Inspection system

Abstract

To provide an inspection system capable not only of suppressing human error but also of reducing the risk of infection of an inspector.SOLUTION: The inspection system for inspection by measurement is provided with: a first unit for receiving a sample; a second unit connected to the first unit for performing pre-processing before performing measurement on a sample; a third unit connected to the second unit for performing measurement on the pre-processed sample; and a robot provided in at least one of the first, second and third units for performing processing on the sample. The first unit, the second unit and the third unit are provided in internal spaces different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-333782 discloses a unit hospital for coping with urgent arrangements and expansions of medical facilities. The unit hospital includes units each constituted by a module in which a bioclean room is transportable. The units of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-333782 are detachably connected to facility modules formed by connecting other portable modules.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Due to the global pandemic of COVID-19, the demand for infectious virus testing has increased rapidly. A typical example of infectious virus testing is the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. In the PCR test, first, a sample is collected from the subject into a sample container. Then, the sample container is transported to a PCR testing facility. The sample in the sample container is transferred to a test container. Nucleic acid derived from the virus is extracted inside the container, and by amplifying the nucleic acid by PCR, the positive or negative of the subject's virus infection is diagnosed. Also, in these PCR tests, the collection and pretreatment of the sample are performed by the test operator. Therefore, when performing a PCR test by a test operator using a conventional unit hospital such as Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-333782, especially when the number of samples increases and the test operator continues to work alone for a long time, there is a possibility of operation errors due to human error. Furthermore, since the test operator handles infectious samples, there is a problem that the infection risk increases.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present disclosure is to provide a test system capable of suppressing human error and reducing the infection risk of test operators.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A test system according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a test system that performs measurement and testing, and includes a first unit that receives a sample, a second unit that is connected to the first unit and performs pretreatment before performing measurement on the sample, a third unit that is connected to the second unit and performs measurement of the pretreated sample, and a robot provided in at least one of the first unit, the second unit, and the third unit for performing processing on the sample. The first unit, the second unit, and the third unit are The internal spaces are partitioned from each other, and the first unit, the second unit, and the third unit are provided within the container.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, as described above, by providing a robot for processing a specimen, the robot can perform the work instead of the inspection operator, so that the work burden on the inspection operator can be reduced. Further, even when the specimen is infectious, the risk of infection can be suppressed as the work of the inspection operator is reduced. As a result, it is possible to provide an inspection system capable of suppressing human error and reducing the risk of infection of the inspection operator.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that all of the embodiments described below are examples that are comprehensive or specific. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claims indicating the highest-level concept are described as optional components. Further, each figure in the attached drawings is a schematic figure and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted or simplified. Also, in this specification and the claims, "apparatus" can mean not only one apparatus but also a system composed of a plurality of apparatuses.

[0010] (First Embodiment) With reference to FIGS. 1 to 12, the inspection system 1100 according to the first embodiment will be described. The inspection system 1100 of the first embodiment collects a specimen from a subject, measures the collected specimen, and performs an inspection. For example, the inspection system 1100 is for performing an RT-PCR test for infectious viruses. The infectious virus is not particularly limited, but COVID-19 is an example.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inspection system 1100 includes a first unit 1001, a second unit 1002, and a third unit 1003. Further, robots 1004 are provided in the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002, and the third unit 1003 of the inspection system 1100, respectively. Also, the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002, and the third unit 1003 are provided in a container 1005. Note that at least one of the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002, and the third unit 1003 may be provided in the container 1005. Thereby, the inspection system 1100 can be easily transported and installed.

[0012] In addition, the inspection system 1100 includes transfer units 1006a and 1006b that connect the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002, and the third unit 1003 to each other. Specifically, the first unit 1001 and the second unit 1002 are connected by the transfer unit 1006a. Also, the second unit 1002 and the third unit 1003 are connected by the transfer unit 1006b. Thereby, the transfer units 1006a and 1006b can easily transfer specimens between the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002, and the third unit 1003.

[0013] The first unit 1001 collects and accepts a sample. For example, in the first unit 1001, a sample is collected from a subject, and the collected sample is diluted with a diluent. Also, in the first unit 1001, the diluted sample is stirred. Further, in the first unit 1001, the diluted sample is centrifuged. The second unit 1002 is connected to the first unit 1001 and performs pretreatment before measuring the sample. For example, in the second unit 1002, an inactivation treatment is performed as pretreatment of the sample. Also, in the second unit 1002, a nucleic acid extraction treatment is performed as pretreatment of the sample. The third unit 1003 is connected to the second unit 1002 and measures the pretreated sample. For example, in the third unit 1003, a process of measuring whether the sample contains an infectious virus by RT-PCR testing is performed.

[0014] 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 each perform processing on the sample. For example, the robot 1004 transports, opens, and closes the container containing the sample. Also, the robot 1004 dispenses the sample and reagents. Further, the robot 1004 transports items such as containers, reagents, and pallets necessary for the processing. Note that the robot 1004 may be provided in at least one of the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002, and the third unit 1003.

[0015] Also, the inspection system 1100 is arranged at a mobile base for boarding and alighting a moving body. For example, the inspection system 1100 is arranged at an airport, a station, a bus terminal, or a ferry boarding area as a mobile base. The moving body is, for example, an airplane, a train, a bus, or a ship. Thereby, since an infectious disease can be inspected by the inspection system 1100 at the mobile base, the positive or negative 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.

[0016] An example of the case where the inspection system 1100 is arranged at an airport will be described. At the airport, there is a terminal building, and in addition, there are railway and bus stations, taxi stands, and parking lots. Passengers boarding an aircraft move back and forth between the stations, stands, and parking lots and the entrances and exits of the terminal building.

[0017] The terminal building includes entrances and exits, check-in counters for boarding procedures, security inspection stations using X-ray inspections and metal detectors, boarding waiting areas, boarding gates, baggage claim areas, and arrival gates. Passengers boarding an aircraft departing from the airport proceed through the check-in counter, security inspection station, boarding waiting area, and boarding gate in this order. Passengers on an aircraft arriving at the airport proceed through the baggage claim area and arrival gate in this order.

[0018] And the inspection system 1100 is arranged at at least one of the entrances and exits, check-in counters, and security inspection stations. Thereby, it is possible to suppress passengers who have not undergone inspection from passing through the security inspection station. Further, the inspection system 1100 may be arranged at at least one of the baggage claim area and the arrival gate. Thereby, it is possible to suppress passengers who have not undergone inspection from passing through the arrival gate.

[0019] When there are a plurality of terminal buildings at the airport, the inspection system 1100 may be arranged at the above-mentioned locations for each terminal building. Also, the inspection system 1100 may be arranged not only in the terminal building but also in the stations, stands, and parking lots.

[0020] The first unit 1001 collects a saliva sample or a nasal sample and accepts the sample. As shown in FIG. 3, 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 with two robot arms. Also, the robot arms 1041 and 1042 each include 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. Also, the lifting mechanism moves the tip of the robot arm 1041 (1042) in the vertical direction (height direction).

[0021] The first unit 1001 includes a subject area 1011 where the subject is placed. Also, the first unit 1001 includes a robot area 1012 that is partitioned from the subject area 1011 and where the first robot 1004a for processing the sample is placed.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the subject area 1011 is partitioned into a plurality of booths by a partition part 1111. Thereby, it is possible to suppress infection between a plurality of subjects. Also, the subject area 1011 and the robot area 1012 are partitioned by a partition part 1112. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the subject from entering the robot area 1012.

[0023] The first unit 1001 includes a weighing unit 1014 that weighs the collected sample. Also, the first unit 1001 dilutes the sample by adjusting the amount of the diluent according to the amount of the sample weighed by the weighing unit 1014. That is, when the amount of the sample is small, the amount of the diluent is decreased, and when the amount of the sample is large, the amount of the diluent is increased, so that the sample is diluted. Thereby, it is possible to dilute the sample so that the concentration is within an appropriate range. Note that the first unit 1001 may dilute the collected sample with a diluent containing an inactivating component that inactivates the virus. Thereby, the inactivating treatment can be performed together with the dilution of the sample.

[0024] The first unit 1001 includes a diluent supply unit 1016 that supplies a diluent for diluting a sample. The diluent supply unit 1016 supplies the diluent to the sample collection container 1007a held by the first robot 1004a.

[0025] 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. Note that the notification unit 1113 may be a speaker that outputs sound. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the inability to perform the test correctly due to the insufficient amount of the sample.

[0026] An ultraviolet irradiation unit 1017a is provided in the first unit 1001. The first robot 1004a sterilizes the inside of the first unit 1001 by the ultraviolet irradiation unit 1017a. Specifically, the first robot 1004a holds the ultraviolet irradiation unit 1017a with the ultraviolet lamp of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 1017a lit and irradiates the inside of the robot area 1012 of the first unit 1001 with ultraviolet rays to perform sterilization processing. Thereby, since the first unit 1001 can be sterilized by ultraviolet rays, contamination and infection can be effectively suppressed.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the first unit 1001 collects and receives a sample in the sample collection container 1007a with a sample collection target amount attached. Thereby, since the subject can easily grasp the amount of the sample to be supplied, the sample can be easily collected without excess or deficiency. The sample collection container 1007a can be closed by a lid 1071. Further, the sample collection container 1007a has a label printed with an identifier (for example, a barcode) including the subject's information and the sample collection target amount attached thereto.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the first unit 1001 includes a disinfectant solution tank 1015 for disinfecting the outer surface of the specimen collection container 1007a from which the specimen has been collected. As shown in FIG. 5, a sponge 1151 is disposed in the disinfectant solution tank 1015. The sponge 1151 is impregnated with a disinfectant solution (for example, ethanol, hypochlorous acid water). Further, the sponge 1151 is provided with a plurality of holes 1152 into which the specimen collection container 1007a can be inserted. When the specimen collection container 1007a is inserted into the holes 1152 of the sponge 1151, the outer surface of the specimen collection container 1007a is disinfected with the disinfectant solution. Thereby, since the outer surface of the specimen collection container 1007a can be disinfected, contamination and infection can be effectively suppressed.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 6, the first unit 1001 includes a specimen collection container transport unit 1013 that transports a specimen collection container 1007a in which a specimen has been collected from the subject area 1011 to the robot area 1012. The specimen collection container transport unit 1013 has a placement portion 1131 on which the specimen collection container 1007a is placed and an air cylinder 1132 that is driven by air pressure. Further, the specimen collection container transport unit 1013 moves the placement portion 1131 by driving the air cylinder 1132 to transport the specimen collection container 1007a. The specimen collection container transport unit 1013 may move the placement portion 1131 from the subject area 1011 to the robot area 1012 based on the cover 1133 disposed in the subject area 1011 being closed. Here, the cover 1133 is provided so as to be rotatable around a horizontal rotation axis. The cover 1133 is movable between a closed position where it rotates downward to cover the placement portion 1131 and an open position where it rotates upward to expose the placement portion 1131. And based on the cover 1133 being moved to the closed position, the placement portion 1131 may be moved from the subject area 1011 to the robot area 1012. Further, the specimen collection container transport unit 1013 may move the placement portion 1131 from the subject area 1011 to the robot area 1012 based on the switch 1134 disposed in the subject area 1011 being operated. The specimen collection container 1007a placed on the placement portion 1131 moved to the robot area 1012 is gripped by the first robot 1004a and taken into the robot area 1012. Thereby, the specimen can 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.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, 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 makes the environment in the subject area 1011 positive pressure or negative pressure. Thereby, the subject area 1011 can be kept clean.

[0031] The first unit 1001 includes a sterilization unit 1017b that sterilizes the first robot 1004a for processing a specimen. Thereby, since the first robot 1004a can be sterilized, contamination and infection can be effectively suppressed.

[0032] The first unit 1001 includes a transport unit 1061 that transports a specimen collection container 1007a containing a specimen diluted with a diluent. The transport unit 1061 transports the specimen collection container 1007a toward the downstream first robot 1004b.

[0033] The first unit 1001 includes a first centrifuge 1018 capable of centrifuging a plurality of specimens. Also, the first unit 1001 drives the first centrifuge 1018 at predetermined time intervals to perform centrifugation of the specimens. That is, even if the first centrifuge 1018 is not fully loaded with specimens, the centrifugation process is performed at predetermined time intervals. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the delay in processing the specimens due to waiting until the specimens accumulate.

[0034] 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. Also, the first robot 1004b transports the specimen collection container 1007a after the centrifugation process to the transport unit 1006a.

[0035] The first unit 1001 installs a balance centrifuge tube in the first centrifuge 1018 by the first robot 1004b and drives the first centrifuge 1018 to perform centrifugation of the specimens. Thereby, even when the number of specimen collection containers 1007a for which the centrifugation process is performed by performing the centrifugation process at predetermined time intervals is different each time, the balance can be adjusted by the balance centrifuge tube.

[0036] 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. Also, the first unit 1001 takes out the specimen (specimen collection container 1007a) from the first centrifuge 1018 by the first robot 1004b for processing the specimen. 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 takes out the specimen collection container 1007a at the recognized position by the first robot 1004b. Thereby, the specimen collection container 1007a can be easily taken out from the first centrifuge 1018 by the first robot 1004b.

[0037] When re - examining the specimen, the first unit 1001 receives the specimen for re - examination from the second unit 1002 and inputs the received specimen for re - examination into the centrifugation process by the first centrifuge 1018. Thereby, the re - examination of the specimen can be performed without collecting the specimen again.

[0038] The first unit 1001 includes a shaking unit 1019 for shaking the specimen. The shaking unit 1019 can place a plurality of specimen collection containers 1007a. Also, the shaking unit 1019 is used to stir the specimen in the placed specimen collection container 1007a. Further, the shaking unit 1019 periodically moves and shakes the placed specimen collection container 1007a. Also, the shaking unit 1019 stops at a certain position after the shaking process. Thereby, the first robot 1004b can go to the position where the specimen collection container 1007a is placed on the shaking unit 1019 to pick up the shaken specimen collection container 1007a, so that the specimen collection container 1007a can be easily taken out from the shaking unit 1019 by the first robot 1004b.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 7, the second unit 1002 is provided with a second robot 1004c as a robot 1004 for dispensing the diluted specimen onto a plate 1007b having a plurality of wells 1073. The plate 1007b has, for example, 96 deep wells arranged in 8 columns and 12 rows as shown in FIG. 9. The second robot 1004c includes robot arms 1041 and 1042 having horizontal joints.

[0040] In addition, the second unit 1002 is provided with a third robot 1004d as a robot 1004 for supplying the plate 1007b to the dispensing position. The third robot 1004d has a vertically articulated robot arm 1043. The third robot 1004d grips an empty plate 1007b supplied from the feeder 1023 and conveys it to the supply table 1631. The third robot 1004d also moves the specimen collection container 1007a conveyed by the conveyance unit 1006a to the conveyance unit 1062. The third robot 1004d further conveys a tip rack supplied from the feeder 1023 to the tip supply slider 1064. The third robot 1004d also conveys the specimen collection container 1007a in which a part of the accommodated specimen has been dispensed onto the plate 1007b from the conveyance unit 1062 to the storage rack 1022. The third robot 1004d also conveys the plate 1007b discharged from the discharge table 1635 to the conveyance unit 1065.

[0041] The second robot 1004c dispenses the specimen from the specimen collection container 1007a conveyed by the conveyance unit 1062 onto the plate 1007b.

[0042] The second unit 1002 includes a plate conveyance unit 1063 that conveys the plate 1007b over a predetermined period of time to inactivate the specimen on the plate. The plate conveyance unit 1063 includes a conveyance unit 1632, a conveyance unit 1633, and a conveyance unit 1634. The conveyance unit 1632, the conveyance unit 1633, and the conveyance unit 1634 of the plate conveyance unit 1063 are arranged in a substantially U shape so as to surround the second robot 1004c.

[0043] The conveying unit 1632 conveys the plate 1007b from the supply table 1631 to the conveying unit 1633. At the supply table 1631, an inactivating solution, a cleaning solution A, a cleaning solution B, and an elution solution (water) are supplied to the plate 1007b. At the conveying unit 1633, a sample is dispensed from the sample collection container 1007a onto the plate 1007b. Then, the conveying unit 1633 conveys the plate 1007b to the conveying unit 1634 over the time required for inactivation (for example, 10 minutes). The conveying unit 1634 conveys the plate 1007b to the discharge table 1635. Thereby, inactivation processing can be performed in parallel on a plurality of plates 1007b.

[0044] The second unit 1002 includes a storage rack 1022 that stores the sample collection container 1007a containing the remaining sample for a predetermined time after dispensing a part of the sample from the sample collection container 1007a in which the sample has been collected onto the plate 1007b. The storage rack 1022 stores the sample collection container 1007a for, for example, 2 hours. Thereby, when reexamination is necessary, the sample can be taken out from the storage rack 1022 for reexamination, so there is no need to collect the sample again.

[0045] The second unit 1002 includes a cabinet 1021 having an internal space where the diluted sample is dispensed onto the plate 1007b by the second robot 1004c. That is, the second robot 1004c is driven while moving the hand (end effector) within the internal space of the cabinet 1021. Thereby, since the sample can be dispensed within the cabinet 1021, it is possible to effectively suppress the sample from diffusing outside and increasing the risk of infection.

[0046] The second unit 1002 includes a shooter 1241 that discards the chip for dispensing the diluted sample. The chip discarded in the shooter 1241 moves to the waste box 1024 and is stored therein. Thereby, the used chip can be easily discarded.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 9, the second unit 1002 dispenses a plurality of diluted specimens into a plurality of wells 1073 of the plate 1007b with empty wells therebetween. As a result, the specimens can be dispensed with a gap therebetween, so that contamination can be effectively suppressed.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 8, the second unit 1002 includes a plurality of robots 1004e as robots 1004 for performing nucleic acid extraction processing. The robot 1004e has a vertically articulated robot arm 1043. In the nucleic acid extraction processing, the plate 1007b is conveyed by the conveyance unit 1065. The plate 1007b conveyed by the conveyance unit 1065 is moved to the workbench by the robot 1004e, and nucleic acid extraction processing is performed. The second unit 1002 includes a magnet unit 1025, a tip rack placement area 1026, a heating unit 1027, a shaking unit 1028, and a waste box 1029. Further, the second unit 1002 includes a magnetic particle supply unit 1025a and a tip rack placement area 1026a.

[0049] The magnet unit 1025 is used to collect the magnetic particles supplied to the specimen of the plate 1007b from the magnetic particle supply unit 1025a. Specifically, the magnet unit 1025 magnetizes by applying a magnet to the specimen of the plate 1007b with the plate 1007b placed thereon.

[0050] The tip rack placement area 1026 is where the tip rack supplied from the tip rack placement area 1026a is placed. Also, the used tip rack is returned to the tip rack placement area 1026a.

[0051] The heating unit 1027 heats the specimen of the plate 1007b. The shaking unit 1028 shakes and stirs the specimen of the plate 1007b.

[0052] The waste box 1029 is for a chip for dispensing specimens, and the plate 1007b is discarded. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the waste box 1029 has a storage part 1291 and a tapered part 1292. That is, the tip (entrance) of the waste box 1029 is formed in a tapered shape. Thereby, splashing of liquid can be suppressed.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 11, the third unit 1003 includes a reagent preparation chamber 1031 for preparing a reagent for measuring a specimen, and a measurement chamber 1032 for measuring the specimen. The reagent preparation chamber 1031 is under positive pressure. The measurement chamber 1032 is under negative pressure. Thereby, it is possible to suppress foreign matter floating in the reagent preparation chamber 1031 from entering. Also, it is possible to suppress the outflow of the virus from the measurement chamber 1032.

[0054] The third unit 1003 includes a shutter 1033 that opens and closes an opening that communicates the reagent preparation chamber 1031 and the measurement chamber 1032. The shutter 1033 is opened when exchanging items between the reagent preparation chamber 1031 and the measurement chamber 1032, and is closed otherwise. Thereby, while reliably isolating the reagent preparation chamber 1031 and the measurement chamber 1032, it is possible to easily move the specimen and the prepared reagent from the reagent preparation chamber 1031 to the measurement chamber 1032.

[0055] The third unit 1003 includes a robot 1004f as a robot 1004 for performing a reagent preparation process. The robot 1004f has a vertical articulated robot arm 1043. Also, in the reagent preparation chamber 1031 of the third unit 1003, a freezer 1311, a refrigerator 1312, a capping device 1313, a preparation area 1314, a chip placement area 1315, and a waste box 1316 are provided.

[0056] In the freezer 1311, there is a reagent (Enzyme Mix) stored at a sub-zero temperature (e.g., -18°C). Also, in the refrigerator 1312, there is a reagent (Reaction Mix) stored at a low temperature (e.g., 4°C). The reagent (Enzyme Mix) and the reagent (Reaction Mix) are mixed and prepared according to the usage.

[0057] That is, the third unit 1003 performs the preparation of the reagent by the reagent preparation room 1031 based on the reception status of the specimen inspection. As a result, the reagent can be prepared without excess or deficiency.

[0058] The capping device 1313 uncaps the reagent container. At the preparation location 1314, the reagent (Enzyme Mix) and the reagent (Reaction Mix) are mixed and prepared.

[0059] The third unit 1003 includes a fourth robot 1004g as a robot 1004 that performs the process of supplying the specimen to the specimen measurement unit 1034. The fourth robot 1004g has a vertically articulated robot arm 1043. Also, the measurement room 1032 of the third unit 1003 includes a plurality of specimen measurement units 1034, a second centrifuge 1035, a tube holding unit 1036, a lid closing unit 1037, and a waste box 1038.

[0060] The specimen measurement unit 1034 measures the specimen in a state where the specimen is accommodated in a multi-tube 1007c in which a plurality of tubes 1074 capable of accommodating a plurality of specimens are connected in series. The specimen measurement unit 1034 performs measurement by, for example, RT-PCR. As shown in FIG. 12, in the multi-tube 1007c, for example, eight tubes 1074 are linearly connected. Also, lids 1075 are connected to the tubes 1074 of the multi-tube 1007c, respectively. The lid 1075 closes the tube 1074 by bending the connecting portion.

[0061] The third unit 1003 includes an open state detection unit 1034a that detects that the lids 1075 of the plurality of connected tubes 1007c are open. As a result, even though the lids 1075 of the plurality of connected tubes 1007c are open, handling of the plurality of connected tubes 1007c can be suppressed, so that contamination caused by the lids 1075 of the plurality of connected tubes 1007c being open can be effectively suppressed.

[0062] The second centrifuge 1035 centrifuges the sample. Further, the second centrifuge 1035 stops with its stop position aligned after the centrifugation process. As a result, the fourth robot 1004g only needs to go to the aligned stop position to pick up the sample after the centrifugation process, so that the sample after the centrifugation process can be easily taken out from the second centrifuge 1035 by the fourth robot 1004g.

[0063] The tube holding part 1036 holds a plurality of the plurality of connected tubes 1007c. Specifically, the tube holding part 1036 holds the plurality of connected tubes 1007c stacked in the vertical direction.

[0064] The fourth robot 1004g transports the plurality of connected tubes 1007c. Further, the third unit 1003 takes out the plurality of connected tubes 1007c downward from the tube holding part 1036 by the fourth robot 1004g, dispenses the sample into the plurality of connected tubes 1007c, and then performs a process of closing the lids 1075 connected to each of the plurality of tubes 1074 while bending them at different timings.

[0065] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, in the plan view of the plurality of abutting parts 1371 where each of the plurality of lids 1075 of the plurality of connected tubes 1007c abuts, the positions of the plurality of abutting parts 1371 are shifted in a stepped manner. As a result, the timings at which the plurality of lids 1075 of the plurality of connected tubes 1007c abut against the abutting parts 1371 are different from each other. As a result, the plurality of lids 1075 of the plurality of connected tubes 1007c can be easily closed.

[0066] In addition, the third unit 1003 measures a control reagent for managing the accuracy of the inspection at a predetermined timing. Thereby, it is possible to effectively suppress the decrease in the inspection accuracy.

[0067] In the first embodiment, as described above, by providing the robot 1004 for processing the specimen, the robot 1004 can perform the work instead of the inspection operator, so that the work burden on the inspection operator can be reduced. Further, even when the specimen is infectious, the infection risk can be suppressed by the amount by which the work of the inspection operator is reduced. As a result, it is possible to provide an inspection system 1100 that can suppress human error and reduce the risk of infection of the inspection operator.

[0068] (Second Embodiment) With reference to FIG. 13, the inspection system 1200 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 13, the inspection system 1200 includes an airport PCR system 1210 and an inspection subject system 1220.

[0070] The airport PCR system 1210 includes a reception counter 1211, a specimen collection robot module 1212, a centrifugation robot module 1213, a cap opening and dispensing robot module 1214, a nucleic acid extraction robot module 1215, a measurement robot module 1216, and a control device 1217.

[0071] The reception counter 1211 supplies a specimen container to the subject P. The reception counter 1211 receives a plurality of specimens. Here, the specimen is a specimen for an infectious disease inspection. Further, the infectious disease inspection is an inspection using the PCR method.

[0072] The specimen collection robot module 1212 includes a plurality (four) of first robots 1212a. Each of the plurality of first robots 1004a performs processing with two robot arms. Each robot arm includes a horizontal joint and a lifting mechanism connected to the horizontal joint. The first robot 1212a holds the specimen collection container 1007a containing the 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. Note that the specimen collection robot module 1212 may include one, two, three, or five or more first robots 1212a.

[0073] The centrifugal robot module 1213 includes a plurality (two) of robots 1213a. Each of the plurality of first robots 1004b has a vertically articulated robot arm. The robot 1213a puts the specimen collection container 1007a transported by the transport unit 1221 into a stirrer. The robot 1213a puts the specimen collection container after stirring into a centrifuge. Note that the centrifugal robot module 1213 may include one or three or more robots 1213a.

[0074] Here, in the booth where the centrifugal robot module 1213 is installed, a predetermined number (four or more) of specimen collection containers 1007a transported by the transport unit 1221 are stored. The robot 1213a puts the stored predetermined number of specimen containers into the centrifuge according to the priority of processing. The robot 1213a places the specimen collection container after centrifugation on the transport unit 1222.

[0075] The unsealing and dispensing robot module 1214 includes a second robot 1214a and a third robot 1214b. The second robot 1214a includes two robot arms having horizontal joints. The third robot 1214b includes a vertically articulated robot arm. The second robot 1214a unseals the specimen collection container 1007a conveyed by the conveyance unit 1222. After unsealing the specimen collection container 1007a, the second robot 1214a dispenses the specimen in the specimen collection container 1007a onto a plate 1007b (96-well deep well plate). The second robot 1214a dispenses a plurality of reagents onto the plate 1007b (96-well deep well plate). The third robot 1214b places the plate 1007b (96-well deep well plate) onto which the specimen and reagents have been dispensed on the conveyance unit 1223.

[0076] The nucleic acid extraction robot module 1215 includes a plurality (five) of robots 1215a. The robot 1215a has a vertically articulated robot arm. The robot 1215a moves the plate 1007b (96-well deep well plate) conveyed by the conveyance unit 1223 to a workbench. The robot 1215a performs nucleic acid extraction operations on the plate 1007b (96-well deep well plate) on the workbench. The robot 1215a dispenses the extracted nucleic acid into a plurality of connected tubes 1007c (8-connected PCR tubes). The robot 1215a places the plurality of connected tubes 1007c (8-connected PCR tubes) into which the nucleic acid extracted from the specimen has been dispensed on the conveyance unit 1224. Note that the nucleic acid extraction robot module 1215 may include one, two, three, four, or six or more robots 1215a.

[0077] 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 a plurality of connected tubes 1007c (8-connected PCR tubes) conveyed by the conveying unit 1224 to the workbench. The robot 1216a dispenses the prepared reagents into the plurality of connected tubes 1007c (8-connected PCR tubes) on the workbench and aspirates and stirs them. After closing the lids of the plurality of connected tubes 1007c (8-connected PCR tubes), the fourth robot 1216b puts them into a centrifuge. The fourth robot 1216b sets the plurality of connected tubes 1007c (8-connected PCR tubes) containing the centrifuged specimens into a thermal cycler. The fourth robot 1216b sets the heated plurality of connected tubes 1007c (8-connected PCR tubes) into a PCR testing device.

[0078] After determining the priority test specimens to be tested from among a plurality of specimens, the control device 1217 performs control to start processing in order from the test specimens. 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.

[0079] Based on the test results of the PCR testing device, the test subject system 1220 determines whether the subject P is positive or negative. The test subject system 1220 issues a document including information on the test results of the PCR testing device. Specifically, the test subject system 1220 includes a control unit 1220a having a CPU and a storage unit having a ROM and a RAM. A test result determination program is stored in the storage unit. The control unit 1220a controls the test subject system 1220 based on the test result determination program.

[0080] (Third Embodiment) With reference to FIGS. 14 to 24, the inspection system 1300 according to the third embodiment will be described. In this third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the cabinet 1021 is not provided in the opening and dispensing unit 1500 of the second unit 1002a. As will be described later, in the opening and dispensing unit 1500 of the second unit 1002a according to the third embodiment, since processing is performed by a plurality of robots, the cabinet 1021, which is a measure against infection to the human body, is not provided. Also, by not providing the cabinet 1021, it is possible to widen the range of selection 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 tact time.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 14, the inspection system 1300 includes a first unit 1001, a second unit 1002a, and a third unit 1003. The second unit 1002a includes an opening and dispensing unit 1500. Also, robots 1004a and 1004b are provided in the first unit 1001 of the inspection system 1300. Also, robots 1511, 1521, 1522, 1531, and 1004e are provided in the second unit 1002a of the inspection system 1100. Also, robots 1004f and 1004g are provided in the third unit 1003 of the inspection system 1300. Also, the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002a, and the third unit 1003 are provided in the container 1005. Note that at least one of the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002a, and the third unit 1003 may be provided in the container 1005. Thereby, the inspection system 1300 can be easily transported and installed.

[0082] The inspection system 1300 also includes transfer units 1006a and 1006b that connect the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002a, and the third unit 1003 to each other. Specifically, the first unit 1001 and the second unit 1002a are connected by the transfer unit 1006a. Also, the second unit 1002a and the third unit 1003 are connected by the transfer unit 1006b. Thereby, the transfer units 1006a and 1006b can easily transfer the specimen among the first unit 1001, the second unit 1002a, and the third unit 1003.

[0083] The first unit 1001 collects and accepts the specimen. For example, in the first unit 1001, a specimen is collected from the subject, and the collected specimen is diluted with a diluent. Also, in the first unit 1001, the diluted specimen is stirred. Further, in the first unit 1001, the diluted specimen is centrifuged. The second unit 1002a is connected to the first unit 1001 and performs pretreatment before measuring the specimen. For example, in the second unit 1002a, as pretreatment of the specimen, a dispensing process of the specimen is performed in the cap-opening and dispensing unit 1500. Also, in the second unit 1002a, as pretreatment of the specimen, a dispensing process of the reagent is performed in the cap-opening and dispensing unit 1500. Further, in the second unit 1002a, a nucleic acid extraction process is performed as pretreatment of the specimen downstream of the cap-opening and dispensing unit 1500. The third unit 1003 is connected to the second unit 1002a and measures the pretreated specimen. For example, in the third unit 1003, a process of measuring whether the specimen contains an infectious virus by RT-PCR inspection is performed.

[0084] (Configuration of the Cap-Opening and Dispensing Unit) As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the cap-opening and dispensing unit 1500 is provided with a specimen storage unit 1510, a specimen dispensing unit 1520, a work transfer unit 1530, and a reagent dispensing unit 1540. Also, the cap-opening and dispensing unit 1500 is maintained at a negative pressure lower than the outside of the cap-opening and dispensing unit 1500 of the second unit 1002a.

[0085] (Configuration of Specimen Storage Unit) The specimen storage unit 1510 stores a plurality of specimen collection containers 1007a. Specifically, after a part of the specimen is dispensed from the specimen collection container 1007a in which the specimen has been collected to the plate 1007b, the specimen storage unit 1510 stores the specimen collection container 1007a containing the remaining specimen for a predetermined time. The specimen storage unit 1510 stores the specimen collection container 1007a for, for example, 2 hours. As a result, when reexamination is necessary, the specimen can be taken out from the specimen storage unit 1510 for reexamination, so there is no need to collect the specimen again.

[0086] The specimen storage unit 1510 includes a mobile robot 1511, a storage unit 1512, a disposal unit 1513, a specimen placement unit 1514, and a QC storage unit 1515. In addition, the specimen storage unit 1510 is provided between a specimen dispensing unit 1520 that performs specimen dispensing and a centrifugal separation unit that performs centrifugation. Note that the storage unit 1512 is an example of a first placement unit. In addition, the specimen placement unit 1514 is an example of a second placement unit.

[0087] The mobile robot 1511 moves the specimen collection container 1007a in the storage unit 1512. In addition, the mobile robot 1511 receives the specimen collection container 1007a from the first unit 1001 (see FIG. 14) and places it on the specimen placement unit 1514. In addition, the mobile robot 1511 moves the specimen collection container 1007a in which the specimen has been dispensed from the specimen placement unit 1514 to the storage unit 1512. In addition, the mobile robot 1511 discards the specimen collection container 1007a stored for a predetermined time in the disposal unit 1513.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 15, the mobile robot 1511 includes a robot main body 1511a and a hand 1511b attached to the tip of the robot main body 1511a. The robot main body 1511a is a vertically articulated robot including a plurality of vertical joints. As shown in Fig. 17, the hand 1511b can hold a plurality (four) of specimen collection containers 1007a. The hand 1511b has a plurality (four) of sets of chucks 15111. Each of the chucks 15111 has three claws and holds the specimen collection container 1007a by opening and closing the three claws. Among the four sets of chucks 15111, three sets of chucks 15111 are driven by a common pneumatic source. Also, the remaining one set of chucks 15111 among the four sets of chucks 15111 is independently driven by a pneumatic source different from the other three sets of chucks 15111. Thereby, it is possible to individually hold the specimen collection container 1007a that needs to be individually held, such as an interrupt specimen, which is a specimen to be pre-treated and measured with priority over other specimens.

[0089] As shown in Figs. 15 and 16, the storage unit 1512 can place a plurality of specimen collection containers 1007a. The storage unit 1512 can store, for example, a number (for example, several hundreds) of specimen collection containers 1007a that can be processed (pre-treated and measured) in 2 hours. The storage unit 1512 is formed with a plurality of holding holes for inserting the specimen collection containers 1007a in a standing state.

[0090] Six waste disposal units 1513 are provided in the storage unit 1512 in a plan view. The specimen collection containers 1007a after being stored for a predetermined time are discarded in the waste disposal unit 1513. The waste disposal unit 1513 has a storage section capable of storing the specimen collection containers 1007a for a predetermined time (for example, 8 hours) under the gantry.

[0091] The specimen placement unit 1514 is where the specimen collection container 1007a sent from the first unit 1001 (see FIG. 14) is placed. That is, the specimen placement unit 1514 is where the specimen collection container 1007a before the specimen is dispensed is placed. The specimen collection container 1007a placed on the specimen placement unit 1514 is transferred to the specimen dispensing unit 1520, and after the specimen is dispensed, it is returned to the specimen placement unit 1514 again. The specimen collection container 1007a after the specimen has been dispensed and returned to the specimen placement unit 1514 is moved to the storage unit 1512. Also, the specimen collection container 1007a that requires confirmation by the operator, such as when the identifier of the specimen collection container 1007a cannot be read, is ejected externally from the specimen placement unit 1514 by a shooter.

[0092] The QC storage unit 1515 stores positive control and negative control reagents for quality control. The positive control and negative control reagents stored in the QC storage unit 1515 are dispensed for each predetermined number of specimens (for example, every several tens of times) and sent for measurement.

[0093] The specimen dispensing unit 1520 dispenses the specimen from the specimen collection container 1007a onto the plate 1007b. Specifically, the specimen dispensing unit 1520 opens the cap of the specimen collection container 1007a, dispenses a part of the specimen from the opened specimen collection container 1007a onto the plate 1007b, and then closes the cap of the specimen collection container 1007a after dispensing.

[0094] (Configuration of the Specimen Dispensing Unit) The specimen dispensing unit 1520 includes a cap-opening robot 1521, a dispensing robot 1522, a workbench 1523, a cap-opening gripping part 1524, a dissolution adsorption liquid dispensing device 1525, and a waste disposal part 1526.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 15, the cap-opening robot 1521 includes a robot main body 1521a and a hand 1521b attached to the tip of the robot main body 1521a. The robot main body 1521a is a vertically articulated robot including a plurality of vertical joints. As shown in FIG. 18, the hand 1521b has a chuck 15211. The chuck 15211 has three claws and grips the lid 1071 of the specimen collection container 1007a by opening and closing the three claws.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 19, the cap-opening gripping part 1524 grips the placed specimen collection container 1007a so as not to rotate it. Further, the cap-opening gripping part 1524 is provided with a reader for reading the identifier of the specimen collection container 1007a. Further, the cap-opening gripping part 1524 is provided with a detection sensor for detecting the open and closed states of the lid 1071. The detection sensor includes, for example, a laser sensor with a built-in camera.

[0097] The cap-opening robot 1521 opens the cap of the specimen collection container 1007a for dispensing the specimen. Specifically, the cap-opening robot 1521 receives the specimen collection container 1007a placed on the specimen placement part 1514 of the specimen storage part 1510 and moves it to the cap-opening gripping part 1524. Then, the cap-opening robot 1521 grips the lid 1071 (see FIG. 4) of the specimen collection container 1007a held by the cap-opening gripping part 1524 and rotates it in the cap-opening direction to open the specimen collection container 1007a. Also, as shown in FIG. 19, after the specimen has been dispensed, the cap-opening robot 1521 grips the lid 1071 of the specimen collection container 1007a with the chuck 15211 while the specimen collection container 1007a is held by the cap-opening gripping part 1524 and rotates it in the cap-closing direction to close the specimen collection container 1007a. Then, the cap-opening robot 1521 moves the closed specimen collection container 1007a to the specimen placement part 1514 of the specimen storage part 1510. Also, the cap-opening robot 1521 receives, opens, and closes containers for positive control and negative control for quality control in the same manner as the specimen collection container 1007a.

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the dispensing robot 1522 dispenses the specimen from the specimen collection container 1007a to the plate 1007b. Specifically, the dispensing robot 1522 sucks the specimen from the opened specimen collection container 1007a and discharges the sucked specimen to a predetermined position on the plate 1007b. Also, in the same manner as the specimen collection container 1007a, the dispensing robot 1522 dispenses the reagent from the containers of the positive control and negative control for quality control to the plate 1007b.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 15, the dispensing robot 1522 includes a robot main body 1522a and a hand 1522b attached to the tip of the robot main body 1522a. The robot main body 1522a is a vertically articulated robot including a plurality of vertical joints. The hand 1522b includes a main body portion 15221 and a nozzle 15222, as shown in FIG. 20. A disposable tip 15223 is detachably attached to the tip of the nozzle 15222. The main body portion 15221 supplies negative pressure and positive pressure for sucking and discharging the specimen to the nozzle 15222. Also, the main body portion 15221 detects the liquid level in the container by detecting the pressure inside the nozzle 15222. Then, based on the liquid level detection result and the tip position of the tip 15223 lowered by the dispensing robot 1522, the water level (amount of specimen or amount of reagent) in the container is acquired. Also, each time the dispensing robot 1522 dispenses a specimen, it takes a new tip 15223 from the workbench 1523 and discards the used tip 15223 in the discard section 1526 after the specimen dispensing.

[0100] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a plate 1007b to which the reagent and the specimen are dispensed is placed on the workbench 1523. Also, a tip rack that houses a plurality of tips 15223 attached to the tip of the hand 1522b of the dispensing robot 1522 is placed on the workbench 1523.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 15, the dissolution adsorption liquid dispensing device 1525 dispenses the dissolution adsorption liquid onto the plate 1007b. Specifically, the dissolution adsorption liquid dispensing device 1525 is provided on the workbench 1523. Further, the dissolution adsorption liquid dispensing device 1525 dispenses the dissolution adsorption liquid onto the plate 1007b held by the transfer robot 1531 of the work transfer unit 1530. Also, the dissolution adsorption liquid dispensing device 1525 includes a plurality (four) of nozzles 1525a and can dispense the dissolution adsorption liquid in parallel to the four wells 1073 (see FIG. 9) of the plate 1007b. Further, the dissolution adsorption liquid dispensing device 1525 moves the plate 1007b by the transfer robot 1531 and dispenses the dissolution adsorption liquid into eight wells 1073 of one plate 1007b by two operations. Also, the dissolution adsorption liquid dispensing device 1525 is provided with a flow rate sensor for each of the four nozzles 1525a and dispenses the dissolution adsorption liquid by a dispensing pump that switches four ports for dispensing.

[0102] The disposal unit 1526 disposes of the used chip 15223 used for specimen dispensing. The disposal unit 1526 has a small disposal opening 1526a on its upper surface, and the chip 15223 is inserted through the disposal opening 1526a. In the disposal unit 1526, a medical pail (a lid-equipped container for containing waste with the potential for infection) for accommodating the chip 15223 is disposed below the disposal opening 1526a.

[0103] (Configuration of the work transfer unit) The work transfer unit 1530 transfers the work within the cap-opening and dispensing unit 1500. Specifically, the work transfer unit 1530 transfers the plate 1007b onto which the specimen is dispensed. Also, the work transfer unit 1530 transfers the chip rack containing the chip 15223 (see FIG. 20) used in the specimen dispensing unit 1520. Further, the work transfer unit 1530 transfers the chip rack containing the chip 15413 (see FIG. 22) used in the reagent dispensing unit 1540.

[0104] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the workpiece transfer unit 1530 includes a transfer robot 1531, a shelf 1532, a shelf 1533, a plurality (two) of plate transfer units 1534, and a plate transfer section 1535.

[0105] The transfer robot 1531 grips and transfers the plate 1007b. Specifically, the transfer robot 1531 receives the plate 1007b from the plate transfer unit 1534 and transfers it to the workbench 1523. Also, when the dissolution adsorption liquid is dispensed by the dissolution adsorption liquid dispenser 1525, the transfer robot 1531 grips and moves the plate 1007b. Further, the transfer robot 1531 transfers the plate 1007b with the dissolution adsorption liquid dispensed thereto to the position where the specimens are dispensed on the workbench 1523. Additionally, the transfer robot 1531 transfers the plate 1007b with the specimens dispensed thereto to the workbench 1542 of the reagent dispensing unit 1540. Moreover, the transfer robot 1531 transfers the plate 1007b with the reagent dispensed thereon at the workbench 1542 to the plate transfer section 1535.

[0106] Also, the transfer robot 1531 takes out the tip rack containing the tip 15223 (see FIG. 20) used in the specimen dispensing unit 1520 from the shelf 1532 and transfers it to the workbench 1523. Further, the transfer robot 1531 transfers the tip rack containing the tip 15413 (see FIG. 22) used in the reagent dispensing unit 1540 to the workbench 1542 of the reagent dispensing unit 1540. Additionally, the transfer robot 1531 transfers the inner lid of the tip rack to the lid disposal unit 1543 for disposal.

[0107] 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 vertically articulated robot including a plurality of vertical joints. As shown in FIG. 21, 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.

[0108] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a chip rack containing the chip 15223 (see FIG. 20) used in the sample dispensing unit 1520 is stored in the shelf 1532. Also, reagents (magnetic particles, proK reagent) used in the reagent dispensing unit 1540 are stored in the shelf 1532. The shelf 1532 is provided with a drawer, and the stored chip rack and reagents are taken out by the transfer robot 1531 with the drawer pulled out. Also, the shelf 1532 can be supplied with chip racks and reagents by an operator from the outside.

[0109] A chip rack containing the chip 15413 (see FIG. 22) used in the reagent dispensing unit 1540 is stored in the shelf 1533. The shelf 1533 is provided with a drawer, and the stored chip rack is taken out by the transfer robot 1531 with the drawer pulled out. Also, the shelf 1533 can be supplied with chip racks by an operator from the outside.

[0110] The plate transfer unit 1534 transfers a new plate 1007b before use. Two plate transfer units 1534 are provided in parallel. Each of the two plate transfer units 1534 has a conveyor for transferring the plate 1007b.

[0111] The plate transfer section 1535 is provided for delivering the plate 1007b to which the sample and reagents have been dispensed to a downstream unit that performs nucleic acid extraction processing.

[0112] (Configuration of Reagent Dispensing Unit) The reagent dispensing unit 1540 dispenses reagents onto the plate 1007b. Specifically, the reagent dispensing unit 1540 dispenses magnetic particles and proK reagent onto the plate 1007b to which the sample has been dispensed.

[0113] The reagent dispensing unit 1540 includes a dispensing robot 1541, a workbench 1542, and a lid disposal unit 1543.

[0114] The dispensing robot 1541 dispenses the magnetic particles contained in the plate 1007b placed on the stirrer 1542a of the workbench 1542 to the plate 1007b into which the specimen has been dispensed. Specifically, the dispensing robot 1541 sucks the magnetic particles stirred by the stirrer 1542a and discharges the sucked magnetic particles to a predetermined position on the plate 1007b. Further, the dispensing robot 1541 dispenses the proK reagent contained in the plate 1007b placed on the cooler 1542b of the workbench 1542 to the plate 1007b into which the specimen has been dispensed. Specifically, the dispensing robot 1541 sucks the proK reagent cooled by the cooler 1542b and discharges the sucked proK reagent to a predetermined position on the plate 1007b.

[0115] The dispensing robot 1541 includes a robot main body 1541a and a hand 1541b attached to the tip of the robot main body 1541a. The robot main body 1541a is a vertically articulated robot including a plurality of vertical joints. As shown in FIG. 22, the hand 1541b includes a main body portion 15411 and a plurality (four) of nozzles 15412. Disposable chips 15413 are detachably attached to the tips of each of the plurality of nozzles 15412. The main body portion 15411 supplies negative pressure and positive pressure for sucking and discharging the sample to the plurality of nozzles 15412. Also, the dispensing robot 1541 dispenses both magnetic particles and proK reagent to each of the eight wells 1073 into which the sample has been dispensed on one plate 1007b. That is, the dispensing robot 1541 dispenses one of the magnetic particles and proK reagent to four wells 1073 by four nozzles 15412, and then dispenses one of the magnetic particles and proK reagent to the remaining four wells 1073 by the four nozzles 15412. Then, the dispensing robot 1541 replaces the used chip 15413 with a new chip 15413. Thereafter, the dispensing robot 1541 dispenses the other of the magnetic particles and proK reagent to four wells 1073 by four nozzles 15412, and then dispenses the other of the magnetic particles and proK reagent to the remaining four wells 1073 by the four nozzles 15412. That is, the dispensing robot 1541 dispenses the magnetic particles and proK reagent by performing a total of four dispensing operations on the eight wells 1073 of one plate 1007b.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 16, on the workbench 1542, a stirrer 1542a, a cooler 1542b, a waste section 1542c, a plate placement section 1542d, and a standby section 1542e are provided.

[0117] The stirrer 1542a vibrates the plate 1007b on which the plate 1007b containing the magnetic particles is placed so as to disperse the magnetic particles.

[0118] The cooler 1542b has the plate 1007b containing the proK reagent placed thereon and cools the proK reagent to about 4°C.

[0119] The waste disposal part 1542c is provided below the workbench 1542, and the tip 15413 used for reagent dispensing by the dispensing robot 1541 is discarded.

[0120] The plate placement part 1542d has the plate 1007b with the specimen dispensed placed thereon, and the reagents (magnetic particles and proK reagent) are dispensed onto the placed plate 1007b by the dispensing robot 1541.

[0121] The standby part 1542e has the plate 1007b with the specimen dispensed placed thereon for inactivation standby.

[0122] The lid waste disposal part 1543 discards the inner lid of the tip rack.

[0123] (Configuration of the Third Unit) As shown in FIG. 14, the third unit 1003 includes a reagent preparation chamber 1031 for preparing reagents for measuring a specimen, and a measurement chamber 1032 for measuring the specimen. Further, the third unit 1003 is provided with a fourth robot 1004g for transporting a plurality of connected tubes 1007c. The fourth robot 1004g is provided with a hand 1550 for gripping the plurality of connected tubes 1007c as shown in FIG. 23.

[0124] The hand 1550 has a pair of chuck jaws 1551. Each of the pair of chuck jaws 1551 is provided with a plurality (8) of gripping parts 1552 for sandwiching and gripping a plurality (8) of tubes 1074 of the plurality of connected tubes 1007c. Further, five of the eight gripping parts 1552 are provided with contact parts 1553. The contact part 1553 suppresses the tubes 1074 from falling when the lids 1075 of the tubes 1074 are closed.

[0125] The plurality of gripping portions 1552 are each formed in a concave shape in a plan view. Further, the gripping portions 1552 are subjected to anti-slip processing. For example, the gripping portions 1552 are subjected to diamond knurling or butyl rubber baking processing.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 24, the abutting portion 1553 is provided at least below the gripping portion 1552 on the side where the lid closing portion 1037 abuts on the lid 1075. When the lid 1075 is relatively pushed by the lid closing portion 1037, the abutting portion 1553 abuts on the tube 1074. Thereby, since it is possible to suppress the tube 1074 from falling down, it is possible to surely close the lid 1075.

[0127] (Fourth Embodiment) With reference to FIGS. 25 to 31, the inspection facility system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0128] [Configuration of Inspection Facility System] FIG. 25 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the inspection facility system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional side view showing an example of the configuration of the inspection facility system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the inspection facility system 1 is a system for collecting and measuring a specimen from a subject P. In the following embodiments, the inspection facility system 1 will be described as a system for collecting, measuring, and analyzing a specimen for PCR testing. The inspection facility system 1 includes a box body 10 that houses facilities for collecting, measuring, and analyzing a specimen, and a moving body 20 on which the box body 10 is loaded.

[0129] The box body 10 blocks the internal space of the box body 10 from the external space. The box body 10 is formed in a box shape in advance and may be loaded on 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 on the moving body 20 by a cargo handling machine such as a forklift and a crane. The box body 10 may be assembled on or inside the moving body 20. In the fourth embodiment, the box body 10 is a container.

[0130] The moving body 20 can move while loading the box body 10, and its specific configuration is not particularly limited. The moving body 20 may be equipped with a driving device or the like and can move by itself, or may be pulled or pressed by another moving body to move. For example, the moving body 20 may be a large vehicle such as a truck or a towed vehicle such as a trailer that can travel 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 or walkable legs such as the legs of a robot. For example, the moving body 20 may be a locomotive or a 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 its own on the water surface or in the water, or a barge that cannot navigate on its own on the water surface and in the water. 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 fourth embodiment, the moving body 20 is a large vehicle.

[0131] The inspection facility system 1 can be moved to various places by the moving body 20. Furthermore, the inspection facility system 1 can be arranged at any place as long as it is a place having a space where the moving body 20 or the box body 10 can be accommodated.

[0132] The inspection facility system 1 is arranged at the moving base for passenger transportation. The inspection facility system 1 can move to, for example, the starting point or the end point of the movement across the geographical boundary and be arranged at that point. The inspection facility system 1 may be used with the box body 10 loaded on the moving body 20, or may be used with the box body 10 unloaded from the moving body 20 to the ground or the like. In the fourth embodiment, the inspection facility system 1 is used with the box body 10 loaded on the moving body 20. The geographical boundary is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the boundary of administrative divisions such as national borders, prefectures and states, the boundary of autonomous regions, and the boundary by the sea between islands. The starting point and the end point of the movement across the geographical boundary may be, for example, airports, ports on the sea or rivers, railway stations, bus stations, entrances and exits of motorways, and border control points.

[0133] The inspection equipment system 1 includes a first unit part U1 to a fourth unit part U4 inside a box body 10. The box body 10 houses the entire first unit part U1 to the fourth unit part U4. The first unit part U1 to the fourth unit part U4 are integrated as a whole with the box body 10 to form one unit. That is, the inspection equipment system 1 is composed of one unit.

[0134] The first unit part U1 is a part that forms a collection room R2 equipped with equipment for collecting a specimen from the subject P.

[0135] The second unit part U2 is a part that forms analysis rooms R3 and R4 equipped with equipment for measuring and analyzing a specimen, and is formed separately from the collection room R2. The second unit part U2 suppresses the invasion of pathogens existing in the air, such as floating and scattering, into 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.

[0136] The third unit part U3 is a unit part equipped with a result output device 600, which is an example of equipment for outputting the results of analysis. Although not limited to this, in the fourth embodiment, the third unit part U3 forms a housing room R5 for accommodating medical staff H1 and H2 separately from the collection room R2, and includes the result output device 600 inside the housing room R5. The third unit part U3 suppresses the invasion of pathogens existing in the air into the housing room R5. Although not limited to this, in the fourth embodiment, the medical staff H1 is a doctor and the medical staff H2 is a medical technician. Hereinafter, "medical staff H1" may be expressed as "doctor H1", and "medical staff H2" may be expressed as "medical technician H2".

[0137] The fourth unit part U4 is a part that forms an examination room R1 where the subject P receives an examination for collecting a specimen, and is formed separately from the analysis rooms R3 and R4. The fourth unit part U4 suppresses the invasion of pathogens existing in the air into the analysis rooms R3 and R4.

[0138] The examination room R1 is adjacent to the collection room R2. The examination room R1 is surrounded by the upper wall 11, the bottom wall 12, and three adjacent side walls 13 of the box body 10, and is separated from the collection room R2 by the 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. An opening is formed in the partition plate W1a to enable access between the examination room R1 and the collection room R2 for collecting a specimen from the subject P.

[0139] One of the side walls 13 surrounding the examination room R1 and adjacent to the partition wall W1 has an access opening 13a1 for the subject P to enter and exit the examination room R1, and a door 13a2 for opening and closing the access opening 13a1 is arranged at the access opening 13a1. The door 13a2 may be opened and closed by power such as electricity, or may be manually opened and closed. The door 13a2 has the ability to shield the access opening 13a1. A staircase 13a3 for ascending and descending at the access opening 13a1 is arranged in a manner that can be stored and deployed, or detachably. The examination room R1 can be blocked from the outside of the box body 10.

[0140] The collection 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 each other with the collection room R2 in between. The collection room R2 is surrounded by the upper wall 11, the bottom wall 12, and two opposing side walls 13 of the box body 10, is separated from the examination room R1 by the partition wall W1, and is separated from the first analysis room R3 by the partition wall W2. The partition wall W2 is fixed to the box body 10 and is immovable. An opening is formed in the partition wall W2, and a shutter W2a for opening and closing the opening is arranged at the opening. The shutter W2a is a sliding door that opens and closes the opening by sliding driven by an electric motor. The shutter W2a has the ability to shield the opening. The collection room R2 communicates with the examination room R1, but can be isolated from the first analysis room R3.

[0141] The first analysis room R3 is adjacent to the sampling room R2 and the second analysis room R4. The sampling room R2 and the second analysis room R4 are located on opposite sides of the first analysis room R3 with the first analysis room R3 in between. The first analysis room 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 room R2 by the partition wall W2 and from the second analysis room R4 by the 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 for opening and closing the opening is arranged at the opening. The shutter W3a is a slide door that opens and closes the opening by sliding driven by an electric motor. The shutter W3a has the ability to shield the opening. The first analysis room R3 can be isolated from the sampling room R2 and the second analysis room R4.

[0142] The second analysis room R4 is adjacent to the first analysis room R3 and the storage room R5. The first analysis room R3 and the storage room R5 are located on opposite sides of the second analysis room R4 with the second analysis room R4 in between. The second analysis room 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 room R3 by the partition wall W3 and from the storage room R5 by the 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 arranged at the opening. The door W4a may be opened and closed by power such as electricity or may be opened and closed manually. The door W4a has the ability to shield the opening. The second analysis room R4 can be isolated from the first analysis room R3 and the storage room R5.

[0143] The storage room R5 is adjacent to the second analysis room R4. The storage room R5 is surrounded by the upper wall 11, the bottom wall 12, and three adjacent side walls 13 of the box body 10, and is separated from the second analysis room R4 by the partition wall W4. The storage room R5 can be isolated from the second analysis room R4. A wall W5 that can be installed and removed can be arranged in the storage room R5. The wall W5 divides the work area of the doctor H1 and the area of the laboratory technician H2.

[0144] One of the side walls 13 surrounding the storage chamber R5, specifically the side wall 13 facing the partition wall W4, is formed with an access opening 13a4 for the medical staff H1 and H2 to enter and exit the box 10 and for equipment to be carried in and out. A door 13a5 for opening and closing the access opening 13a4 is arranged at the access opening 13a4. The door 13a5 may be opened and closed by power such as electricity or manually. The door 13a5 has the ability to shield the access opening 13a4. A staircase 13a6 for ascending and descending at the access opening 13a4 is arranged in a manner that can be stored, deployed, or detached. The storage chamber R5 can be isolated from the outside of the box 10.

[0145] FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the inspection facility system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 25 to 27, the fourth unit portion 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 images the inside of the examination room R1. The first indoor imaging device 510 transmits the image data captured 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 arranged in the storage chamber R5.

[0146] The first unit portion U1 includes a first air conditioning system AC1 that creates a negative pressure environment in the collection room R2. The first air conditioning system AC1 creates a negative pressure environment in the collection room R2 and the examination room R1 communicating with the collection room R2. As a result, the air pressure in the collection room R2 and the examination room R1 is made lower than the air pressure in the first analysis room R3. The air pressure in the collection room R2 and the examination room R1 may be made lower than the outside air pressure. The first air conditioning system AC1 may include air conditioning equipment, an air purification device, an air intake and exhaust device, a duct, a filter, a check valve, and the like. By the action of the first air conditioning system AC1, the leakage of pathogens existing in the air to the outside of the collection room R2 and the examination room R1 is suppressed.

[0147] The first unit part U1 includes a first robot 110 that performs the act of collecting a sample from the subject P, a receiving device 410, and a second indoor imaging device 520 in the sampling room R2. The first robot 110 is operated by the operation input / output devices 310 and 320. The first robot 110 is provided with a communication device so that the doctor H1 operating the first operation input / output device 310 and the subject P can communicate with each other. The second indoor imaging device 520 includes, for example, a visible light camera or the like, and images the inside of the sampling room R2. The second indoor imaging device 520 transmits the data of the captured image to the presentation device 323 of the second operation input / output device 320.

[0148] The first unit part U1 may further include, in the sampling room R2, instruments, experimental devices, and various test reagents for the first robot 110 to perform medical examination acts. Examples of the above instruments include an auto pipette, a chip used for an auto pipette, a microtube, a centrifuge tube, and a conical tube. Examples of the above experimental devices include a centrifuge, a PCR device, and the like.

[0149] The receiving device 410 can receive a sample from the first robot 110. Although not limited thereto, in the fourth embodiment, the receiving device 410 has a function of inactivating the sample. The receiving device 410 may further have a function of dispensing the sample, or the first robot 110 may dispense the sample in the receiving device 410. The receiving device 410 may have a function of transferring the inactivated sample to the first analysis room R3, or the first robot 110 may transfer the inactivated sample to the first analysis room R3 through the opening of the shutter W2a.

[0150] The first robot 110 performs at least one of the acts of collecting a sample from the subject P, inputting the sample into the receiving device 410, dispensing the sample in the receiving device 410, taking out the inactivated sample from the receiving device 410, and transferring the inactivated sample to the first analysis room R3.

[0151] For example, the first robot 110 performs the act of collecting a sample from the subject P according to the operation by the doctor H1 using the first operation input / output device 310. The first robot 110 performs the act of collecting the sample manually by the doctor H1, but it may be equipped with AI (Artificial Intelligence) and perform it automatically. The first robot 110 performs acts other than the act of collecting the sample according to a command received from the second operation input / output device 320, but it may also perform them according to a command received from the first operation input / output device 310. The first robot 110 performs acts other than the act of collecting the sample by automatic control according to an automation program, but it may also be executed by manual control using the operation input / output device 320 or 310.

[0152] The shutter W2a of the partition wall 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.

[0153] Here, the configuration of the first robot 110 will be described. FIG. 28 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the first robot 110 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 28, 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 tips of the arms 111 and 112, respectively. The hands 113 and 114 act on the object and are also called end effectors. The arms 111 and 112 are each composed of a horizontally articulated robot arm, and the bases of the arms 111 and 112 are arranged coaxially. The first robot 110 is a coaxial dual-arm robot. The second robot 120 and the third robot 130, which will be described later, are also coaxial dual-arm robots.

[0154] Note that the configurations of robots 110 to 130 are not limited to coaxial dual-arm robots equipped with horizontally articulated robot arms, and any robot may be used. For example, robots 110 to 130 may be equipped with any robot arm of vertical articulated type, polar coordinate type, cylindrical coordinate type, rectangular coordinate type, or other types. The number of arms of robots 110 to 130 may also be any number of 1 and 3 or more. Further, robots 110 to 130 have the same configuration as industrial robots, but may also have configurations such as service robots and humanoids. A service robot is a robot used in various service industries such as caregiving, medical treatment, cleaning, security, guidance, rescue, cooking, and product provision.

[0155] The first robot 110 further includes a presentation device 115 (see FIG. 27), 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 the subject P and the doctor H1 to communicate with each other.

[0156] The imaging device 116 includes, for example, a visible light camera or the like, images the subject P in the examination room R1 through the partition plate W1a, and transmits the image data of the captured image to at least the first operation input / output device 310 among 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 or the like, collects the voice or the like of the subject P in the examination room R1 through the partition plate W1a, and transmits the collected voice signal to at least the first operation input / output device 310 among the first operation input / output device 310 and the second operation input / output device 320.

[0157] The prompting 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) or an organic or inorganic electro-luminescence display (EL display). The audio output device 115b may be a speaker, earphone, headset, or the like. The display 115a and the audio output device 115b present an image and audio corresponding to the image data and audio signal acquired by the imaging device 314 and the sound collection device 315 (see FIG. 27) of the first operation input / output device 310 to the subject P in the examination room R1 via the partition plate W1a. The display 115a and the audio output device 115b may also present an image and audio corresponding to the image data and audio signal acquired by the imaging device 324 and the sound collection device 325 (see FIG. 27) of the second operation input / output device 320 to the subject P.

[0158] In the fourth embodiment, the imaging device 116 and the sound collection device 117 are fixedly arranged on the display 115a, but are not limited thereto, as long as they can acquire the image and audio of the subject P. For example, the imaging device 116 and the sound collection device 117 may be arranged on the arms 111 and 112, the partition plate W1a, the subject P, and the examination room R1, etc. The display 115a is fixedly arranged near the bases of the arms 111 and 112 of the first robot 110, but is not limited thereto, as long as it can present an image to the subject P. The audio output device 115b is fixedly arranged on the display 115a, but is not limited thereto, as long as it can present audio 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 plate W1a, the subject P, and the examination room R1, etc.

[0159] As shown in FIGS. 25 to 27, the second unit portion U2 includes second air conditioning systems AC2a and AC2b. The second air conditioning system AC2a makes the first analysis room R3 a positive pressure environment and makes the air pressure in the first analysis room R3 higher than the air pressure in the sampling room R2. Thereby, the inflow of air from the sampling room R2 and the second analysis room R4 into the first analysis room R3 is suppressed. The air pressure in the first analysis room R3 may be made higher than the outside air pressure. The second air conditioning system AC2b makes the second analysis room R4 a negative pressure environment and makes the air pressure in the second analysis room R4 lower than the air pressure in the first analysis room R3. The second air conditioning systems AC2a and AC2b may include air conditioning equipment, air purification devices, air intake and exhaust devices, ducts, filters, backflow prevention dampers, and the like.

[0160] The second unit portion U2 includes a second robot 120 that performs a first analysis operation on the specimen sent from the sampling room R2, a first analysis device 420, and a third indoor imaging device 530 in the first analysis room R3. Similar to the first robot 110, the second robot 120 includes arms 121 and 122, and hands 123 and 124 at the tips of the arms 121 and 122, respectively. Note that since the second robot 120 does not communicate with the subject P, it does not include a presentation device, an imaging device, and a sound collection device, but may include an imaging device as the eye of the second robot 120. The second robot 120 is operated by the second operation input / output device 320. The third indoor imaging device 530 includes a visible light camera or the like and images the inside of the first analysis room R3. The third indoor imaging device 530 transmits the data of the captured image to the presentation device 323 of the second operation input / output device 320.

[0161] The first analysis device 420 includes various devices and instruments necessary for the first analysis of the inactivated specimen. 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 nucleic acid extraction from the specimen, generation and adjustment of a PCR reaction solution, addition of a control, and sealing. The first analysis device 420 includes the devices and instruments necessary for each step.

[0162] The second robot 120 executes 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 act 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. Note that the first analysis device 420 may transfer the specimen after the first analysis. The second robot 120 performs each act according to a command received from the second operation input / output device 320, but may also perform it according to a command received from the first operation input / output device 310. The second robot 120 performs each act by automatic control according to an automation program, but may also be executed by manual control using the operation input / output device 320 or 310.

[0163] The second unit part U2 includes a third robot 130 that performs a second analysis on the specimen sent from the first analysis chamber R3, a second analysis device 430, and a fourth indoor imaging device 540 in the second analysis chamber R4. The third robot 130 has the same configuration as 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. Note that the third robot 130 may include an imaging 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 indoor imaging device 540 includes a visible light camera or the like and images the inside of the second analysis chamber R4. The fourth indoor imaging device 540 transmits the data of the captured image to the presentation device 323 of the second operation input / output device 320.

[0164] The second analysis device 430 includes various devices and instruments necessary for the second analysis of the specimen 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 the devices and instruments necessary for each step.

[0165] The third robot 130 executes at least one of the steps of the second analysis using the devices and instruments included in the second analysis device 430. The third robot 130 may perform the act of transferring the specimen after the second analysis to the storage chamber R5 through the opening of the door W4a of the partition wall W4. The third robot 130 performs each act according to a command received from the second operation input / output device 320, but may also perform it according to a command received from the first operation input / output device 310. The third robot 130 performs each act by automatic control according to an automation program, but may also be executed by manual control using the operation input / output device 320 or 310.

[0166] The third unit part U3 includes a third air conditioning system AC3. The third air conditioning system AC3 air - conditions the inside of the storage chamber R5. For example, the third air conditioning system AC3 may make the air pressure inside the storage chamber R5 higher than the air pressure inside the second analysis chamber R4, or may make it, for example, equal to the outside air pressure. The third air conditioning system AC3 may include air - conditioning equipment, an air - cleaning device, an air intake and exhaust device, ducts, filters, a back - flow prevention damper, and the like.

[0167] The third unit part U3 includes the first operation input / output device 310, the second operation input / output device 320, and the result output device 600 inside the storage chamber R5. The operation input / output devices 310 and 320 each include an input device 311 and 321, an operation device 312 and 322, a presentation device 313 and 323, an imaging device 314 and 323, and a sound collection device 315 and 325.

[0168] The input devices 311 and 321 receive inputs such as commands, information, and data from medical personnel H1 and H2. For example, the input devices 311 and 321 may receive commands for automatic operations in automatic control 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 be provided with known input means such as levers, buttons, touch panels, joysticks, motion capture, cameras, and microphones. For example, the input devices 311 and 321 may be provided with terminal devices such as a teaching pendant which is one type of teaching device, smart devices such as smartphones and tablets, personal computers, and dedicated terminal devices.

[0169] The operation devices 312 and 322 receive inputs from medical personnel H1 and H2 regarding operations for manually controlling 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 be provided with known input means such as levers, buttons, touch panels, joysticks, motion capture, cameras, and microphones. In the fourth embodiment, the robots 110 to 130 are controlled in a master - slave manner during manual control, and the operation devices 312 and 322 include master machines. The operation devices 312 and 322 not only output commands for causing the robots 110 to 130 to execute operations according to the input operations, but also provide feedback of the force acting on the hands of the robots 110 to 130 to the medical personnel H1 and H2 operating the operation devices 312 and 322.

[0170] Also, the operation devices 312 and 322 may be provided with release buttons (not shown) to be pressed by medical personnel H1 and H2 in case of an emergency (for example, when the robots 110 to 130 malfunction). The command indicating the pressing of the release button may be associated with a command for releasing a medical examination instrument or a medical diagnosis instrument held by the hand, and / or a command for moving the hand away from the subject P.

[0171] 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 images and sounds corresponding to the image data and audio signals acquired by the imaging device 116 and the sound collection device 117 of the first robot 110 to the doctor H1 or the like. The presentation device 313 can present the images and sounds of the subject P. The presentation device 313 may present an image corresponding to the image data acquired by the indoor imaging devices 510 to 540.

[0172] The presentation device 323 includes at least a display among the display and the audio output device as exemplified for the presentation device 115 of the first robot 110. The presentation device 323 presents an image corresponding to the image data acquired by the indoor imaging devices 510 to 540 to the examination technician H2 or the like. The presentation device 323 can present the images of each room. The presentation device 323 may present images and sounds corresponding to the image data and audio signals acquired by the imaging device 116 and the sound collection device 117 of the first robot 110, and the imaging devices (not shown) of the robots 120 and 130.

[0173] The imaging devices 314 and 324 include visible light cameras or the like. The sound collection devices 315 and 325 include microphones or the like. The imaging devices 314 and the sound collection devices 315 acquire the 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 devices 314 and the sound collection devices 315 enable the presentation of the images and sounds of the doctor H1 to the subject P. The imaging devices 324 and the sound collection devices 325 acquire the image data and audio signals of the examination 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 devices 324 and the sound collection devices 325 enable the presentation of the images and sounds of the examination technician H2 to the subject P.

[0174] The result output device 600 is an example of a facility that outputs the results of analysis. The result output device 600 receives the data of the detection results from the second analyzer 430. The result output device 600 may attach to the data of the detection results attachment data such as judgments, findings, and certifications regarding the data. The result output device 600 may generate the attachment data according to a program, or may generate the attachment data according to information input by a doctor H1, a medical technician H2, or the like. The result output device 600 outputs the data of the detection results including the attachment data as data or a paper document that can be visually recognized by the subject P. For example, the result output device 600 may output a negative certificate for a PCR test as data or on paper.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 27, the inspection facility 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 operations of the respective devices.

[0176] The first control device 210 controls the operations of the respective components of the first robot 110. The second control device 220 controls the operations of the respective components of the second robot 120. The third control device 230 controls the operations of the respective components of the third robot 130.

[0177] The integrated control device 240 controls the entire inspection facility 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 the 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 commands from the operation input / output devices 310 and 320 is any one of the robots 110 to 130, the integrated control device 240 outputs the command to the control device that controls the corresponding robot among the control devices 210 to 230. The integrated control device 240 enables any one of the robots 110 to 130 to be operated by one first operation input / output device 310, and enables any one of the robots 110 to 130 to be operated by one second operation input / output device 320.

[0178] For example, when the targets of the commands of the integrated control device 240 are any of the indoor imaging devices 510 to 540, the receiving device 410, and the analysis devices 420 to 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 enables any device to operate by one first operation input / output device 310 and enables any device to operate by one second operation input / output device 320.

[0179] In addition, the integrated control device 240 may control the operations of the air conditioning systems AC1, AC2a, AC2b, and AC3.

[0180] The control devices 210 to 240 include a computer device. Further, the control devices 210 to 240 may include an electric circuit or the like for controlling the power supplied to the robots 110 to 130 and each device. For example, the control devices 210 to 240 may be arranged in the storage chamber R5. Or, the control devices 210 to 230 may be arranged on the robots 110 to 130.

[0181] For example, the computer device of the control devices 210 to 240 includes an arithmetic unit having a processor, a memory, and the like. 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 a semiconductor memory such as a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, a storage device such as a hard disk and an SSD (Solid State Drive). For example, the memory stores programs executed by the arithmetic unit and various fixed data, etc.

[0182] The functions of the calculator may be implemented 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 implement the functions of the calculator by the CPU executing a program recorded in the ROM using the RAM as a work area. Note that some or all of the functions of the calculator may be implemented by the above computer system, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware circuit such as an electronic circuit or an integrated circuit, or may be implemented by a combination of the above 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 a plurality of computer devices. For example, at least two of the control devices 210 to 240 may be integrated into a single computer device.

[0183] For example, each function of the control devices 210 to 240 may be implemented by a microcontroller, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an LSI (Large Scale Integration: large-scale integrated circuit), a system LSI, a PLC (Programmable Gate Array), a logic circuit, or the like. A plurality of functions of each of the control devices 210 to 240 may be individually integrated into one chip, or may be integrated into one chip so as to include some or all of them. Further, each circuit may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit. As the LSI, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and / or setting of circuit cells inside the LSI, or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) in which circuits of a plurality of functions are combined into one for a specific application may be used.

[0184] Each component included in the inspection facility system 1 shown in FIG. 27 is connected to each other via wired communication or wireless communication. The types of wired communication and wireless communication may be any types.

[0185] [Operation of the inspection facility system] An example of the flow of the inspection process in the inspection facility system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, an example of the flow of the inspection process in the PCR test will be described.

[0186] As shown in FIGS. 25 to 27, first, the subject P enters the examination room R1 and sits on a chair so as to face the first robot 110 across the partition plate W1a. The subject P communicates 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, and puts the face of the subject P into the opening of the partition plate W1a according to the instruction of the doctor H1.

[0187] The doctor H1 manually operates 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 inspection instrument held by the hand. After the collection, the doctor H1 switches the operation control of the first robot 110 to automatic operation using the first operation input / output device 310, or inputs an input indicating the completion of the collection. The first operation input / output device 310 transmits a notification of switching to automatic operation, etc. to the second operation input / output device 320.

[0188] When the inspection technician H2 perceives the notification via the second operation input / output device 320, the inspection technician H2 inputs a command to automatically execute the processing of the sample to the second operation input / output device 320. When automatically processing the sample, the inspection technician H2 monitors the occurrence of abnormalities, etc. by visually recognizing the images of each room projected on the presentation device 323 of the second operation input / output device 320. When an abnormality occurs, and if necessary, the inspection technician H2 uses the second operation input / output device 320 to stop the processing or switch from automatic operation to manual operation, etc.

[0189] The integrated control device 240 automatically causes the first robot 110 and the specimen receiving device 410 to perform, in this order, the act of loading a specimen into the specimen receiving device 410 by the first robot 110, the act of dispensing the specimen in the specimen receiving device 410 by the first robot 110, the inactivation of the specimen by the specimen receiving device 410, the act of taking out the inactivated specimen from the specimen receiving device 410 by the first robot 110, and the act of transferring the inactivated specimen to the first analysis chamber R3 by the first robot 110.

[0190] Furthermore, the integrated control device 240 causes the shutter W2a to open the opening of the partition wall W2 and causes the first robot 110 to insert the specimen into the opening. The integrated control device 240 operates the second robot 120 to cause the second robot 120 to receive the specimen inserted into the opening and causes the shutter W2a to close.

[0191] Next, the integrated control device 240 causes the second robot 120 to automatically perform each step of the first analysis in order. After all the steps of the first analysis are completed, the integrated control device 240 causes the shutter W3a to open the opening of the partition wall W3 and causes the second robot 120 to insert the specimen into the opening. The integrated control device 240 operates the third robot 130 to cause the third robot 130 to receive the specimen inserted into the opening and causes the shutter W3a to close.

[0192] Next, the integrated control device 240 causes the third robot 130 to automatically perform each step of the second analysis in order. After all the steps of the second analysis are completed, the integrated control device 240 causes the second analysis device 430 to output the data of the detection result to the result output device 600. The integrated control device 240 causes the result output device 600 to issue a certificate of the inspection result. The inspection technician H2 hands over to the subject P a certificate such as a negative certificate of the PCR test issued by the result output device 600. The result output device 600 may transmit the data of the certificate to another device such as the terminal device of the subject P.

[0193] Note that after the integrated control device 240 transfers the specimen from the first robot 110 to the second robot 120, it 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 and input / output device 310. As a result, the doctor H1 can collect a specimen from the next subject P.

[0194] As described above, the inspection facility system 1 according to the fourth embodiment can perform a series of processes from the collection of a specimen from the subject P to the output of the inspection result of the specimen at the location where the inspection facility system 1 is arranged. Further, the inspection facility system 1 can perform the above series of processes using only the devices arranged in the box 10. That is, the inspection facility system 1 can enable the execution of a series of processes at the arrangement location only by arranging the box 10.

[0195] (Modification Example 1 of the Fourth Embodiment) Modification Example 1 of the fourth embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in that the second unit portion U2 includes the first anteroom R3a of the first analysis room R3 and the second anteroom R4a of the second analysis room R4. Hereinafter, regarding Modification Example 1, the differences from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the same points as those in the fourth embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0196] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view showing an example of the configuration of an inspection facility system 1A according to Modification Example 1 of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 29, the second unit portion U2 of the inspection facility system 1A includes the first anteroom R3a of the first analysis room R3 and the second anteroom R4a of the second analysis room R4 in the box 10. The first anteroom R3a is located between the collection room R2 and the first analysis room R3, and the second anteroom R4a is located between the first analysis room R3 and the second anteroom R4a. The second unit portion U2 may include the first anteroom R3a and the second anteroom R4a as an analysis unit portion forming the first anteroom R3a and an analysis unit portion forming the second anteroom R4a, respectively.

[0197] The first anteroom R3a is separated from the sampling chamber R2 by the partition wall W2 and from the first analysis chamber R3 by the partition wall W6. Similar to the partition wall W2, the partition wall W6 includes an opening and a shutter W6a for opening and closing the opening.

[0198] The second anteroom R4a is separated from the first analysis chamber R3 by the partition wall W3 and from the second analysis chamber R4 by the partition wall W7. Similar to the partition wall W3, the partition wall W7 includes an opening and a shutter W7a for opening and closing the opening.

[0199] The second unit portion U2 includes a second air conditioning system AC2c for adjusting the air conditioning environment of the first anteroom R3a and a second air conditioning system AC2d for adjusting the air conditioning environment of the second anteroom R4a. The second air conditioning system AC2c can adjust the air conditioning environment of the first anteroom R3a to at least the same air conditioning environment as that of the first analysis chamber R3 among the negative pressure environment which is the air conditioning environment of the sampling chamber R2 and the positive pressure environment which is the air conditioning environment of the first analysis chamber R3. The second air conditioning system AC2d can adjust the air conditioning environment of the second anteroom R4a to at least the same air conditioning environment as that of the second analysis chamber R4 among the positive pressure environment which is the air conditioning environment of the first analysis chamber R3 and the negative pressure environment which is the air conditioning environment of the second analysis chamber R4.

[0200] The integrated control device 240 (see FIG. 27) controls the operations of the air conditioning systems AC1, AC2a to AC2d, and AC3.

[0201] For example, in the case of transferring a specimen from the collection chamber R2 by the first robot 110, the integrated control device 240 opens the shutter W2a of the partition wall W2 with the first pre-chamber R3a in a positive pressure environment. Next, the integrated control device 240 places the specimen on the receiving table in the first pre-chamber R3a on the first robot 110, and then closes the shutter W2a. Further, the integrated control device 240 opens the shutter W6a of the partition wall W6 with the first pre-chamber R3a in a negative pressure environment. Next, the integrated control device 240 transfers the specimen on the receiving table in the first pre-chamber R3a to the first analysis chamber R3 by the second robot 120, and closes the shutter W6a. Note that the first pre-chamber R3a may be in a positive pressure environment. Thereby, it is surely suppressed that pathogens existing in the air enter from the collection chamber R2 into the first analysis chamber R3.

[0202] For example, in the case of transferring 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 with the second pre-chamber R4a in a positive pressure environment. Next, the integrated control device 240 places the specimen on the receiving table in the second pre-chamber R4a on the second robot 120, and then closes the shutter W3a. Further, the integrated control device 240 opens the shutter W7a of the partition wall W7 with the second pre-chamber R4a in a negative pressure environment. Next, the integrated control device 240 transfers the specimen on the receiving table in the second pre-chamber R4a to the second analysis chamber R4 by the third robot 130, and closes the shutter W7a. Thereby, it is surely suppressed that pathogens existing in the air enter from the first analysis chamber R3 into the second analysis chamber R4.

[0203] According to the inspection facility system 1A according to the first modification of the fourth embodiment as described above, it is surely suppressed that pathogens existing in the air move between rooms.

[0204] (Second modification of the fourth embodiment) Modification Example 2 of the fourth embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in that at least one of the first operation input / output device 310 and the second operation input / output device 320 is arranged at a position away from the box 10. Hereinafter, regarding Modification Example 2, the description will focus on the points different from the fourth embodiment and Modification Example 1, and the description of the same points as the fourth embodiment and Modification Example 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0205] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view showing an example of the configuration of the inspection facility system 1B according to Modification Example 2 of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 30, in the inspection facility system 1B according to this modification, the third unit portion U3 does not include the operation input / output devices 310 and 320. The third unit portion U3 includes a result output device 600 in the accommodation chamber R5, and the result output device 600 can directly output inspection results such as a negative certificate to the subject P outside the box 10. In this modification, the accommodation chamber R5 does not accommodate medical workers H1 and H2.

[0206] Also, the inspection facility system 1B includes a fifth unit portion U5 at a position away from the box 10. The fifth unit portion U5 may be arranged in one place or in a plurality of places. The fifth unit portion U5 includes at least one of the first operation input / output device 310 and the second operation input / output device 320.

[0207] In this example, the fifth unit portions U5 are arranged in two places away from each other. One fifth unit portion U5 includes an operation room R6a that houses the first operation input / output device 310, and one fifth unit portion U5 includes an operation room R6b that houses the second operation input / output device 320. Each of the two fifth unit portions U5 includes a box including the operation rooms R6a and R6b, and may be arranged together with the box, or may be arranged in a space such as a room in an existing facility as the operation rooms R6a and R6b.

[0208] Both the operation input / output devices 310 and 320 communicate with the integrated control device 240 (see FIG. 27) via the communication network N. Therefore, the doctor H1 can remotely operate each device within the box 10 including the robots 110 to 130 etc. using the first operation input / output device 310, and the technician H2 can remotely operate each device within the box 10 including the robots 110 to 130 etc. using the second operation input / output device 320.

[0209] The communication network N may be a wired communication network or a wireless communication network. For example, the communication network N can 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 the 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 (registered trademark), satellite communication, etc., or a combination of two or more of these. The communication network N may include one or more networks.

[0210] The operation input / output devices 310 and 320 that communicate with the integrated control device 240 (see FIG. 27) via the communication network N may be arranged within the same building or the same site as the box 10, or may be arranged at a remote location farther away from these.

[0211] In addition, the integrated control device 240 (see FIG. 27) of one box body 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. Thereby, a plurality of doctors H1 and a plurality of medical technicians H2 in various locations can operate each device in the box body 10. For example, by a plurality of doctors H1 and a plurality of medical technicians H2 operating each device while taking turns, it is possible to execute inspection processing at any time of 24 hours.

[0212] In this modification, the operation input / output devices 310 and 320 communicate with the integrated control device 240 (see FIG. 27) via the communication network N, but may perform wired communication or wireless communication with the integrated control device 240 without using the communication network N.

[0213] According to the inspection facility system 1B according to the second modification of the fourth embodiment as described above, it is not necessary for the doctor H1 and the medical technician H2 to be permanently stationed at the location where the box body 10 is arranged. It becomes possible to reduce the number of doctors H1 and medical technicians H2 involved in the inspection facility system 1B.

[0214] In this modification, the operation input / output devices 310 and 320 are arranged in separate operation rooms R6a and R6b, but are not limited thereto, and may be arranged in one operation room R6.

[0215] In addition, a part of the fifth unit portion U5 may be arranged in the box body 10. That is, one of the operation input / output devices 310 and 320 may be arranged in the box body 10. In this case, a part of the third unit portion U3 in the box body 10 may also serve as a part of the fifth unit portion U5.

[0216] (Example of Arrangement of Inspection Facility System at Airport) An arrangement example of the inspection facility system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing an arrangement example of the inspection facility system 1 at the airport AP according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 31, the solid arrows indicate the flow of passengers boarding an aircraft departing from the airport AP, and the broken arrows indicate the flow of passengers arriving at the airport AP. The chain double-dashed arrows indicate the flow of data communication. As shown in FIG. 31, there is a terminal building AB at the airport AP, and further, there are a railway and bus station AC, a taxi stand AD, a parking lot AE, etc. Passengers move between the station AC, the taxi stand AD, the parking lot AE, and the entrance / exit AB1 of the terminal building AB.

[0217] The terminal building AB includes an entrance / exit AB1, a check-in counter AB2 for boarding procedures, a security inspection station AB3 using X-ray inspection and metal detectors, etc., a boarding waiting area AB4, a boarding gate AB5, a baggage claim area AB6, and an arrival gate AB7. Passengers boarding an aircraft departing from the airport AP proceed through the check-in counter AB2, the security inspection station AB3, the boarding waiting area AB4, and the boarding gate AB5 in this order. Passengers arriving at the airport AP proceed through the baggage claim area AB6 and the arrival gate AB7 in this order.

[0218] The box 10 of the inspection facility system 1 is arranged at at least one of the entrance / exit AB1, the check-in counter AB2, and the security inspection station AB3, and in this example, it is arranged at all of them. This suppresses passengers who have not undergone inspection from passing through the security inspection station AB3. Further, the box 10 of the inspection facility system 1 is arranged at at least one of the baggage claim area AB6 and the arrival gate AB7, and in this example, it is arranged at all of them. This suppresses passengers who have not undergone inspection from passing through the arrival gate AB7.

[0219] When there are a plurality of terminal buildings AB, the box 10 of the inspection facility system 1 may be arranged at the above-mentioned locations for each terminal building AB.

[0220] The inspection facility system 1 may issue a certificate of inspection results to passengers at the location where the inspection facility system 1 is installed, or input the data of the certificate of inspection results into the personal belongings of passengers such as tickets. Alternatively, the inspection facility system 1 may transmit the data of the certificate of inspection results to other locations. The destination of transmission may be at least one of the check-in counters AB2, the security inspection office AB3, and the arrival gate AB7, which are locations where passengers are sure to stop by.

[0221] In addition, the inspection facility system 1 in the terminal building AB may receive, via communication, the data of the certificate of inspection results of the passengers scheduled to board from a facility outside the terminal building AB. For example, the external facilities may include medical-related facilities AF such as hospitals, health centers, and inspection facilities, as well as accommodation facilities AG adjacent to or located near the airport AP, and other airports APa from which the passengers departed. The medical-related facilities AF and the accommodation facilities AG may be located within the airport AP premises or outside the premises.

[0222] When the external facility does not have inspection equipment, an inspection facility system 1 may be installed in the external facility, and the inspection facility system 1 may transmit data to the inspection facility system 1 in the terminal building AB. In FIG. 31, the data is transmitted to the inspection facility system 1 at the check-in counter AB2, but it may also be transmitted to other inspection facility systems 1. The inspection facility system 1 in the terminal building AB may evaluate the credibility of the certificate of the external facility based on information such as the inspection time and the implementing agency, and issue a credible certificate as its own certificate. This can reduce the waiting time of passengers.

[0223] Note that the box 10 of the inspection facility system 1 may be installed not only in the terminal building AB but also in the station AC, the boarding area AD, and the parking lot AE. The inspection facility systems 1 installed in the terminal building AB, the station AC, the boarding area AD, the parking lot AE, and external facilities do not necessarily have to be equipped with the box 10, and may be installed using existing facilities.

[0224] (Other Embodiments) Examples of the first to fourth embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described first to fourth embodiments and modification examples. That is, various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, those obtained by applying various modifications to the embodiments and modification examples, and forms constructed by combining constituent elements in different embodiments and modification examples are also included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0225] For example, in the first embodiment and the modification example, each unit part of the inspection facility system is loaded on the moving body 20, but it is not limited thereto. Each unit part of the inspection facility system may be arranged at the target location without being loaded on the moving body 20. In this case, each unit part of the inspection facility system can be relocated by a machine, and each transported unit part may be arranged at the target location by the machine. Each unit part of the inspection facility system can be assembled on-site and may be assembled at the target location. In this case, each unit part of the inspection facility system may not be housed in the box body 10, and may be surrounded by a wall, a ceiling, etc. assembled at the target location and isolated from the outside, or may be isolated from the outside using existing walls, ceilings, etc. at the target location.

[0226] In the first embodiment and the modified example, all unit parts of the inspection facility system are integrated and housed in the box body 10 as a single unit, but it is 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. Further, rooms such as the first analysis room R3 and the second analysis room R4 may be separable. For example, one room may be housed in one box body. Such an inspection facility system may include a plurality of box bodies. The plurality of box bodies may be arranged apart from each other or may be connected to each other. Note that one unit formed by at least one of the unit parts and one room may be assembled at the installation location. In this case, one unit and one room may be surrounded by walls, ceilings, etc. assembled at the installation location and isolated from the outside, or may be isolated from the outside using existing walls, ceilings, etc. at the installation location.

[0227] 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 that can block the internal space and the external space. For example, the box body 10 may be a unit house or the like that can be assembled in a box shape in advance or assembled on a moving body 20 or the like.

[0228] In the first embodiment and the modified example, the processing in the sampling room R2, the first analysis room R3, and the second analysis room R4 is performed by the robots 110 to 130, but it is not limited thereto. The processing in at least one of the three rooms may be performed by medical staff.

[0229] In the first embodiment and the modified example, the robots 110 to 130 arranged in the sampling room R2, the first analysis room R3, and the second analysis room R4 are of the same type, but it is not limited thereto, and they may be of different types. The robots to be arranged may be robots suitable for the processing in each room.

[0230] In the first embodiment and the modification example, the inspection facility system includes the first unit part U1 to the fourth unit part U4, but is not limited thereto. The inspection facility system may further include additional 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 facility system may not include the fourth unit part U4 including the examination room R1. For example, when the inspection facility system is arranged outdoors, the inspection facility system may collect a specimen from the subject P outside the box 10.

[0231] In the first embodiment and the modification example, the inspection facility system is arranged at at least one of the starting point and the ending point of the movement across the geographical boundary, but is not limited thereto. For example, the inspection facility system may be arranged at a place where many people gather, or a place where people with a high possibility of carrying pathogens gather. For example, the inspection facility system may be arranged in a hospital, a health center, a PCR testing facility, an accommodation facility, an isolation facility for people carrying pathogens, a large building, a stadium, and a hall. In this case, each unit part of the inspection facility system may be arranged in a state of being housed in a box, or may be arranged by using facilities such as a room at the arrangement location.

[0232] In addition, the various aspect examples of the technology of the present disclosure are as follows. An inspection facility system according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an inspection facility system for collecting and analyzing a specimen from a subject, including a first unit part forming a collection room equipped with a facility for collecting a specimen, a second unit part forming an analysis room equipped with a facility for analyzing the specimen and separated from the collection room, and a third unit part equipped with a facility for outputting the result of the analysis, and the inspection facility system can be arranged at at least one of the starting point and the ending point of the movement across the geographical boundary.

[0233] According to the above aspect, the inspection facility system includes a first unit portion for collecting a specimen, a second unit portion for analyzing the specimen, and a third unit portion for outputting the result of the analysis. The inspection facility system enables a series of processes of specimen collection, analysis, and output of the analysis result at the location where the inspection facility system is arranged. The first unit portion forms a collection room, and the second unit portion forms an analysis room. The arrangement of the inspection facility system including such first and second unit portions can be easily achieved even in a location without inspection facilities. The inspection facility system can simplify the construction of an inspectable environment in a location without inspection facilities.

[0234] In the inspection facility system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first unit portion may include a first air conditioning system that makes the collection room into a negative pressure environment.

[0235] According to the above aspect, the first air conditioning system can suppress the diffusion of pathogens and the like contained in the specimen and the droplets of the subject outside the collection room, and provide an air conditioning environment suitable for the collection room. Since the first unit portion includes the first air conditioning system, the arrangement of the first air conditioning system is simplified.

[0236] In the inspection facility system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second unit portion may include a second air conditioning system that makes the analysis room into a positive pressure environment or a negative pressure environment.

[0237] 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.

[0238] The inspection facility system according to one aspect of the present disclosure may further include a fourth unit portion that forms a diagnosis room where the subject receives a diagnosis for collecting the specimen, separated from the analysis room.

[0239] According to the above aspect, the inspection facility system eliminates the need to separately prepare an examination room from the inspection facility system. The inspection facility system enables a series of processes of examination, specimen collection, and specimen analysis at the location where the inspection facility system is arranged.

[0240] In the inspection facility system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the third unit portion may be formed by separating the accommodation room for accommodating medical staff from the collection room.

[0241] According to the above aspect, the inspection facility system eliminates the need to separately prepare an accommodation room for accommodating medical staff from the inspection facility system. The inspection facility system enables medical staff to perform their duties at the location where the inspection facility system is arranged. For example, the above duties may include duties such as evaluation of analysis results and issuance of certificates of analysis results. In addition, since the accommodation room is separated from the collection room, medical staff are prevented from being contaminated by pathogens.

[0242] In the inspection facility system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the first unit portion and the second unit portion may be provided with a robot capable of performing at least one of an action for specimen collection and an action for specimen analysis. Further, the first unit portion may be provided with a robot capable of performing an action for specimen collection.

[0243] According to the above aspect, it becomes possible to replace specimen collection and / or specimen analysis by a robot. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the number of medical staff engaged in specimen collection and specimen analysis. By automation using a robot, it becomes possible to execute continuous processing regardless of time. Further, replacement by a robot for specimen collection can reduce the risk of medical staff being contaminated by pathogens.

[0244] The inspection facility system according to one aspect of the present disclosure further includes an operating device disposed in the accommodation room formed by the third unit portion and operating the robot. The accommodation room may be formed separately from the collection room and accommodate medical staff.

[0245] According to the above aspect, a medical worker can operate the robot using the operating device in a storage room isolated from the collection room. This reduces the contact between medical workers and pathogens.

[0246] The inspection facility system according to one aspect of the present disclosure may further include an operating device that is arranged at a remote position away from all of the unit parts including the robot and remotely operates the robot via communication means.

[0247] According to the above aspect, a medical worker can remotely operate the robot using the operating device at a remote position away from all of the unit parts including the robot. For example, even when the medical worker is not staying at the location where the inspection facility system is arranged, the processing by the inspection facility system is possible. For example, a medical worker can also remotely operate the robot for a plurality of inspection facility systems arranged at a plurality of locations separated from each other. Therefore, it is possible to operate the inspection facility system with a small number of medical workers.

[0248] In the inspection facility 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 other unit parts.

[0249] According to the above aspect, it becomes possible to change the arrangement of the unit parts. For example, it becomes possible to arrange the unit parts according to the environment of the location where the inspection facility system is arranged.

[0250] In the inspection facility system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the unit parts may be integrated as a whole to form one unit.

[0251] According to the above aspect, it is possible to handle all of the unit parts included in the inspection facility system collectively. Since all of the unit parts included in the inspection facility system are integrated, it becomes possible to make the inspection facility system compact and simplify the configuration of the inspection facility system.

[0252] In an inspection facility system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, one unit may include one box that houses the entire unit portion.

[0253] According to the above aspect, all of the unit portions included in the inspection facility system are aggregated in one box. Therefore, the arrangement and removal of the inspection facility system are simplified.

[0254] In an inspection facility system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the unit formed by the unit portion may be transferable by a machine.

[0255] According to the above aspect, the arrangement and removal of the unit are simplified.

[0256] In an inspection facility system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the unit formed by the unit portion may be loadable onto a moving body.

[0257] According to the above aspect, the unit can be moved using the moving body. Therefore, the unit can be easily arranged in various places.

[0258] In an inspection facility system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the unit formed by the unit portion may be an assembled unit that is assembled at the installation location.

[0259] According to the above aspect, the unit can be arranged according to the environment of the location where the inspection facility system is arranged. For example, even when the assembled unit cannot be carried into the installation location, the unit can be arranged.

[0260] In an inspection facility system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the second unit portion includes a first analysis unit portion that forms a first analysis room equipped with equipment for performing a first analysis on a specimen, isolated from the collection room, and a second analysis unit portion that forms a second analysis room equipped with equipment for performing a second analysis on the specimen, isolated from the collection room and the first analysis room. The first analysis unit portion may include, as a second air conditioning system, an air conditioning system that sets the first analysis room to one of a positive pressure environment and a negative pressure environment. The second analysis unit portion may include, as a second air conditioning system, an air conditioning system that sets the second analysis room to the other of the positive pressure environment and the negative pressure environment.

[0261] According to the above aspect, the inspection facility system can include a plurality of analysis rooms with different air conditioning environments. Therefore, the inspection facility system can handle the analysis of various specimens.

[0262] The inspection facility system according to an aspect of the present disclosure may be arranged in an airport terminal building.

[0263] According to the above aspect, the inspection facility system enables the implementation of pre-departure inspections and the output of results for passengers boarding an aircraft and departing from the airport, and also enables the implementation of inspections and the output of results for passengers boarding an aircraft and arriving at the airport before leaving the airport for the outside. The inspection results serve as proof of the presence or absence of contamination of the passengers. Therefore, the spread of people contaminated with pathogens to other regions such as other countries is suppressed. Furthermore, it is also suppressed that people who are not contaminated are unable to travel to other regions using an aircraft.

[0264] In an inspection facility system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the specimen may be a specimen to undergo a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test, and the analysis may be an analysis for a PCR test.

[0265] According to the above aspect, the inspection facility system can construct an environment capable of performing a PCR test in a location that does not have PCR test equipment.

[0266] In addition, all the numbers such as ordinal numbers and quantities used above are for illustrative purposes to specifically describe the technology of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplified numbers. Also, the connection relationships between components are for illustrative purposes to specifically describe the technology of the present disclosure, and the connection relationships for realizing the functions of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0267] 1, 1A, 1B Inspection Equipment System 20 Mobile Body 110, 120, 130 Robots 1001 First Unit 1002, 1002a Second Unit 1003 Third Unit 1004 Robot 1004a, 1004b First Robot 1004c Second Robot 1004d Third Robot 1004g Fourth Robot 1005 Container 1006a, 1006b Conveyor 1007a Specimen Collection Container 1007b Plate 1007c Multiple Connected Tubes 1011 Subject Area 1012 Robot Area 1013 Specimen Collection Container Conveyor 1014 Weighing Unit 1015 Disinfectant Solution Tank 1017a Ultraviolet Irradiation Unit 1017b Sterilization Unit 1018 First Centrifuge 1019 Shaking Unit 1021 Cabinet 1022 Storage Rack (Storage Unit) 1025 Magnet Unit 1029 Waste Bin 1031 Reagent Preparation Room 1032 Measurement Room 1034 Specimen Measurement Unit 1034a Open state detection unit 1036 Tube holding unit 1063 Plate conveyance unit 1073 Well 1100, 1300 Inspection system 1113 Notification unit 1121 Air conditioning unit 1181 Imaging unit 1241 Shooter 1311 Shutter 1511 Mobile robot 1541 Dispensing robot P Subject U1 First unit part U2 Second unit part U3 Third unit part U4 Fourth unit part U5 Fifth unit part

Claims

1. An inspection system for performing measurements and inspections, comprising: a first unit for receiving a specimen; a second unit connected to the first unit and performing pretreatment before measuring the specimen; a third unit connected to the second unit and measuring the specimen on which the pretreatment has been performed; a robot provided in at least one of the first unit, the second unit, and the third unit for processing the specimen; the first unit, the second unit, and the third unit have their internal spaces partitioned from each other; the first unit, the second unit, and the third unit are provided in a container, the inspection system.

2. The inspection system according to claim 1, further comprising a transport unit for connecting the first unit, the second unit, and the third unit to each other.

3. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, which is arranged at a transfer base for boarding and alighting a moving body.

4. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first unit collects a saliva specimen or a nasal cavity specimen and receives the specimen.

5. The first unit is provided with a first robot as the robot for processing the specimen, The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first robot sterilizes the inside of the first unit by an ultraviolet irradiation unit.

6. The inspection system according to claim 5, wherein the first unit further includes a disinfectant solution tank for disinfecting the outer surface of the specimen collection container from which the specimen has been collected.

7. The first unit includes a subject area where a subject is arranged, a robot area that is partitioned from the subject area and where the first robot as the robot for processing the specimen is arranged, and a specimen collection container transport unit that transports the specimen collection container in which the specimen has been collected from the subject area to the robot area. The inspection system according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The inspection system according to claim 7, wherein the first unit further includes an air conditioner for adjusting the air flow in the subject area.

9. The inspection system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the first unit further includes a sterilization unit for sterilizing the first robot as the robot for processing the specimen.

10. The second unit is provided with a second robot as the robot for dispensing the diluted specimen onto a plate having a plurality of wells. The second unit includes a plate conveyance unit that conveys the plate over a predetermined period of time to inactivate the specimen on the plate, the inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. **Claim 11** The second unit further includes a storage unit having a first placement unit that stores the specimen collection container containing the remaining specimen for a predetermined period of time after dispensing a part of the specimen from the specimen collection container from which the specimen has been collected onto the plate, the inspection system according to claim 10. **Claim 12** The second unit is provided with a moving robot as the robot that is disposed in the storage unit and moves the specimen collection container in the storage unit, the inspection system according to claim 11. **Claim 13** The storage unit is provided between a dispensing unit that performs specimen dispensing and a centrifugation unit that performs centrifugation, the inspection system according to claim 11 or 12. **Claim 14** The storage unit has a second placement unit on which the specimen collection container before the specimen is dispensed is placed, the inspection system according to any one of claims 11 to 13. **Claim 15** The second unit further includes a cabinet having an internal space in which the diluted specimen is dispensed onto the plate by the second robot, the inspection system according to any one of claims 10 to 14. **Claim 16** The second unit further includes a shooter that discards a tip for dispensing the diluted specimen, the inspection system according to any one of claims 10 to 15. **Claim 17** The second unit is provided with a third robot as the robot that supplies the plate to a dispensing position, the inspection system according to any one of claims 10 to 16. **Claim 18** The second unit is provided with a dispensing robot as the robot that dispenses a reagent onto the plate, the inspection system according to any one of claims 10 to 17. **Claim 19** The third unit includes a reagent preparation chamber that prepares a reagent for measuring the specimen and a measurement chamber that measures the specimen. The reagent preparation chamber is under positive pressure. The measurement chamber is under negative pressure, the inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 18. **Claim 20** The inspection system according to claim 19, wherein the third unit further includes an open state detection unit that detects that the lids of a plurality of connected tubes, which can accommodate a plurality of specimens to be measured, are open.

21. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the third unit measures a specimen by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing.

22. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein a fourth robot as the robot for performing a process for specimen measurement is provided in the third unit.

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