A sample scheduling system

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of in vitro diagnostic medical technology, and particularly relates to a sample scheduling system, comprising a low-temperature storage module, a sample rack supporting plate module, a transportation module, an automatic cap removal mechanism and a visual recognition module. The present application realizes automatic refrigeration and sealed preservation of quality control products through the low-temperature storage module, prevents volatilization, prolongs the open bottle shelf life, and automatically removes condensate to avoid pollution. The sample rack supporting plate module cooperates with the double transportation module to realize automatic quality control product entry and exit, automatic quality control and empty bottle alarm, and reduces manual intervention. The automatic cap removal mechanism is compatible with capped and uncapped test tubes, completes the whole process of code scanning, cap removal and cap disposal, reduces the risk of infection through ultraviolet disinfection, and the test tubes can be placed at any angle. The visual recognition module completes state recognition and barcode reading at one time. The functions are run in parallel, which significantly improves scheduling efficiency, reduces use cost and enhances user experience. The problem that quality control or calibration requires manual placement of quality control products is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of in vitro diagnostic medical technology, and in particular to a sample scheduling system. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing automation of testing equipment, multi-module analytical testing lines offer advantages in accuracy and efficiency when testing large volumes of samples, and are widely used in large hospitals, testing institutions, and laboratories. To meet the requirements of automated analysis, sample scheduling systems are widely used in biochemical analyzers, immunoassay analyzers, and laboratory automated analysis equipment. These systems can handle large numbers of samples. For hospitals with high sample volumes, quality control cycles are typically set based on the sample volume, meaning that testing instruments need to perform quality control multiple times a day. Quality control samples require low-temperature storage. Currently, most large sample scheduling systems on the market lack low-temperature storage modules. Each time quality control or calibration is performed, manual placement of quality control samples is required, followed by manual removal and storage in a refrigerator. This significant manual intervention indirectly increases instrument operating costs and reduces user experience.

[0003] Currently, hospitals widely use vacuum blood collection tubes. During blood collection, negative pressure draws blood into the vacuum tube. After centrifugation, the cap of the vacuum blood collection tube must be opened before testing; otherwise, the needles for biochemical analyzers or other instruments will have difficulty inserting into the tube. Currently, most hospitals either manually remove the caps from the test tubes or purchase instruments with pretreatment devices. Instruments with pretreatment assemblies are often larger and more expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sample scheduling system that aims to solve the problem of manually placing quality control samples during quality control or calibration.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a sample scheduling system, including a low-temperature storage module, a sample rack tray module, a transportation module, an automatic cap removal mechanism, and a visual recognition module;

[0006] The low-temperature storage module is used for refrigerating quality control products;

[0007] The sample rack tray module is used to support the sample rack;

[0008] The transport module is used to transport the sample rack to the low-temperature storage module or the testing instrument;

[0009] The automatic decapping mechanism is used to remove the caps from the sample tubes;

[0010] The visual recognition module is used to identify the status of the sample tube and scan the code.

[0011] The top cover of the low-temperature storage module is a movable structure. The front end of the sample rack tray module is equipped with rollers. When the sample rack tray module enters the low-temperature storage module, the rollers automatically lift the top cover and the top cover automatically closes after it is fully inserted. The inner side of the top cover is equipped with a silicone pad, which seals with the quality control container after closing to prevent the quality control product from evaporating. The front end of the sample rack tray module is equipped with a desiccant to remove condensation from the inside of the top cover during the insertion process.

[0012] The low-temperature storage module is equipped with a sealed door panel, which is equipped with an optical coupler baffle and a position optical coupler.

[0013] The transportation module includes a first transportation module and a second transportation module;

[0014] The first transport module is used to move the sample holder;

[0015] The second transport module is used to remove the sample rack from the low-temperature storage module and send it to the testing instrument, complete the quality control, and then send it back to the low-temperature storage module.

[0016] The automatic cap removal mechanism includes a sample tube clamping part, a test tube cap clamping part, and a cap removal driving module;

[0017] The sample tube clamping part is used to clamp the capless sample tube;

[0018] The test tube cap clamping part is used to clamp the test tube cap of the sample tube with the cap on;

[0019] The hat removal drive module is used to drive the gripper to rotate and lift, thereby realizing the hat removal action;

[0020] The visual recognition module is used to identify the status of the sample tube and scan the code.

[0021] This invention discloses a sample scheduling system. The system utilizes a low-temperature storage module to automatically refrigerate and seal quality control samples, preventing evaporation, extending shelf life after opening, and automatically removing condensate to avoid contamination. A sample rack tray module, working in conjunction with a dual transport module, enables fully automated loading and unloading of quality control samples, automatic quality control, and empty bottle alarms, reducing manual intervention. An automatic cap removal mechanism is compatible with both capped and uncapped test tubes, completing the entire process of scanning, cap removal, and cap discarding. Ultraviolet disinfection reduces the risk of infection, and test tubes can be placed at any angle. A visual recognition module completes status identification and barcode reading in one operation. All functions operate in parallel, significantly improving scheduling efficiency, reducing operating costs, and enhancing user experience. This system solves the problem of manually placing quality control samples during quality control or calibration. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a sample scheduling system provided by the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 It is the overall structure of the low-temperature storage module.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the cryogenic storage module.

[0026] Figure 4 It is a sample rack tray module.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a diagram of an automatic water removal system.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the sealed door panel of the storage chamber of the low-temperature storage module.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a capless sample tube clamp.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a sample tube with a cap.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a simplified flowchart of the system's automatic quality control and automatic cold storage process.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a simplified diagram of the system's automatic hat removal process.

[0033] In the diagram: 1-Low-temperature storage module, 2-Sample rack tray module, 3-Transportation module, 4-Automatic cap removal mechanism, 5-Visual recognition module, 11-Top cover, 12-Sealing door panel, 111-Silicone pad, 112-Water-removing soft adhesive, 121-Optical coupler baffle, 122-Positioning optical coupler, 21-Roller, 31-First transport module, 32-Second transport module, 41-Sample tube clamping part, 42-Test tube cap clamping part, 43-Cap removal drive module. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0035] Please see Figures 1 to 10 The present invention provides a sample scheduling system, including a low-temperature storage module 1, a sample rack tray module 2, a transportation module 3, an automatic cap removal mechanism 4, and a visual recognition module 5;

[0036] The low-temperature storage module 1 is used for refrigerating quality control products;

[0037] The sample rack tray module 2 is used to support the sample rack;

[0038] The transport module 3 is used to transport the sample rack to the low-temperature storage module 1 or the testing instrument;

[0039] The automatic decapping mechanism 4 is used to decap the sample tubes.

[0040] The visual recognition module 5 is used to identify the status of the sample tube and scan the code.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the system performs its first automatic quality control, the sample rack containing the quality control sample is placed into the sample inlet channel. The sample rack is then pushed onto the transport module 3 by the sample inlet pusher. The transport module 3 transports the quality control sample rack to the rear track, which then transports it to the testing instrument for quality control. After the instrument completes the quality control operation, any unused quality control sample is transported back to the transport module 3. The transport module 3 then transfers the sample rack to the sample rack tray module 2, which is then placed into the low-temperature storage module 1 for refrigerated storage. This invention utilizes the low-temperature storage module... 1. This invention enables automatic refrigeration and sealing of quality control materials to prevent evaporation, extend shelf life after opening, and automatically remove condensate to avoid contamination. The sample rack tray module 2, in conjunction with the dual transport module 3, achieves fully automated loading and unloading of quality control materials, automatic quality control, and empty bottle alarms, reducing manual intervention. The automatic capping mechanism 4 is compatible with both capped and uncapped test tubes, completing the entire process of scanning, cap removal, and cap discarding. UV disinfection reduces the risk of infection, and test tubes can be placed at any angle. The visual recognition module 5 completes status recognition and barcode reading in one step. All functions operate in parallel, significantly improving scheduling efficiency, reducing operating costs, and enhancing user experience. This invention includes, but is not limited to, quality control; it should actually include all embodiments of standards that can be used to adjust instrument quality, such as calibrators and clinical samples. It solves the problem of manually placing quality control materials during quality control or calibration.

[0042] Furthermore, the upper cover 11 of the low-temperature storage module 1 is a movable structure, and the front end of the sample rack tray module 2 is provided with rollers 21. When the sample rack tray module 2 enters the low-temperature storage module 1, the rollers 21 automatically lift the upper cover 11 and the upper cover 11 automatically closes after it is fully inserted. The inner side of the upper cover 11 is provided with a silicone pad 111, which contacts and seals with the quality control container after closing to prevent the quality control product from evaporating. The front end of the sample rack tray module 2 is provided with a desiccant soft rubber 112, which is used to remove condensate on the inner side of the upper cover 11 during the pushing process.

[0043] In this embodiment, the front end of the sample rack tray module 2 is provided with a protruding roller 21. When entering the low-temperature storage module 1, the roller 21 can automatically push the top cover 11 of the low-temperature storage module 1 upwards, facilitating the sample rack tray module 2 to enter the low-temperature storage module 1. The end of the top cover 11 of the low-temperature storage module 1 has a clearance structure. After the sample rack tray module 2 completes its entry into the low-temperature storage module 1, the top cover 11 automatically falls down. A silicone pad 111 is provided on the inner side of the top cover 11. After the top cover 11 closes, the silicone pad 111 contacts and seals with the quality control container, effectively preventing the quality control product from evaporating. Furthermore, the temperature inside the low-temperature storage module 1 can be maintained within the range of 2℃ to 8℃, thus effectively extending the shelf life of the quality control product after opening. This allows the system to perform multiple consecutive automatic quality control operations without manual intervention. Simultaneously, if... Figure 4 , 5 As shown, the front end of the sample rack tray module 2 is also provided with a water-removing soft adhesive 112 that spans the tray. The water-removing soft adhesive 112 is in flexible contact with the silicone pad 111 on the top of the cover 11. As the sample rack tray module 2 moves forward, it can automatically remove the condensate on the cover 11, preventing the condensate from dripping into the quality control products and contaminating them.

[0044] Furthermore, the low-temperature storage module 1 is provided with a sealing door plate 12, and the sealing door plate 12 is provided with an optocoupler baffle 121 and a position optocoupler 122.

[0045] In this embodiment, the low-temperature storage module 1 is provided with a sealing door 12, which is driven to rotate by a door drive motor to achieve opening and closing; the sealing door 12 is provided with an optocoupler baffle 121 and a position optocoupler 122 for detecting the opening and closing status of the door.

[0046] Furthermore, the transportation module 3 includes a first transportation module 31 and a second transportation module 32;

[0047] The first transport module 31 is used for moving the sample holder;

[0048] The second transport module 32 is used to remove the sample rack from the low-temperature storage module 1 and send it to the testing instrument, and then send it back to the low-temperature storage module 1 after quality control is completed.

[0049] In this embodiment, when the instrument performs the automatic quality control function again, the second transport module 32 retrieves the quality control sample from the low-temperature storage module 1 and transports it to the instrument's sampling point for quality control. After the instrument completes the quality control operation, the quality control sample is then sent back to the low-temperature storage module 1 by the second transport module 32 for refrigerated storage, so that the instrument can perform the next quality control operation.

[0050] Furthermore, the automatic cap removal mechanism 4 includes a sample tube clamping part 41, a test tube cap clamping part 42, and a cap removal driving module 43;

[0051] The sample tube clamping part 41 is used to clamp the capless sample tube;

[0052] The test tube cap clamping part 42 is used to clamp the test tube cap of the sample tube with the cap on.

[0053] The hat removal drive module 43 is used to drive the gripper to rotate and lift, thereby realizing the hat removal action.

[0054] In this embodiment, when the sample rack with sample tubes is transported to the cap removal mechanism, a vision camera photographs the sample rack, and data analysis is performed to confirm whether sample tubes are stored on the rack and whether the sample tubes have caps. Different grippers are used to hold the test tubes regardless of whether they have caps or not, thus ensuring that test tubes can be held regardless of whether they have caps. Figure 7 As shown, when the placed test tubes are without caps, the test tubes are held by the sample tube clamping part 41, and after being lifted to a designated height, they begin to rotate. The scanner (i.e., the vision recognition module 5, which also has a barcode scanning function) continuously scans the codes. After recognition is completed, the sample tubes are placed back on the sample tube rack. Figure 8 As shown, when a test tube has a cap, the cap removal mechanism uses the cap-holding part 42 to hold the test tube. The cap removal grippers lift the sample tube to a designated height and begin rotating. The scanner (i.e., the vision recognition module 5, which also functions as a barcode scanner) continuously scans the barcode. After recognition, the cap removal action is performed. The sample tube grippers of the sample tube holding module hold the sample tube, and then the cap-holding part 42 holds it until the cap begins to rotate. Simultaneously, the cap-holding part 42 rotates while the sample tube grippers move downwards, thus detaching the cap from the sample tube. After cap removal, the sample tube is placed back on the sample tube rack. By rotating the sample tube while holding it, the camera captures and recognizes the sample barcode data, allowing the sample tube to be placed on the rack at any angle without aligning the barcode with the scanning window on the rack. Furthermore, because this invention features a dual-scheduling transport module 3, automatic cap removal, automatic rotation scanning, automatic quality control, and automatic cold storage can all be performed simultaneously without interference, greatly improving the scheduling efficiency of this system.

[0055] Beneficial effects:

[0056] 1. The scheduling system provided by this invention can achieve full automation of subsequent quality control operations after the initial placement of quality control materials, as long as the quality control materials are not consumed and are within their expiration period, without the need for manual intervention, thus saving instrument usage costs;

[0057] 2. The low-temperature storage module provided by this invention can realize refrigeration and individual sealing functions, effectively prevent the volatilization of quality control products, extend the shelf life after opening, and truly realize the fully automatic function of automatic quality control.

[0058] 3. The low-temperature storage module provided by the present invention is equipped with an automatic condensate removal function, which can effectively prevent condensate from dripping into the quality control products and causing contamination.

[0059] 4. The automatic cap removal mechanism provided by the present invention allows sample tubes to be placed anywhere on the sample rack without having to align the test tube barcode with the scanning window on the sample rack, and without having to distinguish between test tubes with and without caps. The automatic cap removal mechanism can hold the test tubes in both states.

[0060] 5. The automatic hat-removing mechanism provided by this invention can automatically remove the hat from the instrument instead of manually removing it, saving manpower and improving work efficiency;

[0061] 6. The scheduling system provided by this invention adopts a dual-scheduling transportation module structure, which improves sample scheduling efficiency;

[0062] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the sample scheduling system of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes of the above embodiments can be implemented, and equivalent changes made in accordance with the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A sample scheduling system, characterized in that, It includes a low-temperature storage module, a sample rack tray module, a transportation module, an automatic cap removal mechanism, and a visual recognition module; The low-temperature storage module is used for refrigerating quality control products; The sample rack tray module is used to support the sample rack; The transport module is used to transport the sample rack to the low-temperature storage module or the testing instrument; The automatic decapping mechanism is used to decap the sample tubes. The visual recognition module is used to identify the status of the sample tube and scan the code.

2. The sample scheduling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top cover of the low-temperature storage module is a movable structure. The front end of the sample rack tray module is equipped with rollers. When the sample rack tray module enters the low-temperature storage module, the rollers automatically lift the top cover and the top cover automatically closes after it is fully inserted. The inner side of the top cover is equipped with a silicone pad, which seals with the quality control container after closing to prevent the quality control product from evaporating. The front end of the sample rack tray module is equipped with a desiccant to remove condensation from the inside of the top cover during the insertion process.

3. The sample scheduling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The low-temperature storage module is equipped with a sealed door panel, and the sealed door panel is equipped with an optical coupler baffle and a position optical coupler.

4. The sample scheduling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transportation module includes a first transportation module and a second transportation module; The first transport module is used to move the sample holder; The second transport module is used to remove the sample rack from the low-temperature storage module and send it to the testing instrument, complete the quality control, and then send it back to the low-temperature storage module.

5. A sample scheduling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic cap removal mechanism includes a sample tube clamping part, a test tube cap clamping part, and a cap removal drive module; The sample tube clamping part is used to clamp the capless sample tube; The test tube cap clamping part is used to clamp the test tube cap of the sample tube with the cap on; The hat removal drive module is used to drive the gripper to rotate and lift, thereby realizing the hat removal action; The visual recognition module is used to identify the status of the sample tube and scan the code.

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