Automatic analyzer, method for confirming inclination of reaction disk, and program

Abstract

To accurately confirm the inclination of a reaction disk.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer of an embodiment includes a reaction disk, a reference part, a height sensor, and a confirmation part. The reaction disk has a plurality of reaction tubes arranged along a circumferential direction and rotates in the circumferential direction. The reference portion is provided in the reaction disk and serves as a reference for the height of the reaction disk. The height sensor detects a relative height of the reference portion at a plurality of different detection positions in a circumferential direction of the reaction disk. The checking unit checks the inclination of the reaction disk based on the relative height of the reference portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings relate to an automatic analyzer, a method for checking the tilt of a reaction disk, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] An automated analyzer is known that automatically analyzes samples by measuring the properties of a mixture of a sample and a reagent solution contained in a reaction tube arranged on a reaction disk. In this automated analyzer, if the reaction disk is tilted, there is a concern that this will affect the accuracy of dispensing the sample and reagent, and thus the measurement results.

[0003] The tilt of the reaction disk is estimated, for example, by detecting the height of the reaction vessels provided on the reaction disk using a photometric unit and estimating the tilt from the change in the height of the reaction vessels (reaction tubes). However, since the height of the reaction vessels is unknown at positions other than the vicinity of the photometric unit, the estimated tilt of the reaction disk is less accurate. On the other hand, the reaction disk is supported from below by, for example, guide rollers. The guide rollers wear out over long-term use. Wear of the guide rollers can affect the tilt of the reaction disk. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-137975 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to enable accurate confirmation of the tilt of a reaction disk. However, the problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The automated analyzer of the embodiment has a reaction disk, a reference unit, a height sensor, and a confirmation unit. The reaction disk has multiple reaction tubes arranged along a circumferential direction and rotates in the circumferential direction. The reference unit is provided on the reaction disk and serves as a reference for the height of the reaction disk. The height sensor detects the relative height of the reference unit at multiple detection positions different in the circumferential direction of the reaction disk. The confirmation unit confirms the tilt of the reaction disk based on the relative height of the reference unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an analysis device 10. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an outline of an analysis device 10. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the control device 100. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the control device 100. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the control device 100. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image of adjusting the tilt of the reaction disk 13. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image of adjusting the tilt of the reaction disk 13. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the contents displayed on the display 132. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the contents displayed on the display 132. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the contents displayed on the display 132. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an automatic analyzer, a method for checking the tilt of a reaction disk, and a program according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to an embodiment. The automatic analyzer 1 includes, for example, an analyzer 10 and a control device 100. The analyzer 10 is a device that analyzes a test sample. The control device 100 is a device that controls each component of the analyzer 10.

[0010] 2 is a perspective view of the analyzer 10. The analyzer 10 includes, for example, a first reagent storage 11, a second reagent storage 12, a reaction disk 13, a disk sampler 14, a disk support device 50, a reference pin 60, and a drive device 70. The first reagent storage 11 and the second reagent storage 12 are both circular in plan view. The first reagent storage 11 and the second reagent storage 12 are arranged side by side in close proximity to each other.

[0011] The first reagent storage 11 and the second reagent storage 12 each store a reagent rack 15. The reagent rack 15 stores a plurality of reagent bottles 16 containing reagents. The first reagent storage 11 stores a reagent rack 15 that stores reagent bottles 16 containing a first reagent, and the second reagent storage 12 stores a reagent rack 15 that stores reagent bottles 16 containing a second reagent.

[0012] The reaction disk 13 is disposed surrounding the second reagent storage 12. A plurality of reaction tubes 17 are arranged circumferentially on the reaction disk 13. The reaction disk 13 rotates circumferentially along the outer periphery of the second reagent storage 12. The disk sampler 14 is disposed adjacent to and alongside the first reagent storage 11 and the second reagent storage 12. Test sample containers 18 that contain test samples and calibrators are set on the disk sampler 14.

[0013] The analyzer 10 rotates the first reagent storage 11, the second reagent storage 12, and the disk sampler 14 for each cycle. The analyzer 10 rotates the reaction disk 13 and stops the first reagent storage 11, the second reagent storage 12, the reaction disk 13, and the disk sampler 14 at positions controlled by the control device 100.

[0014] The analyzer 10 further includes a first reagent dispensing arm 21, a second reagent dispensing arm 22, a dispensing arm 23, a first reagent dispensing probe 31, a second reagent dispensing probe 32, and a dispensing probe 33. The first reagent dispensing arm 21 holds the first reagent dispensing probe 31 so that it can rotate about a vertical axis and move up and down. The second reagent dispensing arm 22 holds the second reagent dispensing probe 32 so that it can rotate about a vertical axis and move up and down. The dispensing arm 23 holds the dispensing probe 33 so that it can rotate about a vertical axis and move up and down.

[0015] The first reagent dispensing arm 21 is rotatable across the first reagent storage 11 and the reaction disk 13, and the second reagent dispensing arm 22 is rotatable across the second reagent storage 12 and the reaction disk 13. The second reagent dispensing arm 22 is movable between two points on the outer periphery of the reaction disk 13. The dispensing arm 23 is rotatable across the reaction disk 13 and the disk sampler 14.

[0016] Probe sensors are provided at the lower ends of the first reagent dispensing probe 31, the second reagent dispensing probe 32, and the dispensing probe 33. The probe sensors are liquid level sensors that detect the liquid level of the liquid in the reaction tube 17, such as a mixed liquid, a reagent, a calibrator, etc., when the tips of the first reagent dispensing probe 31, the second reagent dispensing probe 32, and the dispensing probe 33 come into contact with the liquid surface.

[0017] The probe sensor is, for example, a capacitance sensor. A capacitance sensor can detect the level of a liquid as well as the level of a metal or the like. The probe sensor may be a sensor other than a capacitance sensor. The probe sensor may be, for example, an ultrasonic sensor that transmits ultrasonic waves and receives the transmitted ultrasonic waves to detect the liquid level, or an optical sensor that projects light to detect the liquid level.

[0018] The first reagent dispensing probe 31 aspirates the first reagent from the reagent bottle 16 at the first reagent aspirating position in the first reagent storage 11 in each cycle, and dispenses it into the reaction tube 17 stopped at the first reagent dispensing position. The second reagent dispensing probe 32 aspirates the second reagent from the reagent bottle 16 at the second reagent aspirating position in the second reagent storage 12 in each cycle, and dispenses it into the reaction tube 17 stopped at the second reagent dispensing position.

[0019] The dispensing probe 33 aspirates the test sample or calibrator from the test sample container 18 at the position of the disk sampler 14 controlled by the control device 100, and dispenses it into the reaction tube 17 stopped at the test sample dispensing position. The first reagent dispensing probe 31, the second reagent dispensing probe 32, and the dispensing probe 33 are examples of reagent probes.

[0020] The first reagent dispensing arm 21 is rotatable across the first reagent storage 11 and the reaction disk 13, and the second reagent dispensing arm 22 is rotatable across the second reagent storage 12 and the reaction disk 13. The second reagent dispensing arm 22 is movable between two points on the outer periphery of the reaction disk 13. The dispensing arm 23 is rotatable across the reaction disk 13 and the disk sampler 14.

[0021] The first reagent dispensing arm 21 moves the first reagent dispensing probe 31 to the first height detection position. The second reagent dispensing arm 22 moves the second reagent dispensing probe 32 to the second height detection position and the third height detection position. The dispensing arm 23 moves the dispensing probe 33 to the fourth height detection position. Different reagent probes, for example, the first reagent dispensing probe 31, the second reagent dispensing probe 32, or the dispensing probe 33, are positioned at multiple detection positions from the first height detection position to the fourth height detection position. The first reagent dispensing arm 21, the second reagent dispensing arm 22, and the dispensing arm 23 are examples of a moving mechanism. The first height detection position to the fourth height detection position are examples of detection positions.

[0022] The first height detection position is a position where the first reagent dispensing arm 21 rotates so that the first reagent dispensing probe 31 overlaps the reaction disk 13 in a planar view. The second height detection position and the third height detection position are two positions where the second reagent dispensing arm 22 rotates so that the second reagent dispensing probe 32 overlaps the reaction disk 13 in a planar view. The fourth height detection position is a position where the dispensing arm 23 rotates so that the dispensing probe 33 overlaps the reaction disk 13 in a planar view.

[0023] The analysis device 10 further includes a stirring unit 41, a cleaning unit 42, and a photometric unit 43. The stirring unit 41, the cleaning unit 42, and the photometric unit 43 are all arranged around the reaction disk 13. The stirring unit 41 is arranged at a stirring position on the reaction disk 13, the cleaning unit 42 is arranged at a cleaning / drying position, and the photometric unit 43 is arranged at a photometric position.

[0024] The stirring unit 41 stirs the mixture of the test sample or calibrator and a reagent in the reaction tube 17 stopped at the stirring position. Combinations of mixtures include the test sample and a first reagent, the test sample, the first reagent and a second reagent, and the calibrator, the first reagent and a second reagent. The cleaning unit 42 aspirates the mixture that has been measured in the reaction tube 17 stopped at the cleaning and drying position, and cleans and dries the inside of the reaction tube 17. The photometry unit 43 measures the reaction tube 17 containing the mixture from the photometry position.

[0025] The photometry unit 43 irradiates the rotating reaction tube 17 with light from the photometry position to measure the change in absorbance of the mixture, and outputs an analysis signal or calibration signal of the test sample or calibrator obtained from the measurement to the processing circuit 140 in the control device 100. After that, the reaction tube 17 is washed and dried after the measurement of the mixture is completed and is used again for measurement.

[0026] A first reagent pump and a second reagent pump are respectively provided in the first reagent storage 11 and the second reagent storage 12. A first reagent pump, a second reagent pump, and a dispensing pump are respectively provided in the first reagent dispensing arm 21, the second reagent dispensing arm 22, and the dispensing arm 23. A washing pump and a drying pump are provided in the washing unit 42.

[0027] The first reagent pump is a pump for aspirating and discharging the first reagent from the first reagent dispensing probe 31. The second reagent pump is a pump for aspirating and discharging the second reagent from the second reagent dispensing probe 32. The dispensing pump is a pump for aspirating and discharging the test sample and calibrator from the dispensing probe 33. The washing pump is a pump for supplying and aspirating a washing liquid for washing the inside of the reaction tube 17 from the washing unit 42. The drying pump is a pump for drying the inside of the reaction tube 17.

[0028] The disk support device 50 is disposed below the outer periphery of the reaction disk 13 and supports the reaction disk 13. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an outline of the analysis device 10. Four disk support devices 50 are provided below the reaction disk 13 in the analysis device 10. The disk support devices 50 are disposed, for example, at positions that divide the reaction disk 13 into equal quarters in the circumferential direction when viewed from above. Other numbers of disk support devices 50 may be provided, or the arrangement may be different.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the disk support device 50. The disk support device 50 includes, for example, a plurality of guide rollers 51, a support 52, and a height adjustment mechanism 53. The guide roller 51 rotates around a horizontal axis, and the upper end portion thereof contacts the reaction disk 13. The guide roller 51 rotates together with the reaction disk 13. The guide roller 51 supports the reaction disk 13 from below while being driven to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the reaction disk 13. The guide roller 51 may be a roller that is driven to rotate.

[0030] The support pillar 52 is erected in the vertical direction. The support pillar 52 rotatably supports the guide roller 51. The height of the support pillar 52 is adjustable by a height adjustment mechanism 53. By adjusting the height of the support pillar 52, the height of the guide roller 51, in other words, the height position at which the reaction disk 13 is supported, is adjusted.

[0031] The height adjustment mechanism 53 includes, for example, a lifting plate 54 and an adjustment screw 55. The lifting plate 54 is fixed to the support 52 and moves up and down to move the support 52 up and down. An adjustment screw 55 is screwed into the lifting plate 54. The threaded portion of the adjustment bolt 55 is arranged so that it faces vertically.

[0032] As the adjustment screw 55 rotates around the vertical axis, the lifting plate 54 moves up and down depending on the direction of rotation. The height adjustment mechanism 53 adjusts the height position of the guide roller 51 as the adjustment screw 55 rotates. The adjustment screw 55 may be rotated manually by the user, or may be rotated by an adjustment drive mechanism (not shown). The height adjustment mechanism 53 is an example of an adjustment mechanism.

[0033] 2 and 3, the reference pins 60 are provided to protrude upward from the upper surface of the reaction disk 13. For example, a plurality of reference pins 60 (four in this example) are provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the reaction disk 13 in a plan view. The reference pins 60 serve as a reference for the height of the reaction disk 13. The plurality of reference pins 60 may be arranged in any positional relationship. For example, the plurality of reference pins 60 may be arranged in a positional relationship such that they can be simultaneously arranged at positions corresponding to three detection positions among the first height detection position to the fourth height detection position.

[0034] The reference pin 60 is a member that can be detected by a probe sensor (capacitance sensor) provided on the first reagent dispensing probe 31, the second reagent dispensing probe 32, and the dispensing probe 33. The first reagent dispensing probe 31, the second reagent dispensing probe 32, and the dispensing probe 33 may be arranged at a plurality of different detection positions simultaneously. The reference pin 60 is made of, for example, a metal material. The reference pin 60 may also be made of a material other than metal, for example, a liquid material such as a liquid that can be detected by a capacitance sensor. The reference pin 60 is an example of a pin.

[0035] The probe sensor detects the relative height of the reference pins 60 at multiple detection positions that are different in the circumferential direction of the reaction disk 13. The relative height is, for example, the relative height between multiple reference pins 60. The probe sensor (hereinafter referred to as the first probe sensor) provided on the first reagent dispensing probe 31 transmits height information of the detected relative height (hereinafter referred to as the first height information) to the control device 100.

[0036] The probe sensor (hereinafter referred to as the second probe sensor) provided on the second reagent dispensing probe 32 transmits height information of the detected relative height (hereinafter referred to as the second height information) to the control device 100. The probe sensor (hereinafter referred to as the third probe sensor) provided on the dispensing probe 33 transmits height information of the detected relative height (hereinafter referred to as the third height information) to the control device 100.

[0037] The first to third probe sensors are examples of height sensors. The reference pin 60 is an example of a reference portion. The reference portion may be a depression formed in the reaction disk 13 instead of the reference pin 60, or may be formed of a liquid material stored in the depression. The height sensor may be provided separately from the probe sensor.

[0038] The height sensor provided other than the probe sensor may be any type of sensor, such as an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, or a contact sensor. In this case, the ultrasonic sensor or optical sensor may be a sensor that detects distance (height) by having a receiver directly receive ultrasonic waves (light) transmitted by a transmitter, or a sensor that detects distance (height) by having a transmitter receive reflected waves of ultrasonic waves (light) transmitted by a transmitter.

[0039] The contact sensor may be, for example, a sensor that detects height by the contact position between a contactor and a contactee varying depending on the height of the object to be detected, or a sensor that detects height by the contactor making contact or not making contact with one of multiple contactees installed at different heights, or a sensor that detects the height of the object to be detected based on changes in capacitance, similar to a probe sensor.

[0040] The drive device 70 includes, for example, a drive gear and a motor for rotating the drive gear. Rack teeth that mesh with the drive gear are provided on the inner periphery of the reaction disk 13. When the drive device 70 rotates the drive gear using the motor, the rack teeth that mesh with the drive gear move, and the reaction disk 13 rotates in accordance with the movement of the rack teeth.

[0041] 1, the control device 100 includes, for example, an input interface 120, an output interface 130, a processing circuit 140, and a memory 150. The communication interface 110 includes, for example, a communication interface such as a network interface card (NIC). The communication interface 110 communicates with an external device such as an external information system via a network NW such as a local area network (LAN), and transmits analysis data generated by the processing circuit 140 to the external device.

[0042] The input interface 120 accepts various input operations from the user, converts the accepted input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuitry 140. For example, when the user performs an input operation, the input interface 120 generates information corresponding to the input operation. The input interface 120 outputs the generated information corresponding to the input operation to the processing circuitry 140.

[0043] For example, the setting of analysis conditions, input of subject information such as the subject ID and subject name, selection of measurement items for each test sample of the subject, calibration operation for each item, and test sample analysis operation are performed through the input interface 120. The input interface 120 generates information corresponding to these operations, as well as confirmation start instruction information and adjustment end information, which will be described later.

[0044] The input interface 120 includes, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a touch panel, etc. The input interface 120 may be, for example, a user interface that accepts audio input from a microphone, etc. If the input interface 120 is a touch panel, the input interface 120 may also have the display function of the display 132 in the output interface 130.

[0045] In this specification, the input interface is not limited to an interface having physical operation parts such as a mouse, keyboard, etc. For example, an example of an input interface also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs this electrical signal to a control circuit.

[0046] The output interface 130 includes, for example, a printer 131 and a display 132. The printer 131 is a printing unit that prints various types of information. The printer 131 prints the calibration table, analysis data, and the like generated by the processing circuit 140 on printer paper in a preset format.

[0047] The display 132 is a display unit that displays various types of information. For example, the display 132 displays images generated by the processing circuitry 140, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various input operations from the user, and the like. For example, the display 132 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like. The display 132 displays calibration tables and analysis data generated by the processing circuitry 140, and a screen for setting analysis conditions in response to instructions from the system control function 143.

[0048] The processing circuitry 140 includes, for example, an analysis data processing function 141, an analysis control function 142, and a system control function 143. The processing circuitry 140 realizes these functions by, for example, a hardware processor (computer) executing a program stored in memory 150.

[0049] The hardware processor refers to a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD)), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0050] Instead of storing the program in memory 150, the program may be directly embedded in the circuit of the hardware processor. In this case, the hardware processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. The program may be stored in memory 150 in advance, or may be stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed into memory 150 from the non-transitory storage medium when the non-transitory storage medium is inserted into a drive device (not shown) of control device 100.

[0051] The analytical data processing function 141 processes the analytical signal output by the analytical device 10 to calculate analytical data. A calibration table is created based on the calibration signal output by the analytical device 10. The analytical data processing function 141 stores the created calibration table in memory 150.

[0052] For each analytical signal item output by the analyzer 10, the analytical data processing function 141 reads out from the memory 150 a calibration table corresponding to that analytical signal item. The analytical data processing function 141 calculates analytical data using the output analytical signal and the read calibration table. The analytical data processing function 141 displays the calculated analytical data on the display 132 and stores it in the memory 150.

[0053] The analysis control function 142 includes, for example, a mechanism control function, a pump control function, and an agitation control function. The mechanism control unit controls the operating mechanisms of the first reagent reservoir 11, the second reagent reservoir 12, the reaction disk 13, the disk sampler 14, the first reagent dispensing arm 21, the second reagent dispensing arm 22, the dispensing arm 23, and the agitation unit 41. The pump control unit controls the operation of various pumps such as the dispensing pump, the first reagent pump, the second reagent pump, the washing pump, and the drying pump. The agitation control unit controls the agitation operation of the mixed liquid by the agitation unit 41.

[0054] The system control function 143 checks the tilt of the reaction disk 13, and if the reaction disk 13 is tilted, provides information to correct the tilt. The system control function 143 includes, for example, an acquisition function 161, a reception function 162, a confirmation function 163, a notification function 164, a report function 165, a selection function 166, a height control function 167, and a display control function 168. The processing circuit 140 realizes these functions by, for example, a hardware processor executing a program stored in the memory 150.

[0055] The hardware processor refers to a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). Instead of storing a program in memory 150, the program may be directly embedded in the circuit of the hardware processor. In this case, the hardware processor realizes its function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. The hardware processor is not limited to a single circuit, but may be configured as a single hardware processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize each function. Furthermore, multiple components may be integrated into a single hardware processor to realize each function.

[0056] The acquisition function 161 acquires various types of information output by the analysis device 10, the communication interface 110, and the input interface 120. For example, the acquisition function 161 acquires the first height information to the third height information transmitted by the first probe sensor to the third probe sensor, confirmation start instruction information, adjustment end information, etc. output by the input interface 120.

[0057] The reception function 162 receives an instruction from the user to check the tilt of the reaction disk 13. The reception function 162 notifies the user, for example, by displaying on the display 132, standby information to inform the user that the process of checking the tilt of the reaction disk 13 (hereinafter referred to as tilt checking process) is waiting to start.

[0058] The wait information includes selection information for selecting whether the tilt adjustment mode is manual or automatic. Upon receiving the wait information, the user performs an input operation using the input interface 120 to input start confirmation information for starting the tilt confirmation process. The start confirmation information includes selection result information indicating the selection result of whether the tilt adjustment mode is manual or automatic. When the user performs an input operation, the input interface 120 outputs the start confirmation information to the processing circuit 140.

[0059] The processing circuit 140 acquires start confirmation information using the acquisition function 161. The reception function 162 receives, for example, the confirmation start instruction information acquired by the acquisition function 161. The system control function 143 starts the tilt confirmation process when the reception function 162 receives the confirmation start instruction information. The reception function 162 is an example of a reception unit.

[0060] The confirmation function 163 confirms the tilt of the reaction disk 13 based on the relative heights of the multiple reference pins 60. The confirmation function 163 calculates the tilt of the reaction disk 13 based on, for example, the first height information to the third height information acquired by the acquisition function 161. The confirmation function 163 determines whether height adjustment is necessary based on the calculated tilt of the reaction disk 13. For example, the confirmation function 163 determines that height adjustment is necessary when the tilt of the reaction disk 13 is equal to or greater than a threshold. The threshold is a value for determining that the tilt of the reaction disk 13 needs to be corrected. The threshold is, for example, stored in advance in the memory 150. The confirmation function 163 is an example of a confirmation unit.

[0061] The notification function 164 notifies the user whether height adjustment by the adjustment mechanism is necessary based on the confirmation result by the confirmation function 163. For example, when the confirmation function determines that height adjustment is necessary, the notification function 164 generates height adjustment request information that prompts the user to adjust the height of the guide roller 51 by the height adjustment mechanism 53. The notification function 164 notifies the user that height adjustment is necessary by displaying the generated height adjustment request information on the display 132, for example, by the display control function 168. When the height of the guide roller 51 is automatically adjusted, the notification function 164 does not need to generate the height adjustment request information. The notification function 164 is an example of a notification unit.

[0062] The reporting function 165 reports tilt occurrence information indicating the occurrence of tilt of the reaction disk 13 when the tilt of the reaction disk 13 is equal to or greater than a threshold. For example, when the confirmation function 163 determines that the tilt of the reaction disk 13 is equal to or greater than a threshold, the reporting function 165 generates tilt occurrence information indicating that tilt has occurred in the reaction disk 13. The reporting function 165 reports the generated tilt information to the user by, for example, displaying it on the display 132 using the display control function 168. When the height adjustment of the guide roller 51 is performed manually, the height adjustment request information also serves as tilt occurrence information, so there is no need to generate tilt occurrence information.

[0063] The reporting function 165 reports the tilt of the reaction disk 13 to the user. The reporting function 165 generates tilt information and adjustment information based on the tilt of the reaction disk 13 confirmed by the confirmation function 163, for example. The tilt information includes, for example, information on the direction and magnitude of the tilt of the reaction disk 13. The adjustment information includes, for example, information on which of the four guide rollers 51 needs to be adjusted and the amount of adjustment (amount of movement in the vertical direction). The reporting function 165 reports the generated tilt information to the user by, for example, displaying it on the display 132 using the display control function 168. The reporting function 165 is an example of a reporting unit. The reporting function 165 does not need to report the tilt information and adjustment information, and particularly when the tilt is automatically adjusted, it does not need to report the adjustment information.

[0064] The selection function 166 allows the user to select whether the adjustment of the height of the guide roller by the adjustment mechanism will be performed manually or automatically. The selection function 166, for example, includes selection information in the standby information and allows the user to select whether the adjustment mode for adjusting the height of the guide roller 51 will be manual or automatic. The selection function 166 determines whether the height adjustment of the guide roller by the height adjustment mechanism 53 will be performed automatically or manually based on the selection result information included in the confirmation start instruction information. The selection function 166 is an example of a selection unit.

[0065] When the confirmation function 163 determines that height adjustment is necessary, the selection function 166 may provide the user with selection information that allows the user to select whether to automatically or manually adjust the height of the guide roller using the height adjustment mechanism 53. In this case, the user selects automatic or manual by responding to the provided information.

[0066] Height control function 167 controls the automatic height adjustment mechanism based on the confirmation result by confirmation function 163. For example, when the confirmation result by confirmation function 163 is that height adjustment is necessary and the user selects automatic adjustment, height control function 167 controls the adjustment drive mechanism provided in height adjustment mechanism 53 to adjust the height of guide roller 51. Height control function 167 is an example of a height control unit.

[0067] The display control function 168 generates information indicating the display content to be displayed on the display 132 and causes the information to be displayed on the display 132. The display control function 168 causes the display 132 to display, for example, tilt information and tilt occurrence information generated by the reporting function 165, selection information generated by the selection function 166, and the like. The display control function 168 is an example of a display control unit.

[0068] Next, the processing in the control device 100 will be described. Figures 5 to 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing in the control device 100. First, the control device 100 causes the reception function 162 to provide standby information to the user to notify the user that tilt confirmation processing is waiting (step S101). The selection function 166 provides the user with selection information included in the standby information.

[0069] Next, the reception function 162 determines whether or not the confirmation start instruction information acquired by the acquisition function 161 has been accepted (step S103). If it is determined that the confirmation start instruction information has not been accepted, the reception function 162 returns the process to step S101 and continues to provide the waiting information to the user.

[0070] If it is determined that the reception function 162 has received the confirmation start instruction information, the system control function 143 moves the first reagent dispensing arm 21, the second reagent dispensing arm 22, and the dispensing arm 23 so that the first probe sensor is located at the first height detection position, the second probe sensor is located at the second or third height detection position, and the fourth probe sensor is located at the fourth height detection position (step S105). At the same time, the system control function 143 rotates and moves the reaction disk 13 so that the reference pins 60 are located below the first to third probe sensors, respectively (step S105).

[0071] Next, the system control function 143 determines whether the adjustment mode of the height adjustment of the guide roller 51 by the height adjustment mechanism 53 in the tilt confirmation process is manual or not (automatic) based on the selection result information included in the confirmation start instruction information (step S107). If it is determined that the adjustment mode of the tilt confirmation process is manual, the selection function 166 decides to perform the tilt adjustment manually (step S109).

[0072] If it is determined that the adjustment mode of the tilt confirmation process is not manual (automatic), the selection function 166 determines that the tilt adjustment will be performed manually (step S111). In this way, the control device 100 ends the process shown in Fig. 5. If the selection function 166 determines that the tilt adjustment will be performed manually, the control device 100 performs the tilt adjustment according to the flow shown in Fig. 6, and if the selection function 166 determines that the tilt adjustment will be performed automatically, the control device 100 performs the tilt adjustment according to the flow shown in Fig. 7.

[0073] Next, the process of the control device 100 when tilt adjustment is performed manually will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In the control device 100, first, the acquisition function 161 acquires the first height information and the third height information transmitted by the first probe sensor to the third probe sensor (step S201). Next, the confirmation function 163 calculates the tilt of the reaction disk 13 based on the first height information and the third height information acquired by the acquisition function 161 (step S203).

[0074] Next, the confirmation function 163 determines whether the calculated tilt of the reaction disk 13 is equal to or greater than a threshold value (step S205). If the confirmation function 163 determines that the tilt of the reaction disk 13 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the notification function 164 generates height adjustment request information, and the report function 165 generates tilt information and adjustment information (step S207).

[0075] Next, the display control function 168 displays the height adjustment request information, tilt information, and adjustment information generated by the notification function 164 and the report function 165 on the display 132 (step S209), thereby notifying and reporting to the user. The user who has received the notification or report by looking at the display 132 operates the adjustment screw 55 of the height adjustment mechanism 53 to adjust the height of the guide roller 51 as shown in the adjustment information.

[0076] The input interface 120 generates adjustment end information in response to an operation by a user who has completed the adjustment, and outputs the information to the processing circuit 140. The acquisition function 161 acquires the transmitted adjustment end information (step S211). Subsequently, the system control function 143 determines whether or not to reconfirm the tilt of the reaction disk 13 (step S213). Whether or not to reconfirm the tilt of the reaction disk 13 may be determined based on, for example, a user instruction, or based on detection results by various sensors.

[0077] If the system control function 143 determines to recheck the tilt, it returns the process to step S203, calculates the tilt of the reaction disk 13, and performs the same process below again. If the system control function 143 determines not to recheck the tilt, the control device 100 ends the process shown in FIG.

[0078] If it is determined in step S205 that the tilt is not equal to or greater than the threshold (is less than the threshold), the confirmation function 163 generates normal information indicating that the tilt of the reaction disk 13 is normal (step S215). Subsequently, the display control function 168 notifies the user of the generated normal information by, for example, displaying it on the display 132 (step S217). In this way, the control device 100 ends the processing shown in FIG. 6.

[0079] Next, referring to Fig. 7, the processing of the control device 100 when tilt adjustment is performed automatically will be described. In the control device 100, first, the acquisition function 161 acquires the first height information and the third height information transmitted by the first probe sensor to the third probe sensor (step S301), and the confirmation function 163 calculates the tilt of the reaction disk 13 based on the first height information to the third height information (step S303). Next, the confirmation function 163 determines whether the calculated tilt of the reaction disk 13 is equal to or greater than a threshold value (step S305). Up to this point, the same processing as when tilt adjustment is performed manually is performed.

[0080] If the confirmation function 163 determines that the tilt of the reaction disk 13 is equal to or greater than the threshold, the report function 165 generates tilt occurrence information and tilt information (step S307). The display control function 168 displays the tilt occurrence information and tilt information generated by the report function 165 on the display 132 (step S309) and reports them to the user.

[0081] Subsequently, the height control function 167 controls the adjustment drive mechanism provided in the height adjustment mechanism 53 to adjust the height of the guide roller 51 (step S311). After the height control function 167 has finished adjusting the height of the guide roller 51, the system control function 143 determines whether or not to recheck the inclination of the reaction disk 13 (step S313).

[0082] If the system control function 143 determines to recheck the tilt, it returns the process to step S303, calculates the tilt of the reaction disk 13, and performs the same process again. If the system control function 143 determines not to recheck the tilt, the control device 100 ends the process shown in FIG.

[0083] If it is determined in step S305 that the tilt is not equal to or greater than the threshold (is less than the threshold), the confirmation function 163 generates normal information indicating that the tilt of the reaction disk 13 is normal (step S315). Subsequently, the display control function 168 notifies the user of the generated normal information by, for example, displaying it on the display 132 (step S317). In this way, the control device 100 ends the processing shown in FIG. 7.

[0084] Next, an image of adjusting the tilt of the reaction disk 13 by adjusting the height of the guide roller 51 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams showing an image of adjusting the tilt of the reaction disk 13. For example, assume that the height of the reference pin 60 is detected at the first height detection position HP1 and the second height detection position HP2.

[0085] Here, for example, if the height position of the reference pin 60 is the same at the first height detection position HP1 and the second height detection position HP2, no tilt occurs in the reaction disc 13. The reaction disc 13 is supported by guide rollers 51 in the disc support device 50. In Figures 8 and 9, the disc support device 50 is shown directly below the first height detection position HP1 and the second height detection position HP2, but the disc support device 50 may be located directly below the first height detection position HP1 and the second height detection position HP2 or at a position other than directly below.

[0086] On the other hand, suppose that the reaction disk 13 is tilted with the first height detection position HP1 lower than the second height detection position HP2 as shown in Fig. 9. In this case, the confirmation function 163 determines whether the tilt of the reaction disk 13 is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and if it is equal to or greater than the threshold value, determines that the tilt of the reaction disk 13 needs to be adjusted.

[0087] Here, the confirmation function 163 may compare the first height with the second height to determine whether or not adjustment of the tilt of the reaction disk 13 is necessary. The first height is the height of the reference pin 60 detected by the first probe sensor 31S provided on the first reagent dispensing probe 31 attached to the first reagent dispensing arm 21. The second height is the height of the reference pin 60 detected by the second probe sensor 32S provided on the second reagent dispensing probe 32 attached to the second reagent dispensing arm 22.

[0088] The confirmation function 163 may determine that the inclination of the reaction disk 13 needs to be adjusted when the first height is lower than the second height, for example, when the difference P1 between the first height and the second height is equal to or greater than the height reference. For example, the inclination of the reaction disk 13 can be appropriately adjusted by raising the guide roller 51 at the first height detection position HP1 by the same length as the difference P1 between the first height and the second height.

[0089] In conventional automatic analyzers, the tilt of the reaction disk 13 is estimated by detecting the heights of the reaction vessels and guide rollers 51 provided on the reaction disk 13 using the photometric unit 43. In this case, even if the photometric unit 43 can detect the height position of the reaction vessels at the second height detection position HP2, it is difficult to detect the height position of the reaction vessels at the first height detection position HP1 using the photometric unit 43. In contrast, in the embodiment, the probe sensor provided on the dispensing probe can detect the heights of the reference pins 60 at multiple points in the circumferential direction of the reaction disk 13, in other words, the height of the reaction disk 13, so that the tilt of the reaction disk 13 can be detected with high accuracy.

[0090] Furthermore, the probe sensor provided on the probe is used as it is as a height sensor for detecting the height of the reference pin 60. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate sensor for detecting the height of the reference pin, which can suppress an increase in the number of parts. Furthermore, the automatic analyzer 1 is equipped with multiple probes, namely, the first reagent dispensing probe 31, the second reagent dispensing probe 32, and the dispensing probe 33, each of which is provided with a probe sensor. Therefore, it is possible to easily detect the height position of the reference pin 60 at multiple positions around the circumference of the reaction disk 13.

[0091] Next, a description will be given of the display contents of the display 132 displayed by the display control function 168. Figures 10 to 12 are diagrams showing examples of the display contents of the display 132. Figure 10 shows the contents displayed on the display 132 before the inclination confirmation process starts.

[0092] Before the tilt confirmation process starts, a first screen first image GA11, a first screen first switch image SW11, a first screen second switch image SW12, and a first screen third switch image SW13 are displayed on the display 132. The first screen second switch image SW12 and the first screen third switch image SW13 are included in the first screen first image GA11.

[0093] The first-screen first switch image SW11, the first-screen second switch image SW12, and the first-screen third switch image SW13 are, for example, GUI switches that can be operated by the user. The first-screen first switch image SW11, the first-screen second switch image SW12, and the first-screen third switch image SW13 respectively display the words "Start," "Automatic," and "Manual." When the user operates the first-screen first switch image SW11, generation of confirmation start instruction information is started by the input interface 120.

[0094] The first screen first image GA11 is an image showing selection information, and is an image for allowing the user to select whether the adjustment mode is manual adjustment or automatic adjustment when adjusting the height of the guide roller 51 as a result of the tilt confirmation process. The first screen first image GA11 displays the first screen second switch image SW12 and the first screen third switch image SW13 as well as the message "Please select the guide roller adjustment method."

[0095] When the user operates the first screen second switch image SW12, automatic is selected as the adjustment mode for adjusting the height of the guide roller 51, and when the user operates the first screen third switch image SW13, manual is selected as the adjustment mode for adjusting the height of the guide roller 51. After starting to generate the confirmation start instruction information, the input interface 120 adds selection result information corresponding to the operation to the confirmation start instruction information when the user operates the first screen second switch image SW12 or the first screen third switch image SW13. Thereafter, the input interface 120 outputs the generated confirmation start information to the processing circuit 140.

[0096] 11 shows the contents displayed on the display 132 during the tilt confirmation process. During the tilt confirmation process, for example, a second screen first image GA21, a second screen second image GA22, and a second screen first switch image SW21 are displayed on the display 132. The second screen first switch image SW21 is included in the second screen second image GA22.

[0097] The second screen first image GA21 is an image showing height adjustment request information, and is an image notifying the user that a tilt that requires adjustment has occurred in the reaction disc 13. The second screen first image GA21 displays a message saying "The reaction disc is tilted. Please adjust the height of the guide roller."

[0098] The second screen second image GA22 is an image showing adjustment information, and is an image notifying the user of adjustment measures for the guide roller 51. The second screen second image GA22 displays the message "Raise the third guide roller by one level" and the words "Setting: Manual".

[0099] The second screen first switch image SW21 is a GUI image displaying the words "Change to Automatic" for switching the adjustment mode for the height adjustment of the guide roller 51. When the user operates the second screen first switch image SW21, the adjustment mode for the height adjustment of the guide roller 51 is switched from manual to child.

[0100] 12 shows the content displayed on the display 132 after the height adjustment of the guide roller 51 is completed. After the height adjustment of the guide roller 51 is completed, for example, the third screen first image GA31, the third screen first switch image SW31, and the third screen second switch image SW32 are displayed on the display 132. The third screen first switch image SW31 and the third screen second switch image SW32 include the third screen first image GA31.

[0101] The third screen first image GA31 is an image for asking the user whether or not to recheck the inclination of the reaction disk 13 after the height adjustment of the guide roller 51 is completed. The third screen first image GA31 displays the message "Do you want to recheck?" The third screen first switch image SW31 is a GUI switch displaying the word "recheck," and the third screen second switch image SW32 is a GUI switch displaying the word "end." When the third screen first switch image SW31 is operated by the user, the inclination of the reaction disk 13 is rechecked. When the third screen second switch image SW32 is operated by the user, the confirmation process ends.

[0102] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the automated analyzer includes a reaction disk on which a plurality of reaction tubes are arranged in a circumferential direction and which rotates in the circumferential direction, a reference portion provided on the reaction disk and serving as a reference for the height of the reaction disk, height sensors which detect the relative height of the reference portion at a plurality of detection positions which are different in the circumferential direction of the reaction disk, and a confirmation portion which confirms the tilt of the reaction disk based on the relative height of the reference portion, thereby enabling the automated analyzer to accurately confirm the tilt of the reaction disk.

[0103] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1 Automatic analyzer 10 Analyzer 11 Reagent Storage No. 1 12 Second Reagent Storage 13 Reaction Disc 14 Disk Sampler 15 Reagent Racks 16 Reagent Bottles 17 Reaction tube 18 Test sample container 21 First reagent dispensing arm 22 Second reagent dispensing arm 23 Dispensing arm 31 First reagent dispensing probe 31S 1st probe sensor 32 Second reagent dispensing probe 32S Second probe sensor 33 Dispensing Probe 41 Mixing unit 42 Cleaning unit 43 Photometric unit 50 Disk support device 51 Guide roller 52 Pillar 53 Adjustment mechanism 54 Lifting board 55 Adjustment bolt 60 Reference Pin 70 Drive Unit 100 control device 110 Communication Interface 120 input interface 130 Output Interface 131 Printer 132 Display 140 Processing Circuit 141 Analysis data processing function 142 Analysis Control Function 143 System Control Functions 150 memory 161 Acquisition Function 162 Reception Function 163 Confirmation Function 164 Notification function 165 Reporting function 166 Selection Function 167 Control Functions 168 Display Control Function

Claims

1. a reaction disk having a plurality of reaction tubes arranged along a circumferential direction and rotating in the circumferential direction; a reference portion provided on the reaction disk and serving as a reference for the height of the reaction disk; a height sensor for detecting a relative height of the reference portion at a plurality of different detection positions in a circumferential direction of the reaction disk; a confirmation unit that confirms the inclination of the reaction disk based on the relative height of the reference unit. Automatic analyzer.

2. a reagent probe for dispensing a reagent into the reaction tube; a moving mechanism that moves the reagent probe to a plurality of positions including the detection position and a dispensing position where the reagent is dispensed into the reaction tube, the height sensor is a probe sensor provided on the reagent probe and detecting the liquid level of the liquid dispensed into the reaction tube; The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 .

3. the reference portion includes a pin protruding from the reaction disk; The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 .

4. The probe sensor includes a capacitance sensor (although it may also be an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, etc.). The automatic analyzer according to claim 2 .

5. the reference portion is formed of a metal material or a liquid material. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4.

6. a plurality of the reference portions can be simultaneously arranged at positions on the reaction disk corresponding to the plurality of detection positions, respectively; The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 .

7. different reagent probes are disposed at the plurality of detection locations; The automatic analyzer according to claim 2 .

8. a plurality of guide rollers that support the reaction disk from below at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction and rotate together with the reaction disk; and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the guide roller. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 .

9. a notification unit that notifies a user whether or not height adjustment by the adjustment mechanism is necessary based on a result of the confirmation by the confirmation unit, The automatic analyzer according to claim 8.

10. Further, a reception unit is provided for receiving an instruction from a user to check the inclination of the reaction disk. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 .

11. a reporting unit configured to report tilt occurrence information indicating the occurrence of tilt of the reaction disk when the tilt of the reaction disk is equal to or greater than a threshold value; The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 .

12. Further provided is a reporting unit that reports the tilt of the reaction disk to a user. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 .

13. The adjustment mechanism allows a user to manually adjust the height of the guide roller. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8.

14. the adjustment mechanism includes an automatic adjustment mechanism that automatically adjusts the height of the guide roller, a height control unit that controls the automatic adjustment mechanism based on the confirmation result by the confirmation unit; The automatic analyzer according to claim 8.

15. the adjustment mechanism is capable of manually adjusting the height of the guide roller and includes an automatic adjustment mechanism that automatically adjusts the height of the guide roller; a height control unit that controls the automatic adjustment mechanism based on the confirmation result by the confirmation unit; a selection unit that allows a user to select whether the adjustment of the height of the guide roller by the adjustment mechanism is to be performed manually or automatically; The automatic analyzer according to claim 8.

16. the confirmation unit confirms the inclination of the reaction disk and then reconfirms the inclination of the reaction disk; The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 .

17. a display control unit that displays the tilt occurrence information on a display unit; The automatic analyzer according to claim 11.

18. Further, a display control unit is provided that causes selection information to be displayed on a display unit for allowing the user to make the selection. The automated analyzer according to claim 15.

19. The computer a reaction disk having a plurality of reaction tubes arranged along a circumferential direction, the reaction disk being rotated in the circumferential direction, the reference portion being a reference for the height of the reaction disk, the relative heights of the reference portion being detected at a plurality of detection positions different in the circumferential direction of the reaction disk; confirming the inclination of the reaction disk based on the relative height of the reference portion; How to check the tilt of the reaction disk.

20. On the computer, a reaction disk having a plurality of reaction tubes arranged along a circumferential direction, the reaction disk being rotated in the circumferential direction, the reference portion being a reference for the height of the reaction disk, the relative heights of the reference portion being detected at a plurality of detection positions different in the circumferential direction of the reaction disk; and checking the inclination of the reaction disk based on the relative height of the reference portion. program.

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