Analytical device and method for detecting liquid in analytical device

Abstract

To make it possible to provide information on liquid while maintaining the transmission of necessary information.SOLUTION: An analytical device of an embodiment includes a detection device that detects information about at least one of a container capable of storing liquid or the liquid. The detection device has a receiving unit. The receiving unit receives liquid volume information about a liquid volume of the liquid stored in the container transmitted via a communication medium by a liquid volume information RF tag attached to the container, and container information about the container transmitted via the communication medium by a container information RF tag attached to the container. The container information RF tag transmits the communication medium that has a lower attenuation rate of attenuation than that of the liquid volume information RF tag, caused by the presence of the liquid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings relate to an analytical device and a method for detecting liquid in an analytical device. [Background technology]

[0002] In an automatic analyzer, for example, the amount of pure water in a pure water tank, the remaining amount of detergent in a detergent bottle, the presence or absence of water leakage into a water leakage pan, the remaining amount of reagent in a reagent bottle, etc. The amount of pure water in the pure water tank is detected by using float switches provided at multiple positions in the pure water tank, such as the low water level, the upper water level, and the overflow position.

[0003] The remaining amount in the detergent bottle is detected by using, for example, a photointerrupter, and water leakage into the water leakage pan is detected by a water leakage sensor. Furthermore, a liquid level detection function is used to detect the remaining amount in the reagent bottle. There are also other technologies that use RF tags or wireless IC tags to detect the remaining amount of liquid.

[0004] The radio waves transmitted by RF tags include frequency bands that can transmit data only when no liquid is present in the vicinity, such as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) or microwave ranges. By taking advantage of the tendency of radio waves to be easily absorbed in these frequency bands, it is possible to detect the amount of liquid remaining in a container.

[0005] However, RF tags are sometimes attached to containers in order to transmit various information, such as identification information for identifying the liquid or the container. If the information transmitted by such an RF tag cannot be communicated due to the presence of liquid, problems may occur, such as the inability to provide necessary information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-36446 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-51438 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to be able to provide liquid information while maintaining the transmission of necessary information. However, the problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The analytical device of the embodiment is an analytical device equipped with a detection device that detects information about at least one of a container capable of containing a liquid and the liquid. The detection device has a receiving unit. The receiving unit receives liquid volume information about the liquid volume of the liquid contained in the container transmitted via a communication medium by a liquid volume information RF tag attached to the container, and container information about the container transmitted via the communication medium by a container information RF tag attached to the container. The container information RF tag transmits via the communication medium a lower attenuation rate of attenuation caused by the presence of the liquid than the liquid volume information RF tag. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a reagent storage 10 in plan view. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a reagent storage 10 in which reagent bottles are mounted. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a pure water tank 20. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a water leakage pan 30. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a detergent tank 40. [Figure 7]13 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the amount of liquid reagent W1 contained in a reagent bottle C and information received by an RFID reader 60. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An analysis device and a liquid detection method in an analysis device according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to an embodiment. The automatic analyzer 1 is a so-called automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer 1 includes, for example, a reagent storage 10, a pure water tank 20, a water leakage pan 30, a detergent tank 40, and a control device 100. The reagent storage 10, the pure water tank 20, the water leakage pan 30, and the detergent tank 40 are provided in a housing 2, and the housing 2 and the control device 100 can transmit and receive signals via a communication line 3. The reagent storage 10 is provided, for example, at the left end of the housing. The water leakage pan 30 is provided below the pure water tank 20, the pure water tank 20 is provided at the left end of the housing, and the detergent tank 40 is disposed between the reagent storage 10 and the pure water tank 20.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the reagent storage 10 in a plan view, and Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the reagent storage 10 with reagent bottles loaded therein. The reagent storage 10 stores a plurality of reagent bottles C each containing a liquid reagent W1. The reagent storage 10 includes, for example, a turntable 11, a stage 12, and an adapter 13. The turntable 11 is, for example, a disk-shaped member that rotates around a specific axis of rotation, such as a vertical axis. The turntable 11 is an example of a rotating plate.

[0013] A plurality of stages 12 are provided on the turntable 11. The plurality of stages 12 are arranged radially around the rotation axis of the turntable 11. For example, the stages 12 are generally rectangular in shape that is long in the radial direction of the turntable 11, and have a shape (trapezoid) in which the side arranged on the outer side of the turntable 11 is longer than the side arranged on the inner side.

[0014] A reagent bottle C can be placed on each stage 12 via an adapter 13. The adapter 13 is made of, for example, metal. The reagent bottle C can be attached to the adapter 13. When the reagent bottle C is stored in the reagent storage 10, it is placed on the surface of the stage 12 and attached to the stage 12 via the adapter 13. The surface of the stage 12 is an example of a mounting surface on which the adapter 13 is placed.

[0015] A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 50 is attached to the surface of the stage 12. An RFID reader 60 is provided at a position facing the RFID tag 50 in the reagent storage 10 and at the outer periphery of the turntable 11. The RFID reader 60 receives information about at least one of a container capable of containing liquid and a liquid, such as bottle information and reagent refill information, which are transmitted by the RFID tag 50 through a communication medium, such as radio waves and radio waves, as described below. The communication medium may be other than radio waves, such as a magnetic field or electromagnetic waves. The information about the container capable of containing liquid may include information about the container itself, such as LOT information about the LOT of the container (reagent bottle), or information about the surroundings of the container, such as installation position information about the position when installing the container (reagent bottle). The RFID reader 60 is an example of a receiving unit.

[0016] The RFID tag 50 transmits radio waves to the RFID reader 60. The RFID tag 50 stores a stage ID set for each stage to which the RFID tag 50 is attached. The RFID tag 50 transmits the stored stage ID to the RFID reader 60. When the RFID reader 60 receives the transmitted stage ID, it transmits stage information including the received stage ID to the control device 100.

[0017] When the adapter 13 is not attached to the stage 12, the radio waves transmitted by the RFID tag 50 are received by the RFID reader 60. When the adapter 13 is attached to the stage 12, the radio waves transmitted by the RFID tag 50 are blocked by the metallic adapter 13, and the RFID reader 60 is unable to receive the radio waves transmitted by the RFID tag 50.

[0018] The RFID reader 60 receives stage information when the reagent bottle C is not present on the stage 12. The RFID reader 60 transmits the received stage information to the control device 100. The stage information is an example of presence information regarding the presence of the reagent bottle C. The RFID tag 50 is an example of a presence information RF tag.

[0019] The reagent bottle C is a container capable of containing a liquid reagent W1. The reagent bottle C contains the liquid reagent W1 appropriate for the reagent bottle C. The reagent bottle C has a columnar shape in a plan view that matches the shape of the stage 12. A bottle information RFID tag C1 is attached to the inner surface of the reagent bottle C, and a reagent refill information RFID tag C2 is attached to the outer surface.

[0020] The bottle information RFID tag C1 is disposed at a height position approximately in the center of the height direction of the reagent bottle C. The reagent refill requirement information RFID tag C2 is disposed at a lower position of the reagent bottle C. The reagent refill requirement information RFID tag C2 is disposed at a determination position, for example, where it is determined that the amount of liquid reagent W1 contained in the reagent bottle C is insufficient and that refilling of the liquid reagent W1 is necessary.

[0021] The bottle information RFID tag C1 stores bottle information. The bottle information includes information about the reagent bottle C or the liquid reagent W1 contained in the reagent bottle C, such as a bottle ID set for each of the multiple reagent bottles C and a reagent ID corresponding to the type of reagent contained in the reagent bottle C.

[0022] The reagent ID is an example of identification information that identifies the liquid reagent contained in the reagent bottle. The bottle information RFID tag C1 transmits the stored bottle information to the RFID reader 60 via radio waves. When the RFID reader 60 receives the transmitted bottle information, it transmits the received bottle information to the control device 100. The bottle information is an example of container information. The bottle information RFID tag C1 is an example of a container information RF tag attached to a container.

[0023] A tag ID set for each reagent refill need information RFID tag C2 is stored in the multiple reagent refill need information RFID tags C2. The reagent refill need information RFID tags C2 transmit reagent refill need information including the stored tag ID to the RFID reader 60 via radio waves. The RFID reader 60 receives the bottle information and reagent refill need information RFID tag C2 transmitted respectively from the bottle information RFID tag C1 and the reagent refill need information RFID tag C2 on the stage 12 located at a predetermined detection position between the rotation axis and the RFID reader 60.

[0024] The attenuation rate caused by the presence of liquid differs between the radio waves transmitted by the bottle information RFID tag C1 and the radio waves transmitted by the reagent refilling information RFID tag C2. The attenuation rate of the radio waves transmitted by the bottle information RFID tag C1 is set lower than the attenuation rate of the radio waves transmitted by the reagent refilling information RFID tag C2.

[0025] When the RFID reader 60 receives reagent refill need information transmitted by the reagent refill need information RFID tag C2, it transmits the received reagent refill need information to the control device 100. The tag ID stored in the reagent refill need information RFID tag C2 is an example of liquid volume information related to the liquid volume of the liquid reagent W1 contained in the reagent bottle C. The reagent refill need information RFID tag C2 is an example of a liquid volume information RF tag attached to a container.

[0026] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a pure water tank 20. As shown in the left diagram of Fig. 4, the pure water tank 20 contains, for example, pure water W2. A first pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 21 is attached to the outer surface of the left end of the pure water tank 20 at a plurality of depth positions, three in this case, for example, a first pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 22 is attached to the first depth position, a second pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 22 is attached to the second depth position, and a third pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 23 is attached to the third depth position. The first depth position is shallower than the second depth position, and the second depth position is shallower than the third depth position.

[0027] The first pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 21 is disposed above the second pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 22, and the second pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 22 is disposed above the third pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 23. The first pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 21, the second pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 22, and the third pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 23 are disposed, for example, aligned in a straight line facing vertically. An RFID reader 61 is disposed on the right side of the pure water tank 20.

[0028] A first tag ID, a second tag ID, and a third tag ID are stored in the first pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 21, the second pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 22, and the third pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 23. The first pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 21, the second pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 22, and the third pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 23 transmit the first tag information, the second tag information, and the third tag information including the stored first tag ID, second tag ID, and third tag ID, respectively, to the RFID reader 61 via radio waves.

[0029] When the RFID reader 61 receives the transmitted first tag information, second tag information, and third tag information, it transmits pure water remaining amount information including the received first tag information, second tag information, and third tag information to the control device 100. The tag ID stored in the reagent replenishment information RFID tag C2 is an example of liquid volume information related to the liquid volume of the liquid reagent W1 contained in the reagent bottle C.

[0030] 4, a rod-like or plate-like support member 24 may be erected in the pure water tank 20, and a first pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 21, a second pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 22, and a third pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 23 may be attached to each of a plurality of depth positions of the support member 24. In this case, the first pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 21, the second pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 22, and the third pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 23 may each be waterproofed. Any type of waterproofing may be used, for example, covering the tags with a waterproof film or storing them in a waterproof case.

[0031] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a water leakage pan 30. As shown in the left diagram of Fig. 5, the water leakage pan 30 includes a water storage section 31, and stores liquid leaking from the pure water tank 20, for example, leaked pure water W3, in the water storage section 31. The water storage section 31 is provided with a water leakage detection RFID tag 32. The water leakage detection RFID tag 32 stores a water leakage tag ID, and transmits leakage information including the stored water leakage tag ID to an RFID reader 61 via radio waves.

[0032] When the RFID reader 61 receives the transmitted water leakage tag ID, it transmits water leakage information including the received water leakage tag ID to the control device 100. The control device 100 detects the presence or absence of water leakage based on the water leakage information. The water leakage detection RFID tag 32 is an example of a liquid volume information RF tag provided at a liquid storage position in the water leakage pan 30.

[0033] The RFID reader 61 shown in Fig. 5 is the same as the RFID reader 61 that receives the first tag ID, the second tag ID, and the third tag ID transmitted by the first pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 21, the second pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 22, and the third pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 23 shown in Fig. 4. The RFID reader that receives the water leakage tag ID may be different from the RFID reader that receives the first tag ID, the second tag ID, and the third tag ID.

[0034] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the detergent tank 40. As shown in the left diagram of Fig. 6, the detergent tank 40 contains liquid detergent W4. A detergent information RFID tag 41 is provided at the bottom of the detergent tank 40. The detergent information RFID tag 41 stores a detergent tank tag ID, and transmits detergent tank refill requirement information including the stored detergent tank tag ID to the lower RFID reader 62 and the upper RFID reader 63 via radio waves.

[0035] When the lower RFID reader 62 and the upper RFID reader 63 receive the transmitted detergent tank refill requirement information, they transmit the received detergent tank information including the detergent tank tag ID to the control device 100. The detergent information RFID tag 41 that stores the detergent tank tag ID is an example of a detergent information RF tag.

[0036] The control device 100 receives various information transmitted by the RFID readers 60-63, such as stage information, bottle information, information on remaining pure water, leakage information, detergent tank information, etc. The RFID readers 60-63 and the control device 100 detect information on liquid in a container capable of containing the liquid. The RFID readers 60-63 are an example of a detection device. The detection device may include the control device 100. The control device 100 includes, for example, an input interface, a storage circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit realizes each function by, for example, a hardware processor executing a program stored in a storage device (storage circuit).

[0037] The hardware processor means a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). Instead of storing a program in a storage device, the program may be directly built into the circuit of the hardware processor. In this case, the hardware processor realizes a function by reading and executing the program built into the circuit. The hardware processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, and may be configured as one hardware processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize each function. Also, multiple components may be integrated into one hardware processor to realize each function.

[0038] In this specification, the input interface is not limited to an interface having physical operation parts such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc. For example, an example of the input interface also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electrical signal to a control circuit.

[0039] The control device 100 performs various processes using a control circuit based on the information transmitted by the RFID readers 60 to 63. The control device 100 detects the presence or absence of a reagent bottle C (adapter 13) on the stage 12 based on the stage information transmitted by the RFID reader 60, for example.

[0040] For example, the control device 100 identifies the reagent bottle C for measuring the remaining amount of the reagent based on the bottle information transmitted by the RFID reader 60. The control device 100 detects the amount of liquid reagent W1 contained in the reagent bottle C or a shortage thereof based on the reagent replenishment requirement information transmitted by the RFID reader 60.

[0041] The control device 100 detects the remaining amount of pure water W2 contained in the pure water tank 20 based on the remaining pure water amount information transmitted by the RFID reader 61. The control device 100 detects the presence or absence of water leakage in the automatic analyzer 1 by detecting the liquid stored in the water leakage pan 30 based on the water leakage tag ID transmitted by the RFID reader 61. The control device 100 detects that the detergent tank 40 has run out of liquid detergent W4 based on the detergent tank information transmitted by the lower RFID reader 62 or the upper RFID reader 63.

[0042] Here, a description will be given of the relationship between the amount of liquid reagent W1 contained in the reagent bottle C and whether or not the reagent bottle C is attached to the stage 12, and the information received by the RFID reader 60. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the amount of liquid reagent W1 contained in the reagent bottle C and the information received by the RFID reader 60.

[0043] The RFID reader 60 receives the bottle information transmitted by the bottle information RFID tag C1 and the reagent replenishment requirement information transmitted by the reagent replenishment requirement information RFID tag C2. When the RFID reader 60 receives the reagent replenishment requirement information, the control device 100 detects that the remaining amount of the liquid reagent W1 contained in the reagent bottle C is low.

[0044] 7, when a reagent bottle C is attached to the stage 12, a first radio wave R11 transmitted by the bottle information RFID tag C1 and a second radio wave R12 transmitted by the reagent refill requirement information RFID tag C2 are transmitted toward the RFID reader 60. Both the first radio wave R11 and the second radio wave R12 are attenuated by the influence of the liquid (liquid reagent W1).

[0045] Here, since the attenuation rate of the first radio wave R11 is lower than that of the second radio wave R12, the first radio wave R11 is easily received by the RFID reader 60, and the second radio wave R12 is less easily received by the RFID reader 60. Therefore, the RFID reader 60 can ensure the first radio wave R11 including the bottle information for identifying the reagent bottle C, and can reduce erroneous reception of the second radio wave R12. Therefore, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection caused by receiving the second radio wave in the control device 100, and it is possible to provide the control device 100 and the user with information that reagent needs to be replenished while maintaining the transmission of bottle information.

[0046] 7, it is assumed that the remaining amount of liquid reagent W1 is low and that the liquid reagent W1 has reached a determination position where it is determined that the amount is insufficient and that refilling of the liquid reagent W1 is necessary. In this case, the first radio wave R11 and the second radio wave R12 are hardly affected by the liquid reagent W1, and therefore the RFID reader 60 can receive the second radio wave R12 and the information indicating that the liquid reagent W1 needs to be refilled.

[0047] Furthermore, when the reagent bottle C is attached to the stage 12, as shown in the right diagram of Fig. 7, the third radio wave transmitted by the RFID tag 50 attached to the stage 12 is blocked by the metal adapter 13. Therefore, the radio wave transmitted by the RFID tag 50 does not reach the RFID reader 60. Therefore, the control device 100 detects that the reagent bottle C is attached to the stage 12 when it is not receiving stage information via the radio wave transmitted by the RFID tag 50.

[0048] 7, when the reagent bottle C is not attached to the stage 12, the third radio wave R13 transmitted by the RFID tag 50 reaches the RFID reader 60 without being blocked by the adapter 13. The RFID reader 60 receives the transmitted third radio wave R13 and transmits stage information to the control device 100.

[0049] The control device 100 checks whether or not a reagent bottle C is present on the stage 12 based on whether or not the stage information has been transmitted by the RFID reader 60. In this way, the RFID reader 60 receives the third radio wave R13, thereby confirming the presence of the reagent bottle C, and therefore the presence of the reagent bottle C can be reliably confirmed.

[0050] Furthermore, when detecting the remaining amount of pure water W2 contained in the pure water tank 20, the first pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 21 shown in the left diagram of Fig. 4 transmits a first radio wave R21 including the first tag information. Similarly, the second pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 22 transmits a second radio wave R22 including the second tag information, and the third pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 23 transmits a third radio wave R23 including the third tag information.

[0051] The RFID reader 61 can receive the transmitted first radio wave R21, second radio wave R22, and third radio wave R23. In the left diagram of FIG. 4, the water level of the pure water W2 contained in the pure water tank 20 is between the first depth position where the first pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 21 is installed and the second depth position where the second pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 22 is installed. The first radio wave R21 and the second radio wave R22 are hardly attenuated due to the presence of liquid (pure water), and the third radio wave R13 is attenuated due to the presence of liquid. As a result, the RFID reader 61 receives the first radio wave R21 and the second radio wave R22, but does not receive the third radio wave R23. Therefore, the RFID reader 61 transmits the pure water remaining amount information including the first tag information and the second tag information to the control device 100.

[0052] The control device 100 checks the tag information included in the pure water remaining amount information transmitted by the RFID reader 61. Here, the pure water remaining amount information includes the first tag information and the second tag information. Therefore, the control device 100 detects that the remaining amount of pure water W2 contained in the pure water tank 20 is the remaining amount at which the water level is between the second depth position and the third depth position. In this way, the remaining amount of pure water W2 contained in the pure water tank 20 is detected based on the pure water remaining amount information transmitted by the RFID reader 61, so that the remaining amount of pure water W2 contained in the pure water tank 20 can be easily and reliably detected.

[0053] As shown in the right diagram of Fig. 4, even when the first pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 21, the second pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 22, and the third pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 23 are supported by the support member 24, the first radio wave R21, the second radio wave R22, and the third radio wave R23 are attenuated in the same manner as in the left diagram of Fig. 4. Therefore, the remaining amount of pure water contained in the pure water tank 20 can be easily and reliably detected.

[0054] Furthermore, when detecting a water leak in the automatic analyzer 1 by detecting liquid remaining in the water leak pan 30, the water leak detection RFID tag 32 shown in the right and left diagrams of Fig. 5 transmits water leak information to the RFID reader 61. Here, if there is no water leak in the water leak pan 30, as shown in the left diagram of Fig. 5, the radio waves R31 including the water leak information transmitted by the water leak detection RFID tag 32 are not attenuated by liquid. Therefore, the RFID reader 61 receives the transmitted water leak information and transmits it to the control device 100.

[0055] When leakage information is transmitted by the RFID reader 61, the control device 100 detects that no leakage has occurred in the automatic analyzer 1. On the other hand, when leakage information is not transmitted by the RFID reader 61, the control device 100 detects that a leakage has occurred in the automatic analyzer 1. In this way, the leakage water W3 stored in the leakage pan 30 is detected based on the leakage information transmitted by the RFID reader 61, so that leakage occurring in the automatic analyzer 1 can be easily and reliably detected.

[0056] As shown in the right diagram of Fig. 4, even when the first pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 21, the second pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 22, and the third pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 23 are supported by the support member 24, the first radio wave R21, the second radio wave R22, and the third radio wave R23 are attenuated in the same manner as in the left diagram of Fig. 4. Therefore, the remaining amount of pure water contained in the pure water tank 20 can be easily and reliably detected.

[0057] Furthermore, when detecting a water leak in the automatic analyzer 1 by detecting liquid remaining in the water leak pan 30, the water leak detection RFID tag 32 shown in the right and left diagrams of Fig. 5 transmits water leak information to the RFID reader 61. Here, if there is no water leak in the water leak pan 30, as shown in the left diagram of Fig. 5, the radio waves R31 including the water leak information transmitted by the water leak detection RFID tag 32 are not attenuated by liquid. Therefore, the RFID reader 61 receives the transmitted water leak information and transmits it to the control device 100.

[0058] When leakage information is transmitted by the RFID reader 61, the control device 100 detects that no leakage has occurred in the automatic analyzer 1. On the other hand, when leakage information is not transmitted by the RFID reader 61, the control device 100 detects that a leakage has occurred in the automatic analyzer 1. In this way, the remaining amount of pure water contained in the pure water tank 20 is detected based on the leakage information transmitted by the RFID reader 61, so that the remaining amount of pure water contained in the pure water tank 20 can be easily and reliably detected.

[0059] In addition, when detecting the remaining amount of liquid detergent W4 contained in the detergent tank 40, as shown in the left, middle, and right figures in Figure 6, the detergent information RFID tag 41 transmits radio waves R41 including information that the detergent tank needs to be refilled toward the lower RFID reader 62 and the upper RFID reader 63.

[0060] The lower RFID reader 62 and the upper RFID reader 63 are capable of receiving the transmitted detergent tank refill requirement information. In the left and center diagrams of Fig. 6, the remaining amount of liquid detergent W4 contained in the detergent tank 40 is large, and the detergent tank 40 is not in a refill requirement state. At this time, the radio waves R41 are attenuated by the presence of the liquid (liquid detergent W4). As a result, neither the lower RFID reader 62 nor the upper RFID reader 63 receives the detergent tank refill requirement information.

[0061] 6, when the amount of liquid detergent W4 in the detergent tank 40 is reduced and needs to be replenished, the radio waves R41 are little or nonexistent due to the presence of the liquid (liquid detergent W4). As a result, the lower RFID reader 62 and the upper RFID reader 63 receive the detergent tank refill requirement information, generate detergent tank information, and transmit it to the control device 100.

[0062] The control device 100 checks the detergent tank information transmitted by the lower RFID reader 62 and the upper RFID reader 63. By receiving the detergent tank information, the control device 100 checks that the detergent tank 40 needs to be refilled with liquid detergent W4. In this way, the control device 100 detects that the detergent tank 40 needs to be refilled based on the detergent tank information transmitted by the lower RFID reader 62 and the upper RFID reader 63, so that it is possible to easily and reliably detect the time to refill the detergent tank 40.

[0063] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, an analytical device is provided with a detection device that detects information regarding at least one of a container capable of holding a liquid or the liquid, the detection device comprising a liquid volume information RF tag that is attached to the container and transmits liquid volume information regarding the volume of the liquid held in the container via the communication medium, and a receiving unit that receives the liquid volume information, the receiving unit further receiving the container information transmitted by a container information RF tag that is attached to the container and transmits container information regarding the container via the communication medium, and the container information RF tag transmits via the communication medium which has a lower attenuation rate due to the presence of the liquid than the liquid volume information RF tag, thereby making it possible to provide liquid information while maintaining the transmission of necessary information.

[0064] Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 Automatic analyzer 2. Chassis 3. Communication lines 10 Reagent Storage 11. Turntable 12 Stages 13 Adapters 20 Pure Water Tank 21 1st pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 22 Second pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 23 Third pure water remaining amount information RFID tag 24 Support member 30 Leaking Pan 31 Water storage section 32 Water leak detection RFID tag 40 Detergent tank 41 Detergent information RFID tag 50 RFID tags 60~63 RFID Reader 100 Control device C Reagent bottle C1 Bottle Information RFID Tag C2 Reagent refill information RFID tag W1 Liquid Reagent W2 Pure water W3 Water leakage W4 Liquid Detergent

Claims

1. An analytical device including a detection device for detecting information regarding at least one of a container capable of containing a liquid and the liquid, The detection device includes: a receiving unit that receives liquid volume information regarding the liquid volume contained in the container transmitted via a communication medium by a liquid volume information RF tag attached to the container and container information regarding the container transmitted via the communication medium by a container information RF tag attached to the container, the container information RF tag transmits the communication medium with a lower attenuation rate caused by the presence of the liquid than the liquid volume information RF tag; Analyzer.

2. The container includes a reagent storage unit that stores a plurality of reagent bottles that contain liquid reagents, and further includes at least one of a pure water tank that contains pure water, a water leakage pan that collects leaked liquid, and a detergent tank that contains liquid detergent, the container information includes identification information for identifying the liquid reagent contained in the reagent bottle, the liquid volume information RF tag is disposed at a determination position for determining that the amount of the liquid reagent contained in the reagent bottle is insufficient; The analytical device of claim 1 .

3. The pure water tank is provided, the liquid volume information RF tags are attached to a plurality of depth positions in the pure water tank, The analytical device according to claim 2 .

4. The water leakage pan is provided, The liquid volume information RF tag is attached to a liquid storage position in the water leakage pan. The analytical device according to claim 2 .

5. The detergent tank is provided, The liquid volume information RF tag is attached to the bottom of the detergent tank. The analytical device according to claim 2 .

6. a reagent container for storing the reagent bottles by placing adapters attached to the respective reagent bottles on a stage; a presence information RF tag that transmits presence information regarding the presence of the reagent bottle is attached to a mounting surface of the adapter on the stage; The analytical device according to claim 2 .

7. the stages are arranged radially around a rotation axis on a rotating plate that rotates about the rotation axis, The receiving unit is provided at an outer circumferential position of the rotating plate, the receiving unit receives the container information and the liquid volume information transmitted from the container information RF tag and the liquid volume information RF tag, respectively, at a detection position between the rotation shaft and the receiving unit; The analytical device according to claim 6.

8. The receiving unit further receives the presence information transmitted by the presence information RF tag at the detection position. The analytical device according to claim 7.

9. The analyzer according to claim 1 , further comprising: a receiving unit for receiving the liquid amount information from the receiving unit; A method for detecting a liquid in an analytical device.

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