Inspection Equipment System

Abstract

To provide an inspection facility system that facilitates configuring an environment in which a series of inspection processing is possible in a place not including any inspection facility.SOLUTION: An inspection facility system for sampling and measuring a sample from a subject includes: a first unit part for forming a sampling room including equipment for sampling a sample; a second unit part for forming a measuring room including equipment for measuring a sample and separated from the sampling room; and a third unit part including equipment for outputting a measurement result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inspection equipment system. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 4-333782 discloses a unit hospital for responding to emergency deployment and expansion of medical facilities. The unit hospital includes a unit composed of a bio-clean room and a transportable module. The unit is detachably connected to a facility module formed by connecting other transportable modules. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-333782 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the past, epidemics of infectious diseases caused by new pathogens have frequently occurred. In recent years, epidemics of infectious diseases caused by new coronaviruses such as SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 have occurred. When an infectious disease epidemic occurs, the demand for tests and the demand for places where tests can be performed increases. For example, in the case of novel coronaviruses such as COVID-19, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests that amplify characteristic parts of the virus are sometimes used. In order to carry out a series of processes in PCR tests, from collecting samples to outputting test results, various dedicated facilities are required. For this reason, it is not easy to create an environment where a series of processes for PCR tests can be carried out in various locations according to demand.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an inspection equipment system that makes it easy to create an environment in which a series of inspection processes can be performed in a location that does not have inspection equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure No. 1 The testing equipment system according to the above aspect is a testing equipment system for collecting and measuring a sample from a subject, and includes a first unit part forming a collection chamber equipped with equipment for collecting the sample, a second unit part forming a measurement chamber isolated from the collection chamber and equipped with equipment for measuring the sample, and a third unit part equipped with equipment for outputting the results of the measurement. The first unit portion includes a robot capable of performing an action for collecting a sample. , The robot further includes an operating device that is disposed in a storage chamber formed by the third unit portion and that operates the robot, and the storage chamber is formed separately from the sampling chamber and accommodates medical personnel. A testing equipment system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a testing equipment system for collecting and measuring a sample from a subject, comprising a first unit part forming a collection chamber equipped with equipment for collecting the sample, a second unit part forming a measurement chamber equipped with equipment for measuring the sample, and a third unit part equipped with equipment for outputting the results of the measurement, wherein the second unit part comprises a robot capable of performing actions for measuring the sample and is disposed in a storage chamber formed by the third unit part and further comprises an operating device for operating the robot, and the storage chamber is formed isolated from the collection chamber and accommodates medical personnel. A testing equipment system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is a testing equipment system for collecting and measuring a sample from a subject, comprising a first unit part forming a collection chamber equipped with equipment for collecting the sample, a second unit part forming a measurement chamber equipped with equipment for measuring the sample, and a third unit part equipped with equipment for outputting the results of the measurement, the second unit part including a first measurement unit part forming a first measurement chamber isolated from the collection chamber equipped with equipment for performing a first measurement on the sample, and a second measurement unit part forming a second measurement chamber isolated from the collection chamber and the first measurement chamber equipped with equipment for performing a second measurement on the sample, the first measurement unit part comprising an air conditioning system that makes the first measurement chamber one of a positive pressure environment and a negative pressure environment, and the second measurement unit part comprising an air conditioning system that makes the second measurement chamber the other of the positive pressure environment and the negative pressure environment.

[0007] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it becomes easy to transform a location that does not have inspection equipment into an environment where a series of inspection processes can be carried out. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing an example of a configuration of an inspection equipment system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional side view showing an example of the configuration of an inspection equipment system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an inspection equipment system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of a configuration of a first robot according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view showing an example of the configuration of an inspection equipment system according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view showing an example of the configuration of an inspection equipment system according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an inspection equipment system in an airport according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of an inspection system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of the overall configuration of an inspection system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a first unit of an inspection system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specimen collection container of the testing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 shows a disinfectant tank of the testing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specimen collection container transport unit of the testing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration for performing an uncapping and dispensing process and an inactivation process of a second unit of the testing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration for performing a nucleic acid extraction process in a second unit of an inspection system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a plate for performing a nucleic acid extraction process in the testing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a waste box of a second unit of the inspection system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a third unit of the inspection system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 shows a lid closing member of the inspection system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of the overall configuration of an inspection system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of an inspection system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration for performing a capping and dispensing process of a second unit of an inspection system according to a fourth embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a configuration for performing a capping and dispensing process of a second unit of an inspection system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a hand of a mobile robot in a sample storage section of a second unit of an inspection system according to a fourth embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a hand of an uncapping robot in a sample dispensing section of a second unit of an inspection system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] 13 is a diagram showing an uncapping gripper of a sample dispensing section of a second unit of the testing system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a hand of a dispensing robot of a sample dispensing section of a second unit of the testing system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a hand of a transport robot of a workpiece transport section of a second unit of an inspection system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a hand of a dispensing robot of a reagent dispensing section of a second unit of the testing system according to the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a hand for gripping a multi-tube of a third unit of the inspection system according to the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a hand for gripping a multi-tube of a third unit of the inspection system according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims showing the highest concept are described as optional components. In addition, each figure in the attached drawings is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily illustrated precisely. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions may be omitted or simplified. In addition, in this specification and claims, "apparatus" may mean not only one apparatus but also a system consisting of multiple apparatuses.

[0010] [Testing equipment system configuration] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the testing equipment system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view showing an example of the configuration of the testing equipment system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the testing equipment system 1 is a system for collecting and measuring a sample from a subject P. In the following embodiment, the testing equipment system 1 will be described as a system for collecting and measuring a sample for a PCR test and analyzing it. The testing equipment system 1 includes a box 10 that contains equipment for collecting and measuring the sample for analysis, and a mobile body 20 that carries the box 10.

[0011] The box body 10 isolates the internal space of the box body 10 from the external space. The box body 10 may be formed in a box shape in advance and loaded onto the moving body 20 by a machine. Such a box body 10 may be, for example, a container that can also be used for cargo transportation. The box body 10 may be loaded onto the moving body 20 by a loading machine such as a forklift or a crane. The box body 10 may be assembled on or within the moving body 20. In the first embodiment, the box body 10 is a container.

[0012] The moving body 20 can move with the box body 10 loaded thereon, and the specific configuration is not particularly limited. The moving body 20 may be equipped with a drive device or the like and be capable of moving by itself, or may be capable of moving by being towed or pushed by another moving body. For example, the moving body 20 may be a large automobile such as a truck or a towed automobile such as a trailer that can run on the ground. The configuration for moving the moving body 20 on the ground is not limited to wheels, and may be, for example, crawlers and walking legs such as the legs of a robot. For example, the moving body 20 may be a locomotive or towed vehicle such as a railway train that can move on a track. For example, the moving body 20 may be a ship that can navigate on the water surface or underwater by itself, or a barge that cannot navigate on the water surface or underwater by itself. For example, the moving body 20 may be a fixed-wing aircraft such as an airplane or a rotary-wing aircraft such as a helicopter. In the first embodiment, the moving body 20 is a large automobile.

[0013] The inspection equipment system 1 can be moved to various locations by the moving body 20. Furthermore, the inspection equipment system 1 can be placed in any location as long as there is a space in which the moving body 20 or the box 10 can be accommodated.

[0014] The inspection equipment system 1 is disposed at a mobile base for passenger transportation. Passenger transportation is a broad concept including transportation of passengers by mobile bodies such as vehicles, airplanes, railways, and ships. The inspection equipment system 1 can be moved to, for example, the starting point or end point of a movement across a geographical boundary and disposed at that point. The inspection equipment system 1 may be used in a state in which the box body 10 is loaded on the mobile body 20, or in a state in which the box body 10 is lowered from the mobile body 20 to the ground or the like. In the first embodiment, the inspection equipment system 1 is used in a state in which the box body 10 is loaded on the mobile body 20. The geographical boundary is not particularly limited, but may be a national border, a boundary between administrative districts such as prefectures and states, a boundary between autonomous districts, and a boundary between islands by the sea. The starting point and the end point of a movement across a geographical boundary may be, for example, an airport, a sea or river port, a railway station, a bus station, an entrance / exit of a motorway, and a border checkpoint.

[0015] The inspection equipment system 1 includes a first unit part U1 to a fourth unit part U4 in a box body 10. The box body 10 accommodates the first unit part U1 to the fourth unit part U4 in their entirety. The first unit part U1 to the fourth unit part U4 are integrated together with the box body 10 as a whole to form a single unit. In other words, the inspection equipment system 1 is composed of a single unit.

[0016] The first unit part U1 is a part that forms a sampling chamber R2 equipped with equipment for sampling a sample from a subject P.

[0017] The second unit part U2 is a part that forms analysis rooms R3 and R4 equipped with equipment for measuring and analyzing samples, and is isolated from the sampling room R2. The second unit part U2 prevents pathogens present in the air due to floating or scattering from entering the analysis rooms R3 and R4. The second unit part U2 includes a first analysis unit part that forms the first analysis room R3 and a second analysis unit part that forms the second analysis room R4. The first analysis room R3 is an example of a measurement room and a first measurement room, and the second analysis room R4 is an example of a measurement room and a second measurement room.

[0018] The third unit part U3 is a unit part including a result output device 600, which is an example of equipment for outputting the results of an analysis. In the first embodiment, the third unit part U3 forms a storage room R5 for storing medical workers H1 and H2, isolated from the sampling room R2, and includes the result output device 600 in the storage room R5. The third unit part U3 prevents pathogens present in the air from entering the storage room R5. In the first embodiment, the medical worker H1 is a doctor, and the medical worker H2 is a laboratory technician. In the following, the "medical worker H1" may be referred to as the "doctor H1" and the "medical worker H2" may be referred to as the "laboratory technician H2".

[0019] The fourth unit part U4 is a part that separates the examination room R1, where the subject P undergoes an examination to collect a sample, from the analysis rooms R3 and R4. The fourth unit part U4 prevents pathogens present in the air from entering the analysis rooms R3 and R4.

[0020] The examination room R1 is adjacent to the sampling room R2. The examination room R1 is surrounded by the top wall 11, bottom wall 12, and three adjacent side walls 13 of the box body 10, and is separated from the sampling room R2 by a partition wall W1. The partition wall W1 is fixed to the box body 10 and is immovable. An opening is formed in the partition wall W1, and a transparent partition plate W1a made of glass or the like is fitted into the opening. The partition plate W1a has an opening formed therein that allows access between the examination room R1 and the sampling room R2 to sample a sample from the subject P.

[0021] An entrance / exit opening 13a1 for the subject P to enter and exit the examination room R1 is formed in one of the side walls 13 surrounding the examination room R1 and adjacent to the partition wall W1, and a door 13a2 for opening and closing the entrance / exit opening 13a1 is arranged in the entrance / exit opening 13a1. The door 13a2 may be opened and closed by power such as electricity, or may be opened and closed manually. The door 13a2 has the ability to shield the entrance / exit opening 13a1. A staircase 13a3 for ascending and descending to the entrance / exit opening 13a1 is arranged in the entrance / exit opening 13a1 so as to be freely stored and deployable, or detachable. The examination room R1 can be isolated from the outside of the box body 10.

[0022] The sampling room R2 is adjacent to the examination room R1 and the first analysis room R3. The examination room R1 and the first analysis room R3 are located on opposite sides of the sampling room R2. The sampling room R2 is surrounded by the upper wall 11, the bottom wall 12, and two opposing side walls 13 of the box body 10, and is separated from the examination room R1 by a partition W1 and from the first analysis room R3 by a partition W2. The partition W2 is fixed to the box body 10 and is immovable. An opening is formed in the partition W2, and a shutter W2a that opens and closes the opening is disposed in the opening. The shutter W2a is a sliding door that opens and closes the opening by sliding movement driven by an electric motor. The shutter W2a has the ability to shield the opening. The sampling room R2 communicates with the examination room R1, but can be isolated from the first analysis room R3.

[0023] The first analysis chamber R3 is adjacent to the sampling chamber R2 and the second analysis chamber R4. The sampling chamber R2 and the second analysis chamber R4 are located on opposite sides of the first analysis chamber R3. The first analysis chamber R3 is surrounded by the upper wall 11, the bottom wall 12, and two opposing side walls 13 of the box body 10, and is separated from the sampling chamber R2 by a partition wall W2 and from the second analysis chamber R4 by a partition wall W3. The partition wall W3 is fixed to the box body 10 and is immovable. An opening is formed in the partition wall W3, and a shutter W3a that opens and closes the opening is disposed in the opening. The shutter W3a is a sliding door that opens and closes the opening by sliding movement driven by an electric motor. The shutter W3a has the ability to block the opening. The first analysis chamber R3 can be isolated from the sampling chamber R2 and the second analysis chamber R4.

[0024] The second analysis chamber R4 is adjacent to the first analysis chamber R3 and the storage chamber R5. The first analysis chamber R3 and the storage chamber R5 are located on opposite sides of the second analysis chamber R4. The second analysis chamber R4 is surrounded by the upper wall 11, the bottom wall 12, and two opposing side walls 13 of the box body 10, and is separated from the first analysis chamber R3 by a partition wall W3 and from the storage chamber R5 by a partition wall W4. The partition wall W4 is fixed to the box body 10 and is immovable. An opening is formed in the partition wall W4, and a door W4a for opening and closing the opening is disposed in the opening. The door W4a may be opened and closed by a power such as electricity, or may be opened and closed manually. The door W4a has the ability to block the opening. The second analysis chamber R4 can be isolated from the first analysis chamber R3 and the storage chamber R5.

[0025] The storage chamber R5 is adjacent to the second analysis chamber R4. The storage chamber R5 is surrounded by the top wall 11, the bottom wall 12, and three adjacent side walls 13 of the box body 10, and is separated from the second analysis chamber R4 by a partition wall W4. The storage chamber R5 can be isolated from the second analysis chamber R4. A removable wall W5 can be arranged in the storage chamber R5. The wall W5 separates the work area of ​​the doctor H1 from the area of ​​the laboratory technician H2.

[0026] An entrance / exit opening 13a4 for the medical staff H1 and H2 to enter and exit the box body 10 and for carrying in and out equipment is formed in one of the side walls 13 surrounding the storage room R5 and facing the partition wall W4, and a door 13a5 for opening and closing the entrance / exit opening 13a4 is arranged in the entrance / exit opening 13a4. The door 13a5 may be opened and closed by power such as electricity, or may be opened and closed manually. The door 13a5 has the ability to shield the entrance / exit opening 13a4. A staircase 13a6 for ascending and descending to the entrance / exit opening 13a4 is arranged in the entrance / exit opening 13a4 so as to be retractable and deployable or detachable. The storage room R5 can be isolated from the outside of the box body 10.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the inspection equipment system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the fourth unit part U4 includes a first indoor imaging device 510 in the examination room R1. The first indoor imaging device 510 includes, for example, a visible light camera and captures images of the inside of the examination room R1. The first indoor imaging device 510 transmits data of the captured image to at least one of the presentation device 313 of the first operation input / output device 310 and the presentation device 323 of the second operation input / output device 320, both of which are arranged in the accommodation room R5.

[0028] The first unit part U1 includes a first air conditioning system AC1 that creates a negative pressure environment in the sampling room R2. The first air conditioning system AC1 creates a negative pressure environment in the sampling room R2 and the examination room R1 that communicates with the sampling room R2. This makes the air pressure in the sampling room R2 and the examination room R1 lower than the air pressure in the first analysis room R3. The air pressure in the sampling room R2 and the examination room R1 may be lower than the outside air pressure. The first air conditioning system AC1 may include an air conditioner, an air purifier, an intake and exhaust device, a duct, a filter, a backflow prevention damper, and the like. The action of the first air conditioning system AC1 prevents pathogens present in the air from leaking out of the sampling room R2 and the examination room R1.

[0029] The first unit part U1 includes a first robot 110 that performs an action of collecting a specimen from a subject P, a receiving device 410, and a second indoor imaging device 520 in a sampling room R2. The first robot 110 is operated by operation input / output devices 310 and 320. The first robot 110 includes a communication device so that a doctor H1 operating the first operation input / output device 310 can communicate with the subject P. The second indoor imaging device 520 includes, for example, a visible light camera, and captures images of the inside of the sampling room R2. The second indoor imaging device 520 transmits data of the captured image to a presentation device 323 of the second operation input / output device 320.

[0030] The first unit part U1 may further include, in the sampling room R2, instruments, experimental equipment, various test reagents, and the like for the first robot 110 to perform medical testing. Examples of the instruments include an autopipette, tips used in the autopipette, microtubes, centrifuge tubes, and centrifuge tubes, and examples of the experimental equipment include a centrifuge, a PCR device, and the like.

[0031] The receiving device 410 can receive a specimen from the first robot 110. In the first embodiment, the receiving device 410 has a function of inactivating a specimen, but is not limited thereto. The receiving device 410 may further have a function of dispensing a specimen, or the first robot 110 may dispense the specimen in the receiving device 410. The receiving device 410 may have a function of transferring an inactivated specimen to the first analysis chamber R3, or the first robot 110 may transfer the inactivated specimen to the first analysis chamber R3 through the opening of the shutter W2a.

[0032] The first robot 110 performs at least one of the following actions: collecting a sample from a subject P, inserting the sample into the receiving device 410, dispensing the sample in the receiving device 410, removing an inactivated sample from the receiving device 410, and transporting the inactivated sample to the first analysis chamber R3.

[0033] For example, the first robot 110 collects a specimen from the subject P according to the operation by the doctor H1 using the first operation input / output device 310. The first robot 110 collects the specimen under manual control by the doctor H1, but may be automatically controlled by mounting AI (Artificial Intelligence). The first robot 110 performs actions other than the specimen collection according to commands received from the second operation input / output device 320, but may be automatically controlled according to commands received from the first operation input / output device 310. The first robot 110 performs actions other than the specimen collection under automatic control according to an automation program, but may be manually controlled using the operation input / output device 320 or 310.

[0034] The shutter W2a of the partition W2 may be operated by either the operation input / output devices 310 and 320, or may be automatically controlled by the first control device 210 or the integrated control device 240.

[0035] Here, the configuration of the first robot 110 will be described. FIG. 4 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the first robot 110 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the first robot 110 includes arms 111 and 112 that are robot arms, and hands 113 and 114 that are robot hands attached to the ends of the arms 111 and 112, respectively. The hands 113 and 114 act on an object and are also called end effectors. The arms 111 and 112 are each configured as a horizontal multi-joint type robot arm, and the bases of the arms 111 and 112 are arranged on the same axis. The first robot 110 is a coaxial double-arm robot. The second robot 120 and the third robot 130 described later are also coaxial double-arm robots.

[0036] The configuration of the robots 110 to 130 is not limited to a coaxial double-arm robot equipped with a horizontally articulated robot arm, and may be any robot. For example, the robots 110 to 130 may be equipped with any robot arm of a vertically articulated type, a polar coordinate type, a cylindrical coordinate type, a rectangular coordinate type, or other type. The number of arms equipped to the robots 110 to 130 may be any number from one to three or more. The robots 110 to 130 have the same configuration as an industrial robot, but may also have the configuration of a service robot, a humanoid, or the like. A service robot is a robot used in various service industries such as nursing care, medical care, cleaning, security, guidance, rescue, cooking, and product provision.

[0037] The first robot 110 further includes a presentation device 115 (see FIG. 3), an imaging device 116, and a sound collection device 117. The presentation device 115, the imaging device 116, and the sound collection device 117 are devices for communication between the subject P and the doctor H1.

[0038] The imaging device 116 includes, for example, a visible light camera, captures an image of the subject P in the examination room R1 through the partition W1a, and transmits the captured image data to at least the first operation input / output device 310 of the first operation input / output device 310 and the second operation input / output device 320. The sound collection device 117 includes, for example, a microphone, collects the voice of the subject P in the examination room R1 through the partition W1a, and transmits the collected voice signal to at least the first operation input / output device 310 of the first operation input / output device 310 and the second operation input / output device 320.

[0039] The presentation device 115 includes a display 115a and an audio output device 115b. The display 115a may be a display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an organic or inorganic EL display (Electro-Luminescence Display). The audio output device 115b may be a speaker, an earphone, a headphone, or the like. The display 115a and the audio output device 115b present images and audio corresponding to image data and audio signals acquired by the imaging device 314 and the sound collection device 315 (see FIG. 3) of the first operation input / output device 310 to the subject P in the examination room R1 through the partition W1a. The display 115a and the audio output device 115b may present images and audio corresponding to image data and audio signals acquired by the imaging device 324 and the sound collection device 325 (see FIG. 3) of the second operation input / output device 320 to the subject P.

[0040] In the first embodiment, the imaging device 116 and the sound collecting device 117 are fixed to the display 115a, but are not limited thereto, and may be arranged to obtain an image and a sound of the subject P. For example, the imaging device 116 and the sound collecting device 117 may be arranged on the arms 111 and 112, the partition board W1a, the subject P, and the examination room R1, etc. The display 115a is fixed to the vicinity of the bases of the arms 111 and 112 of the first robot 110, but are not limited thereto, and may be arranged to present an image to the subject P. The audio output device 115b is fixed to the display 115a, but are not limited thereto, and may be arranged to present a sound to the subject P. For example, the display 115a and the audio output device 115b may be arranged on the arms 111 and 112, the partition board W1a, the subject P, and the examination room R1, etc.

[0041] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the second unit part U2 includes second air conditioning systems AC2a and AC2b. The second air conditioning system AC2a creates a positive pressure environment in the first analysis chamber R3, and sets the air pressure in the first analysis chamber R3 higher than the air pressure in the sampling chamber R2. This prevents air from flowing into the first analysis chamber R3 from the sampling chamber R2 and the second analysis chamber R4. The air pressure in the first analysis chamber R3 may be higher than the outside air pressure. The second air conditioning system AC2b creates a negative pressure environment in the second analysis chamber R4, and sets the air pressure in the second analysis chamber R4 lower than the air pressure in the first analysis chamber R3. The second air conditioning systems AC2a and AC2b may include air conditioners, air cleaners, intake and exhaust devices, ducts, filters, and backflow prevention dampers.

[0042] The second unit part U2 includes the second robot 120, which performs the first analysis action on the sample sent from the sampling room R2, the first analysis device 420, and the third room image pickup device 530 in the first analysis room R3. The second robot 120 includes arms 121 and 122, and hands 123 and 124 at the tips of the arms 121 and 122, respectively, similar to the first robot 110. Since the second robot 120 does not communicate with the subject P, it does not include a presentation device, an image pickup device, or a sound collection device, but may include an image pickup device as the eyes of the second robot 120. The second robot 120 is operated by the second operation input / output device 320. The third room image pickup device 530 includes a visible light camera or the like, and picks up an image of the inside of the first analysis room R3. The third room image pickup device 530 transmits the data of the captured image to the presentation device 323 of the second operation input / output device 320.

[0043] The first analysis device 420 includes various devices and instruments necessary for a first analysis of the inactivated sample. The first analysis is an analysis performed in a positive pressure environment. For example, in the case of a PCR test, the first analysis includes steps such as extraction of nucleic acid from the sample, production and adjustment of a PCR reaction solution, addition of a control, and sealing. The first analysis device 420 includes devices and instruments necessary for each step.

[0044] The second robot 120 performs at least one of the steps of the first analysis using the devices and instruments included in the first analysis device 420. The second robot 120 performs the action of transferring the specimen after the first analysis to the second analysis chamber R4 through the opening of the shutter W3a of the partition wall W3. The first analysis device 420 may also transfer the specimen after the first analysis. The second robot 120 performs each action according to a command received from the second operation input / output device 320, but may also perform each action according to a command received from the first operation input / output device 310. The second robot 120 performs each action by automatic control according to an automation program, but may also be performed by manual control using the operation input / output device 320 or 310.

[0045] The second unit part U2 includes a third robot 130 that performs a second analysis action on a sample sent from the first analysis chamber R3, a second analysis device 430, and a fourth room image pickup device 540 in the second analysis chamber R4. The third robot 130 has a configuration similar to that of the second robot 120, and includes arms 131 and 132, and hands 133 and 134 at the tips of the arms 131 and 132, respectively. The third robot 130 may include an image pickup device as the eyes of the third robot 130. The third robot 130 is operated by the second operation input / output device 320. The fourth room image pickup device 540 includes a visible light camera or the like and picks up an image of the inside of the second analysis chamber R4. The fourth room image pickup device 540 transmits data of the captured image to the presentation device 323 of the second operation input / output device 320.

[0046] The second analysis device 430 includes various devices and instruments necessary for a second analysis of the sample after the first analysis. The second analysis is an analysis performed in a negative pressure environment. For example, in the case of a PCR test, the second analysis includes steps such as PCR amplification, detection, and output of detection result data. The second analysis device 430 includes devices and instruments necessary for each step.

[0047] The third robot 130 performs at least one of the steps of the second analysis using devices and instruments included in the second analysis device 430. The third robot 130 may perform the action of transferring the specimen after the second analysis to the storage room R5 through the opening of the door W4a of the partition wall W4. The third robot 130 performs each action according to a command received from the second operation input / output device 320, but may also perform each action according to a command received from the first operation input / output device 310. The third robot 130 performs each action by automatic control according to an automation program, but may also perform each action by manual control using the operation input / output device 320 or 310.

[0048] The third unit part U3 includes a third air conditioning system AC3. The third air conditioning system AC3 conditions the air in the accommodation chamber R5. For example, the third air conditioning system AC3 may set the air pressure in the accommodation chamber R5 higher than the air pressure in the second analysis chamber R4, for example, to the same air pressure as the outside air pressure. The third air conditioning system AC3 may include an air conditioner, an air purifier, an intake and exhaust device, a duct, a filter, a backflow prevention damper, and the like.

[0049] The third unit part U3 includes a first operation input / output device 310, a second operation input / output device 320, and a result output device 600 in a housing room R5. The operation input / output devices 310 and 320 include input devices 311 and 321, operation devices 312 and 322, presentation devices 313 and 323, imaging devices 314 and 324, and sound collection devices 315 and 325, respectively.

[0050] The input devices 311 and 321 accept input of commands, information, data, and the like from the medical personnel H1 and H2. For example, the input devices 311 and 321 may accept commands for automatic operations in autopilot to be executed by the robots 110 to 130, and output the commands to the integrated control device 240. The input devices 311 and 321 may include known input means such as levers, buttons, touch panels, joysticks, motion capture, cameras, and microphones. For example, the input devices 311 and 321 may include a teaching pendant, which is one of the teaching devices, a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet, a personal computer, and a terminal device such as a dedicated terminal device.

[0051] The operation devices 312 and 322 receive inputs from the medical staff H1 and H2 regarding operations for manually operating the robots 110 to 130. The operation devices 312 and 322 may output commands corresponding to the operations to the integrated control device 240. The operation devices 312 and 322 may include known input means such as levers, buttons, touch panels, joysticks, motion capture, cameras, and microphones. In the first embodiment, the robots 110 to 130 are controlled in a master-slave manner in manual operation, and the operation devices 312 and 322 include a master device. The operation devices 312 and 322 not only output commands to cause the robots 110 to 130 to perform actions according to the input operations, but also provide feedback of the forces acting on the hands of the robots 110 to 130 to the medical staff H1 and H2 operating the operation devices 312 and 322.

[0052] The operating devices 312 and 322 may also include a release button (not shown) to be pressed by the medical staff H1 and H2 in an emergency (for example, when the robots 110 to 130 perform an abnormal operation, etc.). A command indicating pressing of the release button may be associated with a command to release the medical testing tool or medical examination tool held by the hand and / or a command to move the hand away from the subject P, etc.

[0053] The presentation device 313 includes a display and an audio output device as exemplified for the presentation device 115 of the first robot 110. The presentation device 313 presents to the doctor H1, etc., an image and audio corresponding to the image data and audio signal acquired by the imaging device 116 and the sound collecting device 117 of the first robot 110. The presentation device 313 can present an image and audio of the subject P. The presentation device 313 may present an image corresponding to the image data acquired by the indoor imaging devices 510-540.

[0054] The presentation device 323 includes at least a display among the display and audio output device exemplified for the presentation device 115 of the first robot 110. The presentation device 323 presents images corresponding to image data acquired by the indoor image capture devices 510-540 to the inspection technician H2, etc. The presentation device 323 can present images in each room. The presentation device 323 may present images and audio corresponding to image data and audio signals acquired by the image capture device 116 and sound collection device 117 of the first robot 110, and the image capture devices (not shown) of the robots 120 and 130.

[0055] The imaging devices 314 and 324 include a visible light camera or the like. The sound collecting devices 315 and 325 include a microphone or the like. The imaging device 314 and the sound collecting device 315 acquire image data and audio signals of the doctor H1 or the like who is the operator of the first operation input / output device 310, and output them to the presentation device 115 of the first robot 110. The imaging device 314 and the sound collecting device 315 make it possible to present the image and audio of the doctor H1 to the subject P. The imaging device 324 and the sound collecting device 325 acquire image data and audio signals of the technician H2 or the like who is the operator of the second operation input / output device 320, and output them to the presentation device 115 of the first robot 110. The imaging device 324 and the sound collecting device 325 make it possible to present the image and audio of the technician H2 to the subject P.

[0056] The result output device 600 is an example of equipment that outputs the results of analysis. The result output device 600 receives detection result data from the second analysis device 430. The result output device 600 may attach attached data such as a judgment, a finding, and a certificate for the detection result data to the data. The result output device 600 may generate the attached data according to a program, or may generate the attached data according to information input by the doctor H1, the laboratory technician H2, etc. The result output device 600 outputs the detection result data including the attached data as data or paper that can be visually confirmed by the subject P. For example, the result output device 600 may output a certificate of a negative PCR test as data or paper.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the inspection equipment system 1 includes a first control device 210, a second control device 220, a third control device 230, and an integrated control device 240 as control devices for controlling the operation of each device.

[0058] The first controller 210 controls the operation of each component of the first robot 110. The second controller 220 controls the operation of each component of the second robot 120. The third controller 230 controls the operation of each component of the third robot .

[0059] The integrated control device 240 controls the entire inspection equipment system 1. For example, the integrated control device 240 receives a command from the operation input / output devices 310 and 320, and outputs the command to a device that is the target of the command, or controls the operation of the device that is the target of the command according to the command. For example, when the target of the command from the operation input / output devices 310 and 320 is one of the robots 110 to 130, the integrated control device 240 outputs the command to a control device that controls the robot among the control devices 210 to 230. The integrated control device 240 makes it possible to operate any of the robots 110 to 130 by one first operation input / output device 310, and makes it possible to operate any of the robots 110 to 130 by one second operation input / output device 320.

[0060] For example, when the target of the command from the operation input / output devices 310 and 320 is any of the indoor imaging devices 510-540, the receiving device 410, and the analyzing devices 420-430, the integrated control device 240 may output the command to the device or control the operation of the device according to the command. The integrated control device 240 makes it possible to operate any of the devices by one first operation input / output device 310, and makes it possible to operate any of the devices by one second operation input / output device 320.

[0061] The integrated controller 240 may also control the operation of the air conditioning systems AC1, AC2a, AC2b, and AC3.

[0062] The control devices 210-240 include a computer device. Furthermore, the control devices 210-240 may include an electric circuit for controlling the power supplied to the robots 110-130 and each device. For example, the control devices 210-240 may be disposed in the accommodation room R5. Alternatively, the control devices 210-230 may be disposed in the robots 110-130.

[0063] For example, the computer device of the control devices 210 to 240 includes an arithmetic unit having a processor, memory, etc. The arithmetic unit transmits and receives commands, information, data, etc. to and from other devices. The arithmetic unit inputs signals from various devices and outputs control signals to each control target. The memory is composed of semiconductor memories such as volatile memories and non-volatile memories, hard disks, SSDs (Solid State Drives), and other storage devices. For example, the memory stores programs executed by the arithmetic unit, various fixed data, etc.

[0064] The function of the arithmetic unit may be realized by a computer system (not shown) including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read-Only Memory). The computer system may realize the function of the arithmetic unit by the CPU using the RAM as a work area to execute a program recorded in the ROM. Note that a part or all of the function of the arithmetic unit may be realized by the above-mentioned computer system, by a dedicated hardware circuit such as an electronic circuit or an integrated circuit, or by a combination of the above-mentioned computer system and the hardware circuit. Each of the control devices 210 to 240 may execute each process by centralized control by a single computer device, or may execute each process by distributed control by cooperation of multiple computer devices. For example, at least two of the control devices 210 to 240 may be integrated into a single computer device.

[0065] For example, each function of the control devices 210 to 240 may be realized by a microcontroller, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an LSI (Large Scale Integration), a system LSI, a PLC (Programmable Gate Array), a logic circuit, or the like. The functions of each of the control devices 210 to 240 may be individually integrated into one chip, or may be integrated into one chip to include some or all of the functions. The circuits may be general-purpose circuits or dedicated circuits. As the LSI, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured, a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and / or settings of circuit cells inside the LSI, or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) in which circuits of multiple functions are integrated into one for a specific purpose, or the like may be used.

[0066] The components included in the inspection equipment system 1 shown in Fig. 3 are connected to each other via wired communication or wireless communication. The type of wired communication and wireless communication may be any type.

[0067] [Operation of the inspection equipment system] An example of the flow of the testing process in the testing equipment system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below. Note that, in the following, an example of the flow of the testing process in a PCR test will be described.

[0068] 1 to 3, first, the subject P enters the examination room R1 and sits on a chair so as to face the first robot 110 through the partition W1a. The subject P places the face of the subject P in the opening of the partition W1a according to the instructions of the doctor H1 while communicating with the doctor H1 using the image and voice of the doctor H1 output from the presentation device 115 of the first robot 110 and the image and voice of the subject P input to the imaging device 116 and the sound collection device 117.

[0069] The doctor H1 manually controls the first robot 110 using the first operation input / output device 310 to move the hand 113 or 114, and collects a sample from the subject P using the test tool held by the hand. After collection, the doctor H1 uses the first operation input / output device 310 to switch the motion control of the first robot 110 to automatic control, or inputs an input indicating the completion of collection. The first operation input / output device 310 transmits a notification of switching to automatic control to the second operation input / output device 320.

[0070] When the medical technician H2 perceives the notification via the second operation input / output device 320, he / she inputs a command to automatically execute sample processing to the second operation input / output device 320. During automatic sample processing, the medical technician H2 monitors the occurrence of abnormalities, etc., by visually checking the images of each room displayed on the presentation device 323 of the second operation input / output device 320. When an abnormality occurs, or as necessary, the medical technician H2 uses the second operation input / output device 320 to stop processing or switch from automatic control to manual control, etc.

[0071] The integrated control device 240 automatically causes the first robot 110 and the receiving device 410 to perform the following actions in order: inserting the sample into the receiving device 410 by the first robot 110, dispensing the sample in the receiving device 410 by the first robot 110, inactivating the sample by the receiving device 410, removing the inactivated sample from the receiving device 410 by the first robot 110, and transporting the inactivated sample to the first analysis chamber R3 by the first robot 110.

[0072] Furthermore, the integrated control device 240 causes the shutter W2a to open the opening of the partition W2 and causes the first robot 110 to insert the sample into the opening. The integrated control device 240 operates the second robot 120, causes the second robot 120 to receive the sample inserted into the opening, and causes the shutter W2a to close.

[0073] Next, the integrated controller 240 causes the second robot 120 to automatically execute each step of the first analysis in order. After all steps of the first analysis are completed, the integrated controller 240 causes the shutter W3a to open the opening of the partition W3 and causes the second robot 120 to insert the sample into the opening. The integrated controller 240 operates the third robot 130, causes the third robot 130 to receive the sample inserted into the opening, and causes the shutter W3a to close.

[0074] Next, the integrated control device 240 causes the third robot 130 to automatically execute each step of the second analysis in order. After completing all steps of the second analysis, the integrated control device 240 causes the second analysis device 430 to output the detection result data to the result output device 600. The integrated control device 240 causes the result output device 600 to issue a certificate of the test results. The laboratory technician H2 hands over the certificate, such as a negative PCR test certificate, issued by the result output device 600 to the subject P. The result output device 600 may transmit the certificate data to another device, such as the subject P's terminal device.

[0075] After the first robot 110 transfers the sample to the second robot 120, the integrated control device 240 may switch the operation control of the first robot 110 to manual operation and output a notification of the switch or a notification of the completion of the transfer to the first operation input / output device 310. This allows the doctor H1 to collect a sample from the next subject P.

[0076] As described above, the testing equipment system 1 according to the first embodiment can perform a series of processes from collection of a sample from a subject P to output of the test results of the sample at the location where the testing equipment system 1 is installed. Furthermore, the testing equipment system 1 can perform the above series of processes using only the devices installed in the box 10. In other words, the testing equipment system 1 enables the execution of a series of processes at the installation location simply by installing the box 10.

[0077] (Modification 1 of the first embodiment) The first modification of the first embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second unit part U2 includes a first front chamber R3a of the first analysis chamber R3 and a second front chamber R4a of the second analysis chamber R4. The following description of the first modification will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and will omit the description of the similarities to the first embodiment as appropriate.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view showing an example of the configuration of the inspection equipment system 1A according to the first modified example of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the second unit part U2 of the inspection equipment system 1A includes a first front chamber R3a of the first analysis chamber R3 and a second front chamber R4a of the second analysis chamber R4 in a box body 10. The first front chamber R3a is located between the sampling chamber R2 and the first analysis chamber R3, and the second front chamber R4a is located between the first analysis chamber R3 and the second front chamber R4a. The second unit part U2 may include the first front chamber R3a and the second front chamber R4a as an analysis unit part forming the first front chamber R3a and an analysis unit part forming the second front chamber R4a, respectively.

[0079] The first anterior chamber R3a is separated from the sampling chamber R2 by a partition wall W2, and is separated from the first analysis chamber R3 by a partition wall W6. The partition wall W6, like the partition wall W2, has an opening and a shutter W6a that opens and closes the opening.

[0080] The second front chamber R4a is separated from the first analysis chamber R3 by a partition wall W3, and is separated from the second analysis chamber R4 by a partition wall W7. The partition wall W7, like the partition wall W3, has an opening and a shutter W7a that opens and closes the opening.

[0081] The second unit part U2 includes a second air conditioning system AC2c that adjusts the air conditioning environment of the first anterior chamber R3a, and a second air conditioning system AC2d that adjusts the air conditioning environment of the second anterior chamber R4a. The second air conditioning system AC2c can adjust the air conditioning environment of the first anterior chamber R3a to at least the same air conditioning environment as the first analysis chamber R3, between the negative pressure environment of the sampling chamber R2 and the positive pressure environment of the first analysis chamber R3. The second air conditioning system AC2d can adjust the air conditioning environment of the second anterior chamber R4a to at least the same air conditioning environment as the second analysis chamber R4, between the positive pressure environment of the first analysis chamber R3 and the negative pressure environment of the second analysis chamber R4.

[0082] The integrated control device 240 (see FIG. 3) controls the operations of the air conditioning systems AC1, AC2a to AC2d, and AC3.

[0083] For example, in the case of the transfer of a specimen from the sampling chamber R2 by the first robot 110, the integrated control device 240 opens the shutter W2a of the partition W2 while the first antechamber R3a is in a positive pressure environment. Next, the integrated control device 240 has the first robot 110 place the specimen on the receiving platform in the first antechamber R3a, and then closes the shutter W2a. Furthermore, the integrated control device 240 opens the shutter W6a of the partition W6 while the first antechamber R3a is in a negative pressure environment. Next, the integrated control device 240 has the second robot 120 transfer the specimen on the receiving platform in the first antechamber R3a to the first analysis chamber R3, and closes the shutter W6a. The first antechamber R3a may be in a positive pressure environment. This reliably prevents pathogens present in the air from entering the first analysis chamber R3 from the sampling chamber R2.

[0084] For example, in the case of the transfer of a specimen from the first analysis chamber R3 by the second robot 120, the integrated control device 240 opens the shutter W3a of the partition wall W3 while the second antechamber R4a is in a positive pressure environment. Next, the integrated control device 240 has the second robot 120 place the specimen on the receiving platform in the second antechamber R4a, and then closes the shutter W3a. Furthermore, the integrated control device 240 opens the shutter W7a of the partition wall W7 while the second antechamber R4a is in a negative pressure environment. Next, the integrated control device 240 has the third robot 130 transfer the specimen on the receiving platform in the second antechamber R4a into the second analysis chamber R4, and closes the shutter W7a. This reliably prevents pathogens present in the air from entering the second analysis chamber R4 from the first analysis chamber R3.

[0085] According to the inspection equipment system 1A according to the first modification of the first embodiment as described above, pathogens present in the air are reliably prevented from moving between rooms.

[0086] (Modification 2 of the first embodiment) Modification 2 of the first embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that at least one of the first operation input / output device 310 and the second operation input / output device 320 is disposed at a position away from the box body 10. Hereinafter, Modification 2 will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment and Modification 1, and descriptions of the same points as the first embodiment and Modification 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0087] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional side view showing an example of the configuration of an inspection equipment system 1B according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, in the inspection equipment system 1B according to this modification, the third unit part U3 does not include the operation input / output devices 310 and 320. The third unit part U3 includes a result output device 600 in a storage room R5, and the result output device 600 can output test results such as a negative certificate directly to the subject P outside the box 10. In this modification, the storage room R5 does not store medical workers H1 and H2.

[0088] The inspection equipment system 1B further includes a fifth unit part U5 at a position away from the box body 10. The fifth unit part U5 may be disposed in one location or in multiple locations. The fifth unit part U5 includes at least one of a first operation input / output device 310 and a second operation input / output device 320.

[0089] In this example, the fifth unit parts U5 are arranged in two locations separated from each other. One fifth unit part U5 includes an operation room R6a that houses the first operation input / output device 310, and the other fifth unit part U5 includes an operation room R6b that houses the second operation input / output device 320. Each of the two fifth unit parts U5 includes a box body including the operation rooms R6a and R6b, and may be arranged together with the box body, or may be arranged in a space such as a room of an existing facility by utilizing the space as the operation rooms R6a and R6b.

[0090] Both the operation input / output devices 310 and 320 communicate with the integrated control device 240 (see FIG. 3) via the communication network N. Thus, the doctor H1 can remotely control each device in the box 10 including the robots 110 to 130, etc., using the first operation input / output device 310, and the medical technician H2 can remotely control each device in the box 10 including the robots 110 to 130, etc., using the second operation input / output device 320.

[0091] The communication network N may be a wired communication network or a wireless communication network. For example, the communication network N may include an ad hoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless WAN (WWAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a part of the Internet, a part of a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a mobile phone network, ISDNs (Integrated Service Digital Networks), wireless LANs, LTE (Long Term Evolution), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), Bluetooth (Bluetooth), satellite communication, or the like, or a combination of two or more of these. The communication network N may include one or more networks.

[0092] The operation input / output devices 310 and 320, which communicate with the integrated control device 240 (see FIG. 3) via the communication network N, may be located in the same building or on the same premises as the box body 10, or may be located in a remote location further away.

[0093] Furthermore, the integrated control device 240 (see FIG. 3) of one box 10 may be able to communicate with two or more first operation input / output devices 310 and / or two or more second operation input / output devices 320 via the communication network N. This allows a plurality of doctors H1 and a plurality of technicians H2 in various locations to operate each device in the box 10. For example, by having a plurality of doctors H1 and a plurality of technicians H2 take turns operating each device, it is possible to carry out examination processing at any time 24 hours a day.

[0094] In this modified example, the operation input / output devices 310 and 320 communicate with the integrated control device 240 (see FIG. 3) via the communication network N, but may communicate with the integrated control device 240 via wired or wireless communication without via the communication network N.

[0095] According to the above-described inspection equipment system 1B according to the second modification of the first embodiment, it is not necessary for the doctor H1 and the technician H2 to be stationed at the place where the box 10 is placed. It is possible to reduce the number of doctors H1 and technicians H2 involved in the inspection equipment system 1B.

[0096] In this modified example, the operation input / output devices 310 and 320 are arranged in separate operation rooms R6a and R6b, but are not limited to this and may be arranged in one operation room R6.

[0097] Also, a part of the fifth unit part U5 may be disposed inside the box body 10. That is, one of the operation input / output devices 310 and 320 may be disposed inside the box body 10. In this case, a part of the third unit part U3 inside the box body 10 may also serve as a part of the fifth unit part U5.

[0098] (Example of an airport layout of the inspection equipment system) An example of the arrangement of the inspection equipment system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the inspection equipment system 1 according to the first embodiment at an airport AP. In FIG. 7, solid arrows indicate the flow of passengers of aircraft departing from the airport AP, and dashed arrows indicate the flow of passengers of aircraft arriving at the airport AP. Dot-dash arrows indicate the flow of data communication. As shown in FIG. 7, the airport AP includes a terminal building AB, a train and bus station AC, a taxi stand AD, a parking lot AE, and the like. Passengers travel between the station AC, the stand AD, and the parking lot AE and an entrance / exit AB1 of the terminal building AB.

[0099] Terminal building AB includes an entrance / exit AB1, a check-in counter AB2 for boarding procedures, a security checkpoint AB3 using X-ray inspections and metal detectors, a boarding waiting area AB4, a boarding gate AB5, a baggage claim area AB6, and an arrival gate AB7. Passengers of aircraft departing from airport AP proceed through check-in counter AB2, security checkpoint AB3, boarding waiting area AB4, and boarding gate AB5 in that order. Passengers of aircraft arriving at airport AP proceed through baggage claim area AB6 and arrival gate AB7 in that order.

[0100] The box 10 of the inspection equipment system 1 is arranged at least at one of the entrance / exit AB1, the check-in counter AB2, and the security checkpoint AB3, and in this example, all of them. This prevents passengers who have not been inspected from passing through the security checkpoint AB3. Furthermore, the box 10 of the inspection equipment system 1 is arranged at least at one of the baggage claim area AB6 and the arrival gate AB7, and in this example, all of them. This prevents passengers who have not been inspected from passing through the arrival gate AB7.

[0101] If there are multiple terminal buildings AB, the box 10 of the inspection equipment system 1 may be placed in the above-mentioned location for each terminal building AB.

[0102] The inspection equipment system 1 may issue a certificate of the inspection result to the passenger at the location where the inspection equipment system 1 is installed, or may input data of the certificate of the inspection result into the passenger's personal belongings such as a ticket. Alternatively, the inspection equipment system 1 may transmit data of the certificate of the inspection result to another location. The transmission destination may be at least one of the check-in counter AB2, the security checkpoint AB3, and the arrival gate AB7, which are locations where the passenger always stops.

[0103] Furthermore, the testing equipment system 1 in the terminal building AB may receive, via communication, data on certificates of test results of passengers conducted at facilities outside the terminal building AB. For example, external facilities include medical facilities AF such as hospitals, health centers, and testing facilities, as well as accommodation facilities AG adjacent to or located in the vicinity of the airport AP, and other airports APa from which passengers depart. The medical facilities AF and accommodation facilities AG may be located within the premises of the airport AP or outside the premises.

[0104] If the external facility does not have inspection equipment, an inspection equipment system 1 may be installed in the external facility, and the inspection equipment system 1 may transmit data to the inspection equipment system 1 in the terminal building AB. In FIG. 7, the data is transmitted to the inspection equipment system 1 in the check-in counter AB2, but the data may also be transmitted to another inspection equipment system 1. The inspection equipment system 1 in the terminal building AB may evaluate the credibility of the certificate of the external facility based on information such as the timing of the inspection and the implementing agency, and issue a credible certificate as its own certificate. This can reduce waiting times for passengers.

[0105] The box 10 of the inspection equipment system 1 may be arranged not only in the terminal building AB but also in the station AC, the boarding area AD, and the parking lot AE. The inspection equipment system 1 arranged in the terminal building AB, the station AC, the boarding area AD, the parking lot AE, and an external facility does not necessarily have to include the box 10, and may be arranged by utilizing an existing facility.

[0106] Second embodiment A testing system 1100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 19. The testing system 1100 of the second embodiment collects a specimen from a subject and measures and tests the collected specimen. For example, the testing system 1100 is for performing an RT-PCR test for an infectious virus. The infectious virus is not particularly limited, but COVID-19 is one example. The testing system 1100 is an example of a testing equipment system.

[0107] 8 and 9, the inspection system 1100 includes a first unit 1001, a second unit 1002, and a third unit 1003. The first unit 1001, the second unit 1002, and the third unit 1003 of the inspection system 1100 are each provided with a robot 1004. The first unit 1001, the second unit 1002, and the third unit 1003 are provided in a container 1005. It is only necessary that at least one of the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002, and the third unit 1003 is provided in the container 1005. This allows the inspection system 1100 to be easily transported and installed.

[0108] The inspection system 1100 also includes transport units 1006a and 1006b that connect the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002, and the third unit 1003 to one another. Specifically, the first unit 1001 and the second unit 1002 are connected by the transport unit 1006a. The second unit 1002 and the third unit 1003 are connected by the transport unit 1006b. This allows the transport units 1006a and 1006b to easily move samples between the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002, and the third unit 1003.

[0109] The first unit 1001 collects a specimen and receives the specimen. For example, the first unit 1001 collects a specimen from a subject and performs a process of diluting the collected specimen with a diluent. The first unit 1001 also performs a process of stirring the diluted specimen. The first unit 1001 also performs a process of centrifuging the diluted specimen. The second unit 1002 is connected to the first unit 1001 and performs a pre-processing before the measurement of the specimen. For example, the second unit 1002 performs an inactivation process as the pre-processing of the specimen. The second unit 1002 also performs a nucleic acid extraction process as the pre-processing of the specimen. The third unit 1003 is connected to the second unit 1002 and performs a measurement of the pre-processed specimen. For example, the third unit 1003 performs a process of measuring whether the specimen contains an infectious virus by RT-PCR testing.

[0110] The robots 1004 provided in each of the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002, and the third unit 1003 of the inspection system 1100 perform processing on the respective samples. For example, the robot 1004 transports, opens, and closes containers containing samples. The robot 1004 also dispenses samples and reagents. The robot 1004 also transports items such as containers, reagents, and palettes required for processing. Note that it is sufficient that the robot 1004 is provided in at least one of the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002, and the third unit 1003.

[0111] Moreover, the testing system 1100 is disposed at a mobile base for boarding and disembarking a mobile object. For example, the testing system 1100 is disposed at an airport, a train station, a bus terminal, or a ferry terminal as a mobile base. The mobile object is, for example, an airplane, a train, a bus, or a ship. This allows the testing system 1100 to perform an infectious disease test at the mobile base, so that the positive or negative result of the infectious disease can be immediately confirmed at the mobile base. As a result, the spread of the infectious disease from the mobile base can be effectively suppressed.

[0112] An example in which the inspection system 1100 is installed in an airport will be described. The airport has a terminal building, as well as railroad and bus stations, a taxi stand, a parking lot, etc. Airplane passengers travel between the station, the stand, and the parking lot and the entrance and exit of the terminal building.

[0113] A terminal building includes entrances and exits, check-in counters for boarding procedures, security checkpoints using X-ray screening and metal detectors, boarding waiting areas, boarding gates, baggage claim areas, and arrival gates. Passengers of aircraft departing from an airport proceed through the check-in counters, security checkpoint, boarding waiting areas, and boarding gates, in that order. Passengers of aircraft arriving at an airport proceed through the baggage claim area and arrival gate, in that order.

[0114] The inspection system 1100 is arranged at least one of an entrance / exit, a check-in counter, and a security checkpoint. This makes it possible to prevent passengers who have not been inspected from passing through the security checkpoint. Furthermore, the inspection system 1100 may be arranged at least one of a baggage claim area and an arrival gate. This makes it possible to prevent passengers who have not been inspected from passing through the arrival gate.

[0115] If an airport has multiple terminal buildings, the inspection system 1100 may be installed in the above-mentioned locations for each terminal building. The inspection system 1100 may also be installed not only in the terminal buildings, but also in stations, boarding areas, and parking lots.

[0116] The first unit 1001 collects a saliva sample or a nasal sample and receives the sample. As shown in FIG. 10, the first unit 1001 is provided with a first robot 1004a as a robot 1004 for processing the sample. The first robot 1004a includes robot arms 1041 and 1042. That is, the first robot 1004a performs processing using two robot arms. Each of the robot arms 1041 and 1042 includes a horizontal joint and a lifting mechanism connected to the horizontal joint. The horizontal joint moves the tip of the robot arm 1041 (1042) in the horizontal direction. The lifting mechanism moves the tip of the robot arm 1041 (1042) in the up-down direction (height direction).

[0117] The first unit 1001 includes a subject area 1011 in which a subject is placed. The first unit 1001 also includes a robot area 1012 that is separated from the subject area 1011 and in which a first robot 1004a for processing a sample is placed.

[0118] 10, the subject area 1011 is divided into multiple booths by partitions 1111. This makes it possible to prevent infection between multiple subjects. The subject area 1011 and the robot area 1012 are also divided by partitions 1112. This makes it possible to prevent subjects from entering the robot area 1012.

[0119] The first unit 1001 includes a weighing section 1014 that weighs the collected specimen. The first unit 1001 also adjusts the amount of diluting liquid according to the amount of specimen weighed by the weighing section 1014 to dilute the specimen. That is, when the amount of specimen is small, the amount of diluting liquid is reduced, and when the amount of specimen is large, the amount of diluting liquid is increased, thereby diluting the specimen. This allows the specimen to be diluted to a concentration within an appropriate range. The first unit 1001 may dilute the collected specimen with a diluting liquid containing an inactivating component that inactivates viruses. This allows the specimen to be inactivated in addition to being diluted.

[0120] The first unit 1001 includes a diluent supplying unit 1016 that supplies a diluent for diluting a specimen. The diluent supplying unit 1016 supplies a diluent to a specimen collection container 1007a held by the first robot 1004a.

[0121] The first unit 1001 includes a notification unit 1113 that notifies the subject to recollect the sample when the amount of the sample weighed by the weighing unit 1014 is insufficient. The notification unit 1113 is provided, for example, in the subject area 1011. The notification unit 1113 is, for example, a display unit that displays an image. The notification unit 1113 may be a speaker that outputs sound. This makes it possible to prevent the test from being unable to be performed correctly due to an insufficient amount of sample.

[0122] The first unit 1001 is provided with an ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 1017a. The first robot 1004a sterilizes the inside of the first unit 1001 by the ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 1017a. Specifically, the first robot 1004a performs the sterilization process by holding the ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 1017a and irradiating the inside of the robot area 1012 of the first unit 1001 with ultraviolet rays while the ultraviolet lamp of the ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 1017a is turned on. This allows the first unit 1001 to be sterilized by ultraviolet rays, thereby effectively suppressing contamination and infection.

[0123] As shown in Fig. 11, the first unit 1001 collects and receives a specimen in a specimen collection container 1007a marked with a recommended specimen collection amount. This allows the subject to easily know the amount of specimen to be dispensed, and the specimen can be easily collected without excess or deficiency. The specimen collection container 1007a can be closed with a lid 1071. In addition, a label on which an identifier (e.g., a barcode) including information about the subject and the recommended specimen collection amount are printed is attached to the specimen collection container 1007a.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 10, the first unit 1001 includes a disinfectant tank 1015 for disinfecting the outer surface of the specimen collection container 1007a in which a specimen is collected. As shown in FIG. 12, the disinfectant tank 1015 has a sponge 1151 disposed therein. The sponge 1151 is soaked with a disinfectant (e.g., ethanol, hypochlorous acid water). The sponge 1151 is provided with a plurality of holes 1152 into which the specimen collection container 1007a can be inserted. By inserting the specimen collection container 1007a into the holes 1152 of the sponge 1151, the outer surface of the specimen collection container 1007a is disinfected with the disinfectant. This allows the outer surface of the specimen collection container 1007a to be disinfected, thereby effectively suppressing contamination and infection.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 13, the first unit 1001 includes a specimen collection container transport unit 1013 that transports a specimen collection container 1007a containing a specimen from the subject area 1011 to the robot area 1012. The specimen collection container transport unit 1013 has a mounting unit 1131 on which the specimen collection container 1007a is mounted, and an air cylinder 1132 that is driven by air pressure. The specimen collection container transport unit 1013 moves the mounting unit 1131 by driving the air cylinder 1132 to transport the specimen collection container 1007a. The specimen collection container transport unit 1013 may move the mounting unit 1131 from the subject area 1011 to the robot area 1012 based on the fact that a cover 1133 arranged in the subject area 1011 is closed. Here, the cover 1133 is provided to be rotatable around a horizontal rotation axis. The cover 1133 can be moved between a closed position where it rotates downward to cover the placement unit 1131 and an open position where it rotates upward to expose the placement unit 1131. The placement unit 1131 may be moved from the subject area 1011 to the robot area 1012 based on the cover 1133 being moved to the closed position. The specimen collection container transport unit 1013 may also move the placement unit 1131 from the subject area 1011 to the robot area 1012 based on the switch 1134 arranged in the subject area 1011 being operated. The specimen collection container 1007a placed on the placement unit 1131 moved to the robot area 1012 is grasped by the first robot 1004a and taken into the robot area 1012. This allows the specimen to be easily moved from the subject area 1011 to the robot area 1012 while reliably isolating the subject area 1011 and the robot area 1012.

[0126] 10, the first unit 1001 includes an air conditioning unit 1121 that adjusts the air flow in the subject area 1011. The air conditioning unit 1121 creates a positive or negative pressure in the environment of the subject area 1011. This makes it possible to keep the subject area 1011 clean.

[0127] The first unit 1001 includes a sterilization section 1017b that sterilizes the first robot 1004a for processing specimens. This makes it possible to sterilize the first robot 1004a, thereby effectively suppressing contamination and infection.

[0128] The first unit 1001 includes a transport unit 1061 that transports a specimen collection container 1007a that contains a specimen diluted with a diluent. The transport unit 1061 transports the specimen collection container 1007a toward the downstream first robot 1004b.

[0129] The first unit 1001 includes a first centrifuge 1018 capable of centrifuging a plurality of specimens. The first unit 1001 also drives the first centrifuge 1018 at predetermined time intervals to perform a centrifugation process on the specimens. In other words, even if the first centrifuge 1018 is not fully loaded with specimens, the centrifugation process is performed at predetermined time intervals. This makes it possible to prevent delays in the processing of specimens due to waiting until specimens are accumulated.

[0130] The first unit 1001 includes a first robot 1004b as a robot 1004 for processing a specimen. The first robot 1004b has a vertical articulated robot arm 1043. The first robot 1004b transports the specimen collection container 1007a transported by the transport unit 1061 to the shaking unit 1019, and after the shaking process, transports it to the first centrifuge 1018. The first robot 1004b also transports the specimen collection container 1007a after the centrifugation process to the transport unit 1006a.

[0131] The first unit 1001 uses the first robot 1004b to place the balance centrifuge tubes in the first centrifuge 1018 and drive the first centrifuge 1018 to perform centrifugation processing of the specimens. As a result, even if the number of specimen collection containers 1007a to be centrifuged varies each time by performing centrifugation processing at predetermined time intervals, the balance can be adjusted by the balance centrifuge tubes.

[0132] The first unit 1001 includes an imaging unit 1181 that captures an image for acquiring the position of the specimen in the first centrifuge 1018. The first unit 1001 also uses a first robot 1004b for processing the specimen to take out the specimen (specimen collection container 1007a) from the first centrifuge 1018. Specifically, the first unit 1001 recognizes the position of the specimen collection container 1007a in the first centrifuge 1018 based on the image captured by the imaging unit 1181. Then, the first unit 1001 uses the first robot 1004b to take out the specimen collection container 1007a at the recognized position. This allows the first robot 1004b to easily take out the specimen collection container 1007a from the first centrifuge 1018.

[0133] When a sample is to be retested, the first unit 1001 receives the sample for retesting from the second unit 1002 and subjects the received sample for retesting to a centrifugation process by the first centrifuge 1018. This allows the sample to be retested without collecting the sample again.

[0134] The first unit 1001 includes a shaking unit 1019 that shakes the specimen. The shaking unit 1019 can hold a plurality of specimen collection containers 1007a. The shaking unit 1019 is used to stir the specimen in the placed specimen collection container 1007a. The shaking unit 1019 periodically moves the placed specimen collection container 1007a to shake it. The shaking unit 1019 stops at a certain position after the shaking process is completed. This allows the first robot 1004b to easily take out the specimen collection container 1007a from the shaking unit 1019, since it only has to go to the position where the specimen collection container 1007a was placed on the shaking unit 1019 to pick up the shaken specimen collection container 1007a.

[0135] As shown in Fig. 14, the second unit 1002 is provided with a second robot 1004c as a robot 1004 that dispenses a diluted sample onto a plate 1007b having a plurality of wells 1073. The plate 1007b has, for example, 96 deep wells in 8 columns and 12 rows as shown in Fig. 16. The second robot 1004c includes robot arms 1041 and 1042 having horizontal joints.

[0136] The second unit 1002 is also provided with a third robot 1004d as a robot 1004 that supplies a plate 1007b to a dispensing position. The third robot 1004d has a vertical articulated robot arm 1043. The third robot 1004d grips an empty plate 1007b supplied from a feeder 1023 and transports it to a supply stand 1631. The third robot 1004d also moves a specimen collection container 1007a transported by a transport unit 1006a to a transport unit 1062. The third robot 1004d also transports a tip rack supplied from the feeder 1023 to a tip supply slider 1064. The third robot 1004d also transports a specimen collection container 1007a in which a part of the contained specimen has been dispensed to a plate 1007b from the transport unit 1062 to a storage rack 1022. The third robot 1004d transports the plate 1007b discharged from the discharge table 1635 to the transport section 1065.

[0137] The second robot 1004c dispenses the specimen from the specimen collection container 1007a transported by the transport unit 1062 onto a plate 1007b.

[0138] The second unit 1002 includes a plate transport section 1063 that transports the plate 1007b over a predetermined time period to inactivate the specimen on the plate. The plate transport section 1063 includes a transport section 1632, a transport section 1633, and a transport section 1634. The transport sections 1632, 1633, and 1634 of the plate transport section 1063 are arranged in a substantially U-shape so as to surround the second robot 1004c.

[0139] The transport unit 1632 transports the plate 1007b from the supply stage 1631 to the transport unit 1633. The supply stage 1631 supplies the inactivation liquid, cleaning liquid A, cleaning liquid B, and elution liquid (water) to the plate 1007b. The transport unit 1633 dispenses the specimen from the specimen collection container 1007a onto the plate 1007b. The transport unit 1633 then transports the plate 1007b to the transport unit 1634 for the time required for inactivation (for example, 10 minutes). The transport unit 1634 transports the plate 1007b to the discharge stage 1635. This allows the inactivation process to be performed on multiple plates 1007b in parallel.

[0140] The second unit 1002 includes a storage rack 1022 that stores the specimen collection container 1007a containing the remaining specimen for a predetermined period of time after dispensing a portion of the specimen from the specimen collection container 1007a into a plate 1007b. The storage rack 1022 stores the specimen collection container 1007a for, for example, two hours. This allows the specimen to be taken out of the storage rack 1022 and retested when retesting is required, eliminating the need to collect the specimen again.

[0141] The second unit 1002 includes a cabinet 1021 having an internal space in which the diluted sample is dispensed onto a plate 1007b by the second robot 1004c. That is, the second robot 1004c drives while moving a hand (end effector) within the internal space of the cabinet 1021. This allows the sample to be dispensed within the cabinet 1021, effectively preventing the sample from spreading to the outside and increasing the risk of infection.

[0142] The second unit 1002 includes a chute 1241 that discards tips for dispensing a diluted sample. Tips discarded by the chute 1241 are moved to and stored in a waste box 1024. This allows used tips to be easily discarded.

[0143] 16, the second unit 1002 dispenses a plurality of diluted samples into a plurality of wells 1073 of the plate 1007b, with empty wells 1073 spaced apart. This allows the samples to be dispensed at intervals, thereby effectively suppressing contamination.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 15, the second unit 1002 includes a plurality of robots 1004e as the robot 1004 that performs the nucleic acid extraction process. The robot 1004e has a vertical articulated robot arm 1043. In the nucleic acid extraction process, the plate 1007b is transported by the transport unit 1065. The plate 1007b transported by the transport unit 1065 is moved to a work table by the robot 1004e and the nucleic acid extraction process is performed. The second unit 1002 includes a magnet unit 1025, a tip rack storage 1026, a heating unit 1027, a shaking unit 1028, and a waste box 1029. The second unit 1002 also includes a magnetic particle supply unit 1025a and a tip rack storage 1026a.

[0145] The magnet unit 1025 is used to collect magnetic particles supplied from the magnetic particle supply unit 1025a to the specimen on the plate 1007b. Specifically, the magnet unit 1025 collects magnetic particles by applying a magnet to the specimen on the plate 1007b while the plate 1007b is placed thereon.

[0146] Tip racks supplied from tip rack storage 1026a are placed in tip rack storage 1026. Also, used tip racks are returned to tip rack storage 1026a.

[0147] The heating unit 1027 heats the sample on the plate 1007b. The shaking unit 1028 shakes and mixes the sample on the plate 1007b.

[0148] The waste box 1029 is used to dispose of tips and plates 1007b for dispensing samples. As shown in Fig. 17, the waste box 1029 has a storage section 1291 and a tapered section 1292. That is, the tip (entrance) of the waste box 1029 is formed in a tapered shape. This can prevent liquid from splashing.

[0149] 18, the third unit 1003 includes a reagent preparation chamber 1031 for preparing a reagent for measuring a sample, and a measurement chamber 1032 for measuring the sample. The reagent preparation chamber 1031 is kept at positive pressure. The measurement chamber 1032 is kept at negative pressure. This makes it possible to prevent floating foreign matter from entering the reagent preparation chamber 1031. It also makes it possible to prevent viruses from leaking out of the measurement chamber 1032.

[0150] The third unit 1003 includes a shutter 1033 that opens and closes an opening that communicates between the reagent preparation chamber 1031 and the measurement chamber 1032. The shutter 1033 is opened when an object is to be transferred between the reagent preparation chamber 1031 and the measurement chamber 1032, and is closed otherwise. This allows a sample or prepared reagent to be easily moved from the reagent preparation chamber 1031 to the measurement chamber 1032 while reliably isolating the reagent preparation chamber 1031 and the measurement chamber 1032.

[0151] The third unit 1003 includes a robot 1004f as the robot 1004 that performs a reagent preparation process. The robot 1004f has a vertical articulated robot arm 1043. The reagent preparation chamber 1031 of the third unit 1003 is provided with a freezer 1311, a refrigerator 1312, a cap removal device 1313, a preparation location 1314, a tip storage location 1315, and a waste box 1316.

[0152] A reagent (Enzyme Mix) that is stored below freezing (for example, -18°C) is stored in the freezer 1311. A reagent (Reaction Mix) that is stored at a low temperature (for example, 4°C) is stored in the refrigerator 1312. The reagent (Enzyme Mix) and the reagent (Reaction Mix) are mixed and prepared according to their use.

[0153] That is, the third unit 1003 prepares the reagent in the reagent preparation chamber 1031 based on the acceptance status of the sample test. This makes it possible to prepare the reagent without excess or deficiency.

[0154] The capping device 1313 opens the cap of a reagent container. In the preparation place 1314, a reagent (Enzyme Mix) and a reagent (Reaction Mix) are mixed and prepared.

[0155] The third unit 1003 includes a fourth robot 1004g serving as the robot 1004 that performs a process of supplying a specimen to the specimen measurement section 1034. The fourth robot 1004g has a vertical articulated robot arm 1043. The measurement chamber 1032 of the third unit 1003 further includes a plurality of specimen measurement sections 1034, a second centrifuge 1035, a tube holding section 1036, a lid closing section 1037, and a waste box 1038.

[0156] The specimen measurement section 1034 measures the specimen in a state where the specimen is contained in a multi-tube 1007c in which a plurality of tubes 1074 capable of containing a plurality of specimens are connected together. The specimen measurement section 1034 performs measurement by, for example, RT-PCR. As shown in Fig. 19, the multi-tube 1007c has, for example, eight tubes 1074 connected in a straight line. Furthermore, a lid 1075 is connected to each of the tubes 1074 of the multi-tube 1007c. The lid 1075 closes the tube 1074 by bending the connecting portion.

[0157] The third unit 1003 includes an open state detection unit 1034a that detects that the lid 1075 of the multiple tube 1007c is open. This makes it possible to prevent the multiple tube 1007c from being handled even when the lid 1075 of the multiple tube 1007c is open, thereby effectively preventing contamination caused by the lid 1075 of the multiple tube 1007c being open.

[0158] The second centrifuge 1035 centrifuges the specimen. After the centrifugation process is completed, the second centrifuge 1035 stops at the aligned stop position. This allows the fourth robot 1004g to easily remove the specimen from the second centrifuge 1035 after the centrifugation process, since the fourth robot 1004g only needs to pick up the specimen after the centrifugation process at the aligned stop position.

[0159] The tube holding portion 1036 holds a plurality of multi-connected tubes 1007c. Specifically, the tube holding portion 1036 holds the multi-connected tubes 1007c in a vertically stacked manner.

[0160] The fourth robot 1004g transports the multiple-connected tube 1007c. In addition, the third unit 1003 causes the fourth robot 1004g to take out the multiple-connected tube 1007c downward from the tube holding unit 1036, dispense a sample into the multiple-connected tube 1007c, and then bend and close the caps 1075 connected to each of the multiple tubes 1074 at different timings.

[0161] 19, the lid closing section 1037 has a plurality of contact portions 1371 with which the lids 1075 of the multiple tube 1007c come into contact, the contact portions 1371 being offset in a plan view in a stepped manner. This causes the lids 1075 of the multiple tube 1007c to come into contact with the contact portions 1371 at different times. As a result, the lids 1075 of the multiple tube 1007c can be easily closed.

[0162] Furthermore, the third unit 1003 measures a control reagent for managing the accuracy of the test at a predetermined timing, thereby making it possible to effectively prevent the accuracy of the test from decreasing.

[0163] Third embodiment With reference to FIG. 20, an inspection system 1200 according to a third embodiment will be described.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 20, the testing system 1200 includes an airport PCR system 1210 and a testing entity system 1220.

[0165] The airport PCR system 1210 comprises a reception counter 1211, a sample collection robot module 1212, a centrifugation robot module 1213, a capping and dispensing robot module 1214, a nucleic acid extraction robot module 1215, a measurement robot module 1216, and a control device 1217.

[0166] The reception counter 1211 supplies sample containers to the subject P. The reception counter 1211 receives a plurality of samples. Here, the samples are samples for infectious disease testing. The infectious disease testing is testing using the PCR method.

[0167] The specimen collection robot module 1212 includes a plurality of (four) first robots 1212a. Each of the plurality of first robots 1212a performs processing using two robot arms. Each of the robot arms includes a horizontal joint and a lifting mechanism connected to the horizontal joint. The first robot 1212a holds the specimen collection container 1007a containing a specimen collected from the subject P, and disinfects the specimen collection container 1007a. The first robot 1212a supplies a diluent for diluting the specimen into the specimen collection container 1007a. The first robot 1212a places the specimen collection container 1007a containing the diluted specimen on the transport unit 1221. The specimen collection robot module 1212 may include one, two, three, or five or more first robots 1212a.

[0168] The centrifugal robot module 1213 includes a plurality of (two) robots 1213a. Each of the plurality of first robots 1213a has a vertical articulated robot arm. The robot 1213a puts the specimen collection container 1007a transported by the transport unit 1221 into the mixer. The robot 1213a puts the specimen collection container after mixing into the centrifuge. The centrifugal robot module 1213 may include one robot 1213a or three or more robots 1213a.

[0169] Here, in the booth where the centrifuge robot module 1213 is installed, a predetermined number (four or more) of specimen collection containers 1007a transported by a transport unit 1221 are stored. The robot 1213a loads the stored predetermined number of specimen containers into a centrifuge according to the priority order of processing. The robot 1213a places the specimen collection containers after centrifugation on the transport unit 1222.

[0170] The capping and dispensing robot module 1214 includes a second robot 1214a and a third robot 1214b. The second robot 1214a includes two robot arms with horizontal joints. The third robot 1214b includes a vertical articulated robot arm. The second robot 1214a caps the specimen collection container 1007a transported by the transport unit 1222. After the second robot 1214a caps the specimen collection container 1007a, it dispenses the specimen in the specimen collection container 1007a to a plate 1007b (96-hole deep well plate). The second robot 1214a dispenses a plurality of reagents to the plate 1007b (96-hole deep well plate). The third robot 1214b places the plate 1007b (96-hole deep well plate) to which the specimen and reagents have been dispensed on the transport unit 1223.

[0171] The nucleic acid extraction robot module 1215 includes a plurality of (five) robots 1215a. The robot 1215a has a vertical articulated robot arm. The robot 1215a moves the plate 1007b (96-hole deep well plate) transported by the transport unit 1223 to a work table. The robot 1215a performs a nucleic acid extraction operation on the plate 1007b (96-hole deep well plate) on the work table. The robot 1215a dispenses the extracted nucleic acid into a multi-tube 1007c (8-tube PCR tube). The robot 1215a places the multi-tube 1007c (8-tube PCR tube) into which the nucleic acid extracted from the specimen is dispensed, on the transport unit 1224. The nucleic acid extraction robot module 1215 may include one, two, three, four, or six or more robots 1215a.

[0172] The measurement robot module 1216 includes a robot 1216a and a fourth robot 1216b. The robot 1216a has a vertical articulated robot arm. The fourth robot 1216b has a vertical articulated robot arm. The robot 1216a prepares two types of reagents. The robot 1216a moves the multiple tube 1007c (8-tube PCR tube) transported by the transport unit 1224 to a workbench. The robot 1216a dispenses the prepared reagent into the multiple tube 1007c (8-tube PCR tube) on the workbench, and aspirates and mixes the tube. The fourth robot 1216b closes the lid of the multiple tube 1007c (8-tube PCR tube) and then places the tube in a centrifuge. The fourth robot 1216b sets the multiple tube 1007c (8-tube PCR tube) containing the centrifuged sample in a thermal cycler. The fourth robot 1216b sets the heated multi-tube 1007c (8-tube PCR tube) in a PCR testing device.

[0173] The control device 1217 determines a priority test sample to be tested from among a plurality of samples, and then controls the start of processing starting from the test sample. Specifically, the control device 1217 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit having a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). A PCR system management program is stored in the storage unit. The control device 1217 manages and controls the airport PCR system 1210 based on the PCR system management program.

[0174] The testing entity system 1220 judges whether the subject P is positive or negative based on the test result of the PCR testing device. The testing entity system 1220 issues a document including information on the test result of the PCR testing device. Specifically, the testing entity system 1220 includes a control unit 1220a having a CPU and a storage unit having a ROM and RAM. A test result judgment program is stored in the storage unit. The control unit 1220a controls the testing entity system 1220 based on the test result judgment program.

[0175] (Fourth embodiment) With reference to Figs. 21 to 31, an inspection system 1300 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. In this fourth embodiment, unlike the second embodiment, a configuration in which the cabinet 1021 is not provided in the capping and dispensing unit 1500 of the second unit 1002a will be described. As will be described later, in the capping and dispensing unit 1500 of the second unit 1002a according to the fourth embodiment, the cabinet 1021, which is a measure against infection of the human body, is not provided because processing is performed by multiple robots. In addition, by not providing the cabinet 1021, it is possible to widen the range of choices of robots to be installed. For example, it is possible to select a smaller robot or a robot capable of high-speed operation that improves the takt time.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 21, the inspection system 1300 includes a first unit 1001, a second unit 1002a, and a third unit 1003. The second unit 1002a includes an uncapped dispensing unit 1500. The first unit 1001 of the inspection system 1300 is provided with robots 1004a and 1004b. The second unit 1002a of the inspection system 1100 is provided with robots 1511, 1521, 1522, 1531, and 1004e. The third unit 1003 of the inspection system 1300 is provided with robots 1004f and 1004g. The first unit 1001, the second unit 1002a, and the third unit 1003 are provided in a container 1005. It is only necessary that at least one of the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002a, and the third unit 1003 is provided inside the container 1005. This allows the inspection system 1300 to be easily transported and installed.

[0177] The inspection system 1300 also includes transport units 1006a and 1006b that connect the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002a, and the third unit 1003 to one another. Specifically, the first unit 1001 and the second unit 1002a are connected by the transport unit 1006a. The second unit 1002a and the third unit 1003 are connected by the transport unit 1006b. This allows the transport units 1006a and 1006b to easily move samples between the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002a, and the third unit 1003.

[0178] The first unit 1001 collects a specimen and receives the specimen. For example, the first unit 1001 collects a specimen from a subject and dilutes the collected specimen with a diluent. The first unit 1001 also performs a stirring process on the diluted specimen. The first unit 1001 also performs a centrifugation process on the diluted specimen. The second unit 1002a is connected to the first unit 1001 and performs a pretreatment process before the measurement of the specimen. For example, the second unit 1002a performs a dispensing process on the specimen in the capping dispensing unit 1500 as a pretreatment of the specimen. The second unit 1002a also performs a dispensing process of a reagent in the capping dispensing unit 1500 as a pretreatment of the specimen. The second unit 1002a also performs a nucleic acid extraction process as a pretreatment of the specimen downstream of the capping dispensing unit 1500. The third unit 1003 is connected to the second unit 1002a and performs a measurement of the specimen that has been pretreated. For example, the third unit 1003 performs a process of measuring whether or not a specimen contains an infectious virus by RT-PCR testing.

[0179] (Configuration of the capping and dispensing unit) 22 and 23, the capping dispensing unit 1500 is provided with a specimen storage section 1510, a specimen dispensing section 1520, a work transport section 1530, and a reagent dispensing section 1540. The capping dispensing unit 1500 is maintained at a negative pressure that is lower than the air pressure outside the capping dispensing unit 1500 of the second unit 1002a.

[0180] (Configuration of sample storage section) The specimen storage unit 1510 stores a plurality of specimen collection containers 1007a. Specifically, the specimen storage unit 1510 dispenses a portion of the specimen from the specimen collection container 1007a in which the specimen has been collected onto a plate 1007b, and then stores the specimen collection container 1007a containing the remaining specimen for a predetermined period of time. The specimen storage unit 1510 stores the specimen collection container 1007a for, for example, two hours. This allows the specimen to be taken out of the specimen storage unit 1510 and retested when retesting is required, eliminating the need to collect the specimen again.

[0181] The sample storage unit 1510 includes a mobile robot 1511 , a storage unit 1512 , a disposal unit 1513 , a sample placement unit 1514 , and a QC storage unit 1515 .

[0182] The mobile robot 1511 moves the specimen collecting container 1007a in the storage unit 1512. The mobile robot 1511 also receives the specimen collecting container 1007a from the first unit 1001 (see FIG. 21) and places it on the specimen placement unit 1514. The mobile robot 1511 also moves the specimen collecting container 1007a into which the specimen has been dispensed from the specimen placement unit 1514 to the storage unit 1512. The mobile robot 1511 also discards the specimen collecting container 1007a that has been stored for a predetermined time in the disposal unit 1513.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 22, the mobile robot 1511 includes a robot body 1511a and a hand 1511b attached to the tip of the robot body 1511a. The robot body 1511a is a vertical articulated robot including a plurality of vertical joints. The hand 1511b can hold a plurality (four) of specimen collection containers 1007a as shown in FIG. 24. The hand 1511b has a plurality (four) of chucks 15111. Each of the chucks 15111 has three jaws and holds the specimen collection container 1007a by opening and closing the three jaws. Of the four sets of chucks 15111, three sets of chucks 15111 are driven by a common air pressure source. The remaining set of chucks 15111 of the four sets of chucks 15111 is driven independently by an air pressure source different from the other three sets of chucks 15111. This makes it possible to individually grasp specimen collection containers 1007a that need to be grasped individually, such as interrupt specimens that are specimens that are to be pretreated and measured with priority over other specimens.

[0184] 22 and 23, the storage unit 1512 can accommodate a plurality of specimen collection containers 1007a. The storage unit 1512 can store a number (e.g., several hundred) of specimen collection containers 1007a that can be processed (pre-processed and measured) in, for example, two hours. The storage unit 1512 has a plurality of holding holes for inserting the specimen collection containers 1007a in an upright position.

[0185] A plurality of (six) disposal units 1513 are provided in the storage unit 1512 in plan view. The specimen collection containers 1007a are disposed of in the disposal unit 1513 after being stored for a predetermined time. The disposal unit 1513 has a storage unit under the stand capable of storing specimen collection containers 1007a for a predetermined time (e.g., 8 hours).

[0186] The specimen mounting section 1514 is mounted with the specimen collecting container 1007a sent from the first unit 1001 (see FIG. 21). The specimen collecting container 1007a mounted on the specimen mounting section 1514 is handed over to the specimen dispensing section 1520, and after the specimen is dispensed, it is returned to the specimen mounting section 1514. After the specimen is dispensed and returned to the specimen mounting section 1514, the specimen collecting container 1007a is moved to the storage section 1512. In addition, the specimen collecting container 1007a that needs to be confirmed by an operator because the identifier of the specimen collecting container 1007a cannot be read, etc., is dispensed from the specimen mounting section 1514 to the outside by a chute.

[0187] Positive control and negative control reagents for quality control are stored in the QC storage unit 1515. The positive control and negative control reagents stored in the QC storage unit 1515 are dispensed for every predetermined number of samples (for example, every few tens of samples) and sent for measurement.

[0188] The specimen dispensing unit 1520 dispenses the specimen from the specimen collecting container 1007a to the plate 1007b. Specifically, the specimen dispensing unit 1520 opens the specimen collecting container 1007a, dispenses a portion of the specimen from the opened specimen collecting container 1007a to the plate 1007b, and then closes the specimen collecting container 1007a after dispensing.

[0189] (Configuration of sample dispensing section) The specimen dispensing section 1520 includes a capping robot 1521 , a dispensing robot 1522 , a workbench 1523 , a capping gripper 1524 , a dissolving / adsorbing liquid dispensing device 1525 , and a disposal section 1526 .

[0190] As shown in Fig. 22, the cap removal robot 1521 includes a robot body 1521a and a hand 1521b attached to the tip of the robot body 1521a. The robot body 1521a is a vertical articulated robot including multiple vertical joints. As shown in Fig. 25, the hand 1521b has a chuck 15211. The chuck 15211 has three jaws and grips the lid 1071 of the specimen collection container 1007a by opening and closing the three jaws.

[0191] As shown in Fig. 26, the capping gripper 1524 grips the placed specimen collecting container 1007a so as not to rotate it. The capping gripper 1524 is provided with a reader that reads the identifier of the specimen collecting container 1007a. The capping gripper 1524 is also provided with a detection sensor that detects the open and closed state of the cap 1071. The detection sensor includes, for example, a laser sensor with a built-in camera.

[0192] The capping robot 1521 opens the specimen collecting container 1007a into which the specimen is to be dispensed. Specifically, the capping robot 1521 receives the specimen collecting container 1007a placed on the specimen placement section 1514 of the specimen storage section 1510, and moves it to the capping gripper 1524. The capping robot 1521 then grasps the lid 1071 (see FIG. 11) of the specimen collecting container 1007a held by the capping gripper 1524 and rotates it in the capping direction, thereby opening the specimen collecting container 1007a. As shown in FIG. 26, the capping robot 1521 grasps the lid 1071 of the specimen collecting container 1007a by the chuck 15211 and rotates it in the capping direction, thereby capping the specimen collecting container 1007a, while the specimen collecting container 1007a after the specimen is dispensed is held by the capping gripper 1524. Then, the capping robot 1521 moves the capped specimen collecting container 1007a to the specimen placement section 1514 of the specimen storage section 1510. The capping robot 1521 also receives, caps, and caps positive and negative control containers for quality control in the same manner as the specimen collecting container 1007a.

[0193] 22 and 23, the dispensing robot 1522 dispenses a specimen from a specimen collection container 1007a to a plate 1007b. Specifically, the dispensing robot 1522 aspirates a specimen from an opened specimen collection container 1007a and discharges the aspirated specimen to a predetermined position on the plate 1007b. Similarly to the specimen collection container 1007a, the dispensing robot 1522 dispenses reagent from containers for positive and negative controls for quality control to the plate 1007b.

[0194] As shown in FIG. 22, the dispensing robot 1522 includes a robot body 1522a and a hand 1522b attached to the tip of the robot body 1522a. The robot body 1522a is a vertical articulated robot including a plurality of vertical joints. As shown in FIG. 27, the hand 1522b includes a main body 15221 and a nozzle 15222. A disposable tip 15223 is detachably attached to the tip of the nozzle 15222. The main body 15221 supplies the nozzle 15222 with negative and positive pressures for aspirating and discharging the sample. The main body 15221 also detects the pressure in the nozzle 15222 to detect the liquid level in the container. Then, the water level in the container (the amount of the sample or the amount of the reagent) is acquired based on the detection result of the liquid level and the tip position of the tip 15223 lowered by the dispensing robot 1522. Furthermore, the dispensing robot 1522 takes a new tip 15223 from the work table 1523 every time it dispenses a sample, and discards the used tip 15223 in a disposal section 1526 after dispensing the sample.

[0195] 22 and 23, a plate 1007b into which a reagent and a sample are dispensed is placed on the workbench 1523. In addition, a tip rack containing a plurality of tips 15223 attached to the tip of a hand 1522b of the dispensing robot 1522 is placed on the workbench 1523.

[0196] As shown in FIG. 22, the dissolving / adsorbing liquid dispensing device 1525 dispenses the dissolving / adsorbing liquid to the plate 1007b. Specifically, the dissolving / adsorbing liquid dispensing device 1525 is provided on the workbench 1523. The dissolving / adsorbing liquid dispensing device 1525 dispenses the dissolving / adsorbing liquid to the plate 1007b held by the transport robot 1531 of the work transport unit 1530. The dissolving / adsorbing liquid dispensing device 1525 includes a plurality of (four) nozzles 1525a, and can dispense the dissolving / adsorbing liquid to four wells 1073 (see FIG. 16) of the plate 1007b in parallel. The dissolving / adsorbing liquid dispensing device 1525 moves the plate 1007b by the transport robot 1531, and dispenses the dissolving / adsorbing liquid to eight wells 1073 of one plate 1007b by two operations. Further, the dissolving / adsorbing liquid dispensing device 1525 is provided with a flow rate sensor in each of the four nozzles 1525a, and dispenses the dissolving / adsorbing liquid by a dispensing pump that switches between the four ports to dispense the liquid.

[0197] The waste section 1526 discards used tips 15223 that have been used for sample dispensing. The waste section 1526 has a small waste port 1526a on the upper surface, and tips 15223 are inserted through the waste port 1526a. In the waste section 1526, a medical pail (a container with a lid that contains waste with the possibility of infection) in which tips 15223 are stored is disposed below the waste port 1526a.

[0198] (Work transport section configuration) The work transport section 1530 transports the work within the capping and dispensing unit 1500. Specifically, the work transport section 1530 transports the plate 1007b to which the sample is dispensed. The work transport section 1530 also transports a tip rack containing tips 15223 (see FIG. 27) used in the sample dispensing section 1520. The work transport section 1530 also transports a tip rack containing tips 15413 (see FIG. 29) used in the reagent dispensing section 1540.

[0199] As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the workpiece transport section 1530 includes a transport robot 1531, a shelf 1532, a shelf 1533, a plurality of (two) plate transport sections 1534, and a plate transfer section 1535.

[0200] The transport robot 1531 grips and transports the plate 1007b. Specifically, the transport robot 1531 receives the plate 1007b from the plate transport unit 1534 and transports it to the workbench 1523. The transport robot 1531 also grips and moves the plate 1007b when dispensing the dissolving and adsorbing liquid by the dissolving and adsorbing liquid dispensing device 1525. The transport robot 1531 also transports the plate 1007b to which the dissolving and adsorbing liquid has been dispensed to a position on the workbench 1523 where the specimen is dispensed. The transport robot 1531 also transports the plate 1007b to which the specimen has been dispensed to the workbench 1542 of the reagent dispensing unit 1540. The transport robot 1531 also transports the plate 1007b to which the reagent has been dispensed at the workbench 1542 to the plate transfer unit 1535.

[0201] The transport robot 1531 also removes a tip rack housing tips 15223 (see FIG. 27) used in the sample dispensing section 1520 from the shelf 1532 and transports it to the workbench 1523. The transport robot 1531 also transports a tip rack housing tips 15413 (see FIG. 29) used in the reagent dispensing section 1540 to the workbench 1542 of the reagent dispensing section 1540. The transport robot 1531 also transports the inner lid of the tip rack to the lid disposal section 1543 for disposal.

[0202] The transfer robot 1531 includes a robot body 1531a and a hand 1531b attached to the tip of the robot body 1531a. The robot body 1531a is a vertical articulated robot including multiple vertical joints. As shown in Fig. 28, the hand 1531b has a pair of chuck jaws 15311. The pair of chuck jaws 15311 grip the plate 1007b or the tip rack by opening and closing.

[0203] 22 and 23, the shelf 1532 stores tip racks containing tips 15223 (see FIG. 27) used in the sample dispensing section 1520. The shelf 1532 also stores reagents (magnetic particles, proK reagent) used in the reagent dispensing section 1540. The shelf 1532 is provided with a drawer, and the stored tip racks and reagents are taken out by the transport robot 1531 with the drawer pulled out. The shelf 1532 also allows an operator to supply tip racks and reagents from outside.

[0204] Tip racks containing tips 15413 (see FIG. 29) used in the reagent dispensing unit 1540 are stored on the shelf 1533. A drawer is provided on the shelf 1533, and the stored tip racks are taken out by the transport robot 1531 with the drawer pulled out. In addition, a tip rack can be supplied to the shelf 1533 by an operator from outside.

[0205] The plate transport section 1534 transports a new plate 1007b before use. Two plate transport sections 1534 are provided in parallel. Each of the two plate transport sections 1534 has a conveyor that transports the plate 1007b.

[0206] The plate transfer section 1535 is provided for transferring the plate 1007b onto which the sample and reagent have been dispensed, to a downstream unit that performs a nucleic acid extraction process.

[0207] (Configuration of Reagent Dispensing Unit) The reagent dispensing unit 1540 dispenses a reagent onto the plate 1007b. Specifically, the reagent dispensing unit 1540 dispenses magnetic particles and the proK reagent onto the plate 1007b onto which the sample has been dispensed.

[0208] The reagent dispensing section 1540 includes a dispensing robot 1541, a work table 1542, and a lid disposal section 1543.

[0209] The dispensing robot 1541 dispenses the magnetic particles contained in the plate 1007b placed on the agitator 1542a of the workbench 1542 to the plate 1007b to which the specimen has been dispensed. Specifically, the dispensing robot 1541 aspirates the magnetic particles agitated by the agitator 1542a and discharges the aspirated magnetic particles to a predetermined position on the plate 1007b. The dispensing robot 1541 also dispenses the proK reagent contained in the plate 1007b placed on the cooler 1542b of the workbench 1542 to the plate 1007b to which the specimen has been dispensed. Specifically, the dispensing robot 1541 aspirates the proK reagent cooled by the cooler 1542b and discharges the aspirated proK reagent to a predetermined position on the plate 1007b.

[0210] The dispensing robot 1541 includes a robot body 1541a and a hand 1541b attached to the tip of the robot body 1541a. The robot body 1541a is a vertical articulated robot including a plurality of vertical joints. As shown in FIG. 29, the hand 1541b includes a main body 15411 and a plurality (four) of nozzles 15412. A disposable tip 15413 is detachably attached to the tip of each of the plurality of nozzles 15412. The main body 15411 supplies negative and positive pressures to the plurality of nozzles 15412 for aspirating and discharging the specimen. In addition, the dispensing robot 1541 dispenses both the magnetic particles and the proK reagent to each of the eight wells 1073 into which the specimen has been dispensed, for one plate 1007b. That is, the dispensing robot 1541 dispenses one of the magnetic particles and the proK reagent into four wells 1073 using the four nozzles 15412, and then dispenses one of the magnetic particles and the proK reagent into the remaining four wells 1073 using the four nozzles 15412. Then, the dispensing robot 1541 replaces the used tip 15413 with a new tip 15413. Then, the dispensing robot 1541 dispenses the other of the magnetic particles and the proK reagent into the four wells 1073 using the four nozzles 15412, and then dispenses the other of the magnetic particles and the proK reagent into the remaining four wells 1073 using the four nozzles 15412. That is, the dispensing robot 1541 dispenses the magnetic particles and the proK reagent into the eight wells 1073 of one plate 1007b by performing a total of four dispensing operations.

[0211] As shown in FIG. 23, the workbench 1542 is provided with an agitator 1542a, a cooler 1542b, a disposal section 1542c, a plate placement section 1542d, and a standby section 1542e.

[0212] The agitator 1542a has the plate 1007b containing the magnetic particles placed thereon, and vibrates the plate 1007b so as to disperse the magnetic particles.

[0213] The cooler 1542b has the plate 1007b containing the proK reagent placed thereon and cools the proK reagent to about 4°C.

[0214] The disposal section 1542c is provided below the workbench 1542, and the tips 15413 used by the dispensing robot 1541 to dispense a reagent are disposed of in the disposal section 1542c.

[0215] The plate 1007b to which the sample has been dispensed is placed on the plate placement section 1542d, and the dispensing robot 1541 dispenses reagents (magnetic particles and proK reagent) onto the placed plate 1007b.

[0216] The plate 1007b to which the sample has been dispensed is placed on the waiting section 1542e for waiting for inactivation.

[0217] The lid disposal section 1543 discards the inner lid of the tip rack.

[0218] (Composition of the 3rd unit) As shown in Fig. 21, the third unit 1003 includes a reagent preparation chamber 1031 for preparing a reagent for measuring a sample, and a measurement chamber 1032 for measuring the sample. The third unit 1003 is also provided with a fourth robot 1004g for transporting a multiple tube 1007c. As shown in Fig. 30, the fourth robot 1004g is provided with a hand 1550 for holding the multiple tube 1007c.

[0219] The hand 1550 has a pair of chuck claws 1551. Each of the pair of chuck claws 1551 is provided with a plurality (eight) gripping portions 1552 that sandwich and grip a plurality (eight) of tubes 1074 of the multi-connected tube 1007c. Furthermore, five of the eight gripping portions 1552 are provided with abutment portions 1553. The abutment portions 1553 prevent the tubes 1074 from falling over when the lids 1075 of the tubes 1074 are closed.

[0220] Each of the gripping portions 1552 is formed in a concave shape in a plan view. The gripping portions 1552 are treated to have a non-slip surface. For example, the gripping portions 1552 are treated with a twill knurling process or a butyl rubber baking process.

[0221] 31, the contact portion 1553 is provided at least below the gripping portion 1552 on the side where the lid closing portion 1037 contacts the lid 1075. The tube 1074 contacts the contact portion 1553 when the lid closing portion 1037 relatively presses the lid 1075. This makes it possible to prevent the tube 1074 from falling over, so that the lid 1075 can be closed reliably.

[0222] (Other embodiments) Although the first to fourth embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, the present disclosure is not limited to the first to fourth embodiments and the modified examples. That is, various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the present disclosure also includes those in which various modifications have been made to the embodiments and modified examples, and those in which components in different embodiments and modified examples are combined.

[0223] For example, in the first embodiment and the modified example, each unit part of the inspection equipment system is loaded on the moving body 20, but this is not limited thereto. Each unit part of the inspection equipment system may be arranged at a target location without being loaded on the moving body 20. In this case, each unit part of the inspection equipment system may be moved by a machine, and each transported unit part may be arranged at a target location by a machine. Each unit part of the inspection equipment system may be assembled on-site and may be assembled at a target location. In this case, each unit part of the inspection equipment system may not be accommodated in the box 10, but may be surrounded by walls and ceilings, etc. assembled at a target location and isolated from the outside, or may be isolated from the outside by using existing walls and ceilings, etc. at a target location.

[0224] In the first embodiment and the modified example, all the unit parts of the inspection equipment system are integrated and housed in the box body 10 as a single unit, but are not limited thereto. Some or all of the unit parts may be separable. For example, at least one of the unit parts may form one unit, and the one unit may be housed in one box body. Furthermore, the rooms such as the first analysis chamber R3 and the second analysis chamber R4 may be separable. For example, one room may be housed in one box body. Such an inspection equipment system may include multiple boxes. The multiple boxes may be disposed apart from each other, or may be connected to each other. Note that one unit and one room formed by at least one of the unit parts may be assembled at the installation site. In this case, one unit and one room may be surrounded by walls and ceilings, etc. assembled at the installation site and isolated from the outside, or may be isolated from the outside by using existing walls and ceilings, etc. at the installation site.

[0225] In the first embodiment and the modified example, a container is exemplified as the box body 10, but the configuration of the box body 10 is not limited thereto. The configuration of the box body 10 may be any configuration capable of isolating the internal space from the external space. For example, the box body 10 may be a modular house or the like that is preassembled into a box shape or that can be assembled on a mobile body 20 or the like.

[0226] In the first embodiment and the modified example, the processes in the sampling chamber R2, the first analysis chamber R3, and the second analysis chamber R4 are performed by the robots 110 to 130, but are not limited to this. The processes in at least one of the three chambers may be performed by a medical professional.

[0227] In the first embodiment and the modified example, the robots 110 to 130 arranged in the sampling chamber R2, the first analysis chamber R3, and the second analysis chamber R4 are the same type of robot, but are not limited to this and may be different types of robots. The robots arranged in each chamber may be robots suitable for the processing in each chamber.

[0228] In the first embodiment and the modified example, the inspection equipment system includes the first unit part U1 to the fourth unit part U4, but is not limited thereto. The inspection equipment system may include further unit parts, or may not include at least one of the first unit part U1 to the fourth unit part U4. For example, the inspection equipment system may not include the fourth unit part U4 including the examination room R1. For example, when the inspection equipment system is placed outdoors, the inspection equipment system may collect a sample from a subject P who is outside the box 10.

[0229] In the first embodiment and the modified example, the testing equipment system is placed at least one of the starting point and the end point of the movement across the geographical boundary, but is not limited thereto. For example, the testing equipment system may be placed in a place where many people gather, or where people who are likely to carry pathogens gather. For example, the testing equipment system may be placed in a hospital, a health center, a PCR testing facility, a lodging facility, an isolation facility for people carrying pathogens, a large building, a stadium, and a hall. In this case, each unit part of the testing equipment system may be placed in a state of being housed in a box body, or may be placed by using a facility such as a room at the placement location.

[0230] Examples of each aspect of the technology of the present disclosure are given below: A testing equipment system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a testing equipment system for collecting and analyzing a specimen from a subject, comprising a first unit part forming a collection chamber equipped with equipment for collecting the specimen, a second unit part forming an analysis chamber isolated from the collection chamber equipped with equipment for analyzing the specimen, and a third unit part equipped with equipment for outputting the results of the analysis, and the testing equipment system can be disposed at least at one of the starting point and the end point of movement across geographical boundaries.

[0231] According to the above aspect, the testing equipment system includes a first unit part for collecting a sample, a second unit part for analyzing the sample, and a third unit part for outputting the analysis results. The testing equipment system enables a series of processes of collecting a sample, analyzing the sample, and outputting the analysis results at a location where the testing equipment system is installed. The first unit part forms a collection chamber, and the second unit part forms an analysis chamber. The testing equipment system including such a first unit part and second unit part can be easily installed even at a location that does not have testing equipment. The testing equipment system can easily create an environment where testing is possible at a location that does not have testing equipment.

[0232] In the testing equipment system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first unit portion may include a first air conditioning system that creates a negative pressure environment in the sampling room.

[0233] According to the above aspect, the first air conditioning system can suppress the spread of pathogens and the like contained in the specimen and the subject's droplets to the outside of the sampling room, and can provide an air-conditioned environment suitable for the sampling room. Since the first unit portion includes the first air conditioning system, the arrangement of the first air conditioning system is simplified.

[0234] In the testing equipment system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second unit portion may include a second air conditioning system that creates a positive pressure environment or a negative pressure environment in the analysis room.

[0235] According to the above aspect, the second air conditioning system can provide an air conditioning environment suitable for the analysis room. Since the second unit portion includes the second air conditioning system, the arrangement of the second air conditioning system is simplified.

[0236] The testing equipment system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a fourth unit part that forms an examination room where a subject undergoes an examination to collect a sample, separated from the analysis room.

[0237] According to the above aspect, the testing equipment system eliminates the need to prepare a consultation room separately from the testing equipment system. The testing equipment system enables a series of processes, including consultation, sample collection, and sample analysis, at a place where the testing equipment system is installed.

[0238] In the testing equipment system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third unit portion may form a housing chamber for housing a medical worker, separated from the sampling chamber.

[0239] According to the above aspect, the testing equipment system eliminates the need to prepare a storage room for accommodating medical personnel separately from the testing equipment system. The testing equipment system enables the medical personnel to perform their duties at the location where the testing equipment system is installed. For example, the duties may include evaluating analysis results and issuing certificates for the analysis results. In addition, since the storage room is isolated from the sampling room, the medical personnel are prevented from being contaminated by pathogens.

[0240] In the testing equipment system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the first unit part and the second unit part may include a robot capable of performing at least one of an action for collecting a specimen and an action for analyzing the specimen. Furthermore, the first unit part may include a robot capable of performing an action for collecting a specimen.

[0241] According to the above-mentioned aspect, it is possible to substitute the collection of specimens and / or the analysis of specimens with a robot. This makes it possible to reduce the number of medical staff engaged in the collection and analysis of specimens. Automation using a robot makes it possible to execute continuous processing regardless of time. Furthermore, the substitution of the collection of specimens with a robot can reduce the risk of medical staff being contaminated by pathogens.

[0242] The testing equipment system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes an operating device that is arranged in a storage chamber formed by the third unit part and operates the robot, and the storage chamber is formed separately from the collection chamber and may accommodate medical personnel.

[0243] According to the above aspect, the medical staff can operate the robot using the operating device in the storage room isolated from the sampling room, thereby reducing the medical staff's contact with pathogens.

[0244] The inspection equipment system according to one aspect of the present disclosure may further include an operating device that is arranged in a remote location away from all of the unit parts including the robot and that remotely operates the robot via a communication means.

[0245] According to the above aspect, a medical professional can remotely operate the robot using an operating device at a remote location away from all of the unit parts that include the robot. For example, even if a medical professional is not present at the location where the testing equipment system is installed, processing by the testing equipment system is possible. For example, a medical professional can remotely operate a robot for multiple testing equipment systems installed at multiple locations that are distant from each other. Therefore, the testing equipment system can be operated by a small number of medical professionals.

[0246] In a test equipment system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the unit parts may form an individual unit that is separable from the other unit parts.

[0247] According to the above aspect, the arrangement of the unit parts can be changed. For example, the unit parts can be arranged in accordance with the environment of the place where the inspection equipment system is installed.

[0248] In an inspection equipment system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the unit parts may be integrated as a whole to form a single unit.

[0249] According to the above aspect, it is possible to handle all of the unit parts of the inspection equipment system collectively. Since all of the unit parts of the inspection equipment system are integrated, it is possible to make the inspection equipment system compact and simplify the configuration of the inspection equipment system.

[0250] In an inspection equipment system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, one unit may include one box that houses the entire unit portion.

[0251] According to the above aspect, all of the unit parts of the inspection equipment system are integrated into one box, which makes it easy to install and remove the inspection equipment system.

[0252] In an inspection equipment system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the unit formed by the unit portion may be movable by a machine.

[0253] According to the above embodiment, the arrangement and removal of the unit is simplified.

[0254] In an inspection equipment system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the unit formed by the unit portion may be capable of being loaded onto a moving body.

[0255] According to the above aspect, the unit can be moved using a moving body, and therefore the unit can be easily arranged in various locations.

[0256] In an inspection equipment system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the unit formed by the unit parts may be a prefabricated unit that is assembled at the installation site.

[0257] According to the above aspect, it is possible to arrange the units according to the environment of the place where the inspection equipment system is arranged. For example, even if an assembled unit cannot be brought into the arrangement place, the units can be arranged.

[0258] In an inspection equipment system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second unit portion includes a first analysis unit portion that forms a first analysis chamber isolated from the sampling chamber and that is equipped with equipment for performing a first analysis on a sample, and a second analysis unit portion that forms a second analysis chamber isolated from the sampling chamber and the first analysis chamber and that is equipped with equipment for performing a second analysis on the sample, and the first analysis unit portion may be equipped with an air conditioning system as a second air conditioning system that makes the first analysis chamber one of a positive pressure environment and a negative pressure environment, and the second analysis unit portion may be equipped with an air conditioning system as a second air conditioning system that makes the second analysis chamber the other of a positive pressure environment and a negative pressure environment.

[0259] According to the above aspect, the testing equipment system can include a plurality of analysis rooms with different air-conditioning environments, and thus the testing equipment system can handle the analysis of various samples.

[0260] An inspection equipment system according to one aspect of the present disclosure may be located in an airport terminal building.

[0261] According to the above aspect, the testing equipment system enables passengers who board an aircraft and depart from an airport to be tested before departure and output of the results, and enables passengers who board an aircraft and arrive at an airport to be tested before leaving the airport and output of the results. The test results serve as proof of the presence or absence of contamination of the passenger. This prevents people contaminated with pathogens from spreading to other regions, such as other countries. Furthermore, it prevents uncontaminated people from being unable to travel to other regions by aircraft.

[0262] In the testing equipment system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the specimen may be a specimen to be subjected to a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test, and the analysis may be an analysis for the PCR test.

[0263] According to the above aspect, the testing equipment system can create an environment in which PCR testing is possible in a location that does not have testing equipment for PCR testing.

[0264] In addition, all the numbers such as ordinal numbers and quantities used above are exemplified to specifically explain the technology of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplified numbers. In addition, the connection relationships between the components are exemplified to specifically explain the technology of the present disclosure, and the connection relationships that realize the functions of the present disclosure are not limited to these. [Explanation of symbols]

[0265] 1, 1A, 1B Inspection Equipment System 10 box body 20 Mobile 110, 120, 130 Robot 310 1st operation input / output device (operation device) 320 2nd operation input / output device (operation device) 600 Result output device AB Terminal Building AC1 First air conditioning system AC2a, AC2b, AC2c, AC2d Second Air Conditioning System AC3 3rd air conditioning system AP Airport H1, H2 medical workers P Subject R1 Examination room R2 collection room R3 1st analysis room (1st measurement room) R4 2nd analysis room (2nd measurement room) R5 Containment Cell R6, R6a, R6b Control room U1 1st unit part U2 2nd unit part U3 3rd unit part U4 4th unit part U5 5th unit part

Claims

1. A testing equipment system for collecting and measuring a sample from a subject, comprising: a first unit part forming a sampling chamber having equipment for sampling a sample; a second unit portion forming a measurement chamber having equipment for measuring the sample; a third unit part having a facility for outputting the result of the measurement; The first unit portion includes a robot capable of performing an action for collecting the specimen, and further comprising an operating device that is disposed in a storage chamber formed by the third unit portion and that operates the robot. The storage room is formed separately from the sampling room and accommodates medical personnel.

2. A testing equipment system for collecting and measuring a sample from a subject, comprising: a first unit part forming a sampling chamber having equipment for sampling a sample; a second unit portion forming a measurement chamber having equipment for measuring the sample; a third unit part having a facility for outputting the result of the measurement; the second unit portion includes a robot capable of performing an action for measuring the sample, and further comprising an operating device that is disposed in a storage chamber formed by the third unit portion and that operates the robot. The storage room is formed separately from the sampling room and accommodates medical personnel.

3. A testing equipment system for collecting and measuring a sample from a subject, comprising: a first unit part forming a sampling chamber having equipment for sampling a sample; a second unit portion forming a measurement chamber having equipment for measuring the sample; a third unit part having a facility for outputting the result of the measurement; The second unit portion is a first measurement unit portion forming a first measurement chamber, isolated from the sampling chamber, the first measurement chamber including a facility for performing a first measurement on the sample; a second measurement unit portion that forms a second measurement chamber, isolated from the sampling chamber and the first measurement chamber, the second measurement chamber having a facility for performing a second measurement on the sample; The first measurement unit portion includes an air conditioning system that sets the first measurement room in one of a positive pressure environment and a negative pressure environment, The second measurement unit portion of the inspection equipment system is provided with an air conditioning system that sets the second measurement room in the other of the positive pressure environment and the negative pressure environment.

4. The testing equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a fourth unit part that forms an examination room, isolated from the measurement room, where a subject undergoes an examination to have a sample collected.

5. The testing equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the third unit portion forms a storage room for accommodating medical personnel, separated from the sampling room.

6. The test equipment system of claim 3 , wherein the first unit portion comprises a robot capable of performing an action for collecting the specimen.

7. The test equipment system of claim 3 , wherein the second unit part comprises a robot capable of performing an action for measuring the sample.

8. and further comprising an operating device that is disposed in a storage chamber formed by the third unit portion and that operates the robot. The testing equipment system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the storage room is formed separately from the sampling room and stores medical personnel.

9. 8. The inspection equipment system according to claim 6, further comprising an operating device that is arranged at a remote location away from all of the unit parts including the robot, and that remotely operates the robot via a communication means.

10. The inspection equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the unit parts forms an individual unit which is separable from the other unit parts.

11. The inspection equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the unit parts are integrated as a whole to form a single unit.

12. 12. The test equipment system of claim 11, wherein the one unit comprises a single container that houses all of the unit parts.

13. The inspection equipment system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the unit formed by the unit parts is a prefabricated unit.

14. The second unit portion is a first measurement unit portion forming a first measurement chamber, isolated from the sampling chamber, the first measurement chamber including a facility for performing a first measurement on the sample; a second measurement unit portion that forms a second measurement chamber, isolated from the sampling chamber and the first measurement chamber, the second measurement chamber having a facility for performing a second measurement on the sample; The first measurement unit portion includes an air conditioning system that sets the first measurement room in one of a positive pressure environment and a negative pressure environment, 3. The inspection equipment system according to claim 1, wherein the second measurement unit portion includes an air conditioning system that makes the second measurement room the other of a positive pressure environment and a negative pressure environment.

15. The sample is a sample to be subjected to a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test, The testing equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the measurement is a measurement for a PCR test.

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