Smear device, specimen analysis system, smear specimen processing method

Abstract

For example, improve the availability of the smearing device. [Solution] The smearing device comprises a smearing unit for smearing a sample onto a glass slide, a sample identification information reading unit for reading sample identification information attached to a sample container for holding the sample, a slide identification information reading unit for reading slide identification information assigned to the glass slide on which the sample is smeared, and an identification information storage unit for storing the slide identification information and the sample identification information in association.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a smear device, a specimen analysis system, and a smear specimen processing method.

Background Art

[0002] A smear device is known that smears a specimen on a slide glass to prepare a smear specimen. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a smear device that prints a specimen number, a date, a barcode, a two-dimensional code or the like on a printing area of a slide glass by a printing unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The conventional smear device exemplified in Patent Document 1 prints specimen identification information such as a specimen number and a patient name on a slide glass by a printing unit using a thermal transfer printer. The slide glass on which the specimen identification information is printed is supplied to a specimen imaging device, and the specimen is identified based on the specimen identification information. The specimen imaging device images the smeared specimen, analyzes the image, and performs a morphological classification test on cells contained in the specimen. The thermal transfer printer mounted on the smear device has a problem that it is prone to failure due to the influence of powder adhering to the surface of the slide glass and repeated contact with the slide glass. When the thermal transfer printer fails, the specimen identification information cannot be printed on the slide glass. If the specimen identification information cannot be printed, the specimen imaging device cannot identify the specimen smeared on the slide glass. Therefore, the failure of the thermal transfer printer has been a constraint on the automation of morphological testing using the smear device and the specimen imaging device. The present invention has been made under such technical background.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a smearing device usable in a system including an imaging device for capturing images of a smear specimen comprises: a supply unit for containing and supplying a slide glass to which slide identification information has been assigned; a suction unit for aspirating a specimen contained in a specimen container; a smearing unit for smearing the specimen onto the slide glass supplied from the supply unit; a first reading unit for reading specimen identification information attached to the specimen container containing the specimen; a second reading unit for reading slide identification information assigned to the slide glass on which the specimen is smeared; and a control unit, wherein the control unit associates the slide identification information with the specimen identification information so that the imaging device can identify the specimen identification information based on the slide identification information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, the specimen imaging device can identify the specimen smeared on the slide glass without using a thermal transfer printer, thus avoiding the inspection being stopped due to a malfunction of the thermal transfer printer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the sample analysis system. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a smearing device and an imaging device in a plan view. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a microscope slide. [Figure 4] A perspective view showing the configuration of the rack and sample containers. [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram for reading slide identification information assigned to a microscope slide. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram for smearing a sample onto a glass slide. [Figure 7] Diagram illustrating the slide magazine and storage compartment. [Figure 8] A block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the smearing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the imaging device in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] A block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a blood cell counter in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] A block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the host computer in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of order information in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] A diagram showing an example of the structure of the result data in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of the data structure of identification information association data in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] A schematic diagram showing the association between sample number and slide number in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] A diagram showing an example of a timing chart for the processing performed by each device in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of a GUI displaying blood cell images acquired by an imaging device, blood cell classification results obtained by analyzing the blood cell images, and hematology test results. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of a GUI displaying blood cell images acquired by an imaging device, blood cell classification results obtained by analyzing the blood cell images, and hematology test results. [Figure 19] A flowchart showing an example of the process for preparing a smear sample in the first embodiment. [Figure 20] A flowchart showing a modified example of the smear preparation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 21] A diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the display unit of the smearing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 22] A diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the display unit of the smearing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 23] A diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the display unit of the smearing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 24] A diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the display unit of the smearing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 25] A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the smearing device in the second embodiment. [Figure 26] A diagram showing an example of a consumable replacement screen displayed on the display unit of the smear applying device in the second embodiment. [Figure 27] A diagram showing an example of a pop-up screen displayed on the display unit of the smear applying device in the second embodiment. [Figure 28] (a) A diagram showing a configuration example of a slide glass set. (b) A diagram showing a configuration example of an attached document. [Figure 29] A diagram showing an example of the stacking order of slide glasses in the slide storage unit. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0008] An example of the smear applying device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] <First Embodiment> Referring to FIG. 1, the smear applying device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. The smear applying device 1 of the first embodiment includes a slide identification information reading unit 15b (see FIG. 2) for reading slide identification information pre-printed on a slide glass SG (slide).

[0010] 1. Configuration of Sample Analysis System S FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the sample analysis system S including the smear applying device 1 according to the first embodiment. The arrows represent the transport flow of the rack 7 that accommodates sample containers BP (see FIG. 4) containing samples.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the sample analysis system S in a plan view. The front, rear, left, and right directions in the plan view are indicated by arrows. An operator accesses the sample analysis system S from the front side of the sample analysis system S.

[0012] The sample analysis system S illustrated in FIG. 1 is provided with a smear applying device 1, an imaging device 2, a blood cell counter 3, a sample transport device 4, and a slide transport device 5.

[0013] The hemocytometer 3 aspirates the sample transported by the sample transporter 4 and counts the blood cells contained in the sample. The smearing device 1 aspirates the sample transported by the sample transporter 4 and smears it onto a glass slide SG. The sample transporter 4 supplies the sample to the hemocytometer 3 and the smearing device 1 by transporting a rack containing the sample containers BP.

[0014] The slide transport device 5 transports the slide glass SG, on which the sample has been smeared by the smearing device 1, to the imaging device 2. The imaging device 2 images the transported slide glass SG.

[0015] 2. Description of the equipment involved in slide processing Figure 2 shows an example of a plan view configuration of the smearing device 1 and the imaging device 2. In Figure 2, the arrows represent the movement of the slide glass SG.

[0016] The smearing device 1 is a device that prepares a smear specimen by smearing a subject's sample, such as blood, onto a glass slide SG, and then performing processes such as drying and staining. The smearing device 1 comprises a supply unit 101, a slide identification information reading unit 15b, a specimen identification information reading unit 15a, a smearing unit 10, a drying unit 102, a staining unit 103, a storage unit 104, and an aspiration unit 105. The configuration of each unit will be described later. As shown in Figure 2, the smearing device 1 does not have a printing unit for printing identification information on the glass slide SG. The smearing device 1 enables the identification of specimens smeared on the glass slide SG by providing a slide identification information reading unit 15b instead of a printing unit. This function will also be described later.

[0017] The imaging device 2 is a device that images the smear specimen prepared by the smear device 1.

[0018] The imaging device 2 comprises a transfer unit 201, a slide identification information reading unit 25b, an oil application unit 202, an imaging unit 203, and a storage unit 28. The transfer unit 201 receives the smear specimen from the smearing device 1 via a slide transport device 5 (see Figure 1). The slide identification information reading unit 25b reads the machine-readable code printed on the slide glass SG of the received smear specimen. The oil application unit 202 applies immersion oil to the smear surface of the smear specimen. The smear specimen with immersion oil applied is transported to the imaging unit 203. The imaging unit 203 is equipped with an objective lens and images the smear specimen. The imaging unit 203, for example, magnifies and images each of the multiple cells contained in the smear specimen. The storage unit 28 stores the smear specimens imaged by the imaging unit 203. The captured image data is transmitted to the control unit 21. The control unit 21 performs predetermined processes such as cell feature extraction, identification and classification, blood cell image extraction, automatic blood cell classification, and counting of each blood cell type. The captured image data and analysis results, along with information decoded from the read machine-readable code, can be displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the imaging device 2, or on the display unit of another device that can communicate via the communication unit 23 of the imaging device 2.

[0019] 3. Explanation of Microscope Slide SG Figure 3 shows an example of a microscope slide SG. The microscope slide SG consists of a rectangular glass plate, and the sample is spread on the central smear area SGa. Slide identification information is printed on one end of the microscope slide SG in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] 3-1. Definition of slide identification information Slide identification information is unique identification information assigned individually to each slide glass SG. Slide identification information may also be, for example, a slide number unique to each slide glass SG.

[0021] Slide numbers are unique to each slide, consisting of numbers, letters, or a combination thereof. For example, slide numbers can be represented by numbers, letters, or combinations thereof, such as "000001", "AAAAAA", or "A00001". Slide numbers can be consecutive or randomly assigned. Ideally, slide numbers should consist of a combination of five or more digits and letters.

[0022] 3-2. How to display slide identification information Slide identification information may be applied to the glass slide SG during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, slide identification information may be applied to the glass slide SG by an operator in the inspection room. In this case, the operator may apply the slide identification information using an automated device separate from the smearing device 1. The application of slide identification information to the glass slide SG can be done, for example, by (1) printing, (2) engraving, or (3) labeling.

[0023] In the printing example, ink can be applied to the surface of a microscope slide SG to print slide identification information. Examples of printers that can be used to apply ink and print slide identification information include thermal transfer printers, inkjet printers, and UV printers.

[0024] In the case of engraving, slide identification information can be engraved on the surface of the microscope slide SG. Possible processing methods include laser processing or powder processing. Examples include laser printing, laser markers, and sandblasting.

[0025] In the example of label application, a label with printed slide identification information can be attached to the top of the slide glass SG.

[0026] 3-3. Method for assigning slide identification information Slide identification information may be attached to the slide glass SG in the form of a machine-readable code generated based on the slide number, for example. In other words, slide identification information may be represented by a machine-readable code that encodes the slide number. The example in Figure 3 shows an example where a machine-readable code generated based on the slide number is printed on the slide glass. The machine-readable code may be, for example, a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code. From the viewpoint of improving readability, a two-dimensional code is more preferable. The two-dimensional code may be, for example, a matrix type in which information is displayed in a mosaic pattern of black and white cells. Examples of matrix types include, for example, QR code (registered trademark), data matrix, and VeriCode. In the example in Figure 3, a QR code m is displayed as the machine-readable code. The slide number is obtained by reading and decoding the machine-readable code by the slide identification information reading unit 15b of the smearing device 1.

[0027] Slide identification information may be affixed to the slide glass SG in both machine-readable code format and in letter or numeric format. In the example in Figure 3, the slide number "A00001" and a QR code m generated based on this slide number are printed.

[0028] Multiple machine-readable codes may be attached to a single microscope slide SG. For example, a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code may be attached to a single microscope slide SG. In this case, it can be read by both a code reader for one-dimensional codes and a code reader for two-dimensional codes. Alternatively, multiple two-dimensional codes may be attached to a microscope slide SG. In this case, even if one of the two-dimensional codes is missing and unreadable, the readability can be increased by reading the other two-dimensional code.

[0029] 4. Explanation of the sample container BP Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of rack 7 and sample container BP.

[0030] Rack 7 has 10 holes 71 that can hold sample containers BP upright, and a barcode label 72. The barcode label 72 is affixed to the rear surface of rack 7. The barcode label 72 has a barcode n2 printed on it that indicates the rack ID, which is identification information that allows rack 7 to be identified individually.

[0031] The sample container BP comprises a body 711, a barcode label 712, and a lid 713. The body 711 is a tubular container with an open top, and contains a sample inside. The barcode label 712 is affixed to the side of the body 711. The barcode label 712 has a barcode n1 printed on it, which indicates the sample number as identification information that allows for individual identification of the sample inside. The sample number is a unique combination of numbers and letters for each sample. For example, the sample number may be expressed as numbers, letters, or combinations thereof, such as "000001", "BBBBBB", or "B00001". The lid 713 is installed at the top of the body 711 to seal the inside of the body 711. The lid 713 is configured so that a piercer provided on the smearing device 1 can pass through it vertically.

[0032] 5. Detailed description of each part of the smearing device 1 Referring again to Figure 2, the configuration of each part of the smearing device 1 will be explained in order.

[0033] <Supply section 101> The supply unit 101 receives the glass slides SG before processing and supplies the received glass slides SG one by one to the slide identification information reading unit 15b. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the supply unit 101. In the figure, the X direction corresponds to the left-right direction in Figure 2, and the Y direction corresponds to the front-back direction. In the figure, the Z direction corresponds to the up-down direction.

[0034] In the configuration example shown in Figure 5, the supply unit 101 includes a case unit 111 for holding multiple stacked slide glass SGs before processing, and an output unit 113 for pushing the stacked slide glass SGs out of the case unit 111 one by one and supplying them to the transport unit 120. The case unit 111 has a hollow cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction (Z direction). The case unit 111 can hold multiple slide glass SGs inside in a state where they are stacked horizontally and parallel to each other in the vertical direction. The case unit 111 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that surrounds the slide glass SGs when a predetermined number of slide glass SGs are stacked in the vertical direction.

[0035] The discharge section 113 is located below the case section 111. A contact member 114 is provided at the transfer position of the slide glass SG. The transport section 120 moves in the Y1 direction so that the opening / closing section 123b of the holding member 121 comes into contact with the contact member 114 positioned at the transfer position of the slide glass SG. As a result, the pressing section 123a of the holding member 121 rotates around the pivot axis 123c, and the pressing section 123a moves to the open position.

[0036] The discharge unit 113 is provided so as to protrude upward from the installation surface of the glass slide SG. The amount of protrusion of the discharge unit 113 is less than the thickness of the glass slide SG. The discharge unit 113 can be moved in the Y direction by a drive source (not shown), such as a motor. In the supply unit 101, with the pressing unit 123a in the open position, the glass slide SG is pushed out in the Y2 direction by the discharge unit 113 and supplied to the transport unit 120 while being maintained parallel to the horizontal direction. The discharge unit 113 discharges the bottommost glass slide SG of the stack to the transport unit 120. In this way, glass slides SG can be supplied one by one from the supply unit 101 to the transport unit 120.

[0037] The glass slide SG supplied to the transport unit 120 is placed on the upper surface of the mounting unit 122 in the holding member 121 in a flat position (parallel to the horizontal direction) with the coated surface facing upward. With the glass slide SG placed on the upper surface of the mounting unit 122, the glass slide SG is sent to the slide identification information reading unit 15b.

[0038] <Slide identification information reading unit 15b> Referring again to Figure 2, the slide identification information reading unit 15b will be described. The slide identification information reading unit 15b reads the slide identification information of the slide glass SG sent from the supply unit 101. The slide identification information reading unit 15b may be provided between the supply unit 101 and the smearing unit 10. In other words, the slide identification information reading unit 15b may be provided in a position where the slide identification information can be read before the slide glass SG is sent to the smearing unit 10. In this case, the slide identification information reading unit 15b reads the slide identification information of the slide glass SG being transported along the transport path from the supply unit 101 to the smearing unit 10. With this arrangement, the smearing device 1 can smear the sample on the slide glass SG from which the slide identification information has been successfully read, and skip smearing the sample on the slide glass SG from which the reading has failed. By avoiding smearing on the slide glass SG from which the reading has failed, the waste of sample can be reduced. Note that the arrangement of the slide identification information reading unit 15b is not limited to this, and for example, it may be provided after the smearing unit 10.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the slide identification information reading unit 15b may be provided above the transport unit 120 at the position where the slide glass SG is supplied from the supply unit 101 to the transport unit 120.

[0040] The slide identification information reading unit 15b may primarily consist of a camera unit that captures a code attached to the slide glass SG and an image processing unit that decodes the captured image. The slide identification information reading unit 15b may be arranged to read the slide identification information of a horizontally placed slide glass SG, for example, as shown in Figure 5. When smearing a sample onto a slide glass SG, the slide glass SG is placed horizontally and the sample is dropped onto it for smearing, as described later. By configuring the unit to read the slide identification information from a horizontally placed slide glass SG, there is no need to change the orientation of the slide glass SG between reading the slide identification information and smearing. This allows for smooth supply of slide glass SG, reading of slide identification information, and smearing of the sample, contributing to improved processing capacity.

[0041] As explained with reference to Figure 3, the microscope slide SG is marked with a machine-readable code that encodes slide identification information. The slide identification information reading unit 15b acquires slide identification information by imaging and decoding the machine-readable code attached to the microscope slide SG. The slide identification information reading unit 15b transmits the acquired slide identification information to the control unit 11, which will be described later.

[0042] Note that the slide identification information reading unit 15b does not necessarily have to include an image processing unit that performs decoding. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may decode the image acquired by the slide identification information reading unit 15b.

[0043] <Specimen identification information reading unit 15a> The specimen identification information reading unit 15a mainly comprises, for example, a camera unit for image acquisition and an image processing unit. The specimen identification information reading unit 15a may be, for example, a reading device capable of reading the specimen number attached to the specimen container BP. The specimen number is encoded in a machine-readable code, such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code. The specimen identification information reading unit 15a captures the machine-readable code attached to the specimen container BP, decodes the machine-readable code to obtain the specimen number, and transmits the obtained specimen number to the control unit 11, which will be described later.

[0044] The specimen identification information reading unit 15a may, for example, read the specimen number on the side of a specimen container BP that is stored upright in a rack 7. Alternatively, the specimen identification information reading unit 15a may, for example, remove the specimen container BP from the rack 7 using an arm device (not shown) while keeping it upright, and then read the specimen number on the side of the removed specimen container BP.

[0045] <Suction part 105> The suction unit 105 mainly comprises a suction tube for aspirating a sample from the sample container BP, a drive mechanism for driving the suction tube, and a pump that generates pressure inside the suction tube to aspirate the sample. The tip of the suction tube is sharply formed so as to be able to puncture the lid 713 of the sample container BP. After the sample identification information reading unit 15a reads the sample number, the suction unit 105 drives the suction tube with the drive mechanism to puncture the lid 713 of the sample container BP and insert it inside, and aspirates the sample with the pressure of the pump. The suction unit 105 supplies the aspirated sample to the smearing unit 10.

[0046] <Smear section 10> The smearing unit 10 mainly comprises, for example, a nozzle 161 and a smearing member 162. Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of the smearing unit 10. The suction unit 105 is also shown. The nozzle 161 drops the sample aspirated by the suction unit 105 onto the glass slide SG. The smearing member 162 is, for example, a drawn glass. The smearing member 162 moves while in contact with the dropped sample at a predetermined angle, thereby smearing the sample onto the glass slide SG.

[0047] <Drying section 102> The drying unit 102, for example, is equipped with a fan that blows air onto the slide glass SG, and has the function of drying the sample smeared on the slide glass SG by blowing air onto the smeared portion SGa of the slide glass SG on which the sample has been smeared. The drying unit 102 may be incorporated into the smearing unit 10.

[0048] <Dyeing section 103> The staining unit 103 performs staining and washing on the glass slides SG coated by the coating unit 10, and then performs drying on the stained glass slides SG. After staining and drying, the glass slides SG are transported to the storage unit 104.

[0049] <Storage Department 104> The storage unit 104 stores the dried glass slides SG in a slide magazine 8 (which may also be called a slide rack). If a slide transport device 5 is connected to the storage unit 104, the stored glass slides SG are transported to the slide transport device 5 by a slide magazine transport unit (not shown). Furthermore, for the drying section 102, the staining section 103, and the storage section 104 of the smearing device 1, for example, the configuration of the smearing device described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-20353 can be applied. Also, for details of the slide transport device 5, for example, the configuration of the specimen transport device described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-20353 can be applied. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-20353 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0050] (Detailed explanation of storage section 104) Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the loading and unloading mechanism of the slide magazine 8 in the storage section 104. The slide magazine 8 is a container for glass slides SG (smear specimens, smear specimen slides) and is configured to store multiple glass slides SG (for example, 10 slides). As shown in Figure 7, the slide magazine 8 has a box-like shape with an open top and is provided with a partition inside. The partition is formed on the inner surface of opposing longitudinal walls. The partition formed on the inner surface of one wall and the partition formed on the inner surface of the other opposing wall are formed in opposing positions.

[0051] The storage unit 104, as a transport unit for transporting slide magazines 8, can set multiple (e.g., 8) empty slide magazines 8, as shown in Figure 7, and includes a magazine loading path 182 (transport path on the right side of the drawing) as a transport path for transporting the set slide magazines 8 to a predetermined specimen storage position (not shown), a magazine loading path 184 (transport path on the left side of the drawing) as a transport path for transporting slide magazines 8 containing smear specimens to the outside, and a lateral feeding mechanism (not shown) for laterally moving the slide magazines 8 from the magazine loading path 182 to the magazine loading path 184.

[0052] When a user places an empty slide magazine 8 into the magazine loading path 182, the slide magazine 8 is automatically transported toward the specimen storage position. The smear specimen is picked up by a transport unit (not shown) and placed in the empty storage position (storage section) of the slide magazine 8 positioned in the specimen storage position. Once full, the slide magazine 8 is transported laterally from the magazine loading path 182 to the magazine unloading path 184 by a lateral feeding mechanism. The slide magazine 8 that has been transported laterally to the magazine unloading path 184 is then unloaded (transported to the outside).

[0053] Furthermore, on the outer surface of the coating device 1, in this example, at a position in front of the magazine loading passage 182, there is an ejection button DBT that allows the user to eject the slide magazine 8 from the magazine ejection passage 184 at any time. When the ejection button DBT is operated by the user, the slide magazine 8 is ejected from the magazine ejection passage 184.

[0054] Furthermore, if the control unit 11 of the smearing device 1 detects that the number of remaining empty slide magazines 8 has reached a predetermined number (for example, 3), it may notify the user by displaying this information on the display unit 13 (or by outputting an audible signal from the sound output unit).

[0055] 6. Explanation of the block diagram Referring to Figures 8 to 11, the configuration of the smearing device 1, imaging device 2, blood cell counter 3, and host computer HC will be explained. The block diagrams are primarily intended to illustrate the electrical connections, and some of the functional parts mentioned above are omitted from the illustration.

[0056] <Smear device 1> Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the smearing device 1. The smearing device 1 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 19, and a communication unit 14, which are connected via a bus. The smearing device 1 further comprises an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, a sample identification information reading unit 15a, a slide identification information reading unit 15b, a suction unit 105, and an operating unit 16, which are connected to the control unit 11 and the like via an interface unit 17.

[0057] The control unit 11 is a processor that comprehensively controls each part of the coating device 1 according to various programs such as system programs stored in the memory unit 19. The control unit 11 may be composed of processing circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0058] The storage unit 19 is a storage device that stores programs for realizing various functions of the smearing device 1. The storage unit 19 may be composed of memory circuits such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and flash memory, as well as a hard disk drive or magneto-optical disk drive. Identification information association data 191 is stored in the storage unit 19.

[0059] The communication unit 14 is a communication device for sending and receiving information used within the device to and from external devices. Various communication methods may be applied to the communication unit 14, such as wired connection via a cable conforming to a predetermined communication standard such as Ethernet or USB (Universal Serial Bus), wireless connection using wireless communication technology conforming to a predetermined communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or 5G (fifth-generation mobile communication system), or connection using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The control unit 11 is configured to communicate with the host computer HC via the communication unit 14.

[0060] The operation unit 12 is configured to have input devices for the user to perform various operations on the smearing device 1, such as operation buttons and operation switches. The operation unit 12 may also have a touch panel (not shown) that is integrated with the display unit 13, and this touch panel may function as an input interface between the user and the smearing device 1.

[0061] The display unit 13 is a display device configured with, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an OLED (Organic Electro-luminescence Display), and displays information based on the display signal output from the control unit 11. As described above, the display unit 13 may be configured as a touchscreen having an integrally configured touch panel, for example.

[0062] The operating unit 16 is a mechanical unit that handles the glass slide SG by operating under the control of the control unit 11, and is a collective term for the supply unit 101, coating unit 10, drying unit 102, staining unit 103, and storage unit 104 shown in Figure 2. The operating unit 16 has various sensors and actuators. The control unit 11 controls the operation of the operating unit 16 by transmitting drive signals to the actuators via the interface unit 17 and receiving signals from sensors via the interface unit 17.

[0063] <Imaging device 2> Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging device 2. The imaging device 2 comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23, which are connected via a bus. The imaging device 2 further comprises a slide identification information reading unit 25b and an operating unit 26, which are connected to the control unit 21 and the others via an interface unit 27.

[0064] The operating unit 26 is a mechanical unit that handles the glass slide SG by operating under the control of the control unit 21, and is a collective term for the transfer unit 201, oil application unit 202, imaging unit 203, and storage unit 28 shown in Figure 2. The operating unit 26 has various sensors and actuators. The control unit 21 controls the operation of the operating unit 26 by transmitting drive signals to the actuators via the interface unit 27 and receiving signals from sensors via the interface unit 27. The control unit 21 is connected to the slide transport device 5 via the interface unit 27. The control unit 21 controls the slide transport device 5 by exchanging signals with the slide transport device 5.

[0065] <Blood cell counter 3> Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the blood cell counter 3. The blood cell counter 3 is a device for counting blood cells contained in a blood sample. The blood cell counter 3 comprises a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33, which are connected via a bus. The blood cell counter 3 further comprises a sample identification information reading unit 34, a sample preparation unit 35, and a measurement unit 36, which are connected to the control unit 31, etc. via an interface unit 37. The control unit 31 is also connected to the sample transport device 4 via the interface unit 37.

[0066] The sample identification information reading unit 34 reads the sample number from the sample container BP. The sample preparation unit 35 aspirates the sample from the sample container BP and prepares the measurement sample by mixing the aspirated sample with reagents. The measurement unit 36 ​​measures the measurement sample and generates measurement data. The control unit 31 analyzes the measurement data generated by the measurement unit 36 ​​based on the analysis program stored in the storage unit 32 and generates the analysis results for the blood sample. The analysis results generated by the blood cell counter 3 are called hematology test result data. The control unit 31 stores the hematology test result data in the storage unit 32, associating it with the sample number. The control unit 31 transmits the hematology test result data stored in the storage unit 32 to the host computer HC via the communication unit 33. In addition to the analysis program, the storage unit 32 stores a control program that controls the operation of the blood cell counter 3. The control unit 31 controls the operation of the sample identification information reading unit 34, the sample preparation unit 35, and the measurement unit 36 ​​by executing the control program.

[0067] The measurement unit 36 ​​includes, for example, (1) an electrical measurement unit, (2) an optical measurement unit, and (3) a hemoglobin measurement unit. The electrical measurement unit passes the sample to be measured through an aperture to which a voltage is applied, and electrically measures the cells based on the change in electrical resistance when the cells pass through the aperture. The optical measurement unit is, for example, a flow cytometer type measurement unit. The optical measurement unit comprises, for example, a flow cell, a light source, and a photodetector, and optically measures the cells by passing the sample to be measured through a flow cell irradiated with light from the light source, and detecting multiple types of light emitted from individual cells as they pass through the flow cell with multiple photodetectors. The hemoglobin measurement unit measures the absorbance of the sample to which red blood cells have been fused. In one example, red blood cells and platelets are counted based on the measurement data from the electrical measurement unit. White blood cells are classified into multiple subclasses and counted based on the measurement data from the optical measurement unit. The hemoglobin concentration is determined based on the measurement data from the hemoglobin measurement unit.

[0068] <Host Computer HC> Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the host computer HC. The host computer HC is a computer used in medical institutions to centrally manage test data transmitted from various testing devices and information about patients being tested.

[0069] The host computer HC comprises, for example, a control unit HC1, a communication unit HC4, and a storage unit HC9, which are connected via a bus. The control unit HC1 controls the operation of the entire host computer HC. The communication unit HC4 communicates data with the smear device 1, the imaging device 2, and the blood cell counter 3.

[0070] The host computer HC has, for example, the following functions: • Management and provision of order information: The host computer HC stores order information, such as measurement orders requested by the blood cell counter 3 and smear orders requested by the smearing device 1. The host computer HC provides order information in response to inquiries from each device. • Management and provision of result data: The host computer HC stores the result data, which is an integrated version of the hematology test result data obtained from the blood cell counter 3 and the image data obtained from the imaging device 2, in the storage unit HC9. In response to an inquiry from a terminal device, the host computer HC reads the result data from the storage unit HC9 and provides the result data to the terminal device. A terminal device is, for example, a computer authorized to access the same test information network as the host computer HC. For example, if a terminal device requests result data from the host computer HC using the sample number as the key, the host computer HC reads the result data corresponding to the sample number from the storage unit HC9 and returns it to the terminal device.

[0071] Figure 12 illustrates an example of order information stored in the memory unit HC9 of the host computer HC. The memory unit HC9 stores, for example, test orders entered via the hospital information system HIS. In the example in Figure 12, measurement orders for the hematology counter 3 (hereinafter referred to as complete blood count orders) are stored in association with the sample number. A complete blood count order includes measurement items to be measured by the hematology counter 3, and in the example in Figure 12, the measurement of RBC (red blood cell count), PLT (platelet count), HGB (hemoglobin concentration), and WBC (white blood cell count) is requested. In Figure 12, the column corresponding to the ordered measurement item name is checked. When the hematology counter 3 queries the host computer HC for a complete blood count order using the sample number read from the sample container BP as the key, the host computer HC returns the complete blood count order corresponding to the received sample number to the hematology counter 3. The blood cell counter 3 measures the measurement items included in the received complete blood count order and returns the hematology test result data obtained from the measurement, along with the sample number, to the host computer HC.

[0072] The host computer HC executes rules to determine whether additional tests are necessary based on the received hematology test result data. If the rule execution determines that smear preparation is necessary, a smear order is generated. If it is determined that blood cell imaging is necessary in addition to smear preparation, an imaging order is generated. In the order information in the lower part of Figure 12, checks are entered in the "Smear" and "Imaging" columns. When the smearing device 1 queries the host computer HC for smear preparation using the sample number read from the sample container BP as the key, the host computer HC returns a smear order corresponding to the received sample number to the smearing device 1. The query for imaging orders will be described later.

[0073] Figure 13 illustrates the structure of the result data that the host computer HC constructs in the storage unit HC9. The result data includes hematology test result data generated by the blood cell counter 3 and image analysis data generated by the imaging device 2, which are associated with each other by sample number. When the sample numbers of the hematology test result data received from the blood cell counter 3 and the image analysis data received from the imaging device 2 are the same, the control unit HC1 of the host computer HC associates the two data and stores them in the storage unit HC9 as shown in Figure 13.

[0074] Figure 14 shows an example of the data structure of identification information association data 191A, which is an example of identification information association data 191. Identification information association data 191A stores, for example, the sample number and the slide number in association.

[0075] In this embodiment, it is possible to associate multiple slide numbers with a single sample number. In other words, some sample numbers may be associated with multiple slide numbers. For example, sample number "B0002" is associated with and stored as two slide numbers, "A0002" and "A0003".

[0076] Alternatively, one slide number may be associated with one sample number; in this case, there will be a one-to-one association between the sample number and the slide number.

[0077] Alternatively, instead of associating the slide number with the sample number and storing them in the identification information association data 191A, it may be possible to associate and store, for example, the slide identification machine-readable code (e.g., a code image of a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code) with the sample identification machine-readable code (e.g., a code image of a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code). Alternatively, the location information of the slide number (for example, the URI of the slide number) and the location information of the sample number (for example, the URI of the sample number) may be associated and stored together.

[0078] 7. Association Process Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of associating sample numbers with slide numbers using the sample analysis system S. Figure 15 shows an excerpt of the entire process of the sample analysis system S, specifically the part related to associating sample numbers with slide numbers.

[0079] One objective of the specimen analysis system S according to this embodiment is to enable the specimen analysis system S to identify a specimen smeared on a slide glass SG without printing a specimen number on the slide glass SG, as in the prior art. When the specimen analysis system S identifies a specimen, it means, for example, that the imaging device 2 or host computer HC of the specimen analysis system S identifies the specimen smeared on the slide glass SG. In the conventional system, where the smearing device 1 reads the specimen number from the specimen container BP and prints it on the slide glass SG, the imaging device 2 could identify the specimen smeared on the slide glass SG by reading the print on the slide glass SG supplied by the smearing device 1. However, as mentioned above, the printing unit of the smearing device 1 is prone to failure, and in this conventional system, the examination using the imaging device could stop depending on the failure of the printing unit. Therefore, the specimen analysis system S according to this embodiment does not equip the smearing device 1 with a printing unit, but instead utilizes a slide number pre-printed on the slide glass SG, allowing the imaging device 2 to identify the specimen using the slide number. This will be explained below with reference to Figure 15.

[0080] (1) The smearing device 1 obtains the sample number from the sample container BP and the slide number that is pre-printed on the glass slide SG. The smearing device 1 associates the sample number of the smeared sample with the slide number (for example, identification information association data 191A) and transmits it to the host computer HC. The glass slide SG on which the sample has been smeared is transported to the imaging device 2.

[0081] (2) The imaging device 2 obtains the slide number from the transported slide glass SG. The imaging device 2 transmits the slide number to the host computer HC.

[0082] (3) The host computer HC identifies the sample number associated with the received slide number and queries the imaging order for the identified sample number. The host computer HC transmits the sample number and imaging order to the imaging device 2. This allows the imaging device 2 to identify the sample smeared on the slide glass SG.

[0083] (4) The imaging device 2 images the slide glass SG based on the imaging order and transmits the obtained blood cell image to the host computer HC, associating it with the sample number.

[0084] Figure 16 shows an example of the processing performed by the control unit HC1 of the host computer HC, the control unit 31 of the blood cell counter 3, the control unit 11 of the smear device 1, and the control unit 21 of the imaging device 2 in this embodiment, as a timing chart. For the sake of explanation, the host computer HC, the blood cell counter 3, the smear device 1, and the imaging device 2 will be described in detail below, but the control units provided in each device are the main control units.

[0085] When the sample transport device 4 transports the rack to the hemocytometer 3, the hemocytometer 3 reads the sample number attached to the sample container BP using the sample identification information reading unit 35a (t210). The hemocytometer 3 transmits the sample number to the host computer HC (t215). In response, the host computer HC transmits the blood count order stored in the memory unit, associated with the received sample number, to the hemocytometer 3 (t125).

[0086] Upon receiving a complete blood count order from the host computer HC, the hematologist 3 performs a blood cell count test based on the order (t220). The hematologist 3 then transmits the sample number and hematology test result data to the host computer HC (t230).

[0087] Upon receiving the sample number and hematology test result data from the blood cell counter 3, the host computer HC stores the hematology test result data in the storage unit, associating it with the sample number. Based on the hematology test result data, the host computer HC executes a judgment rule and determines whether a smear is required and whether imaging is required. The host computer HC stores whether a smear is required and whether imaging is required in the storage unit HC9, associating it with the sample number (t130).

[0088] Once the blood cell counting device 3 has finished its examination, the sample transport device 4 transports the rack to the smearing device 1. When the rack arrives at the smearing device 1, the smearing device 1 obtains the sample number attached to each sample container BP in the transported rack 7 from the sample identification information reading unit 15a (t310).

[0089] The smearing device 1 transmits the acquired sample number to the host computer HC (t320). In response, the host computer HC transmits the smearing order stored in its memory unit, associated with the received sample number, to the smearing device 1 (t150).

[0090] Upon receiving a smear order, the smearing device 1 performs the smear sample preparation process (slide preparation process) (t330). As will be described in detail later, the smearing device 1 controls the supply unit to transport unused slide glass SG to the reading position of the slide identification information reading unit 15b. The control unit 11 causes the slide identification information reading unit 15b to read the machine-readable code of the slide glass SG, and the slide identification information reading unit 15b decodes it to obtain the slide number. The control unit 11 associates the sample number obtained and stored in t310 with the obtained slide number, and updates and stores the identification information association data 191A in the storage unit 19. The smearing device 1 transmits the identification information association data 191A stored in the storage unit 19 to the host computer HC.

[0091] The smearing device 1 uses the suction unit 105 to draw a sample from the sample container BP and drops the sample onto the smearing area SGa of the glass slide SG. The control unit 11 controls the smearing member 162 to smear the dropped sample. After the smearing process, the drying unit 102 performs a drying process and the staining unit 103 performs a staining process to prepare a smear specimen.

[0092] The control unit 11 of the smearing device 1 controls the transport of the prepared smear specimen to the imaging device 2.

[0093] The smear specimen transported to the imaging device 2 has its slide number read by the slide identification information reading unit 25b of the imaging device 2. The imaging device 2 obtains the slide number from the slide identification information reading unit 25b (t410). The imaging device 2 transmits the obtained slide number to the host computer HC (t420).

[0094] The host computer HC refers to the identification information association data 191A stored in the memory unit HC9, identifies the specimen number associated with the slide number received from the imaging device 2, and refers to the imaging order stored in the memory unit's database to transmit the identified specimen number and imaging order to the imaging device 2 (t160). The imaging device 2 uses the imaging unit 203 to image the smear specimen based on the imaging order (t430).

[0095] The imaging device 2 transmits the sample number and the image it has captured to the host computer HC (t440). The imaging device 2 may also classify the blood cells based on the captured image and transmit the classification result along with the sample number to the host computer HC. The smear specimen is transported to the storage unit 28 (t450).

[0096] 8. Example of a display screen Through the process described above, it is possible to display the blood cell images captured by the imaging device 2 and the blood cell count results obtained by the blood cell counter 3 as a display screen for each sample number. This display screen may be displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the imaging device 2, or on the display unit of another device that can communicate with the imaging device 2. For example, Figure 17 shows an example of a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that displays data associated with sample number A4, each of the blood cell image A1 acquired by the imaging device 2, the blood cell classification result A2 obtained by analyzing the blood cell image, and the hematology test result A3. In Figure 17, the slide number A5 and the slide number code associated with sample number A4 are also displayed. In Figure 17, the blood cell images are classified and displayed by attribute (for example, BL (blast cells), MY (myelocytes), MMY (metamyelocytes)). For example, several to several hundred blood cell images may be displayed. The displayed blood cell images may be, for example, individual blood cell images that were captured, or blood cell images generated by stitching together multiple blood cell images. Hematology test results include the number and percentage of blood cells (e.g., number and percentage of white blood cells, etc.) and blood cell histograms (e.g., frequency distribution charts for red blood cells).

[0097] As shown in Figure 18, this display screen may show, for example, a first area B1 that displays classification result A2 and a second area B2 that displays blood cell image A1. Depending on the selection of an attribute (for example, classification type shown in a thick border: BL (blast cells)), a scattergram included in the hematology test result A3 related to the attribute selection (for example, a scattergram showing a population of cells indicating blast cells) may also be displayed.

[0098] (Processing by the smearing device 1) The smear preparation process will be explained with reference to Figure 19. Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the smear preparation process performed by the smear device 1, as shown in the timing chart of Figure 16.

[0099] The control unit 11 controls the supply unit to transport unused slide glass SG to the reading position of the slide identification information reading unit 15b (S130). The control unit 11 causes the slide identification information reading unit 15b to read the machine-readable code of the slide glass SG, and the slide identification information reading unit 15b obtains the slide number by decoding it (S140).

[0100] The control unit 11 associates the sample number obtained in t310 with the slide number obtained in S140, and updates and stores the identification information association data 191A in the storage unit 19 (S150). As described above, the control unit 11 may, for example, transmit the identification information association data 191A stored in the storage unit 19 to the host computer HC.

[0101] Furthermore, the smearing device 1 may associate the sample number of the smeared sample with the slide number (for example, identification information association data 191A) and transmit it to the imaging device 2 without going through the host computer HC. Specifically, in the timing chart of Figure 16, the smearing device 1 may transmit the identification information association data 191A to the imaging device 2 at, for example, t330. In this way, the imaging device 2 can identify the sample number associated with the acquired slide number by referring to the identification information association data 191A after acquiring the slide number at, for example, t410. Alternatively, the smearing device 1 may transmit identification information association data 191A to both the host computer HC and the imaging device 2. In this case, the host computer HC may, for example, be configured to not transmit the sample number to the imaging device 2 (only the imaging order is transmitted to the imaging device 2). In other words, the control unit 11 of the smearing device 1 may provide the imaging device 2 with associated slide identification information and specimen identification information so that the imaging device 2 can identify specimen identification information based on the slide identification information.

[0102] The control unit 11 controls the smearing unit 10 to smear the sample onto the slide glass SG for which the slide number has been acquired (S160). For example, the control unit 11 causes the aspiration unit 105 to aspirate the sample from the sample container BP and drops the sample onto the smearing area SGa of the slide glass SG. The control unit 11 controls the smearing member 162 to smear the dropped sample. After the smearing process, a drying process by the drying unit 102 and a staining process by the staining unit 103 are performed to prepare a smear specimen.

[0103] Figure 20 is a modified version of the flowchart in Figure 19, with steps S141 and S142 added. The other steps are as described with reference to Figure 19, and a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0104] After S140, the control unit 11 determines whether the machine-readable code was successfully read by the slide identification information reading unit 15b (S141). For example, the control unit 11 instructs the slide identification information reading unit 15b to obtain the slide number, and determines that the reading was successful if the slide identification information reading unit 15b returns the slide number in response. On the other hand, the control unit 11 determines that the reading was unsuccessful if, for example, a reading error is returned from the slide identification information reading unit 15b. The slide identification information reading unit 15b may output a reading error if, for example, it cannot recognize the machine-readable code or cannot decode the machine-readable code. In the case where the machine-readable code cannot be recognized, for example, if the machine-readable code is a QR code m, it may be the case that the finder pattern cannot be recognized.

[0105] If the reading is successful (S141: YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to S150 in Figure 19. In this way, the sample is smeared onto the slide glass SG whose machine-readable code has been successfully read. On the other hand, if the reading fails (S141: NO), the control unit 11 controls the parts of the smearing device 1 to discharge the slide glass SG that failed to be read without smearing the sample onto it (S142). For example, the slide glass SG passes through the smearing section 10, the drying section 102, and the staining section 103 and is discharged to the storage section 104. The control unit 11 returns the process to S130 and has the supply section 101 supply a new slide glass SG. The control unit 11 then executes the processing from S140 onwards on the new slide glass SG.

[0106] This configuration prevents samples from being smeared onto defective slides SG, for example, when the machine-readable code on a slide SG cannot be read due to a printing defect that prevents the slide number from being obtained.

[0107] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may, for example, stop supplying a new slide glass SG if the reading of the slide number fails multiple times (for example, twice) in a row during the determination in S141. In this case, since there is a possibility of a malfunction in the slide identification information reading unit 15b, the control unit 11 may output an error message suggesting, for example, that the slide identification information reading unit 15b be inspected.

[0108] 9. Auxiliary functions based on association data The smearing device 1 may provide the following functions based on the association between slide number and sample number (identification information association data 191). (1) Sample number search function (Figure 21) (2) Slide number search function (Figure 22) (3) Slide position display function (Figure 23) (4) Comprehensive search function (Figure 24)

[0109] (1) Sample number search function Figure 21 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 13 by the sample number search function. As shown in Figure 21(a), this screen includes a box IB1 in which the user enters the slide number via the operation unit 12. At the bottom of the screen, a "Search" button BT1 is displayed to perform a search based on the entered slide number.

[0110] In this example, the box IB1 is shown with "A00001" entered as the slide number. When the "Search" button BT1 is operated (for example, by touching, tapping, or clicking), the specimen-related information search results screen, for example (b), is displayed. On the specimen-related information search results screen, "A00001" is displayed as the slide number entered in (a), and below it, the specimen-related information is displayed.

[0111] In this example, the specimen-related information is displayed in a table format, including the specimen number associated with the slide number in the identification information association data 191A, the date and time of the examination (which may also be the examination date; the same applies hereafter) of the specimen contained in the specimen container BP with this specimen number, and the patient's name, which is the name of the patient corresponding to this specimen. However, in the diagram, dates, times, names, etc. are represented by {···} for convenience.

[0112] (2) Slide number search function Figure 22 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 13 by the slide number search function. As shown in Figure 22(a), this screen includes boxes IB3 to IB5 for entering the sample number, test date (which may also be the test date and time; the same applies hereinafter), and patient name. At the bottom of the screen, a "Search" button BT1 is displayed to perform a search based on the entered information. In this example, the test date and patient name can be entered, but for example, only the sample number could be entered.

[0113] In this example, the sample number "B00001" is entered and displayed in the "Sample Number" box IB3. When the "Search" button BT1 is pressed in this state, the slide-related information search results screen, for example (b), is displayed. On the slide-related information search results screen, "B00001" is displayed as the sample number entered on screen (a) in the area below the heading area, and the slide-related information is displayed below it.

[0114] In this example, the slide-related information is displayed in a table format, including the slide number associated with the sample number in the identification information association data 191A, the code type (e.g., "QR" indicating a QR code) which is the type of code printed on the slide glass to which this slide number is assigned, the code image (e.g., an image of a QR code) for this code type, and information on the storage location of this slide glass.

[0115] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 22(b), for example, the slide storage location within the smearing device 1 (the location where the smear specimens (smear specimen slides) are stored) may be displayed. In Figure 22(b), "Smearing device - Slide storage section - Slide magazine 1 - 3rd" is displayed as the slide storage location.

[0116] (3) Slide position display function Figure 23 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 13 by the slide position display function. In the display example (a), a plan view layout diagram showing the internal configuration of the smearing device 1 is displayed on the display unit 13. In this layout diagram, the slide magazine 8 is shown as a vertical rectangle in the storage unit 104 on the left side of the drawing. Also, if there are smear samples already stored in the slide magazine 8, their storage positions are shown as horizontal rectangles. The user can identify the location of the slide glass SG of interest based on the layout diagram. In addition, as shown in the example of (b), the screen may display the position of the slide glass SG in the imaging device 2 (in this example, shown as the position of the storage unit 28).

[0117] (4) Comprehensive search function Figure 24 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 13 by the comprehensive search function. (a) shows a screen displaying specimen-related information and slide-related information searched based on the examination date and time entered by the user via the operation unit 12 (in this example, the time period from "0:00 to 23:59" on the examination date entered by the user). In this example, the examination date and time included in the above date and time period, the slide number corresponding to the slide glass SG on which the specimen examined at this examination date and time was smeared, the specimen number associated with this slide number, the patient's name, and the code image are displayed in a table format.

[0118] (b) shows an example of a display screen different from (a), in which specimen-related information, slide-related information, and general information are displayed in a list. This screen may be displayed, for example, based on user input to display general information. This screen displays the date and time of the examination, the sample number, the patient's name, the test results (in this example, the results for test item A and test item B), the slide number, and the code image in a table format. Unlike other display screens, this screen also displays the test results. The test results may be stored on the host computer HC, for example, associated with the sample number.

[0119] <Effects of the First Embodiment> According to this embodiment, a smearing device (e.g., smearing device 1) usable in a system including an imaging device (e.g., imaging device 2) comprises: a supply unit (e.g., supply unit 101) that accommodates and supplies a slide glass (e.g., slide glass SG) to which slide identification information has been assigned; a suction unit (e.g., suction unit 105) that aspirates a sample contained in a sample container (e.g., sample container BP) that contains a sample; a smearingmearing unit 10) that smears the sample onto the slide glass; a staining unit (e.g., staining unit 103) that stains the sample smeared onto the slide glass by the smearing unit with a staining solution; a first reading unit (e.g., sample identification information reading unit 15a) that reads sample identification information (e.g., sample number) attached to the sample container that contains the sample; a second reading unit (e.g., slide identification information reading unit 15b) that reads slide identification information (e.g., slide number) assigned to the slide glass SG on which the sample is smeared; and a control unit (e.g., control unit 11) that associates the slide identification information with the sample identification information. According to this embodiment, the smearing device does not include a printing unit for printing on a glass slide. Furthermore, the control unit of the smearing device may provide the imaging device with associated slide identification information and sample identification information so that the imaging device can identify the sample identification information based on the slide identification information. This makes it possible, for example, to identify specimens smeared on glass slides without requiring a printing unit on the smearing device. Furthermore, the elimination of the need for a printing unit on the smearing device eliminates the need to stop processing the smeared specimen in the event of a broken wire in the printing unit. Additionally, the absence of a printing unit reduces the manufacturing cost of the smearing device.

[0120] According to this embodiment, the control unit controls the smearing unit to smear the sample on the slide glass from which the slide identification information reading unit has successfully read the slide identification information. This prevents the sample from being smeared on slide glass from which the slide identification information cannot be read, thus preventing unnecessary smearing.

[0121] According to this embodiment, the control unit controls the suction unit to aspirate a sample from a sample container whose sample identification information reading unit has been successfully read, and controls the smearing unit to smear the aspirated sample onto a slide glass whose slide identification information reading unit has been successfully read. This prevents smearing of samples contained in sample containers from which sample identification information cannot be read, thereby preventing unnecessary smearing.

[0122] The slide identification information reading unit reads a machine-readable code as slide identification information assigned to the slide glass, and the control unit controls the smearing unit to smear the sample on the slide glass if the machine-readable code can be decoded. This prevents smearing the sample on slide glass from which the machine-readable code as slide identification information cannot be decoded, thus preventing unnecessary smearing.

[0123] The control unit controls the smearing unit so as not to smear the sample on slides that the slide identification information reading unit has failed to read, thereby preventing unnecessary smearing.

[0124] According to this embodiment, the slide identification information reading unit reads slide identification information printed on the surface of the slide glass. The slide identification information may be pre-printed on the surface of the slide glass. In other words, the slide identification information reading unit may read slide identification information that has been pre-printed on the surface of the slide glass. Compared to reading slide identification information from a label attached to the slide glass, the possibility of failure to read the slide identification information due to the label peeling off or becoming wrinkled can be reduced.

[0125] According to this embodiment, the smearing unit smears the sample onto a slide glass that has slide identification information attached to it. This makes it possible to identify the sample container containing the sample smeared onto the slide glass identified by the slide identification information, or to identify the slide glass containing the sample smeared onto the sample contained in the sample container identified by the sample identification information.

[0126] According to this embodiment, the slide identification information reading unit is provided between the supply unit and the smearing unit. The slide identification information reading unit reads the slide identification information of the slide glass during the transfer path from the supply unit to the smearing unit. This allows the smearing unit to smear a specific sample onto the slide glass, preventing sample mix-ups.

[0127] According to this embodiment, since the slide identification information reading unit is located between the slide storage unit and the smearing unit, the slide identification information reading unit can read the slide identification information before the smearing unit performs the smearing.

[0128] According to this embodiment, the slide identification information reading unit reads the slide identification information of a horizontally placed slide glass. After smearing the sample onto the slide glass while it is placed horizontally, the slide identification information of the horizontally placed slide glass is read without changing its orientation, allowing the slide to be smoothly transported and the slide identification information reading unit to read the slide identification information.

[0129] According to this embodiment, the sample identification information reading unit reads the sample identification information before the suction unit aspirates the sample, thus preventing sample mix-ups. Furthermore, with the sample containers stored upright in the rack, the suction unit aspirates the sample from the containers, and then reads the sample identification information on the side of the sample containers without changing their orientation, allowing the sample containers to be transported smoothly and the sample identification information reading unit to read the sample identification information.

[0130] According to this embodiment, the specimen identification information reading unit reads the specimen identification information attached to the specimen container as a machine-readable code, thereby enabling the appropriate acquisition of specimen identification information. Furthermore, the slide identification information reading unit reads the slide identification information attached to the slide glass as a machine-readable code, thereby enabling the appropriate acquisition of slide identification information.

[0131] When the control unit receives sample identification information from the user, it provides the associated slide identification information to the user, and when it receives slide identification information, it provides the associated sample identification information, so that the user can confirm the relevant slide identification information or sample identification information on the smearing device.

[0132] According to this embodiment, the control unit includes a display unit (for example, display unit 13) that displays sample identification information associated with the received slide identification information in response to the input of slide identification information, so that the user can confirm the sample identification information associated with the slide identification information using the smearing device.

[0133] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the display unit of the smearing device receives sample identification information, it displays information about the storage location of the slide glass on which the sample contained in the sample container with this sample identification information has been smeared. This allows the user to check where the slide glass is stored using the smearing device.

[0134] <Second Embodiment> Figure 25 shows an example of the functional configuration of the smearing device 1 in the second embodiment. In the example in Figure 2, a dedicated reading unit 15b is provided for reading the slide identification information of the slide glass SG supplied from the supply unit 101. In the example in Figure 25, there is no dedicated reading unit for slides, and instead, there is an identification information reading unit 15 that is used in common for reading slide identification information and for reading reagent information of the reagents used in the smearing device. In other words, in the example in Figure 25, slide identification information can also be read by the identification information reading unit 15 used for reading reagent information.

[0135] The identification information reading unit 15 may be a reading unit that supports both one-dimensional and two-dimensional codes, such as a two-dimensional barcode reader, or it may be a reading unit that supports only one-dimensional codes.

[0136] As shown in Figure 25, the identification information reading unit 15 may not be built into the smearing device 1, but may be a handheld reading unit, such as a hand code reader 500, connected via a connector provided on the housing.

[0137] When a user replaces a reagent stored in the reagent storage unit, they can input the reagent information of the new reagent into the control unit 11 by having the identification information reading unit 15 read the code attached to the reagent container of the new reagent. The reagent may be, for example, a staining solution used in the staining unit 103. In addition, the reagent may be, for example, a staining solution used to clean the flow path inside the smearing device 1 or the nozzle of the suction unit 105. The reagent information may include, for example, the type of reagent, lot number, and expiration date. The reagent container has a barcode or two-dimensional code that encodes the above-mentioned reagent information printed on it, and the reagent information is input into the control unit 11 by having the identification information reading unit 15 read it.

[0138] Furthermore, when the user replenishes the slide glass SG in the smearing device 1, that is, when a new slide glass SG is placed in the supply unit 101, the user can input the slide identification information of the new slide glass SG to the control unit 11 by having the identification information reading unit 15 read it. The user may also place the slide glass SG in the supply unit 101 after reading the slide identification information. The control unit 11 stores the input slide identification information in the storage unit 19, and when a slide glass SG is supplied from the supply unit 101, it can read the stored slide identification information and associate it with the sample identification information. If multiple slide glass SGs are to be replenished in the supply unit 101, the user can, for example, place the slide glass SGs in the supply unit 101 in the order in which the slide identification information was read. The supply unit 101 supplies the slide glass SGs in a first-in, first-out manner. Therefore, the order in which the slide identification information is input and the supply order by the supply unit 101 are the same. For example, suppose "A1001" is entered as the identification information for the first slide and "A1002" is entered as the identification information for the second slide. In this case, the slide glass SG labeled "A1001" is supplied first by the supply unit 101, followed by the slide glass SG labeled "A1002". The control unit 11 reads the slide identification information in the order it was entered and associates the slide identification information of each slide glass SG with the specimen identification information.

[0139] Figure 26 shows an example of the consumable replacement screen 700 displayed on the display unit 13. The consumable replacement screen 700 displays the remaining amount of reagents stored in the reagent storage unit and the remaining number of slide glasses SG stored in the supply unit 101. In the example of Figure 26, the consumable replacement screen 700 includes an area 710 that displays the remaining amount of "Cellpack DCL," an example of a washing solution; an area 720 that displays the remaining amount of concentrated phosphate buffer; an area 730 that displays the remaining amount of staining solution 1; an area 740 that displays the remaining amount of staining solution 2; an area 750 that displays the remaining amount of methanol; and an area 760 that displays the remaining amount of slide glasses SG. Each area visually displays the remaining amount of reagent or slide glass numerically or graphically. If the remaining amount of reagent or slide glass falls below a predetermined value, a warning mark 770 is displayed in the corresponding area. The user selects the area corresponding to the reagent or consumable they want to replace from areas 710 to 760. Once any one region is selected, the control unit 11 waits for input of new reagent or consumable information corresponding to the selected region.

[0140] Figure 27 shows an example of a pop-up screen 800 displayed on the display unit 13. The control unit 11 displays the pop-up screen 800 shown in Figure 27 on the display unit 13 in response to, for example, the selection of area 760 in Figure 26. The message displayed on the pop-up screen 800 is, for example, "Please read the code on the slide glass with the handy reader." While the pop-up screen 800 is displayed, the control unit 11 can accept input of slide identification information of the slide glass SG. The user reads the identification information of the slide glass SG using the identification information reading unit 15 according to the message. The read slide identification information is stored in the storage unit 19 by the control unit 11. The correspondence between the stored slide identification information and the specimen identification information is as described above. Figure 27 shows an example of reading the slide identification information of a slide glass, but for example, if area 730 is selected on the consumable replacement screen 700 in Figure 26, a message prompting the reading of the code for the staining solution 1 is displayed. When the code for staining solution 1 is read in this state, the reagent information contained in the read code, such as the lot number and expiration date, is input to the control unit 11 as information for staining solution 1 and registered in the reagent information database in the storage unit 19.

[0141] Slide identification information can be read from individual slides SG, or it may be possible to input slide identification information from multiple slides SG at once, i.e., in a batch. A batch unit may be a box containing multiple slides SG (for example, 20 slides). In this case, the slide identification information may be attached to the slide SG box or accompanying documentation. An example of this case will be explained with reference to Figure 28.

[0142] Figure 28 shows an example of the configuration of slide glass set 200 and slide glass SG as described in the accompanying documentation 210, with (a) showing an example of the configuration of slide glass set 200 and (b) showing an example of the configuration of accompanying documentation 210.

[0143] The microscope slide set 200 comprises multiple microscope slides SG and a packaging box 220 made up of multiple components.

[0144] The packaging box 220 is made of paper, for example, and includes a box body 221, an extrusion member 225, and a lid 222. An extrusion opening 240 is formed on the side 221a of the box body 221. The laminate of glass slides SG is housed inside the box body 221 and the lid 222, sandwiched from both short sides, with the short side on the side 221a covered by the extrusion member 225.

[0145] The user can remove the laminate of glass slides SG by pushing it out of the extrusion port 240 via the extrusion member 225. The side 221b of the box 221 is affixed with a QR code m1, which is a machine-readable code on which the slide identification information of each glass slide SG constituting the packaged laminate is encoded. The QR code m1 may be printed directly on the side 221b, or a label with the QR code m1 printed on it may be affixed to the side 221b.

[0146] The attached document 210 may be a paper document, for example, included in the packaging box 220 together with the slide glass set 200. The attached document 210 contains information such as the product name of the slide glass SG, as well as warnings, contraindications / prohibitions, shape / structure / principle, and instructions for use regarding the slide glass SG. The attached document 210 also contains information regarding the slide identification information of each of the slide glass SG in the slide glass set 200. In this example, each slide identification information is printed in text, and a QR code m2, which is a machine-readable code encoding each slide identification information, is attached. The QR code m2 may be printed directly on the attached document 210, or a label with the QR code m2 printed on it may be affixed to the attached document 210.

[0147] Alternatively, Attachment 210 may be provided as electronic data. In this case, slide identification information may be obtained directly from the provided electronic data, or it may be read from a printed copy of the electronic data.

[0148] The packaging box 220 may be an example of a container for holding multiple microscope slides SG, and the accompanying document 210 may be an example of an accompanying document for the microscope slides SG. These may also be examples of accessories for the microscope slides SG.

[0149] The slide identification information reading unit 15b may also obtain the slide number from a machine-readable code or the like attached to an accessory of the slide glass SG. In this case, for example, the slide identification information reading unit 15b may be the identification information reading unit 15 shown in Figure 25 (for example, a hand code reader 500), and the user operates the hand code reader 500 to obtain the slide number from a machine-readable code attached to an accessory. The control unit 11 obtains the slide number of each slide glass SG from the slide identification information reading unit 15b. The control unit 11 then stores the obtained slide numbers in the identification information association data 191A. In this case, if the sample number has already been obtained, you can simply associate the obtained slide number with the sample number. If the sample number has not yet been obtained, you can first store the obtained slide number and then associate the sample number with it later.

[0150] As shown in Figure 29, when the slide identification information reading unit 15b obtains a slide number from a machine-readable code attached to an accessory of a slide glass SG, it may be configured to decode multiple slide numbers from the machine-readable code. For example, the slide numbers "A0001, A0002, A0003..." of multiple slide glass SGs included in the slide glass set 200 can be decoded from the machine-readable code attached to the accessory of the slide glass SG. The decoded slide numbers correspond to the slide glass SGs in a container (e.g., a packaging box 220) that houses multiple slide glass SGs. For example, the slide glass SGs with slide numbers "A0001, A0002, A0003..." are stacked in the packaging box 220 from bottom to top. This stacking order corresponds to the sequence of the decoded slide numbers and corresponds to the supply order from the case section 111 where the stack is housed to the transport section 120. As explained in Figure 5, the stacked glass slides SG in the case section 111 are supplied to the transport section 120 by the discharge section 113. Therefore, the slide number of the nth glass slide SG supplied from the supply section 101 to the transport section 120 can be identified as the nth slide number among the decoded slide numbers.

[0151] The machine-readable code may include information regarding the expiration date of the microscope slide SG. If the slide identification information reading unit 15b reads the machine-readable code of an expired microscope slide SG, a pop-up screen may be displayed on the display unit 13. The message displayed on the pop-up screen may be, for example, "The microscope slide has expired."

[0152] <Effects of the second embodiment> According to this embodiment, the device further includes a reagent storage section for storing reagents, and the slide identification information reading unit is capable of reading reagent information of reagents stored in the reagent storage section. Therefore, both slide identification information and reagent information can be read by the same reading unit.

[0153] According to this embodiment, the reagent storage unit stores the staining solution as a reagent, and the second reading unit is capable of reading the reagent information of the staining solution. Therefore, the same reading unit can read both the slide identification information and the reagent information of the staining solution.

[0154] According to this embodiment, the slide identification information reading unit can acquire slide identification information by reading slide identification information printed on a container for housing multiple slides (for example, a packaging box 220) or on the accompanying documentation for the slides (for example, accompanying documentation 210). Furthermore, information that allows for the identification of each individual microscope slide SG contained within may be printed on the container or accompanying documentation, in which case the slide identification information for each microscope slide can be obtained collectively.

[0155] According to this embodiment, the supply unit receives multiple slides from a container that holds multiple slides in a predetermined order, and supplies the multiple slides to the smearing unit one by one in the predetermined order. The control unit identifies the slide identification information of the slides supplied to the smearing unit based on the predetermined order and the slide identification information of each of the multiple slides obtained from the code printed on the container or accompanying document. To associate the identified slide identification information with the specimen identification information, the control unit can acquire the slide identification information of each of the multiple slides obtained from the code printed on the container or accompanying document all at once. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0156] 1 Smear device 2. Imaging device 3. Blood cell counter 4. Sample transport device 5. Slide transport device S Sample Analysis System

Claims

1. A smearing device usable in a system including an imaging device for capturing images of smear specimens, A supply unit that houses and supplies slides assigned slide identification information, A suction unit for aspirating the sample contained in the sample container, The slide glass supplied from the supply unit is provided with a spreading unit for spreading the sample aspirated by the suction unit, A staining unit that stains the sample smeared onto the slide glass by the smearing unit with a staining solution, A first reading unit reads the sample identification information assigned to the sample container, A second reading unit reads the slide identification information, Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit associates the slide identification information of the slide glass on which the sample is smeared with the sample identification information of the sample, so that the system can identify the sample identification information based on the slide identification information. Smear device.

2. The control unit provides the imaging device with the associated slide identification information and the sample identification information so that the system can identify the sample identification information based on the slide identification information. The smearing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned slide glass does not have a printing section for printing, The smearing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The second reading unit is provided between the supply unit and the coating unit. The smearing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The second reading unit reads the slide identification information of the slide glass in the transfer path from the supply unit to the coating unit. The smearing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The second reading unit reads the slide identification information of the horizontally placed slide glass. The smearing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The first reading unit reads the sample identification information on the side of the upright sample container before the suction unit aspirates the sample. The smearing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The control unit controls the smearing unit to smear the sample onto the slide glass on which the reading by the second reading unit was successful. The smearing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The control unit controls the aspiration unit to aspirate a sample from the sample container that has been successfully read by the first reading unit, and controls the smearing unit to smear the aspirated sample onto the slide glass that has been successfully read by the second reading unit. The smearing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The second reading unit reads the machine-readable code, which is the slide identification information assigned to the slide glass, The control unit controls the smearing unit to smear the sample onto the slide glass when the machine-readable code can be decoded. The smearing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The control unit controls the smearing unit so as not to smear the sample on the slide glass that failed to be read by the second reading unit. The smearing apparatus according to claim 1.

12. When the control unit receives the sample identification information from the user, it provides the associated slide identification information to the user, and when it receives the slide identification information, it provides the associated sample identification information. The smearing apparatus according to claim 1.

13. It also includes a display unit, The control unit displays the specimen identification information on the display unit in response to the input of the slide identification information, and displays the slide identification information on the display unit in response to the input of the specimen identification information. The smearing apparatus according to claim 1.

14. The control unit causes the display unit to display information on the storage location of the slide glass, which is identified by the slide identification information or the specimen identification information. The smearing apparatus according to claim 13.

15. The second reading unit is capable of reading a code printed on a housing that contains multiple glass slides, or on an accompanying document attached to the housing. The code includes slide identification information for each of the multiple slides, or the slide identification information for each of the multiple slides is obtained based on the code. The smearing apparatus according to claim 1.

16. The supply unit receives the plurality of slides from the container which holds the plurality of slides in a predetermined order, and supplies the plurality of slides one by one to the coating unit in the predetermined order. The control unit identifies the slide identification information of the slide glass supplied to the smearing unit based on the predetermined order and the slide identification information of each of the plurality of slide glass obtained from the code, and associates the identified slide identification information with the specimen identification information. The smearing apparatus according to claim 15.

17. It further includes a reagent storage section for storing reagents, The second reading unit is further capable of reading reagent information of reagents contained in the reagent storage unit. The smearing apparatus according to claim 1.

18. The reagent storage section contains the staining solution as the reagent, The second reading unit is capable of reading the reagent information of the staining solution. The smearing apparatus according to claim 17.

19. The second reading unit reads the slide identification information printed on the surface of the slide glass. The smearing apparatus according to claim 1.

20. The first reading unit reads the sample identification information assigned to the sample container as a machine-readable code, The second reading unit reads the slide identification information assigned to the slide glass as a machine-readable code. The smearing apparatus according to claim 1.

21. A specimen analysis system comprising a smearing device for preparing a smear specimen, an imaging device for capturing an image of the smear specimen, and a control unit, The aforementioned coating device, A supply unit that houses and supplies slides assigned slide identification information, A suction unit for aspirating the sample contained in the sample container, The slide glass supplied from the supply unit is provided with a spreading unit for spreading the sample aspirated by the suction unit, A staining unit that stains the sample smeared onto the slide glass by the smearing unit with a staining solution, A first reading unit reads the sample identification information attached to the sample container, Includes, The imaging device is A second reading unit reads the slide identification information of the aforementioned slide glass, An imaging unit for imaging the sample smeared on the aforementioned glass slide, Includes, The control unit associates the sample identification information read by the first reading unit with the slide identification information read by the second reading unit. Sample analysis system.

22. With an additional host computer, The imaging device provides the host computer with the images acquired by the imaging device, associated with the sample identification information. The sample analysis system according to claim 21.

23. Furthermore, equipped with a sample analysis device for analyzing samples, The smearing device smears the sample analyzed by the sample analyzer onto the glass slide. The host computer stores the analysis results of the sample obtained by the sample analyzer and the images obtained by the imaging device, associating them with the slide identification information. The sample analysis system according to claim 22.

24. A method for processing a smear specimen that can be executed in a system including a smearing device for preparing a smear specimen and an imaging device for capturing an image of the smear specimen, The supply unit houses and supplies the slide glass with slide identification information attached. The sample identification information attached to the sample container containing the sample is read by the smearing device, The procedure involves aspirating the sample from the aforementioned sample container, The aspirated sample is smeared onto a glass slide, The procedure involves staining the sample smeared on the aforementioned glass slide, The slide identification information assigned to the aforementioned slide glass is read by the smearing device, Associating the slide identification information of the slide glass on which the sample is smeared with the sample identification information of the sample, Transporting the slide from the smearing device to the imaging device, The transported slide identification information is read by the imaging device, Based on the read slide identification information, the imaging device identifies the sample identification information, Associating images captured by the imaging device with specimen identification information, A method for processing smear specimens, including the following:

Images