Data processing system and method for automated analyzer

Abstract

Provided is a data processing system for an automatic analyzer, the data processing system being capable of suppressing periodic noise, which has been superimposed on a measured waveform, by using a reasonable CPU and reasonable memory performance. To this end, the data processing system of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention comprises a mechanism that, as preprocessing, analyzes the frequency and phase of periodic noise included in a measured waveform, and that, when the periodic noise is integrated from the frequency and phase information determined from the preprocessing, carries out an integration processing operation by using, as a start position, a time at which the intensity of noise is low.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a data processing technique for an automatic analyzer equipped with a sample measurement mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] As background art in this technical field, a method for reducing random noise superimposed on measurement data of a sample is known, in which the sample is measured for a certain period of time and the acquired data is integrated or averaged to remove the random noise superimposed on the measurement signal.

[0003] Furthermore, as a method for reducing periodic noise superimposed on measurement data of a sample, the abstract of Patent Document 1 below states that "periodic noise carried on a measurement signal can be reliably removed without delaying the measurement signal." and "A first noise frequency detection unit 1 performs FFT processing on the measurement signal to detect the frequency of the periodic noise signal as a first detection frequency. A noise signal analysis unit 5 determines a cross-correlation function between the first detection frequency and the measurement signal, and, based on this cross-correlation function, calculates the amplitude and phase of the periodic noise signal carried on the measurement signal from the time when this cross-correlation function was obtained. A cancellation signal creation unit 7 creates a cancellation signal from the first detection frequency, amplitude, and phase of the periodic noise signal. A signal cancellation unit 3 calculates the measurement signal and cancellation signal to cancel the periodic noise signal." Furthermore, the abstract of Patent Document 2 below states, "We provide a data collection system for a mass spectrometer that can remove systematic noise and obtain high-quality mass spectra without increasing the size of the memory device of the data collection system or incorporating a powerful CPU into the data collection system." and "In a data collection system for a mass spectrometer that collects and processes data output from a mass spectrometer, noise of a predetermined period is acquired and this noise is repeatedly subtracted from the data, thereby removing periodic noise from the data." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-171183 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-299083 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned technology, there is a demand for suppressing random noise and periodic noise with a more reasonable configuration of the computing unit and storage device. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a data processing system and method for an automatic analyzer that suppresses periodic noise superimposed on measured waveforms without increasing the scale of the CPU and memory performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a data processing system for an automatic analyzer that obtains measurement data using a sample measurement mechanism, characterized in that the system determines an integration start position based on period and phase information of periodic noise, and suppresses the periodic noise by integrating or averaging the measurement data based on the determined integration start position. In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a data processing method for an automatic analyzer that obtains measurement data using a sample measurement mechanism, characterized in that the data processing method for an automatic analyzer determines an integration start position based on period and phase information of periodic noise, and suppresses the periodic noise by integrating or averaging the measurement data based on the determined integration start position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, periodic noise superimposed on a measured waveform can be suppressed without increasing the scale of the CPU and memory performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a reaction vessel and a transmitted light waveform according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of transmitted light on which periodic noise is superimposed and a reaction solution start position signal according to Example 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of transmitted light on which periodic noise is superimposed and a reaction solution start position signal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of transmitted light on which periodic noise is superimposed, a reaction solution start position signal, and periodic noise synchronization timing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of transmitted light on which periodic noise is superimposed, a reaction liquid start position signal, and periodic noise synchronization timing according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A preferred embodiment will be described below using as an example an automatic analyzer that performs qualitative and quantitative analysis by irradiating light onto a reaction solution in which a biological sample such as blood or urine has reacted with a reagent, and measuring the light that passes through this reaction solution with a detector. [Example]

[0010] First, an outline of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described, as shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 mainly includes a sample disk 10, a reagent disk 20, a reaction disk 30, an optical transmitter 40, an optical receiver 41, an optical signal collector 42, and a computer 54.

[0011] The reaction disk 30 is formed in a substantially circular disk shape, and a plurality of (for example, about 100 to 200) reaction vessels 31 are arranged on the periphery of the upper surface thereof. The reaction vessels 31 are made of a light-transmitting material and formed into a substantially rectangular box shape. The reaction vessels 31 are maintained at a predetermined temperature (for example, 37°C) by a thermostatic bath 32.

[0012] In the illustrated example, multiple specimen containers 11 containing biological samples such as blood or urine are placed in duplicate along the circumferential direction on the sample disk 10. A sample dispensing mechanism 16 is also disposed near the sample disk 10. This sample dispensing mechanism 16 includes a movable arm 15 and a pipette nozzle 17 attached thereto.

[0013] With the above configuration, when dispensing a sample, the sample dispensing mechanism 16 moves the pipette nozzle 17 to the dispensing position using the movable arm 15, aspirates a predetermined amount of sample from the specimen container 11 located at the suction position on the sample disk 10, and ejects the sample into the reaction container 31 located at the ejection position on the reaction disk 30.

[0014] A reagent refrigerator 22 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape is arranged on the reagent disk 20. A plurality of reagent bottles 21 are arranged inside this reagent refrigerator 22 along the circumferential direction of the reagent disk 20. A label (not shown) displaying reagent identification information, such as a barcode, is attached to each reagent bottle 21.

[0015] Each reagent bottle 21 contains a reagent solution corresponding to an analysis item that can be analyzed by the automated analyzer 1. A barcode reader 27 is also disposed adjacent to the reagent disk 20. The barcode reader 27 reads the barcode displayed on the outer wall of each reagent bottle 21 when registering the reagent. The read reagent information is registered in the memory device 53 together with the position on the reagent disk 20.

[0016] A reagent dispensing mechanism 25, which is generally similar to the sample dispensing mechanism 16, is disposed near the reagent disk 20. When dispensing a reagent, the reagent disk 20 places a reagent bottle 21 corresponding to the test item near the reagent dispensing mechanism 25. The reaction disk 30 places a corresponding reaction vessel 31 near the reagent dispensing mechanism 25. The reagent dispensing mechanism 25 then sucks reagent liquid from the reagent bottle 21 using a pipette nozzle 25a and dispenses it into the reaction vessel 31.

[0017] An agitation mechanism 36 is disposed in a position surrounded by the reaction disk 30, the reagent disk 20, and the reagent dispensing mechanism 25. The reaction liquid (specimen) between the sample and the reagent contained in the reaction vessel 31 is agitated by this agitation mechanism 36 to promote the reaction. The optical transmitter 40 is disposed near the center of the reaction disk 30, and the optical receiver 41 is disposed on the outer periphery of the reaction disk 30. The row of reaction vessels 31 that have finished agitating rotates and moves so as to pass through the photometry position sandwiched between the optical transmitter 40 and the optical receiver 41.

[0018] The reaction disk 30 is driven intermittently, for example, every 45° of rotation, completing one rotation in 18 seconds. The reaction solution between the sample and the reagent in each reaction vessel 31 is irradiated with light by the optical transmitter 40 each time the reaction disk 30 crosses the photometry position during rotation. The period for one reaction vessel 31 to cross the photometry position is, for example, approximately 10 to 30 msec. The transmitted light, attenuated according to the absorbance of the reaction solution, enters the optical receiver 41 disposed opposite. The optical receiver 41 separates the received light into wavelengths and supplies a photocurrent signal according to the intensity of each wavelength to the optical signal collector 42.

[0019] Next, a brief description will be given of the control system and signal processing system in the automatic analyzer 1 of Fig. 1. The computer 54 is connected to the sample dispensing control unit 19, the reagent dispensing control unit 29, and the optical signal collecting unit 42 via the interface 50. The computer 54 sends commands to the sample dispensing control unit 19 to control the sample dispensing operation. The computer 54 also sends commands to the reagent dispensing control unit 29 to control the reagent dispensing operation.

[0020] The optical signal collecting unit 42 converts the measurement signal into numerical data and supplies it to a computer 54 via an interface 50. Connected to the interface 50 are a printer 56 for printing, a storage device 53 for storing data, an external output medium (not shown), an input device 52 for inputting operation commands and the like, and a display device 51 for displaying a screen.

[0021] The storage device 53 includes, for example, a hard disk memory or an external memory (not shown), etc. The storage device 53 stores information such as the password of each operator, the display level of each screen, analysis parameters, requested analysis items, calibration results, and analysis results.

[0022] Next, we will explain the sample analysis operation in the automatic analyzer 1 of Figure 1. Analysis parameters related to items that can be analyzed by the automatic analyzer 1 are input in advance via an input device 52 such as a keyboard and stored in a storage device 53. The operator uses the operation function screen of the display device 51 to select the test items requested for each sample.

[0023] At this time, information such as the patient ID is also input from the input device 52. To analyze the specified test items for each sample, the pipette nozzle 17 of the sample dispensing mechanism 16 dispenses a predetermined amount of sample from the specimen container 11 into the reaction container 31 in accordance with the analysis parameters.

[0024] The reaction vessel 31 into which the sample has been dispensed is transported by the rotation of the reaction disk 30 and stops at a reagent receiving position near the reagent dispensing mechanism 25. The pipette nozzle 25a of the reagent dispensing mechanism 25 dispenses a predetermined amount of reagent liquid into the reaction vessel 31 in accordance with the analysis parameters of the corresponding test item. Note that the order of dispensing the sample and reagent may be reversed from this example, with the reagent being dispensed before the sample.

[0025] The sample and reagent are then stirred by the stirring mechanism 36, and mixed together. When the reaction vessel 31 passes the photometry position, the light transmitted through the reaction solution is measured by the light receiving unit 41. The measured transmitted light is converted into numerical data corresponding to the light intensity by the signal processing circuit, and the data is input to the computer 54 via the interface 50.

[0026] Using these converted values, concentration data is calculated based on a calibration curve that has been measured in advance and using the analysis method specified for each test item. Component concentration data as the analysis results for each test item is output to printer 56 or the screen of display device 51. Before the above measurement operations are performed, the operator sets various parameters required for analysis and registers samples via the operation screen of display device 51. The operator also checks the analysis results after measurement on the operation screen on display device 51.

[0027] FIG. 2 relates to the first embodiment and shows waveforms obtained when the change in the amount of light of the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 31 is measured by the optical transmitter 40 and the optical receiver 41. In FIG.

[0028] 2 shows a cross section 101 of the reaction vessel in the direction of rotation, a waveform 102 at the optical signal collecting section, and a waveform 103 at the reaction liquid start position. The waveform 102 at the optical signal collecting section is measured by scanning 113 of the optical axis of the transmitted light. A reaction liquid 112 is contained in the reaction vessel 31.

[0029] The waveform 102 of the optical signal collecting section includes a waveform 114 in the reaction solution section and a waveform 115 in the section other than the reaction solution, which includes the wall surfaces of the reaction vessels and the clearance between adjacent reaction vessels.

[0030] Although not shown in Figure 2, a reaction liquid start position detection means is provided as a means for determining the position of the reaction liquid 112, and this detection means makes it possible to measure only the area where the reaction liquid is present while detecting the position of the reaction liquid 112.

[0031] The waveform 103 of the reaction liquid start position represents a signal issued from the reaction liquid start position detection means. In order to eliminate the influence of a sudden change in transmitted light from the wall of the reaction vessel, the timing of issuing the trigger signal 117 of the waveform 103 of the reaction liquid start position is set by providing margins 118 and 119 from the wall of the reaction vessel.

[0032] A margin 118 between the front wall of the reaction vessel and the timing of issuing a trigger signal 117 of the waveform 103 at the reaction start position is set to t fm , the margin 119 with the rear reactor vessel wall bm It is defined as:

[0033] A signal 121 containing random noise due to disturbances is observed in the waveform 102 of the optical signal collecting unit. Random noise can be reduced by integrating or averaging the waveform 103 at the reaction start position based on a trigger signal 117, timed to coincide with the section where the reaction liquid is present, over a fixed integration section 116.

[0034] 3 and 4 relate to Example 1 and show a case where periodic noise is superimposed on the waveform 102 of the optical signal collecting section due to the influence of disturbances. Using these Figures 3 and 4, it will be explained that periodic noise cannot be suppressed by integration processing or averaging processing.

[0035] FIG. 3 shows a signal 122 in which periodic noise is superimposed on a signal 121 containing random noise.

[0036] In the case of Figure 3, if integration or averaging is performed in integration interval 116 based on trigger signal 117 of waveform 103 at the reaction liquid start position, the positive half cycle of the periodic noise will be captured, and a value greater than the actual measurement value of reaction liquid 112 will be output.

[0037] Figure 4 shows signal 123, in which periodic noise has been superimposed on signal 121 containing random noise. Compared to signal 122 in Figure 3, signal 123, in which periodic noise has been superimposed, has the same period, but the phase of the period is shifted by 180 degrees.

[0038] In the case of Figure 4, if integration or averaging is performed in integration interval 116 based on trigger signal 117 of waveform 103 at the reaction liquid start position, the negative half cycle of the periodic noise will be incorporated, resulting in a value that is smaller than the actual measurement value of reaction liquid 112.

[0039] In this way, the signals 122 and 123 with superimposed periodic noise have the same period but different phases, which causes a difference in the results of integration or averaging, which leads to a deterioration in accuracy.

[0040] Next, a method for suppressing periodic noise in the first embodiment will be described. First, as a preprocessing step, the waveform related to the periodic noise is acquired in advance, and frequency and phase analysis is performed to obtain frequency and phase information of the periodic noise.

[0041] The periodic noise synchronization timing t is calculated from the frequency and phase information obtained in advance. sync is defined as equation (1).

[0042]

number

[0043] Periodic noise synchronization timing t sync indicates the starting position of the integration or averaging process so that the result becomes constant when the acquired signal 122 or 123 on which periodic noise is superimposed is integrated or averaged.

[0044] The time t when the trigger signal 117 of the waveform 103 at the reaction start position is issued trig The difference between sync Find this tsync The candidate position t for starting the integration or averaging process sync1 Let's say.

[0045] If things continue like this, sync1 2 indicates a position where the reaction vessel 31 is not present, the time t fm and t bm Using this, t that satisfies equation (2) sync1 is determined as the starting position for integration or averaging.

[0046]

number

[0047] Figures 5 and 6 relate to Example 1, and Figure 5 shows the case where the same periodic noise is superimposed as Figure 3, while Figures 6 and 4 each show the case where the same periodic noise is superimposed. Using Figures 5 and 6, it will be explained that periodic noise can be suppressed by integration processing or averaging processing.

[0048] 5 and 6, the periodic noise synchronization timing t sync 1 illustrates a synchronous timing position 125 visualized.

[0049] 5, integration or averaging is performed in integration interval 116 based on synchronization timing position 125b, which is closest to the timing of trigger signal 117 of waveform 103 at the reaction liquid start position. Because the amplitude of periodic noise within integration interval 116 is positively and negatively symmetrical with respect to the measurement value of reaction liquid 112, the periodic noise included in the result of integration or averaging is removed.

[0050] 6, integration or averaging is performed within integration interval 116 based on synchronization timing position 125c', which is closest to the timing of trigger signal 117 of waveform 103 at the reaction liquid start position. Because the amplitude of periodic noise within integration interval 116 is symmetrical in positive and negative with respect to the measurement value of reaction liquid 112, the periodic noise included in the result of integration or averaging is removed.

[0051] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention. According to the present invention, in order to remove random noise and periodic noise, all that is required is a small amount of memory for storing frequency and phase information of periodic noise, and a small-scale computing unit that is only required to calculate periodic noise synchronization timing and execute conditional branching for determining the processing start position.

[0052] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment, an automatic analyzer is used as an example in which light is irradiated onto a reaction solution in which a biological sample has been reacted with a reagent, and the light that passes through this reaction solution is measured by a detector. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be applied to automatic analyzers that perform measurements in which the timing of data collection and the timing of periodic noise differ. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1: automatic analyzer, 10: sample disk, 11: specimen container, 15: movable arm, 16: sample dispensing mechanism, 17: pipette nozzle, 19: sample dispensing control unit, 20: reagent disk, 21: reagent bottle, 22: reagent refrigerator, 25: reagent dispensing mechanism, 25a: pipette nozzle, 27: barcode reader, 29: reagent dispensing control unit, 30: reaction disk, 31: reaction container, 32: thermostatic bath, 36: stirring mechanism, 40: optical transmitter, 41: optical receiver, 42: optical signal collector, 50: interface, 51: display device, 52: input device, 53 : memory device, 54: computer, 56: printer, 101: cross-sectional view in the direction of rotation, 102: waveform of optical signal collecting section, 103: waveform of reaction liquid start position, 112: reaction liquid, 113: scanning of optical axis, 114: waveform of reaction liquid section, 115: waveform of section other than reaction liquid, 116: integration section, 117: trigger signal, 118: margin with front reaction vessel wall, 119: margin with rear reaction vessel wall, 121: signal containing random noise, 122: signal with periodic noise superimposed, 123: signal with periodic noise superimposed, 125: periodic noise synchronization timing position.

Claims

1. A data processing system for an automatic analyzer that obtains measurement data using a sample measurement mechanism, determining an integration start position based on the period and phase information of the periodic noise so that the amplitude of the periodic noise is positively and negatively symmetrical with respect to the measurement value of the reaction solution within the integration interval; The periodic noise is suppressed by integrating or averaging the measurement data based on the determined integration start position. A data processing system for an automatic analyzer.

2. 2. A data processing system for an automatic analyzer according to claim 1, analyzing the measurement data to obtain period and phase information of the periodic noise; A data processing system for an automatic analyzer.

3. 3. A data processing system for an automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The integration start position is The distance is set so as to avoid a position in the optical signal collection section that is affected by a sudden change in transmitted light from the wall of the reaction vessel. A data processing system for an automatic analyzer.

4. 4. The data processing system for the automatic analyzer according to claim 3, The integration start position tsync1 is ttrig: timing of issuing a trigger signal for the waveform at the reaction start position tfm: margin to the front wall of the reactor vessel tbm: margin to rear reactor wall taverage: integral interval is set to be A data processing system for an automatic analyzer.

5. A data processing method for an automatic analyzer that obtains measurement data using a sample measurement mechanism, comprising: determining an integration start position based on the period and phase information of the periodic noise so that the amplitude of the periodic noise is positively and negatively symmetrical with respect to the measurement value of the reaction solution within the integration interval; The periodic noise is suppressed by integrating or averaging the measurement data based on the determined integration start position. A data processing method for an automatic analyzer.

6. 6. A data processing method for an automatic analyzer according to claim 5, analyzing the measurement data to obtain period and phase information of the periodic noise; A data processing method for an automatic analyzer.

7. 7. A data processing method for the automatic analyzer according to claim 5 or 6, comprising: the integration start position is set so as to avoid a position in the optical signal collection section that is affected by a sudden change in transmitted light from the wall of the reaction vessel; A data processing method for an automatic analyzer.

8. 8. A data processing method for an automatic analyzer according to claim 7, comprising: The integration start position tsync1 is ttrig: timing of issuing a trigger signal for the waveform at the reaction start position tfm: margin to the front wall of the reactor vessel tbm: margin to rear reactor wall taverage: integral interval is set to be A data processing method for an automatic analyzer.

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