Automatic analyzer and automatic analyzing system

Abstract

To provide an automatic analyzer capable of improving quickness of confirmation of reagent information and reliability of the reagent information.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer in an embodiment comprises a reagent granary, a reception part, a take-in part, a transport mechanism, a detection part, and a determination part. The reagent granary stores a reagent vessel to which a transmission part for transmitting waves is attached. The reception part receives the wave transmitted from the transmission part in the reagent granary. The take-in part receives installation of the reagent container installed by an operator. The transport mechanism transports the reagent vessel installed in the take-in part into the reagent granary. The detection part detects access to the reagent granary without through the transport mechanism. The determination part determines an installation state of the reagent vessel in the reagent granary, on the basis of a detection result by the detection part and a reception result by the reception part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an automated analysis device and an automated analysis system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in an automatic analyzer, a reagent label is attached to a reagent container that contains a reagent, in order to automatically transmit reagent information about the contained reagent to the automatic analyzer. A string of numbers, letters, etc. printed on the reagent label attached to the reagent container is read and decoded by a barcode reader provided in the automatic analyzer. The decoded reagent information is used, for example, in the reagent dispensing operation and in managing the reagent installation position.

[0003] Furthermore, conventionally, automatic analyzers have used a barcode reader or the like to check the presence or absence of all reagent containers in a reagent storage room and the consistency of the reagent information at each specified timing, such as at startup, or have maintained the reagent information read last time, provided that the lid of the reagent storage room has not been opened.

[0004] However, it takes time to check the presence or absence of all reagent containers and the consistency of the reagent information, and there are problems in that it is unreliable to determine that the previous reagent information is being maintained. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-96969 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. WO2019 / 031451 [Patent Document 3] JP 2009-80014 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to improve the speed of checking reagent information and the reliability of the reagent information. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are 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]

[0007] The automated analyzer according to the embodiment includes a reagent storage, a receiving unit, an import unit, a transport mechanism, a detection unit, and a determination unit. The reagent storage stores reagent containers equipped with a transmitter that emits radio waves. The receiving unit receives radio waves emitted from the transmitter in the reagent storage. An operator places the reagent container in the import unit. The transport mechanism transports the reagent container placed in the import unit into the reagent storage. The detection unit detects access to the reagent storage without going through the transport mechanism. The determination unit determines the installation status of the reagent container in the reagent storage based on the detection result of the detection unit and the reception result of the receiving unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. 1 in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the periphery of an autoloading mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for recording reagent information in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an RFID reader in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of an RFID reader in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic analyzer will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be given only when necessary.

[0010] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. The automatic analyzer 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, an output interface 6, a communication interface 7, a memory circuit 8, and a control circuit 9.

[0011] The analysis mechanism 2 adds reagents used for each test item set for a standard sample (i.e., a calibrator) and a test sample to the sample, thereby obtaining a reaction liquid (i.e., a mixed liquid) in which the sample and reagent are mixed. The analysis mechanism 2 measures the reaction liquid and generates standard data and test data expressed, for example, in terms of absorbance, fluorescence intensity, or amount of scattered light. The standard data represents measurement data of the absorbance, fluorescence intensity, or amount of scattered light for a standard sample containing a known concentration of the target substance. The test data represents measurement data of the absorbance, fluorescence intensity, or amount of scattered light for a test sample. In the following description, when there is no distinction between a standard sample and a test sample, they may be simply referred to as "sample".

[0012] The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that analyzes the standard data and test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2, and generates calibration data, analytical data, and the like. The calibration data indicates, for example, the relationship between the standard data and a standard calibration curve previously set for a standard sample. The standard calibration curve is, for example, a calibration curve with high measurement accuracy calculated by a reagent manufacturer using a standard sample. The analytical data is data expressed, for example, as a concentration value and an enzyme activity value, obtained by analyzing the test data based on the calibration data.

[0013] The analysis circuit 3 executes an operation program stored in the memory circuit 8, and realizes a function corresponding to the operation program to generate calibration data, analysis data, and the like. For example, the analysis circuit 3 calculates calibration data based on standard data obtained for a standard sample with a known absorbance or scattered light amount and zero concentration, and a plurality of standard samples with known absorbance or scattered light amount and known concentrations, a standard calibration curve previously set for these standard samples, and a preset photometric timing, and the like. The analysis circuit 3 also generates analysis data based on test data, calibration data for an inspection item corresponding to the test data, and a preset photometric timing, and the like. The analysis circuit 3 outputs the generated calibration data, analysis data, and the like to the control circuit 9.

[0014] The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 under the control of the control circuit 9. The drive mechanism 4 is realized by, for example, a gear, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, a lead screw, and the like.

[0015] The input interface 5 receives, for example, settings of analysis parameters and the like for each test item related to a sample requested to be measured by an operator or via the hospital network NW. The input interface 5 is realized, for example, by a mouse, a keyboard, and a touchpad where instructions are input by touching the operation surface. The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 9, converts operation instructions input by the operator into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the control circuit 9. Note that in this specification, the input interface 5 is not limited to an interface having physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analyzer 1 and outputs the electrical signal to the control circuit 9 is also included as an example of the input interface 5.

[0016] The output interface 6 is connected to the control circuit 9 and outputs a signal supplied from the control circuit 9. The output interface 6 is realized by, for example, a display circuit, a printed circuit, etc. The display circuit includes, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, and a plasma display. The display circuit also includes a processing circuit that converts data representing an object to be displayed into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside. The printed circuit includes, for example, a printer, etc. The printed circuit also includes an output circuit that outputs data representing an object to be printed to the outside.

[0017] The communication interface 7 is connected to, for example, a hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 performs data communication with a Hospital Information System (HIS) via the hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 may also perform data communication with a Laboratory Information System (LIS) via a laboratory department system connected to the hospital network NW.

[0018] The memory circuitry 8 is a non-transient storage device that stores various information, and is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), an optical disk, a solid state drive (SSD), an integrated circuit storage device, etc. The memory circuitry 8 stores, for example, a control program that controls the automatic analyzer 1 and various data used in executing the control program. The memory circuitry 8 may be a drive device that reads and writes various information between a portable storage medium such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), and a flash memory, or a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM), in addition to an HDD or an SSD. Note that the memory circuitry 8 does not necessarily need to be realized by a single storage device. For example, the memory circuitry 8 may be realized by a plurality of storage devices.

[0019] More specifically, the memory circuitry 8 stores an operation program executed by the analysis circuitry 3 and an operation program executed by the control circuitry 9. The memory circuitry 8 stores calibration curve information related to the reagent held in the analysis mechanism 2. The calibration curve information includes data related to a standard calibration curve previously set for the reagent for each test item. The calibration curve information may be obtained, for example, by measuring a standard sample with a known concentration, may be input by a user, or may be calculated based on calibration curve information related to other items.

[0020] The control circuit 9 is a processor that functions as the core of the automatic analyzer 1. The control circuit 9 executes an operation program stored in the memory circuit 8, thereby realizing a function corresponding to the operation program. The control circuit 9 may include a storage area for storing at least a part of the data stored in the memory circuit 8.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 shown in Fig. 1. The analysis mechanism 2 shown in Fig. 2 includes a reaction disk 201, a thermostatic section 202, a sample disk 203, a first reagent storage 204, a second reagent storage 205, an autoloading mechanism 22, and an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader 23. The autoloading mechanism 22 is an example of a transport mechanism. The RFID reader 23 is an example of a receiving section. The RFID reader 23 may further have a function of an RFID writer. The RFID reader 23 may be the same unit as an RFID writer 29 described later.

[0022] The reaction disk 201 transports the reaction vessels 2011 along a predetermined path. Specifically, the reaction disk 201 holds a plurality of reaction vessels 2011 arranged in a ring shape. That is, the reaction disk 201 holds the reaction vessels 2011, each of which holds a reaction solution in which a sample and a reagent are mixed, arranged on the circumference. The reaction disk 201 is alternately rotated and stopped at predetermined time intervals (i.e., cycles) by the drive mechanism 4.

[0023] Specifically, the driving mechanism 4 rotates the reaction disk 201 in the direction of the arrow R in Fig. 2 for each cycle, and moves the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201 to a position different from the position before the reaction disk 201 rotates. For example, the driving mechanism 4 rotates the reaction disk 201 for each cycle, and stops the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201 at a position adjacent to the position of the reaction vessel 2011 shifted by 90° in the R direction from the position of the reaction vessel 2011 before the reaction disk 201 is rotated. In addition, the driving mechanism 4 rotates the reaction disk 201 for each four cycles (i.e., about one revolution), and stops the reaction vessel 2011 at a position shifted by one reaction vessel 2011 from the position of the reaction vessel 2011 before the reaction disk 201 is rotated for four cycles. The reaction vessel 2011 can stop at a sample discharging position, a first reagent discharging position, a second reagent discharging position, a first stirring position, a second stirring position, and a washing position, which will be described later.

[0024] The reaction vessel 2011 is formed of, for example, glass. The reaction vessel 2011 has a rectangular prism shape and has an opening at the top. Of the first to fourth side walls forming the rectangular prism, light irradiated from a light source provided in the photometric unit 214 is incident from the outer surface of the first side wall. Of the first to fourth side walls, the light incident from the outer surface of the first side wall is emitted from the outer surface of the second side wall facing the first side wall.

[0025] The thermostatic unit 202 stores a heat medium set to a predetermined temperature. The thermostatic unit 202 increases the temperature of the reaction liquid contained in the reaction vessel 2011 by immersing the reaction vessel 2011 in the stored heat medium.

[0026] The sample disk 203 holds a plurality of sample containers that contain samples. The sample disk 203 is rotated and stopped for each cycle by the driving mechanism 4. Note that the mechanism for transporting the sample containers is not limited to the sample disk 203, and may be configured with a rack sampler that transports a rack containing one or more sample containers to a predetermined position instead of the sample disk 203.

[0027] The first reagent storage 204 keeps a plurality of reagent containers 2042 cool, each containing a first reagent that reacts with a specific component contained in a standard sample and a test sample. A reagent label is affixed to the reagent container 2042. An optical mark representing reagent information is printed on the reagent label. The optical mark may be any pixel code, such as a one-dimensional pixel code or a two-dimensional pixel code. The reagent information is information about the reagent contained in the reagent container 2042, and includes, for example, the reagent name, reagent manufacturer code, reagent item code, bottle type, bottle size, capacity, manufacturing lot number, and expiration date.

[0028] The first reagent storage 204 also keeps a plurality of standard sample containers for accommodating standard samples cool. The standard sample containers may accommodate standard samples of the same component but with different concentrations. The standard sample containers may be held on the sample disk 203.

[0029] A reagent rack 2041 is rotatably provided in the first reagent storage 204. The reagent rack 2041 holds a plurality of reagent containers 2042 and a plurality of standard sample containers arranged in a circular ring shape. The reagent rack 2041 is rotated and stopped in each cycle by the drive mechanism 4.

[0030] A first reagent aspirating position is set at a predetermined position on the first reagent storage 204. The first reagent aspirating position is provided at a position where the rotation path of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 intersects with the movement paths of the openings of the reagent containers 2042 and the standard sample containers arranged in a circular shape on the reagent rack 2041.

[0031] The second reagent storage 205 cools a plurality of reagent containers 2052 each containing a second reagent that pairs with a first reagent of a two-reagent system. A reagent rack 2051 is provided in the second reagent storage 205 so as to be freely rotatable.

[0032] The reagent rack 2051 holds a plurality of reagent containers 2052 arranged in a circular shape. Note that a standard sample container that contains a standard sample may be kept cold in the second reagent storage 205. The reagent rack 2051 is rotated and stopped in each cycle by the drive mechanism 4.

[0033] A second reagent aspirating position is set at a predetermined position on the second reagent storage 205. The second reagent aspirating position is provided at a position where the rotation path of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 intersects with the movement path of the openings of the reagent containers 2052 arranged in a circular ring shape on the reagent rack 2051.

[0034] In addition, the analysis mechanism 2 shown in Figure 2 includes a sample dispensing arm 206, a sample dispensing probe 207, a first reagent dispensing arm 208, a first reagent dispensing probe 209, a second reagent dispensing arm 210, a second reagent dispensing probe 211, a first mixing unit 212, a second mixing unit 213, a photometry unit 214, and a cleaning unit 215.

[0035] The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the sample disk 203. The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by a driving mechanism 4. The sample dispensing arm 206 holds a sample dispensing probe 207 at one end.

[0036] The sample dispensing probe 207 rotates along an arc-shaped rotation orbit in association with the rotation of the sample dispensing arm 206. An opening of a sample container held by the sample disk 203 is positioned on this rotation orbit. In addition, a sample discharge position for discharging the sample sucked by the sample dispensing probe 207 into the reaction container 2011 is provided on the rotation orbit of the sample dispensing probe 207. The sample discharge position corresponds to the intersection of the rotation orbit of the sample dispensing probe 207 and the movement orbit of the reaction container 2011 held by the reaction disk 201.

[0037] The sample dispensing probe 207 is driven by the driving mechanism 4 and moves vertically just above the opening of a sample container held by the sample disk 203 or at the sample discharge position. The sample dispensing probe 207 also dispenses the sample in accordance with the operation of the dispensing pump. That is, the sample dispensing probe 207 aspirates the sample from the sample container located just below by the suction operation of the dispensing pump in accordance with the control of the dispensing pump by the control circuit 9. The sample dispensing probe 207 also discharges the aspirated sample into the reaction container 2011 located just below the sample discharge position by the discharge operation of the dispensing pump in accordance with the control of the dispensing pump by the control circuit 9.

[0038] The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided near the outer periphery of the first reagent storage 204. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by the drive mechanism 4. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 holds a first reagent dispensing probe 209 at one end.

[0039] The first reagent dispensing probe 209 rotates along an arc-shaped rotation orbit in association with the rotation of the first reagent dispensing arm 208. A first reagent aspirating position is provided on this rotation orbit. Also, a first reagent dispensing position for discharging the first reagent aspirated by the first reagent dispensing probe 209 or a standard sample into the reaction vessel 2011 is set on the rotation orbit of the first reagent dispensing probe 209. The first reagent dispensing position corresponds to the intersection of the rotation orbit of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the movement orbit of the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201.

[0040] The first reagent dispensing probe 209 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves up and down at a first reagent aspirating position or a first reagent dispensing position on the rotation orbit. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 dispenses the first reagent or standard sample in accordance with the operation of the first reagent pump. That is, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 aspirates the first reagent or standard sample from the reagent container 2042 located immediately below the first reagent aspirating position by the aspirating operation of the first reagent pump in accordance with the control of the first reagent pump by the control circuit 9. In addition, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 discharges the aspirated first reagent or standard sample into the reaction container 2011 located immediately below the first reagent dispensing position by the discharging operation of the first reagent pump in accordance with the control of the first reagent pump by the control circuit 9.

[0041] The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided near the outer periphery of the first reagent storage 204. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by the drive mechanism 4. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 holds a second reagent dispensing probe 211 at one end.

[0042] The second reagent dispensing probe 211 rotates along an arc-shaped rotation path in association with the rotation of the second reagent dispensing arm 210. A second reagent aspirating position is provided on this rotation path. In addition, a second reagent dispensing position for discharging the second reagent aspirated by the second reagent dispensing probe 211 into the reaction vessel 2011 is set on the rotation path of the second reagent dispensing probe 211. The second reagent dispensing position corresponds to the intersection of the rotation path of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 and the movement path of the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201.

[0043] The second reagent dispensing probe 211 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves up and down at a second reagent aspirating position or a second reagent dispensing position on the rotation orbit. The second reagent dispensing probe 211 dispenses the second reagent in accordance with the operation of the second reagent pump. That is, the second reagent dispensing probe 211 aspirates the second reagent from the reagent container 2052 located immediately below the second reagent aspirating position by the aspirating operation of the second reagent pump in accordance with the control of the second reagent pump by the control circuit 9. In addition, the second reagent dispensing probe 211 discharges the aspirated second reagent into the reaction container 2011 located immediately below the second reagent dispensing position by the discharging operation of the second reagent pump in accordance with the control of the second reagent pump by the control circuit 9.

[0044] The first stirring unit 212 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The first stirring unit 212 has a first stirring arm 2121 and a first stirring bar provided at the tip of the first stirring arm 2121. The first stirring unit 212 stirs, with the first stirring bar, a reaction liquid between a standard sample and a first reagent contained in a reaction container 2011 located at a first stirring position on the reaction disk 201. The first stirring unit 212 also stirs, with the first stirring bar, a reaction liquid between a test sample and a first reagent contained in a reaction container 2011 located at a first stirring position on the reaction disk 201.

[0045] The second stirring unit 213 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The second stirring unit 213 has a second stirring arm 2131 and a second stirring bar provided at the tip of the second stirring arm 2131. The second stirring unit 213 stirs, with the second stirring bar, a reaction liquid of a standard sample, a first reagent, and a second reagent contained in a reaction vessel 2011 located at a second stirring position on the reaction disk 201. In addition, the second stirring unit 213 stirs, with the second stirring bar, a reaction liquid of a test sample, a first reagent, and a second reagent contained in a reaction vessel 2011 located at the second stirring position.

[0046] The photometry unit 214 optically measures the reaction liquid of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent discharged into the reaction vessel 2011 at a photometry position. More specifically, the photometry unit 214 measures the photometry of the reaction liquid held in the reaction vessel 2011 that has passed the photometry position by the rotation of the reaction disk 201 by the drive mechanism 4. The photometry unit 214 has a light source and a photodetector. The photometry unit 214 irradiates light from the light source under the control of the control circuit 9. The irradiated light is incident on the first side wall of the reaction vessel 2011 and is emitted from a second side wall opposite to the first side wall. The photometry unit 214 detects the light emitted from the reaction vessel 2011 by the photodetector.

[0047] For example, the photodetector is disposed on the optical axis of light irradiated from the light source to the reaction vessel 2011. The photodetector detects light transmitted through the reaction solution of the standard sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction vessel 2011, and generates standard data represented by absorbance based on the intensity of the detected light. The photodetector also detects light transmitted through the reaction solution of the test sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction vessel 2011, and generates test data represented by absorbance based on the intensity of the detected light. The photometric unit 214 outputs the generated standard data and test data to the analysis circuit 3.

[0048] The cleaning unit 215 cleans the reaction vessel 2011 located at the cleaning position where measurement has been performed. More specifically, the cleaning unit 215 cleans the inside of the reaction vessel 2011 where the measurement of the reaction liquid has been completed by the photometry unit 214. For example, the cleaning unit 215 sucks the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel 2011 where the measurement has been completed as waste liquid by the suction operation of the waste liquid pump according to the control of the waste liquid pump by the control circuit 9. The cleaning unit 215 also discharges the cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel 2011 into which the waste liquid has been sucked by the discharge operation of the cleaning pump according to the control of the cleaning pump by the control circuit 9. The cleaning unit 215 also sucks the discharged cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel 2011 by the suction operation of the cleaning pump according to the control of the cleaning pump by the control circuit 9. The cleaning unit 215 also discharges dry air into the reaction vessel 2011 into which the cleaning liquid has been sucked by the discharge operation of the dry pump according to the control of the dry pump by the control circuit 9.

[0049] Fig. 3 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration around the autoloading mechanism 22 in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration for recording reagent information in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, the analysis mechanism 2 further includes a reagent input unit 24, an optical reader 28, and an RFID writer 29. The reagent input unit 24 is an example of an import unit. The optical reader 28 is an example of a reading unit and a second reading unit. The RFID writer 29 is an example of a recording unit. FIG. 3 shows the autoloading mechanism 22, the reagent input unit 24, the optical reader 28, and the RFID writer 29 corresponding to the first reagent storage 204, but similar components are also provided in the second reagent storage 205. That is, the analysis mechanism 2 further includes an autoloading mechanism corresponding to the second reagent storage 205. In the following, the autoloading mechanism 22 corresponding to the first reagent storage 204 will be described as a representative of these autoloading mechanisms.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, a removable adapter 26 is attached to the reagent container 2042. The adapter 26 is provided with an RFID tag 27. The RFID tag 27 is an example of a transmitter. The RFID tag 27 has a memory circuit for storing reagent information and an antenna circuit for transmitting radio waves including the reagent information stored in the memory circuit. As shown in FIG. 4, the above-mentioned reagent label 25 is attached to the reagent container 2042, and an optical mark representing the reagent information is printed on the reagent label 25. The RFID tag 27 is, for example, a passive RFID tag that receives radio waves transmitted from the RFID reader 23 and transmits a reflected wave (i.e., radio waves) in response to the received radio waves. When the RFID tag 27 is a passive RFID tag, the RFID tag 27 can be driven by power supplied from the RFID reader 23, and therefore does not need to be provided with a battery. The RFID tag 27 may be an active RFID tag that is driven by power supplied from a battery provided in the RFID tag 27 and that transmits radio waves by itself. Alternatively, the RFID tag 27 may be a semi-active RFID tag that functions as an active RFID tag when a specific signal is received from the RFID reader 23 and functions as a passive RFID tag otherwise.

[0052] An operator places a reagent container 2042 in the reagent input unit 24 shown in Fig. 3. The reagent input unit 24 has, for example, a mounting rack in which a plurality of slots are arranged in a row, capable of mounting a plurality of reagent containers 2042. In the example shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of reagent containers 2042 can be placed in the reagent input unit 24 in a row along the direction of arrow A.

[0053] The auto-loading mechanism 22 transports the reagent container 2042 placed in the reagent input unit 24 into the first reagent storage 204. That is, the auto-loading mechanism 22 places the reagent container 2042 placed in the reagent input unit 24 at a predetermined installation position in the first reagent storage 204. More specifically, the auto-loading mechanism 22 places the reagent container 2042 with the adapter 26 attached in the first reagent storage 204. Even more specifically, the auto-loading mechanism 22 transports the reagent container 2042 from the reagent input unit 24 to the first reagent storage 204 while holding the adapter 26. Furthermore, the auto-loading mechanism 22 removes the reagent container 2042 from the first reagent storage 204 when the reagent in the reagent container 2042 becomes empty or in response to an operation instruction from the operator.

[0054] 3, the autoloading mechanism 22 has a first transport section 221, a transport guide section 222, and a second transport section 223. The first transport section 221 has an arm (not shown) driven by the drive mechanism 4. The first transport section 221 can be moved by the drive mechanism 4 in the direction of arrow A along the longitudinal direction of the reagent input section 24 (i.e., the arrangement direction of the reagent containers 2042). The first transport section 221 receives the reagent container 2042 installed near the moved position from the reagent input section 24 using the arm. In addition, the first transport section 221 moves in the direction of arrow A while holding the adapter 26 of the reagent container 2042, thereby moving the reagent container 2042 received from the reagent input section 24 to a position near the optical reader 28 and the RFID writer 29. Moreover, the first transport unit 221 moves in the direction of arrow A while holding the adapter 26, thereby transporting the reagent container 2042, in which the RFID writer 29 has recorded reagent information in the RFID tag 27, to a position near the second transport unit 223. The transport guide unit 222 guides the transport of the reagent container 2042 by the first transport unit 221. The second transport unit 223 has an arm (not shown) driven by the drive mechanism 4. The second transport unit 223 transports the reagent container 2042 transported by the first transport unit 221 to a position near the second transport unit 223, i.e., the reagent container 2042 in which the reagent information has been recorded in the RFID tag 27, to the first reagent storage 204 using the arm as shown by arrow B.

[0055] The second transport unit 223 is also capable of transporting the reagent container 2042 out of the first reagent storage 204. In addition, the first transport unit 221 is also capable of returning the reagent container 2042 transported by the second transport unit 223 to the reagent input unit 24.

[0056] The optical reader 28 optically reads the reagent information attached to the reagent container 2042. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the optical reader 28 is disposed near the end of the transport range of the reagent container 2042 by the first transport unit 221. The location of the optical reader 28 is not limited to the location exemplified in Fig. 3. When the reagent container 2042 is transported by the first transport unit 221 to a location near the optical reader 28, the optical reader 28 optically reads the reagent information from the reagent label 25 affixed to the reagent container 2042. The reagent information on the reagent label 25 includes, for example, the reagent name, the reagent manufacturer code, the reagent item code, the bottle type, the bottle size, the capacity, the manufacturing lot number, and the validity period.

[0057] The RFID writer 29 records the reagent information of the reagent container 2042 in the RFID tag 27 attached to the reagent container 2042. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the RFID writer 29 is disposed near the end of the transport range of the reagent container 2042 by the first transport unit 221. The location of the RFID writer 29 is not limited to the location exemplified in FIG. 3. When the reagent container 2042 is transported to a position near the RFID writer 29 by the first transport unit 221, the RFID writer 29 records the reagent information in the RFID tag 27 by wireless communication with the RFID tag 27 provided on the adapter 26 of the reagent container 2042. The RFID writer 29 records the reagent information in the RFID tag 27 based on the reagent information read from the reagent label 25 by the optical reader 28. The reagent information recorded in the RFID tag 27 by the RFID writer 29 may be the same as or different from the reagent information read by the optical reader 28. For example, the reagent information recorded in the RFID tag 27 from the RFID writer 29 may be information in which the installation position of the reagent container 2042 in the first reagent storage 204 is further added to the reagent information read by the optical reader 28. The installation position of the reagent container 2042 may be calculated by the control circuit 9 executing a calculation function of the installation position based on the reagent information read by the optical reader 28. When calculating the installation position of the reagent container 2042, the control circuit 9 may calculate a suitable installation position taking into consideration, for example, throughput, reduction in deterioration of the reagent due to reactions with other specific reagents in the air, and the like.

[0058] Furthermore, RFID writer 29 may record reagent information in RFID tag 27 using reagent information read by an operator from reagent label 25 using a manual optical reader, instead of using reagent information automatically read by optical reader 28. Furthermore, RFID writer 29 may record reagent information in RFID tag 27 using reagent information in an image detected by an image detector (e.g., a camera) that detects an image of reagent container 2042, instead of using reagent information read by optical reader 28. In this case, control circuit 9 may perform image recognition of the reagent information in the image of reagent container 2042 by executing an image recognition function.

[0059] Furthermore, when the empty reagent container 2042 is carried out of the first reagent storage 204 by the autoloading mechanism 22, the RFID writer 29 may record information to the effect that the empty reagent container 2042 has been used in the RFID tag 27.

[0060] The RFID reader 23 shown in FIG. 2 receives radio waves emitted from the RFID tag 27 in the first reagent storage 204. More specifically, the RFID reader 23 receives radio waves including reagent information emitted from the RFID tag 27 attached to the reagent container 2042 installed in the first reagent storage 204, i.e., the RFID tag 27 provided on the adapter 26. For example, when the RFID tag 27 is a passive type, the RFID reader 23 receives radio waves including reagent information by receiving from the RFID tag 27 a reflected wave of the radio wave emitted from the RFID reader 23. When the RFID tag 27 is an active type, the RFID reader 23 receives radio waves including reagent information by receiving radio waves emitted by the RFID tag 27 itself. When the RFID tag 27 is a semi-active type, the RFID reader 23 receives radio waves including reagent information by receiving radio waves emitted by the RFID tag 27 itself, or by receiving from the RFID tag 27 a reflected wave of the radio wave emitted from the RFID reader 23.

[0061] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the RFID reader 23 in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the RFID reader 23 may be disposed under the first reagent storage 204 so as to face a plurality (e.g., all) of the reagent containers 2042 in the first reagent storage 204. In this case, the RFID reader 23 collectively receives radio waves emitted from each of the plurality (e.g., all) of the RFID tags 27 in the first reagent storage 204. Note that the position of the RFID reader 23 when collectively receiving radio waves is not limited to the position exemplified in Fig. 5.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the RFID reader 23 in an operation example of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the RFID tag 27 may be arranged on the side of the first reagent storage 204 so as to face the reagent container 2042 at a specific position in the first reagent storage 204. In this case, the RFID tag 27 receives radio waves emitted from the RFID tag 27 individually for each installation position of the reagent container 2042 in the first reagent storage 204 in accordance with the rotation of the first reagent storage 204 shown by the arrow r in FIG. 6. Note that the arrangement position of the RFID reader 23 in the case of individually receiving radio waves is not limited to the arrangement position exemplified in FIG. 6. For example, a plurality of RFID readers 23 may be arranged so as to face each of the plurality of reagent containers 2042 in the first reagent storage 204.

[0063] The analysis mechanism 2 may also include both the RFID reader 23 of the batch reception type shown in Fig. 5 and the RFID reader 23 of the individual reception type shown in Fig. 6. In this case, the operator may use the input interface 5 to switch which type of RFID reader 23 to use.

[0064] 1 is a circuit that controls the operation of the entire automatic analyzer 1 in response to an electrical signal of an input operation input from the input interface 5. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the control circuit 9 has a system control function 91, a calibration control function 92, a measurement control function 93, a detection function 94, a determination function 95, and a confirmation function 96.

[0065] Here, for example, the processing functions executed by the system control function 91, calibration control function 92, measurement control function 93, detection function 94, judgment function 95, and confirmation function 96, which are components of the control circuit 9 shown in Fig. 1, are recorded in the storage circuit 8 in the form of programs executable by a computer. The control circuit 9 is, for example, a processor. The processor constituting the control circuit 9 realizes a function corresponding to each program read out by reading out each program from the storage circuit 8 and executing it. In other words, the control circuit 9 in a state in which each program has been read out has each function shown in the control circuit 9 in Fig. 1.

[0066] 1 shows a case where the system control function 91, the calibration control function 92, the measurement control function 93, the detection function 94, the judgment function 95, and the confirmation function 96 are realized by a single processor, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the control circuit 9 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize each processing function. Furthermore, each processing function of the control circuit 9 may be realized by being appropriately distributed or integrated into a single or multiple control circuits.

[0067] The system control function 91 is a function that comprehensively controls each part of the automatic analyzer 1 based on input information input from the input interface 5. The control of the automatic analyzer 1 by the system control function 91 includes control of the transportation of the reagent containers 2042 by the autoloading mechanism 22, control of the reading of reagent information by the optical reader 28, and control of the recording of reagent information by the RFID writer 29.

[0068] The calibration control function 92 is a function that controls the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4 so as to generate standard data. Specifically, the control circuit 9 executes the calibration control function 92 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, at the time of initial setup, at the time of device startup, at the time of maintenance, when an instruction to start a calibration operation is input by the operator, etc.

[0069] When the calibration control function 92 is executed, the control circuit 9 controls the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4. By controlling the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4, standard data is generated in the analysis mechanism 2. Specifically, for example, by being driven by the drive mechanism 4, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 of the analysis mechanism 2 aspirates the standard sample from the first reagent storage 204 and dispenses the aspirated standard sample into the reaction vessel 2011. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 aspirates the first reagent from the first reagent storage 204 and dispenses the aspirated first reagent into the reaction vessel 2011 from which the standard sample was dispensed. The first stirring unit 212 stirs the solution in which the first reagent has been added to the standard sample.

[0070] The second reagent dispensing probe 211 aspirates the second reagent from the second reagent storage 205 and dispenses the aspirated second reagent into a reaction liquid in which the standard sample and the first reagent are mixed. The second mixing unit 213 mixes the solution in which the second reagent is added to the reaction liquid. The photometry unit 214 generates standard data by optically measuring the reaction liquid in which the standard sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent are mixed. The photometry unit 214 outputs the generated standard data to the analysis circuit 3. The photometry unit 214 repeats the measurement of the reaction liquid a preset number of times at a preset cycle, and outputs the generated standard data to the analysis circuit 3. The analysis mechanism 2 repeats the above operation for standard samples of multiple preset concentrations, and outputs the generated standard data to the analysis circuit 3.

[0071] The measurement control function 93 is a function that controls the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4 so as to generate test data. Specifically, the control circuit 9 executes the measurement control function 93 in response to a predetermined instruction. The predetermined instruction is, for example, an instruction to start a measurement operation input by an operator, an instruction indicating that a preset time has been reached, etc.

[0072] When the measurement control function 93 is executed, the control circuit 9 controls the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4. By controlling the analysis mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4, the analysis mechanism 2 generates test data. Specifically, by being driven by the drive mechanism 4, the sample dispensing probe 207 of the analysis mechanism 2 aspirates the test sample from the sample disk 203 and discharges the aspirated test sample into the reaction vessel 2011. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 aspirates the first reagent from the first reagent storage 204 and discharges the aspirated first reagent into the reaction vessel 2011 into which the test sample was discharged. The first stirring unit 212 stirs the solution in which the first reagent has been added to the test sample.

[0073] The second reagent dispensing probe 211 aspirates the second reagent from the second reagent storage 205 and dispenses the aspirated second reagent into a reaction liquid in which the test sample and the first reagent are mixed. The second mixing unit 213 mixes the solution in which the second reagent is added to the reaction liquid. The photometry unit 214 generates test data by optically measuring the reaction liquid in which the test sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent are mixed. The photometry unit 214 outputs the generated test data to the analysis circuit 3. The photometry unit 214 repeats the measurement of the reaction liquid a preset number of times at a preset cycle and outputs the generated test data to the analysis circuit 3.

[0074] The detection function 94 is a function that detects access to the first reagent storage 204 without going through the autoloading mechanism 22. For example, the control circuit 9 detects, as access, when the lid of the first reagent storage 204 is manually opened and closed, and when the reagent container 2042 is manually attached to and detached from the first reagent storage 204, by executing the detection function 94. Specifically, the control circuit 9 may detect the opening and closing of the lid of the first reagent storage 204 by executing the detection function 94, based on an electrical signal output from a mechanical switch that detects the opening and closing of the lid of the first reagent storage 204. Furthermore, the control circuit 9 may detect the attachment and detachment of the reagent container 2042 by executing the detection function 94, based on an electrical signal output from a mechanical switch that detects the attachment and detachment of the reagent container 2042 to and from the first reagent storage 204. Alternatively, by executing the detection function 94 , the control circuit 9 may detect the removal of the reagent container 2042 based on the RFID reader 23 being unable to receive reagent information from the RFID tag 27 of the reagent container 2042 .

[0075] The determination function 95 is a function that determines the installation state (i.e., the installation state) of the reagent container 2042 in the first reagent storage 204 based on the detection result of the detection function 94 and the reception result of the RFID reader 23. Specifically, the control circuit 9 determines the installation state of the reagent container 2042 in the first reagent storage 204 by executing the determination function 95. The determination of the installation state is, for example, a determination of whether or not there is a change in the installation state.

[0076] For example, when access is detected by the detection function 94 and the reception result of the RFID reader 23 is different from the previous reception result, the control circuit 9 determines that the installation state of the reagent container 2042 has changed by executing the determination function 95. Also, for example, when access is not detected by the detection function 94 or the reception result of the RFID reader 23 is the same as the previous reception result, the control circuit 9 determines that the installation state of the reagent container 2042 has not changed by executing the determination function 95.

[0077] 5, in a configuration in which the RFID reader 23 receives radio waves collectively, the control circuit 9 executes the determination function 95 to determine that the installation state of the reagent container 2042 has changed, without identifying the installation position of the reagent container 2042 to which the RFID tag 27 that emitted radio waves different from the previous reception result is attached, when access is detected by the detection function 94 and the reception result of the RFID reader 23 is different from the previous reception result. Note that even if the installation position of the reagent container 2042 whose installation state has changed is not identified when determining the installation state, the control circuit 9 can subsequently identify the reagent container 2042 whose installation state has changed (i.e., the RFID tag 27 that emitted radio waves different from the previous time) based on a combination of multiple pieces of information other than the difference among the reagent information stored in the RFID tag 27. For example, when the difference in reagent information is the installation position, the control circuit 9 can identify the reagent container 2042 whose installation state has changed based on a combination of information other than the difference, such as the reagent name, reagent manufacturer code, reagent item code, bottle type, bottle size, capacity, manufacturing lot number, and expiration date.

[0078] In a configuration in which the RFID readers 23 individually receive radio waves as shown in FIG. 6, when access is detected by the detection function 94 and the reception result of the RFID reader 23 is different from the previous reception result, the control circuit 9 executes the determination function 95 to identify the installation position of the reagent container 2042 to which the RFID tag 27 that emits radio waves different from the previous reception result is attached and determine that the installation state of the reagent container 2042 has changed.

[0079] By executing the determination function 95, the control circuit 9 may output the determination result of the installation state of the reagent container 2042 to the output interface 6. For example, by executing the determination function 95, the control circuit 9 may output an alert to notify the operator that the installation state has changed, and prompt the operator to check the reagent information. The alert output is, for example, a display of an image. The alert output may also be an audio output.

[0080] The confirmation function 96 is a function for confirming reagent information for a reagent container 2042 having an RFID tag 27 attached thereto that has emitted a radio wave different from the previous reception result of the RFID reader 23. Specifically, the control circuit 9 executes the confirmation function 96 to confirm the reagent information for a reagent container 2042 having an RFID tag 27 attached thereto that has emitted a radio wave different from the previous reception result of the RFID reader 23. For example, by executing the confirmation function 96, the control circuit 9 causes the autoloading mechanism 22 to transport the reagent container 2042, whose reagent information is to be confirmed, from the first reagent storage 204 to the outside, and causes the optical reader 28 arranged outside the first reagent storage 204 to optically read the reagent information attached to the transported reagent container 2042, thereby confirming the reagent information.

[0081] The analysis circuit 3 shown in FIG. 1 executes an operation program stored in the storage circuit 8 to realize a function corresponding to the program. For example, the analysis circuit 3 has a calibration data generating function 31 and an analysis data generating function 32 by executing the operation program. In this embodiment, the calibration data generating function 31 and the analysis data generating function 32 are realized by a single processor, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the analysis circuit 3 may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and the calibration data generating function 31 and the analysis data generating function 32 may be realized by each processor executing an operation program.

[0082] The calibration data generation function 31 is a function that generates calibration data based on the standard data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. Specifically, when the analysis circuit 3 receives the standard data generated by the analysis mechanism 2, it executes the calibration data generation function 31. When the calibration data generation function 31 is executed, the analysis circuit 3 reads out data relating to a standard calibration curve and data relating to a photometric timing line that are preset for a reagent of a specified test item from the memory circuit 8. The analysis circuit 3 generates calibration data based on the standard data, the standard calibration curve, and the photometric timing line. The analysis circuit 3 stores the generated calibration data in the memory circuit 8.

[0083] The analytical data generating function 32 is a function that generates analytical data by analyzing the test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. Specifically, when the analysis circuit 3 receives the test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2, it executes the analytical data generating function 32. When the analytical data generating function 32 is executed, the analysis circuit 3 reads out the calibration data stored for a specific test item and the data related to the photometric timing line from the memory circuit 8. The analysis circuit 3 generates analytical data based on the test data, the photometric timing line, and the calibration data.

[0084] Next, an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment configured as above will be described below. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0085] First, by executing the system control function 91, the control circuit 9 causes the RFID writer 29 to record reagent information in the RFID tag 27 (step S1). Specifically, when the first transport unit 221 of the autoloading mechanism 22 shown in Fig. 3 moves the reagent container 2042 placed in the reagent input unit 24 to a position near the optical reader 28 and the RFID writer 29, first, the optical reader 28 reads the reagent information from the reagent label 25 of the reagent container 2042. The read reagent information is output to the control circuit 9. After the reagent information is read by the optical reader 28, the control circuit 9 executes the system control function 91 to cause the RFID writer 29 to record the reagent information in the RFID tag 27 based on the read reagent information. At this time, by executing the system control function 91, the control circuit 9 may calculate an appropriate installation position for the reagent container 2042 based on the reagent information read by the optical reader 28, and record the calculated installation position in the RFID tag 27 as part of the reagent information.

[0086] After the reagent information is recorded in the RFID tag 27, the control circuit 9 executes the system control function 91 to cause the auto-loading mechanism 22 to automatically load the reagent container 2042 into the first reagent storage 204 (step S2). In the auto-loading, the reagent container 2042 is placed in a placement position in the first reagent storage 204 that is calculated based on the reagent information.

[0087] After autoloading has been performed, the control circuit 9 executes the detection function 94 to determine whether or not there has been access to the first reagent storage 204 without going through the autoloading mechanism 22 (step S3). For example, the control circuit 9 executes the detection function 94 to detect that the lid of the first reagent storage 204 has been manually opened or closed, that the reagent container 2042 has been manually attached to or detached from the first reagent storage 204, etc.

[0088] When the first reagent storage 204 is accessed (step S3: Yes), the control circuit 9 executes the detection function 94 to record the access history in the memory circuit 8 (step S4).

[0089] On the other hand, if the first reagent storage 204 has not been accessed (step S3: No), the control circuit 9 repeatedly determines whether or not there has been access by executing the detection function 94 (step S3). Steps S3 and S4 are repeated, for example, until the automatic analyzer 1 is stopped.

[0090] Next, at a predetermined determination timing for determining the installation state of the reagent container 2042, such as when the automatic analyzer 1 is started, the control circuit 9 executes the system control function 91 to cause the RFID tag 27 to transmit radio waves including reagent information and causes the RFID reader 23 to receive the transmitted radio waves (step S5). For example, if the RFID tag 27 is of a passive type, the control circuit 9 executes the system control function 91 to cause the RFID reader 23 to transmit radio waves and causes the RFID reader 23 to receive reflected waves including reagent information transmitted from the RFID tag 27 in response to the radio waves. If the RFID tag 27 is of an active type, the control circuit 9 executes the system control function 91 to cause the RFID tag 27 to transmit radio waves including reagent information by itself. When the RFID tag 27 is of the semi-active type, the control circuit 9 executes the system control function 91 to cause the RFID reader 23 to transmit radio waves and cause the RFID reader 23 to receive reflected waves containing reagent information transmitted from the RFID tag 27 in response to the radio waves, or cause the RFID tag 27 to transmit radio waves containing reagent information itself. In addition, the control circuit 9 executes the system control function 91 to record the reagent information received by the RFID reader 23 in the memory circuit 8.

[0091] After the reagent information is received by the RFID reader 23, the control circuit 9 executes the determination function 95 to compare the received reagent information with the reagent information previously received by the RFID reader 23 (previous information in FIG. 7), i.e., the reagent information received at the previous determination timing (step S6). Specifically, the control circuit 9 executes the determination function 95 to read out the previously received reagent information stored in the memory circuit 8, and compares the read out reagent information with the currently received reagent information.

[0092] Next, the control circuit 9 executes the determination function 95 to determine whether or not a history of access to the first reagent storage 204 without the autoloading mechanism 22 is stored in the memory circuit 8 (step S7).

[0093] If access history is stored (step S7: Yes), the control circuit 9 executes the judgment function 95 to judge whether or not there is a difference between the reagent information currently received by the RFID reader 23 and the reagent information previously received by the RFID reader 23 (step S8).

[0094] If there is a difference (step S8: Yes), the control circuit 9 determines that the installation state of the reagent container 2042 has changed by executing the determination function 95 (step S9). In this case, the control circuit 9 may cause the output interface 6 to output an alert indicating that the installation state has changed by executing the determination function 95.

[0095] After it is determined that the installation state of the reagent container 2042 has changed, the control circuit 9 executes the confirmation function 96 to execute a confirmation process of the reagent information (step S10). For example, the control circuit 9 executes the confirmation process to cause the autoloading mechanism 22 to carry out the reagent container 2042 to which the RFID tag 27 that emits a radio wave different from the previous reception result of the RFID reader 23 is attached from the first reagent storage 204 to the outside. Then, the control circuit 9 executes the confirmation process to cause the optical reader 28 arranged outside the first reagent storage 204 to optically read the reagent information attached to the carried-out reagent container 2042, thereby confirming the reagent information. The confirmation process may be executed without waiting for an instruction from the operator, or may be executed after waiting for an instruction from the operator. Also, the operator may be able to specify the confirmation target (e.g., the target container and the target information, etc.) by the confirmation process via the input interface 5.

[0096] On the other hand, if no access history is stored (step S7: No) or if there is no difference in the reagent information (step S8: No), the control circuit 9 determines by executing the judgment function 95 that the installation state of the reagent container 2042 has not changed (step S11).

[0097] As described above, in the first embodiment, the RFID reader 23 receives radio waves including reagent information emitted from the RFID tag 27 in the first reagent storage 204. In addition, the auto-loading mechanism 22 transports the reagent container 2042 placed in the reagent input unit 24 into the first reagent storage 204. In addition, by executing a detection function 94, the control circuit 9 detects access to the first reagent storage 204 without going through the auto-loading mechanism 22. In addition, by executing a determination function 95, the control circuit 9 determines the installation state of the reagent container 2042 in the first reagent storage 204 based on the detection result of the access to the first reagent storage 204 and the reception result of the RFID reader 23.

[0098] This makes it possible to quickly and appropriately determine the installation state of the reagent container 2042 in the first reagent storage 204 based on the detection result of the access to the first reagent storage 204 and the reception result of the RFID reader 23. This makes it possible to improve the speed at which the reagent information can be confirmed and the reliability of the reagent information.

[0099] In the first embodiment, a removable adapter 26 is attached to the reagent container 2042. The RFID tag 27 is provided on the adapter 26. The autoloading mechanism 22 places the reagent container 2042 with the adapter 26 attached in the first reagent storage 204.

[0100] As a result, even when the reagent container 2042 is discarded, the adapter 26 and the RFID tag 27 attached to the adapter 26 can be reused for a new reagent container 2042. As a result, a new reagent container 2042 can be used without the need for the troublesome task of directly attaching the RFID tag 27 to the reagent container 2042, and therefore the versatility and convenience of the RFID tag 27 can be improved.

[0101] In the first embodiment, the autoloading mechanism 22 holds the adapter 26 and transports the reagent container 2042.

[0102] This allows the adapter 26 to function both as a holder for transporting the reagent container 2042 and as the RFID tag 27, making it possible to simplify preparations for installing the reagent container 2042.

[0103] In the first embodiment, the RFID writer 29 records the reagent information of the reagent container 2042 in the RFID tag 27. The RFID tag 27 transmits radio waves including the reagent information recorded by the RFID writer 29.

[0104] This makes it possible to appropriately record reagent information in the RFID tag 27 with a simple configuration.

[0105] In the first embodiment, the optical reader 28 optically reads the reagent information attached to the reagent container 2042. The RFID writer 29 records the reagent information read by the optical reader 28 in the RFID tag 27.

[0106] This makes it possible to appropriately acquire reagent information from the reagent container 2042 and record the reagent information in the RFID tag 27 with a simple configuration.

[0107] In addition, in the first embodiment, the control circuit 9 determines that the installation state has changed by executing the judgment function 95 when access is detected by executing the detection function 94 and the reception result of the RFID reader 23 is different from the previous reception result.

[0108] This makes it possible to easily and appropriately determine whether the installation state of the reagent container 2042 has changed.

[0109] In addition, in the first embodiment, the control circuit 9 determines that the installation status has not changed by executing the judgment function 95 if no access is detected by executing the detection function 94, or if the reception result of the RFID reader 23 is the same as the previous reception result.

[0110] This makes it possible to simply and appropriately determine whether the installation state of the reagent container 2042 has not changed.

[0111] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the RFID reader 23 may collectively receive radio waves emitted from each of the multiple RFID tags 27 in the first reagent storage 204. Furthermore, when access is detected by executing the detection function 94 and the reception result of the RFID reader 23 is different from the previous reception result, the control circuit 9 may determine that the installation state has changed without identifying the installation position of the reagent container 2042 to which the RFID tag 27 that emitted radio waves different from the previous reception result is attached, by executing the determination function 95.

[0112] This makes it possible to appropriately determine a change in the installation state of the reagent container 2042 even if the RFID reader 23 does not have directionality.

[0113] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the RFID reader 23 may receive radio waves emitted from the RFID tag 27 individually for each installation position of the reagent container 2042 in the first reagent storage 204. Furthermore, when access is detected by executing the detection function 94 and the reception result of the RFID reader 23 is different from the previous reception result, the control circuit 9 may determine that the installation state has changed by executing the determination function 95, while identifying the installation position of the reagent container 2042 to which the RFID tag 27 that emitted radio waves different from the previous reception result is attached.

[0114] This makes it possible to quickly identify the reagent container 2042 whose installation state has changed by using the directional RFID reader 23.

[0115] In the first embodiment, the control circuit 9 executes the confirmation function 96 to confirm the reagent information of the reagent container 2042 to which the RFID tag 27 is attached that has emitted a radio wave different from the previous reception result of the RFID reader 23.

[0116] As a result, by checking the reagent information of the reagent container 2042 for which a difference in the reagent information has occurred, the reagent information can be checked more quickly than when checking the reagent information of all of the reagent containers 2042.

[0117] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, by executing the confirmation function 96, the control circuit 9 causes the auto-loading mechanism 22 to transport the reagent container 2042, whose reagent information is to be confirmed, from the first reagent storage 204 to the outside, and causes the optical reader 28 arranged outside the first reagent storage 204 to optically read the reagent information attached to the reagent container 2042, thereby confirming the reagent information.

[0118] This makes it possible to appropriately check the reagent information with a simple configuration.

[0119] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment in which an alert is output when an access is detected will be described, focusing on the difference from the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment further has an alert output function 97 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The alert output function 97 is an example of an output unit. When the detection function 94 detects an access and the reception result of the RFID reader 23 is the same as the previous reception result, the control circuit 9 outputs an alert that prompts the operator to determine whether or not the reagent information is confirmed by the confirmation function 96. Instead of outputting an alert, the control circuit 9 may attach a flag indicating that the access has been detected to the reagent information of the reagent container 2042 in which the access has been detected. The control circuit 9 may output the reagent information to which the flag has been attached to the output interface 6.

[0120] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, in the second embodiment, when there is no difference in the reagent information (step S8: No), the control circuit 9 outputs an alert via the output interface 6 by executing the alert output function 97 (step S12). The alert includes, for example, an image indicating that there is an access history, and an operation button for instructing a process of checking the reagent information using the input interface 5.

[0121] After the alert is output, the control circuit 9 executes the confirmation function 96 to determine whether or not confirmation processing of the reagent information has been instructed (step S13).

[0122] If a confirmation process of the reagent information is instructed (step S13: Yes), the control circuit 9 executes the confirmation process (step S10) by executing the confirmation function 96. On the other hand, if a confirmation process of the reagent information is not instructed (step S13: No), the process ends.

[0123] In the second embodiment, when access is detected by executing the detection function 94 and the reception result of the RFID reader 23 is the same as the previous reception result, the control circuit 9 executes the alert output function 97 to output an alert to prompt the operator to determine whether or not to confirm the reagent information using the confirmation function 96.

[0124] As a result, even if the reception result of the RFID reader 23 is the same as the previous time, if access is detected, an alert can be output to alert the operator, thereby further improving the reliability of the reagent information.

[0125] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment in which reagent information is updated and recorded in an RFID tag 27 will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the third embodiment further has an information update function 98 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. By executing the information update function 98, the control circuit 9 causes the RFID writer 29 (i.e., the second recording unit) to record the latest reagent information in the RFID tag 27 that has emitted radio waves different from the previous reception result of the RFID reader 23.

[0126] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, after a confirmation process (step S10) is performed, the control circuit 9 displays an operation button for instructing updating (i.e., overwriting) of the reagent information corresponding to the difference using the input interface 5. Then, by executing the information update function 98, the control circuit 9 determines whether or not an instruction to update and record the reagent information has been issued (step S14).

[0127] If an instruction to update and record the reagent information is given (step S14: Yes), the control circuit 9 executes the information update function 98 to cause the auto-loading mechanism 22 to transport the reagent container 2042 in which a difference in reagent information has occurred from the first reagent storage 204, and then performs an update and record of the reagent information in the RFID tag 27 of the transported reagent container 2042 via the RFID writer 29 (step S15). On the other hand, if an instruction to update and record the reagent information is not given (step S14: No), the process ends.

[0128] In the third embodiment, the RFID writer 29 records the latest reagent information in the RFID tag 27 that has emitted a radio wave different from the previous reception result of the RFID reader 23.

[0129] This allows the reagent information in the RFID tag 27 to be updated based on the result of the determination of the installation state, thereby further improving the reliability of the reagent information.

[0130] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment in which a reagent container 2042 whose installation state has changed is invalidated will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the fourth embodiment further has a invalidation function 99 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The invalidation function 99 is an example of an invalidation section. By executing the invalidation function 99, the control circuit 9 performs invalidation processing to invalidate a reagent container 2042 whose installation state has changed so that it cannot be used in testing. In the invalidation processing, the control circuit 9 stores, for example, information on the invalidated reagent container 2042 in the memory circuit 8.

[0131] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, after the reagent information confirmation process is performed, the control circuit 9 performs the invalidation process on the reagent container 2042 whose installation state has changed by executing the invalidation function 99 (step S16).

[0132] According to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to prevent the reagent container 2042 whose installation state has changed from being used in the test, thereby improving the test accuracy.

[0133] Fifth embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment not including the autoloading mechanism 22 will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to the fifth embodiment. In the first embodiment, an example of an automatic analyzer 1 in which a reagent container 2042 is automatically attached to and detached from a first reagent storage 204 by an autoloading mechanism 22 has been described. In the first embodiment, an example of an automatic analyzer 1 in which reagent information is automatically recorded in an RFID tag 27 of a reagent container 2042 by an optical reader 28 and an RFID writer 29 provided near the autoloading mechanism 22 has been described. In contrast, the automatic analyzer 1 according to the fifth embodiment does not include an autoloading mechanism 22 as shown in FIG. 14. In the fifth embodiment, the attachment and detachment of the reagent container 2042 to and from the first reagent storage 204 is performed manually by an operator. Also, the recording of reagent information in an RFID tag 27 using an RFID writer 29 is performed manually. Furthermore, the installation position of the reagent container 2042 is manually input to the automatic analyzer 1 by the operator via the input interface 5.

[0134] 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the reagent information is manually recorded in the RFID tag 27 (step S111). For example, in the fifth embodiment, an operator uses a manual optical reader to read the reagent information from the reagent label 25. The reagent information read by the optical reader is manually or automatically recorded in the memory circuit 8. Next, the operator uses a manual RFID writer to record the reagent information stored in the memory circuit 8 in the RFID tag 27.

[0135] After the reagent information is manually recorded in the RFID tag 27, the operator manually places the reagent container 2042 in the first reagent storage 204 (step S21). After that, the processes in and after step S3 in FIG. 7 are carried out.

[0136] The differences from the first embodiment described in the second to fourth embodiments may also be applied to the fifth embodiment.

[0137] According to the fifth embodiment, even when the autoloading mechanism 22 is not provided, the control circuit 9 can execute the determination function 95 to quickly and appropriately determine the installation state of the reagent container 2042 in the first reagent storage 204 based on the detection result of the access to the first reagent storage 204 and the reception result of the RFID reader 23. This can improve the speed at which the reagent information can be confirmed and the reliability of the reagent information.

[0138] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to improve the speed at which reagent information can be confirmed and the reliability of the reagent information.

[0139] In each of the above-described embodiments, the biochemical reaction type automatic analyzer 1 has been described, but the automatic analyzer may be a coagulation type automatic analyzer.

[0140] The term "processor" used in the description of the embodiments means a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). The processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in the memory circuit 8. Instead of storing a program in the memory circuit 8, the program may be directly built into the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program built into the circuit. Each processor in each of the above embodiments is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, and may be configured as one processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components in the above embodiments may be integrated into one processor to realize its function.

[0141] Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel device and method described in this specification can be implemented in various other forms. In addition, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the forms of the device and method described in this specification without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to include such forms and modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0142] Regarding the above embodiment, the following supplementary notes are disclosed as one aspect and optional features of the invention.

[0143] (Appendix 1) a reagent storage for storing a reagent container having a transmitter for transmitting radio waves; a receiving unit that receives radio waves emitted from the transmitting unit in the reagent storage; an intake section for an operator to place the reagent container; a transport mechanism configured to transport the reagent container disposed in the take-in unit into the reagent storage; a detection unit that detects access to the reagent storage unit without using the transport mechanism; a determination unit that determines an installation state of the reagent container in the reagent storage based on a detection result of the detection unit and a reception result of the reception unit; An automatic analyzer equipped with

[0144] (Appendix 2) a removable adapter is attached to the reagent container; The transmitter is provided in the adapter, The transport mechanism may place the reagent container with the adapter attached in the reagent vault.

[0145] (Appendix 3) The transport mechanism may transport the reagent container while holding the adapter.

[0146] (Appendix 4) A recording unit that records reagent information of the reagent container in the transmitting unit is further provided, The transmitting unit may transmit the radio waves including the reagent information recorded by the recording unit.

[0147] (Appendix 5) The reagent container further includes a reading unit that optically reads the reagent information attached to the reagent container, The recording unit may record the reagent information read by the reading unit in the transmitting unit.

[0148] (Appendix 6) The determination unit may determine that the installation state has changed when the detection unit detects the access and the reception result of the reception unit is different from the previous reception result.

[0149] (Appendix 7) The determination unit may determine that the installation state has not changed if the access is not detected by the detection unit or if the reception result of the receiving unit is the same as the previous reception result.

[0150] (Appendix 8) The receiving unit collectively receives the radio waves emitted from each of the plurality of transmitting units in the reagent storage unit, When the access is detected by the detection unit and the reception result of the receiving unit is different from the previous reception result, the determination unit may determine that the installation state has changed without identifying the installation position of the reagent container to which the transmitter unit that emits radio waves different from the previous reception result is attached.

[0151] (Appendix 9) the receiving unit receives the radio waves emitted from the transmitting unit individually for each installation position of the reagent container in the reagent storage, When the access is detected by the detection unit and the reception result of the receiving unit is different from the previous reception result, the determination unit may determine that the installation state has changed while identifying the installation position of the reagent container to which a transmitter unit that emits radio waves different from the previous reception result is attached.

[0152] (Appendix 10) The device may further comprise a confirmation unit that confirms the reagent information for the reagent container having a transmitter that has emitted a radio wave different from the previous reception result of the receiver.

[0153] (Appendix 11) The confirmation unit may confirm the reagent information by causing the transport mechanism to transport the reagent container, for which the reagent information is to be confirmed, from the reagent storage to the outside, and having a second reading unit arranged outside the reagent storage optically read the reagent information attached to the reagent container.

[0154] (Appendix 12) The device may further include an output unit that outputs an alert to prompt the operator to determine whether or not the reagent information has been confirmed by the confirmation unit when the access is detected by the detection unit and the reception result of the receiving unit is the same as the previous reception result.

[0155] (Appendix 13) The device may further comprise a second recording section for recording the latest reagent information in a transmitting section that has emitted a radio wave different from the previous reception result of the receiving section.

[0156] (Appendix 14) a reagent storage for storing a reagent container having a transmitter for transmitting radio waves; a receiving unit that receives radio waves emitted from the transmitting unit in the reagent storage; a recording unit that records reagent information related to the reagent container in the transmitting unit attached to the reagent container; an intake section for an operator to place the reagent container; a transport mechanism configured to transport the reagent container disposed in the take-in unit into the reagent storage; An automatic analyzer equipped with

[0157] (Appendix 15) A reagent container capable of containing a reagent and having a transmitter that transmits radio waves; an automatic analyzer for measuring the mixture of the reagent and the sample; The automated analyzer comprises: A reagent storage for storing the reagent container; a receiving unit that receives radio waves emitted from the transmitting unit in the reagent storage; an intake section for an operator to place the reagent container; a transport mechanism configured to transport the reagent container disposed in the take-in unit into the reagent storage; a detection unit that detects access to the reagent storage unit without using the transport mechanism; a determination unit that determines an installation state of the reagent container in the reagent storage based on a detection result of the detection unit and a reception result of the reception unit; An automated analysis system equipped with

[0158] (Appendix 16) The device may further comprise an invalidation unit that invalidates the reagent container having a transmitter that has emitted a radio wave different from the previous reception result of the receiver so that the reagent container cannot be used for measurement of a test item.

[0159] (Appendix 17) The reagent information recorded in the transmitting unit may include an installation position of the reagent container in the reagent repository.

[0160] (Appendix 18) The transmitter may be an RFID tag, and the receiver may be an RFID reader.

[0161] (Appendix 19) Access to the reagent storage without via the transport mechanism may include at least one of opening and closing a lid of the reagent storage and attaching and detaching the reagent container to and from the reagent storage. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] 1 Automatic analyzer 204 Reagent Storage No. 1 2042 Reagent container 22 Autoloading mechanism 23 RFID Reader 26 Adapter 27 RFID Tags 28 Optical Reader 29 RFID writer 94 Detection Function 95 Judgment function 96 Confirmation Function 97 Alert output function

Claims

1. a reagent storage for storing a reagent container having a transmitter for transmitting radio waves; a receiving unit that receives radio waves emitted from the transmitting unit in the reagent storage; an intake section for an operator to place the reagent container; a transport mechanism configured to transport the reagent container disposed in the take-in unit into the reagent storage; a detection unit that detects access to the reagent storage unit without using the transport mechanism; a determination unit that determines an installation state of the reagent container in the reagent storage based on a detection result of the detection unit and a reception result of the reception unit; An automatic analyzer equipped with

2. a removable adapter is attached to the reagent container; The transmitter is provided in the adapter, The transport mechanism places the reagent container with the adapter attached in the reagent vault. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 .

3. The automated analyzer according to claim 2 , wherein the transport mechanism transports the reagent container while holding the adapter.

4. A recording unit that records reagent information of the reagent container in the transmitting unit is further provided, The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the transmitting unit transmits the radio waves including the reagent information recorded by the recording unit.

5. The reagent container further includes a reading unit that optically reads the reagent information attached to the reagent container, The automatic analyzer according to claim 4 , wherein the recording unit records the reagent information read by the reading unit in the transmitting unit.

6. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines that the installation state has changed when the detection unit detects the access and the reception result of the receiving unit is different from the previous reception result.

7. The automatic analyzer of claim 6, wherein the determination unit determines that the installation state has not changed if the access is not detected by the detection unit or if the reception result of the receiving unit is the same as the previous reception result.

8. The receiving unit collectively receives the radio waves emitted from each of the plurality of transmitting units in the reagent storage unit, The automatic analyzer according to claim 6, wherein when the access is detected by the detection unit and the reception result of the receiving unit is different from the previous reception result, the determination unit determines that the installation state has changed without identifying the installation position of the reagent container to which the transmitter that emits radio waves different from the previous reception result is attached.

9. the receiving unit receives the radio waves emitted from the transmitting unit individually for each installation position of the reagent container in the reagent storage, The automatic analyzer according to claim 6, wherein when the access is detected by the detection unit and the reception result of the receiving unit is different from the previous reception result, the determination unit determines that the installation state has changed while identifying the installation position of the reagent container to which the transmitting unit is attached that emits radio waves different from the previous reception result.

10. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6 , further comprising a confirmation unit that confirms the reagent information for the reagent container to which a transmitter that has emitted a radio wave different from a previous reception result of the receiver is attached.

11. The automatic analyzer according to claim 10, wherein the confirmation unit confirms the reagent information by causing the transport mechanism to transport the reagent container, for which the reagent information is to be confirmed, from the reagent repository to the outside, and causing a second reading unit arranged outside the reagent repository to optically read the reagent information attached to the reagent container.

12. The automatic analyzer according to claim 10, further comprising an output unit that outputs an alert to prompt the operator to determine whether or not the reagent information has been confirmed by the confirmation unit when the access is detected by the detection unit and the reception result of the receiving unit is the same as the previous reception result.

13. 7. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6, further comprising a second recording section for recording the latest reagent information in a transmitter that has emitted a radio wave different from a previous reception result of said receiver.

14. a reagent storage for storing a reagent container having a transmitter for transmitting radio waves; a receiving unit that receives radio waves emitted from the transmitting unit in the reagent storage; a recording unit that records reagent information related to the reagent container in the transmitting unit attached to the reagent container; an intake section for an operator to place the reagent container; a transport mechanism configured to transport the reagent container disposed in the take-in unit into the reagent storage; An automatic analyzer equipped with

15. A reagent container capable of containing a reagent and having a transmitter that transmits radio waves; an automatic analyzer for measuring the mixture of the reagent and the sample; The automated analyzer comprises: A reagent storage for storing the reagent container; a receiving unit that receives radio waves emitted from the transmitting unit in the reagent storage; an intake section for an operator to place the reagent container; a transport mechanism configured to transport the reagent container disposed in the take-in unit into the reagent storage; a detection unit that detects access to the reagent storage unit without using the transport mechanism; a determination unit that determines an installation state of the reagent container in the reagent storage based on a detection result of the detection unit and a reception result of the reception unit; An automated analysis system equipped with

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