of embodiment 3. Detailed Implementation

[0020] First, an example of the typical workflow implemented by the automated analysis device is described.

[0021] (1) Start-up of the apparatus: Perform scheduled start-up procedures such as regular maintenance and inspection. In addition, confirm the remaining quantities of each reagent for each analytical item, common reagents used for each analytical item, and consumables installed on the automatic analyzer, and replenish them from the external storage box as needed. Furthermore, from the point of view of maintaining long-term quality, most reagents are stored under refrigeration.

[0022] (2) Calibration: Standard samples with known concentration levels of the analyte are measured. Through this measurement, a relationship (calibration line) is established between the concentration of the analyte and the signal quantity obtained as a result of the measurement. The frequency of calibration varies depending on the analyte. For example, it may be performed individually for each analyte at approximately one-month intervals.

[0023] (3) Quality Control Measurement (QC Measurement): This involves measuring multiple concentration levels of the analyte within a known range. The concentration of the analyte in the QC sample is then calculated using a calibration line established through calibration. The calibration line is checked to confirm its appropriateness by verifying that the calculated concentration falls within the known concentration range. Based on the goal of ensuring the quality of results for general sample measurements, QC measurements need to be performed frequently. For example, multiple analytes may be measured in parallel at a frequency of one to three times per day. Typically, QC samples are not used only once but are stored in an external refrigerator and used multiple times.

[0024] (4) General Sample Measurement: For samples (patient samples) where the concentration of the analyte component is unknown, the concentration is calculated using a calibration line. Before performing general sample measurements, the status of the analytical apparatus should be confirmed by performing background measurements or virtual measurements as needed. During general sample measurements, reagents and consumables should be replenished as needed when their remaining levels fall below a certain threshold.

[0025] (5) Shutdown of equipment: Perform necessary shutdown operations such as cleaning and inspection. Sometimes, the remaining quantity of reagents and consumables is also checked and replenished at the same time.

[0026] Here, the replacement of test samples, reagents, consumables, etc., is usually performed manually by the operator. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of improving the efficiency of manual operations and reducing human error, the application of an autonomous mobile robot is preferred. In this case, it is necessary to properly move test samples, reagents, consumables, etc., for the automated analysis device mounted on the object from an external storage box. In particular, the autonomous mobile robot needs to properly identify the items to be moved from the storage box designed for the operator, taking into account the workflow of the automated analysis device, and properly retrieve the items to be moved from the storage box. Since the operator sometimes also accesses the storage box, a structure is required that allows both the operator and the autonomous mobile robot to access the storage box.

[0027] When an autonomous mobile robot retrieves consumables from a storage box, it needs to accurately identify the required consumables based on the workflow of an automated analysis device. This identification process requires not only recognizing the type of consumables but also identifying their storage location, remaining quantity, and other information.

[0028] For example, in situations where both humans and robots may remove consumables from the storage box, the number, type, etc., of the consumables in the storage box may change at an unexpected time. Patent Document 1 does not describe a method for the robot to detect unexpected changes. If the robot scans all the consumables in the storage box, even if an unexpected change occurs, it can be detected afterward. However, sometimes a full scan takes a long time. This is because autonomous mobile robots typically move slowly. During the time the autonomous mobile robot is scanning all the consumables in the storage box, humans cannot access the storage box; therefore, relying on a full scan by the robot is not recommended.

[0029] Therefore, the following describes an implementation method for an automated analysis system that enables a conveying mechanism to accurately and efficiently monitor the status of consumables within a storage box.

[0030] <Implementation Method 1>

[0031] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the automatic analysis system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The automatic analysis system 1 is a system for analyzing samples. The automatic analysis system 1 includes an automatic analysis device 11, a storage device 12, a conveying mechanism 13, and a control unit 14.

[0032] The automated analysis device 11 is a device for analyzing samples. The storage device 12 is a device for storing consumables 2 (samples, reagents, and other consumables) used by the automated analysis device 11 in analyzing samples; for example, it has a function to cool the stored consumables 2. The transfer mechanism 13 is configured as an autonomous robot that transfers the consumables 2 from the storage device 12 to the automated analysis device 11 according to instructions from the control unit 14. The control unit 14 can, for example, be configured as a computer.

[0033] The storage device 12 includes a viewing window 121, a coordinate marker 122, and an opening / closing sensor 123a (second detection unit). The viewing window 121 is configured to allow light to pass through, enabling observation of the interior of the storage device 12 from the outside. The viewing window 121 is also configured as a door that can be opened and closed. The coordinate marker 122 is provided at any position on the storage device 12 and serves as a reference position for the conveying mechanism 13 to identify the storage position of the consumable 2. The coordinate marker 122 is configured in such a way that the image can be recognized by the conveying mechanism 13. The opening / closing sensor 123a is a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the viewing window 121.

[0034] Consumable 2 has a coded mark 21 on its surface. The coded mark 21 serves to indicate the attributes of consumable 2. The form of the coded mark 21 can be arbitrary. For example, it can be an image that encodes information, such as a QR code (registered trademark). The coded mark 21 can also be constructed by other suitable methods. The information indicated by the coded mark 21 may include, for example, the category of consumable 2, the production batch number of consumable 2, and the shelf life of consumable 2.

[0035] The conveying mechanism 13 includes a first detection unit 131, an acquisition unit 132, and a holding unit 133. The acquisition unit 132 captures images of the surrounding area of ​​the conveying mechanism 13. The first detection unit 131 acquires an image of the coded mark 21 captured by the acquisition unit 132 and detects the attributes of the consumable 2 based on the image. For example, it can detect the category of the consumable 2. The holding unit 133 can hold the consumable 2. The conveying mechanism 13 holds the consumable 2 in the storage device 12 through the holding unit 133, moves the consumable 2 from the storage device 12 to the automatic analysis device 11, and supplies the consumable 2 to the automatic analysis device 11.

[0036] Figure 2A This is a top view illustrating the process by which the conveying mechanism 13 retrieves the consumable 2 from the storage device 12. The control unit 14 instructs the conveying mechanism 13 to retrieve the consumable 2 supplied to the automatic analysis device 11. Upon receiving the instruction, the conveying mechanism 13 moves toward the storage device 12.

[0037] When the conveying mechanism 13 reaches the vicinity of the storage device 12, the acquisition unit 132 is able to acquire an image of the coordinate marker 122. The first detection unit 131 detects the reference position of the storage device 12 based on the image of the coordinate marker 122.

[0038] The acquisition unit 132 also acquires an image of the periphery of the coordinate marker 122 (i.e., the interior of the window 121). For example, by acquiring an image of the periphery of the coordinate marker 122 while keeping it within the viewing angle, an image of the interior of the window 121 can be acquired. The acquisition unit 132 acquires images of the consumable 2 and the coded marker 21 by taking a picture of the interior of the storage device 12 through the window 121.

[0039] The first detection unit 131 detects the category of consumable 2 based on the image of the coded mark 21, and also detects the storage location of consumable 2 based on the relative position relative to the coordinate mark 122. The storage location of consumable 2 can also be detected based on the image of the coded mark 21 itself. This is because the relative positional relationship between the acquisition unit 132 and the coded mark 21 (or between the conveying mechanism 13 and the coded mark 21) can be determined based on the image of the coded mark 21. However, by using the coordinate mark 122 based on or instead of the coded mark 21, a higher precision position of consumable 2 can be obtained; therefore, from the viewpoint of positional accuracy, the coordinate mark 122 is preferred. The remaining quantity of consumable 2 can be determined by the number of remaining consumable 2.

[0040] Figure 2B This is a top view schematic diagram illustrating the process of the conveying mechanism 13 retrieving the consumable 2 from the storage equipment 12. When in Figure 2A When the first detection unit 131 identifies the category of consumable 2, the conveying mechanism 13 moves the holding unit 133 toward the consumable 2 indicated by the control unit 14. The holding unit 133 holds the consumable 2.

[0041] When the holding unit 133 accesses the consumable 2, it needs to open the through window 121. For example, the holding unit 133 may have a mechanism for opening and closing the through window 121, through which the through window 121 is opened and closed. Alternatively, the storage device 12 may have a mechanism for opening and closing the through window 121 according to instructions from the control unit 14 or the conveying mechanism 13, through which the through window 121 is opened and closed.

[0042] Figure 2C This is a top view schematic diagram illustrating the process of the conveying mechanism 13 retrieving the consumable 2 from the storage equipment 12. When in Figure 2B When the holding part 133 holds the consumable 2, it removes the consumable 2 from the storage device 12. The conveying mechanism 13 sends the category / number / location of the removed consumable 2 to the control unit 14. Based on this, the control unit 14 updates the information on the number / location of each category of consumable 2 stored in the storage device 12.

[0043] The control unit 14 can also instruct the conveying mechanism 13 to obtain an image of the coded mark 21, unlike the above. For example, when an event is detected that may have changed at least one of the following, such an instruction may be given: (a) the type of consumable 2 stored in the storage device 12; (b) the remaining quantity of consumable 2 stored in the storage device 12; (c) the storage location of consumable 2 stored in the storage device 12.

[0044] The opening / closing sensor 123a functions as a mechanism for detecting events as described above. For example, when the window 121 is opened or closed, the opening / closing sensor 123a detects the opening / closing action and notifies the control unit 14, thereby enabling the control unit 14 to detect the event. This is because when the window 121 is opened or closed, access to the consumable 2 inside it is possible that any of the properties (a), (b), or (c) of the consumable 2 changes. Therefore, in order to retrieve information about the consumable 2, the control unit 14 instructs the conveying mechanism 13 to capture the coded mark 21.

[0045] The installation method of the opening / closing sensor 123a can be arbitrary. For example, it can be a proximity sensor that detects a person or conveying mechanism 13 approaching through the window 121, or an optical sensor that detects when light is blocked by an object. It can also be a sensor using other appropriate detection methods.

[0046] <Example 1: Summary>

[0047] The automatic analysis system 1 of this embodiment uses images of coded markers 21 (and / or coordinate markers 122) to obtain the category / remaining quantity / storage location of consumable 2, and retrieves the consumable 2 from storage device 12 and transports it to automatic analysis device 11 via conveying mechanism 13. If an event is detected indicating a possible change in the category / remaining quantity / storage location of consumable 2, the image of coded markers 21 is captured again. Thus, even when both humans and a robot (conveyor 13) access the consumable 2 within storage device 12, conveyor 13 can accurately and effectively grasp the state of consumable 2. This is because, without performing a full scan of the storage device 12, the state of consumable 2 can be grasped based on images of coded markers 21 or event detection by opening / closing sensor 123a.

[0048] <Implementation Method 2>

[0049] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the storage device 12 in the automatic analysis system 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the structure described in Embodiment 1, the storage device 12 may also include an internal transfer mechanism 124 for transferring the consumable 2 within the storage device 12. For example, it can be configured such that the consumable 2 is placed on a tray and stored inside the storage device 12, and the tray is transferred by the internal transfer mechanism 124 to transfer the consumable 2 within the storage device 12. The internal transfer mechanism 124 may also be configured by other suitable mechanisms. Other structures are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0050] For example, consider configuring at least one of the windows 121 as an input port for inserting consumables 2 into the storage device 12, and configuring at least one of the other windows 121 as an output port for retrieving consumables 2 from the storage device 12. In this case, the internal transfer mechanism 124 can transfer the consumables 2 inserted from the input port to the output port. Thus, the transport mechanism 13 only needs to access a specific window 121, thereby facilitating the automation of the transport mechanism 13's operation.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the storage device 12. The storage device 12 can also replace the structure described above or include one or more of the following: opening and closing mechanism 125, opening and closing switch 126, weight sensor 123b, and storage device control unit 127. Other structures are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0052] The opening and closing mechanism 125 is a mechanism used by the storage equipment 12 itself (i.e., without the participation of personnel, the conveying mechanism 13, etc.) to open and close the through window 121. The opening and closing mechanism 125 can be configured for each through window 121, or it can be used to open and close only a portion of the through windows 121. Furthermore, one opening and closing mechanism 125 can be configured to open and close two or more through windows 121. The opening and closing mechanism 125 can be, for example, a mechanism that applies rotational force to the rotation axis of a door.

[0053] The on / off switch 126 (second detection unit) is an operating mechanism used to instruct the storage device 12 to open and close the viewing window 121. For example, it can be configured such that when the on / off switch 126 is operated, the opening / closing mechanism 125 is activated, or the on / off switch 126 itself locks / unlocks the door to open or close it. The on / off switch 126 can also notify the control unit 14 of this situation when the on / off switch 126 is operated. Thus, like the on / off sensor 123a, the on / off switch 126 can also serve to notify of events indicating that the properties of the consumable 2 have changed.

[0054] The weight sensor 123b (second detection unit) is a sensor that detects information that can determine the weight of the consumables 2 stored in the storage device 12. The weight sensor 123b can be configured to detect the weight of the objects stored in each storage compartment within the storage device 12, or it can be configured to detect the total weight of the consumables 2 by detecting the weight of the storage device 12 itself. In other words, as long as information that can determine the weight of the consumables 2 stored in the storage device 12 can be obtained from the weight sensor 123b, it is sufficient. Therefore, like the opening / closing sensor 123a, the weight sensor 123b can also function to notify of events indicating a change in the properties of the consumables 2.

[0055] The storage equipment control unit 127 controls various components of the storage equipment 12 (e.g., opening / closing mechanism 125, internal transfer mechanism 124). The storage equipment control unit 127 receives detection values ​​from sensors such as the opening / closing sensor 123a and the weight sensor 123b, and notifies the control unit 14 of these detection values. Alternatively, the sensors themselves may notify the control unit 14 of their detection values.

[0056] In this embodiment, the operations of the conveying mechanism 13 and the storage device 12 can be automated as follows. For example, before the conveying mechanism 13 or the control unit 14 begins the operation of removing the consumable 2 from the storage device 12, it notifies the storage device 12 of the situation and instructs it to move the consumable 2 toward the retrieval outlet. The storage device control unit 127, according to this instruction, controls the internal transfer mechanism 124 to move the consumable 2 toward the retrieval outlet. When the conveying mechanism 13 approaches the storage device 12, the conveying mechanism 13 or the control unit 14 instructs the storage device 12 to open the through-window 121. The storage device control unit 127, according to this instruction, controls the opening / closing mechanism 125 to open the through-window 121. Thus, the consumable 2 can be removed from the storage device autonomously through the operation of the conveying mechanism 13 without human intervention. If the gripping unit 133 can operate the opening / closing switch 126, it is not necessarily necessary to instruct the storage device 12 to open the through-window 121.

[0057] When the on / off switch 126 and the weight sensor 123b detect an event indicating a change in the properties of consumable 2, the control unit 14 may also instruct the conveying mechanism 13 to re-photograph the coded mark 21. For example, consider the following situation: the control unit 14 has pre-determined the timing of a change in the properties of consumable 2 (e.g., the date and time when the conveying mechanism 13 or the user accesses the storage device 12 to retrieve consumable 2), and if an event indicating a change in the properties of consumable 2 is detected at a different timing, it instructs the control unit 14 to re-photograph the coded mark 21.

[0058] <Implementation Method 3>

[0059] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the storage device 12 included in the automatic analysis system 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the structures described in Embodiments 1 to 2, the storage device 12 may also include a mirror body 128. Other structures are the same as in Embodiments 1 to 2.

[0060] A mirror 128 is disposed on the vertical surface of the rear side (opposite to the viewing window 121) of the storage compartment within the storage device 12. Thus, the mirror 128 can reflect the image of the consumable 2 stored in the storage device 12. The image can be observed (i.e., photographed) from the outside of the storage device 12 via the viewing window 121. Figure 5 The image shows examples of mirror images 2a' and 2b' of consumables 2a and 2b, respectively.

[0061] Depending on how consumable 2 is placed, the coded mark 21 may not be visible through window 121. For example, in Figure 5 In this example, consumable 2b is placed inside consumable 2a, so the coding mark 21 of consumable 2b is hidden on the back of consumable 2a and cannot be observed through the viewing window 121. However, if the coding mark 21 of consumable 2b is configured to face the mirror body 128, the coding mark 21 can be observed through the mirror image 2b'. Thus, even if consumable 2 is placed deep inside the storage device 12, the coding mark 21 can be observed through the viewing window 121.

[0062] The mirror body 128 can be positioned arbitrarily as long as it allows the code mark 21 to be viewed through the viewing window 121. For example, if the code mark 21 is mounted on the upper surface of the consumable 2, the mirror body 128 can also be placed on the top surface inside the storage device 12.

[0063] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another structural example of the storage device 12 included in the automatic analysis system 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. For ease of description, only a viewing window 121 and its internal structure of the storage device 12 are shown. In addition to the above structure, the storage device 12 may also include a support 129.

[0064] The bracket 129 can support one or more consumables 2. The storage compartment within the storage device 12 can hold one or more brackets 129 (in... Figure 6 (There are two in the middle). However, the consumable 2 disposed on the depth side is hidden behind the consumable 2 disposed on the near front side, so the code mark 21 cannot be observed through the viewing window 121. Therefore, the bracket 129 has at least a bracket mark 1291 that describes the attribute of the consumable 2 that the code mark 21 cannot be observed through the viewing window 121. The bracket mark 1291 is configured such that even when the consumable 2 is mounted on the bracket 129, the position of all the bracket marks 1291 can be observed through the viewing window 121.

[0065] according to Figure 6 The structure shown allows information related to the attributes of all consumables 2 to be obtained via the window 121 through the bracket mark 1291 instead of the coding mark 21. Moreover, even if the bracket 129 is placed at the innermost part of the storage room, the attributes of all consumables 2 can still be obtained through the window 121, thus making effective use of the space in the depth direction of the storage device 12.

[0066] Regarding the location of bracket mark 1291, it is acceptable as long as bracket mark 1291 can be observed from outside storage device 12 through window 121, and is not limited to... Figure 6 The location shown.

[0067] <Regarding variations of the present invention>

[0068] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications. For example, the embodiments described above are examples given in detail for the purpose of easily understanding and illustrating the invention, and do not necessarily require all of the described structures. Furthermore, a portion of one embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment. Additionally, structures of other embodiments can be added to the structure of one embodiment. Furthermore, regarding a portion of the structure of each embodiment, a portion of the structure of another embodiment can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0069] In the above embodiments, the storage device 12 can be composed of any of the following.

[0070] (One example of the structure of storage equipment 12)

[0071] Storage device 12 is constructed by installing a clamp (reagent holder tray) with information related to location and reagents within an existing storage device. The reagent holder tray does not have a drive mechanism, and the conveying mechanism 13 accesses the clamp using a gripping part 133. This configuration allows the use of existing storage boxes, thus reducing initial investment. Furthermore, especially when the storage device is a refrigerator, the absence of a drive mechanism within the refrigerator is advantageous in terms of maintaining refrigeration temperature, condensation control, and cost reduction. On the other hand, the operation of the conveying mechanism 13 (gripping part 133) becomes more complex when moving within the storage device 12.

[0072] (Structural example 2 of storage equipment 12)

[0073] Alternatively, a drive mechanism for retrieving the test reagent from inside the storage device 12 to a specific location outside the storage device 12 can be provided on the outside of one of the structural examples. Compared with one of the structural examples, this has the advantage of simplified operation of the conveying mechanism 13 when moving relative to the storage device 12. On the other hand, it incurs the cost of providing a drive mechanism to the storage device 12.

[0074] (Structural example 3 of storage equipment 12)

[0075] The storage device 12 can also be configured to be optimally designed for the conveying mechanism 13 by incorporating information related to location and reagents, as well as a drive mechanism. From the perspective of the conveying mechanism 13, this structure is optimal. On the other hand, if the storage device 12 is a refrigerator, having a drive mechanism inside the refrigerator presents significant challenges in maintaining the refrigeration temperature, addressing condensation, and reducing costs.

[0076] In the above embodiments, the internal transfer mechanism 124 may also appropriately sort the consumables 2 inside the storage device 12. For example, the control unit 14 may pre-determine the timing when the transfer mechanism 13 will remove the consumables 2 from the storage device 12, and at any time other than that timing, the control unit 14 may instruct the internal transfer mechanism 124 to sort them. For example, consider situations such as moving frequently used consumables 2 to an easily accessible location, or arranging multiple consumables 2 close to each other when using them together. The transfer mechanism 13 (holding part 133) itself may also perform the same sorting.

[0077] In the above embodiments, the storage device 12 can also be configured to measure and adjust its internal temperature. For example, consider the case where the storage device 12 is configured as a refrigerator. Furthermore, the control unit 14 can instruct the conveying mechanism 13 to sort the consumables 2 only when the internal temperature of the storage device 12 meets a predetermined condition. Thus, sorting can be performed only when the refrigerator is sufficiently cooled. This is to avoid the possibility that the internal temperature of the refrigerator may rise above a reference value during sorting due to the slow movement of the conveying mechanism 13. When sorting is performed internally using the internal transfer mechanism 124, there is no such concern if sorting can be performed with the door closed, but there is the same concern if the door needs to be opened during movement. Therefore, it is preferable to perform sorting when the refrigerator is sufficiently cooled.

[0078] In the above embodiments, a structural example of the conveying mechanism 13 including the acquisition unit 132 and the first detection unit 131 was described. However, by separating them from the conveying mechanism 13 and having the control unit 14 or the conveying mechanism 13 communicate with the acquisition unit 132 and the first detection unit 131, the same operation as in the above embodiments can be performed. The first detection unit 131 can also be configured as part of the storage device 12 (e.g., the function of the storage device control unit 127). The second detection unit can also be configured as the function of the conveying mechanism 13, the control unit 14, or the storage device 12, as long as it can receive detection values ​​from the sensor and detect events based on those detection values.

[0079] In the above embodiments, the system can be constructed using hardware such as the first detection unit 131, the control unit 14, and circuitry devices with these functions, or it can be constructed using software with these functions executed by a computing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). When the second detection unit is composed of a sensor and a processing unit that processes its detection values, the processing unit can also be constructed using either hardware or software.

[0080] In the above embodiments, the conveying mechanism 13 may, for example, use the handle 133 to open and close the door of the storage device 12 itself. For example, consider operating the opening and closing switch by the handle 133, or grasping the door handle to slide or push the door.

[0081] In the above embodiments, barcodes, QR codes, and 2D matrices (two-dimensional barcodes) are considered as examples of coordinate marker 122 and encoding marker 21, but are not limited to these.

[0082] In the above embodiments, the conveying mechanism 13 may also include components such as shelves for carrying consumables 2. The conveying mechanism 13 may also be configured as an autonomous robot with a self-propelled mechanism that moves along the path of the user of the automatic analysis device 11.

[0083] Symbol Explanation

[0084] 1—Automatic analysis system; 11—Automatic analysis device; 12—Storage equipment; 121—Window; 122—Coordinate marker; 13—Transfer mechanism; 131—First detection unit; 132—Acquisition unit; 14—Control unit; 2—Consumables; 21—Code marker.

Claims

1. An automated analysis system, characterized by, have: An automated analysis device that analyzes the sample; Storage equipment, which stores the consumables used by the automatic analysis device; A conveying mechanism having a gripping part for holding the consumables and conveying the consumables between the automatic analysis device and the storage device; The control unit controls the conveying mechanism; The first detection unit detects information related to the consumables; The acquisition department acquires images; as well as The second detection unit detects events in which at least one of the following factors—the type of the consumable, the remaining quantity of the consumable, and the storage location of the consumable—may have changed. The storage device has a viewing window that allows observation of the interior of the storage device from the outside. The consumable has a coded label indicating the category and attributes of the consumable. The acquisition unit acquires an image of the coded mark from the outside of the storage device via the viewing window. The first detection unit detects the type of the consumable, the remaining quantity of the consumable, and the storage location of the consumable based on the image of the coded mark obtained by the acquisition unit. The conveying mechanism moves the consumable from the storage position detected by the first detection unit to the conveying mechanism via the holding part, and conveys the consumable to the automatic analysis device. The control unit instructs the acquisition unit based on the event to acquire the image of the encoded tag.

2. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage device has coordinate markers that serve as the reference for the coordinates. The acquiring unit acquires the image of the coordinate markers. The first detection unit detects a high-precision storage location based on the image of the coordinate markers acquired by the acquisition unit, which has a higher accuracy than the storage location of the consumable detected based on the coded markers.

3. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acquiring unit is part of the conveying mechanism. The first detection unit is configured as part of at least one of the automatic analysis device, the storage device, and the conveying mechanism.

4. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage device has at least two or more openings. At least one of the openings is an inlet for feeding the consumable into the storage device. At least one of the openings is a retrieval outlet for removing the consumable from the storage device. The storage device also includes an internal transfer mechanism for moving the consumables from the inlet to the outlet.

5. The automatic analysis system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The storage device includes an opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes the opening according to a request from the conveying mechanism or the control unit.

6. The automatic analysis system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The storage device is configured such that the internal transfer mechanism moves the consumables according to requests from the conveying mechanism or the control unit. Before the holding part moves to a position where it can hold the consumable, the conveying mechanism or the control unit instructs the storage device to move the consumable toward the dispensing outlet.

7. The automatic analysis system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit obtains in advance a predetermined time when the type of consumable, the remaining quantity of the consumable, or the storage location of the consumable changes. If the second detection unit detects the event at a time different from the predetermined time, the control unit instructs the acquisition unit to acquire images of the coordinate marker and the encoding marker respectively.

8. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage device includes a door that can be opened and closed, and an opening and closing switch for the door. The second detection unit detects the event based on the operation of the on / off switch.

9. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage device includes a door that can be opened and closed, and an opening / closing sensor that detects the opening and closing of the door. The second detection unit detects the event based on the opening and closing of the door detected by the opening and closing sensor.

10. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage device is equipped with a weight sensor, which can obtain information to determine the weight of the consumables stored in the storage device. The second detection unit detects the event based on the weight detected by the weight sensor.

11. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage device has a mirrored interior. The mirror is positioned such that the coded mark of the consumable stored inside the storage device can be observed from the outside of the storage device via the window and the mirror.

12. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage equipment includes a support for holding the consumables. The bracket has a bracket mark that displays information identifying the bracket.

13. The automatic analysis system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The bracket marking is configured such that even if the consumable is located in a position where the acquisition unit cannot photograph the coded marking through the viewing window, the acquisition unit can still photograph the bracket marking through the viewing window.

14. The automatic analysis system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit has a predetermined timer for the conveying mechanism to remove the consumables from the storage equipment. The control unit instructs the conveying mechanism or the internal transfer mechanism to sort the consumables at a time other than the predetermined delivery time.

15. The automatic analysis system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The storage device is configured to adjust and measure its internal temperature. When the internal temperature meets a predetermined condition, the control unit instructs the conveying mechanism or the internal transfer mechanism to sort the consumables.

16. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying mechanism is configured as an autonomous robot that moves on its own along the path of the user using the automatic analysis device.

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