Automated analysis device, program, storage medium, and method

Abstract

To cope with various specimen vessels in an automatic analysis device.SOLUTION: Provided is an automatic analysis device 1 having a holding mechanism 12 for holding a specimen vessel 11 for housing specimens, a probe 161 that extends in a vertical direction, and sucks a specimen housed in the specimen vessel 11 held by the holding mechanism 12 and discharges it to a reaction vessel 18, an information acquisition device 16 for acquiring liquid level position predictable information that can be used for predicting a position of a liquid level of the specimen when the specimen vessel 11 for housing the specimen is held by the holding mechanism 12 by accessing the specimen vessel 11 held by the holding mechanism 12, and a control device 21 for controlling lowering operation of the probe 161 for sucking the specimen housed in the specimen vessel 11 on the basis of the acquired liquid level position predictable information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer, a program therefor, a storage medium, and a method. [Background technology]

[0002] Automated analyzers are known that automatically analyze the components of specimens, such as blood or urine, contained in specimen containers. Generally, the operation of each component of an automated analyzer is predefined so that specimens can be analyzed automatically and accurately at high speed. Therefore, specimen containers inserted into the automated analyzer must meet certain requirements to prevent interference with the operation of each component.

[0003] Under these circumstances, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic analyzer that captures images of specimen containers and inputs the captured images of the specimen containers into a learning model to perform error prediction. The error prediction is a prediction of errors caused by the state of the specimen container, such as the specimen container having a cap that is not removed or the specimen container being placed tilted on a rack. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-139915 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Meanwhile, in the medical field, so-called testing institutions are operated that accept samples from multiple medical institutions, perform contract analysis, and report the analysis results to the medical institutions. In recent years, the variety of sample containers has increased, and samples delivered from medical institutions to testing institutions are collected in various types of sample containers.

[0006] Among the sample containers sent from medical institutions to testing institutions, there may be some that are not compatible with the operation of the various parts of the automatic analyzer installed at the testing institution, which may result in an error being output if they are placed directly into the automatic analyzer.

[0007] For example, an error may occur if the sample container is a non-standard sample container that differs from the pre-registered sample containers. For such a non-standard sample container, a user such as a clinical laboratory technician must perform tedious tasks such as removing the non-standard sample container or transferring the sample to a standard sample container that can be processed by the automated analyzer.

[0008] Due to the above circumstances, there is a need for a technology that allows automatic analyzers to accommodate non-standard specimen containers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A representative embodiment of the present application is an automatic analyzer comprising: a holding mechanism for holding a specimen container in which a specimen is contained; a probe extending vertically and for aspirating the specimen contained in the specimen container held by the holding mechanism and dispensing it into a reaction container; an information acquisition device for accessing the specimen container held by the holding mechanism and acquiring liquid level position predictable information that can be used to predict the liquid level position of the specimen when the specimen container containing the specimen is held in the holding mechanism; and a control device for controlling the lowering operation of the probe when aspirating the specimen contained in the specimen container based on the acquired liquid level position predictable information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to a representative embodiment of the present application, it is possible to provide a technology that allows an automatic analyzer to accommodate non-standard specimen containers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a sample dispensing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a configuration of a computer. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks realized by a computer in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of sample containers held in a rack. [Figure 6A] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe. [Figure 6C] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe. [Figure 6D] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for calibrating a sample container. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for calibrating a sample container. [Figure 8] 3 is a flowchart of an automatic analysis process performed by the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sample container registration screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sample container selection screen. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a calibration process. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of a sample dispensing process. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the main parts of an automatic analyzer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an automatic analysis system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an automatic analysis system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks realized by a computer in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an automatic analysis system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks realized by a computer in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sample container list screen classified by usage environment condition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Now, embodiments will be described. Note that each embodiment described below is an example for carrying out the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, in each embodiment below, components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted unless particularly necessary.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) An automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] <Configuration example of automatic analyzer> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 according to embodiment 1 includes a transport device 13, a reagent disk rotating device 15, a specimen dispensing device 16, a reagent dispensing device 17, a reaction disk rotating device 19, a measurement unit 20, an A / D converter 28, and a cleaning device 29.

[0015] The transport device 13 transports a rack 12 holding sample containers 11 based on the received control signal. The sample containers 11 are elongated containers that contain collected samples. The samples are samples to be analyzed, such as blood or urine. The sample containers 11 are, for example, generally cylindrical, with an open top and a flat, U-shaped, or V-shaped bottom. The rack 12 is a container that holds multiple sample containers 11, for example, five sample containers 11.

[0016] The transport device 13 transports the rack 12 so that the designated sample container 11 moves to a sample aspirating position of the sample container. The sample aspirating position of the sample container is a specified position of the sample container 11 when the sample dispensing device 16 (described later) aspirates the sample from the sample container 11.

[0017] The reagent disk rotating device 15 has a reagent disk 151 and a reagent disk rotation control unit 152. The reagent disk 151 has a roughly disk shape and is configured to accommodate a plurality of reagent containers 14 arranged in a circumferential direction. The reagent containers 14 are containers that contain reagents.

[0018] The reagent disk 151 is supported rotatably around the central axis of the reagent disk 151. A reagent disk rotation control unit 152 controls the rotation position of the reagent disk 151 so that a designated reagent container 14 moves to a reagent aspirating position. The reagent aspirating position is a specified position of the reagent container 14 when a reagent dispensing device 17, which will be described later, aspirates a reagent from the reagent container 14.

[0019] The reaction disk rotating device 19 has a reaction disk 191, a reaction disk rotation control unit 192, and a thermostatic bath 27. The reaction disk 191 has a roughly disk shape, and a plurality of reaction vessels 18 are arranged in a circumferential direction. The reaction vessels 18 are vessels in which a specimen and a reagent are mixed and reacted. The thermostatic bath 27 maintains the reaction vessels 18, i.e., the mixture of the specimen and the reagent contained in the reaction vessels 18, at a specified temperature.

[0020] The reaction disk 191 is supported rotatably around the central axis of the reaction disk 191 as the rotation axis. A reaction disk rotation control unit 192 controls the rotation position of the reaction disk 191 so that a designated reaction container 18 moves to a sample dispensing position or a reagent dispensing position. The sample dispensing position is a specified position of the reaction container 18 when the sample dispensing device 16 (described later) dispenses the aspirated sample into the reaction container 18. The reagent dispensing position is a specified position of the reaction container 18 when the reagent dispensing device 17 dispenses the aspirated reagent into the reaction container 18.

[0021] The specimen dispensing device 16 is a device that aspirates the specimen contained in the specimen container 11 and dispenses the aspirated specimen into the reaction container 18. The configuration of the specimen dispensing device 16 will be described.

[0022] <Configuration example of a sample dispensing device> Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the sample dispensing device 16. As shown in Fig. 2, the sample dispensing device 16 includes a sample dispensing probe 161, a horizontal support section 162, a vertical column section 163, a sample dispensing drive section 164, a pump 165, a tube 166, a first contact sensor 167a, a second contact sensor 167b, a position sensor 168, and a sample dispensing control section 169.

[0023] The sample dispensing probe 161 has, for example, an elongated cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction B1.

[0024] The horizontal support part 162 has a shape that extends in the horizontal direction A1, and supports the sample dispensing probe 161 at one end in the extension direction. The vertical pillar part 163 has a cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction B1, and its upper end is connected to and fixed to the other end in the extension direction of the horizontal support part 162. The horizontal support part 162 may be a link mechanism.

[0025] The sample dispensing drive unit 164 drives a drive motor (not shown) to rotate the vertical column 163 about the central axis of the vertical column 163 as the rotation axis and to raise and lower the vertical column 163 in the vertical direction B1. That is, the sample dispensing drive unit 164 controls the position of the sample dispensing probe 161 in the horizontal direction A1 and the height position in the vertical direction B1 by rotating and raising and lowering the vertical column 163 based on the received control signal.

[0026] The pump 165 is connected to an opening at the upper end of the sample dispensing probe 161 via a tube 166. Based on the received control signal, the pump 165 changes the air pressure within the tube 166 to suck or discharge the sample from the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161. The tube 166 is arranged, for example, to pass through the interior of the horizontal support part 162 and the vertical column part 163.

[0027] The first contact sensor 167a is a sensor that detects whether the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 is in contact with a liquid, and outputs a signal indicating whether or not the tip 161a is in contact with the liquid. The first contact sensor 167a is, for example, a capacitance type or an optical type sensor. The first contact sensor 167a is, for example, disposed inside the horizontal support part 162.

[0028] The second contact sensor 167b is a sensor that detects whether the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 is in contact with an object harder than the liquid, and outputs a signal indicating whether or not the tip 161a is in contact with an object harder than the liquid. The second contact sensor 167b is, for example, a piezoelectric element type or a switch type sensor. The second contact sensor 167b is, for example, disposed inside the horizontal support part 162.

[0029] The position sensor 168 is a sensor that detects the spatial position of the sample dispensing probe 161, i.e., the tip 161a thereof, and outputs a signal that specifies the spatial position. The position sensor 168 may be, for example, a rotary encoder or a linear encoder (linear scale).

[0030] The sample dispensing control unit 169 is connected to the sample dispensing drive unit 164, pump 165, first contact sensor 167a, second contact sensor 167b, and position sensor 168. The sample dispensing control unit 169 detects whether or not the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 is in contact with a liquid based on the output signal of the first contact sensor 167a. The sample dispensing control unit 169 detects whether or not the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 is in contact with a solid based on the output signal of the second contact sensor 167b. The sample dispensing control unit 169 also detects the spatial position of the sample dispensing probe 161, i.e., the tip 161a, based on the output signal of the position sensor 168.

[0031] The sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the sample dispensing probe 161 to perform a specified operation based on a control signal received from the computer 21, which will be described later. That is, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the sample dispensing drive unit 164 to position the sample dispensing probe 161 at a sample aspirating position in the horizontal direction A1 while maintaining the height position of the sample dispensing probe 161 at the upper limit position. The sample aspirating position of the probe is a specified position of the sample dispensing probe 161 when aspirating a sample from a sample container 11.

[0032] Next, the specimen dispensing control unit 169 controls the specimen dispensing drive unit 164 and the pump 165 to lower the tip 161a of the specimen dispensing probe 161 until it reaches a position below the liquid surface of the specimen in the specimen container 11, thereby aspirating a predetermined amount of specimen. Thereafter, the specimen dispensing control unit 169 controls the specimen dispensing drive unit 164 to raise the height position of the specimen dispensing probe 161 to the upper limit position.

[0033] Furthermore, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the sample dispensing drive unit 164 to position the sample dispensing probe 161 at a sample discharging position in the horizontal direction while maintaining the height position of the sample dispensing probe 161 at the upper limit position. The sample discharging position is a specified position of the sample dispensing probe 161 when discharging the aspirated sample into the reaction vessel 18.

[0034] Next, the specimen dispensing control unit 169 controls the specimen dispensing drive unit 164 and the pump 165 to lower the specimen dispensing probe 161 until its tip 161a reaches a specified height position within the reaction vessel 18, thereby discharging a predetermined amount of specimen. Thereafter, the specimen dispensing control unit 169 controls the specimen dispensing drive unit 164 to raise the height position of the specimen dispensing probe 161 to the upper limit position.

[0035] The sample dispensing control unit 169 outputs the output signals of the first contact sensor 167a, the second contact sensor 167b, and the position sensor 168 to the interface 25, which will be described later, as needed or based on the received control signal.

[0036] The reagent dispensing device 17 is a device that aspirates a reagent contained in a reagent container 14 and dispenses the aspirated reagent into a reaction container 18, which is a so-called reagent dispensing device. The reagent dispensing device 17 has a reagent dispensing probe 171. Based on the received control signal, the reagent dispensing device 17 causes the reagent dispensing probe 171 to aspirate a specified reagent from the reagent container 14 or dispense the aspirated reagent into the reaction container 18. The reagent dispensing device 17 has a configuration similar to that of the specimen dispensing device 16. Therefore, detailed description of the configuration of the reagent dispensing device 17 will be omitted here.

[0037] Based on the received control signal, the measurement unit 20 quantitatively measures the reaction result of the mixed liquid of the specimen and the reagent contained in the reaction vessel 18. The measurement unit 20 has, for example, a light source 201 and a photometric unit 202. The light source 201 irradiates the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 18 with light for measurement. The photometric unit 202 receives light that has passed through the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 18 and outputs an analog signal corresponding to the amount of light received. The analog signal corresponds to the absorbance or light scattering of the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 18.

[0038] The A / D converter 28 converts the analog signal output from the measurement unit 20 into a digital signal.

[0039] Based on the received control signal, the cleaning device 29 disposes of the liquid in the reaction vessel 18 after the measurement by the measurement unit 20 has been completed, and cleans the reaction vessel 18 itself.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 also includes a specimen identification information reader 24, a reagent identification information reader 26, a computer 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, and an interface 25.

[0041] The specimen identification information reader 24 reads the specimen identification information attached to the specimen container 11 based on the received control signal. The specimen identification information is, for example, information that identifies the specimen provider, the organization to which the analysis is requested, etc. The specimen identification information is, for example, a barcode or a two-dimensional barcode (QR). The specimen identification information is attached to the specimen container 11, for example, in the form of a label sticker on which a barcode or the like is printed, and the specimen identification information reader 24 reads the specimen identification information by optically reading the code. The read specimen identification information is associated with the analysis results of the specimen in question and used to generate analysis report data.

[0042] The reagent identification information reader 26 is a device that reads the reagent identification information attached to the reagent container 14 based on the received control signal. The reagent identification information is, for example, information that identifies the type of reagent and the source of the reagent. The reagent identification information is, for example, a barcode or a two-dimensional barcode (QR). The reagent identification information is attached to the reagent container 14 in the form of, for example, a label sticker on which a barcode or the like is printed, and the reagent identification information reader 26 reads the reagent identification information by optically reading the code.

[0043] The interface 25 is connected to the transport device 13, the reagent disk rotating device 15, the sample dispensing device 16, the reagent dispensing device 17, the reaction disk rotating device 19, the measurement unit 20, the A / D converter 28, the cleaning device 29, the sample identification information reading device 24, the reagent identification information reading device 26, and the computer 21.

[0044] The computer 21 communicates with each device connected to the interface 25, and transmits control signals to each device or receives signals from each device as necessary.

[0045] The computer 21 is connected to an operation unit 22 and a display unit 23. The operation unit 22 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse, and the display unit 23 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The operation unit 22 and the display unit 23 may be a touch panel in which the operation unit 22 and the display unit 23 are integrally formed. For example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) is used for inputting and outputting information.

[0046] The configuration of the computer 21 will now be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer. As shown in Fig. 3, the computer 21 has a processor 211, a memory 212, a storage 213, and a bus 214. The processor 211, the memory 212, and the storage 213 are connected to the bus 214, and transmit and receive information or signals to and from each other via the bus 214.

[0047] The processor 211 is, for example, a micro-processing unit (MPU), a central processing unit (CPU), or a microcontroller unit (MCU). The memory 212 is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a RAM. The storage 213 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or the like.

[0048] A program PG is stored in the storage 213. The processor 211 reads out the program PG stored in the storage 213, and loads and executes the read program PG in the memory 212. By executing this program PG, the computer 21 functions as each of the functional blocks described below.

[0049] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing functional blocks realized by a computer in embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the computer has, as functional blocks, a control unit 31, a specimen container information generation unit 32, a specimen container information registration unit 33, a specimen container information storage unit 34, and a specimen container selection reception unit 35. The specimen container information registration unit 33 is an example of the "registration device" in this application.

[0050] The control unit 31 communicates with the transport device 13, the reagent disk rotating device 15, the sample dispensing device 16, the reagent dispensing device 17, the reaction disk rotating device 19, the measurement unit 20, the A / D converter 28, the cleaning device 29, the sample identification information reading device 24, and the reagent identification information reading device 26.

[0051] The control unit 31 executes the sample analysis process. When executing the sample analysis process, the control unit 31 transmits control signals to the above-mentioned devices, receives signals from the devices, and performs various calculations based on the received signals.

[0052] For example, the control unit 31 sends control signals to the transport device 13, the specimen dispensing device 16, the reaction disk rotating device 19, etc., to dispense a designated specimen into a designated reaction vessel 18. The control unit 31 also sends control signals to the reagent disk rotating device 15, the reagent dispensing device 17, the reaction disk rotating device 19, etc., to dispense a designated reagent into a designated reaction vessel 18. The control unit 31 also sends control signals to the measurement unit 20, the reaction disk rotating device 19, etc., to measure the absorbance or light scattering of the mixed liquid in the designated reaction vessel 18.

[0053] A / D converter 28 outputs the signal from measurement unit 20 to interface 25. Interface 25 transmits the input signal from measurement unit 20 to control unit 31. Control unit 31 analyzes the target sample based on the signal received from measurement unit 20.

[0054] In this embodiment, the control unit 31 accepts a request to perform calibration of the sample container 11, a direct input of sample container-related information, and the like, in response to an operation by the user.

[0055] Calibration of the sample container 11 is a process of acquiring liquid level position predictable information as information necessary for the downward movement of the sample dispensing probe 161 when dispensing a sample. The liquid level position predictable information is information unique to each type of sample container, and is information that can be used to predict the height position of the liquid level of the sample when the sample is contained in the sample container 11. Here, the liquid level position predictable information in this embodiment will be described.

[0056] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a sample container held in a rack. As shown in Fig. 5, the rack 12 has a bottom member 121 that extends in a horizontal direction A1 and on which the sample container 11 is placed, and a support member 122 that supports the sample container 11 in an upright position in a vertical direction B1. When a sample is to be analyzed, the sample container 11 is held in the rack 12 with the sample 111 contained therein.

[0057] In this embodiment, information representing the height position of the lowest point k1 of the inside bottom of the sample container 11 (which is an example of lowest point position information in the present application and will hereinafter also be referred to as the sample container inside lowest point height position) PK is acquired as liquid level position predictable information. The sample container inside lowest point height position PK is, for example, a height position based on a predetermined position of the rack 12 in which the sample container 11 is held. Note that the sample container inside lowest point height position PK may be a height position based on a predetermined position of the transport device 13 or sample dispensing device 16, or may be a height position from the lowest point of the outside bottom of the sample container 11.

[0058] Furthermore, the calibration of the specimen container 11 is performed by accessing the specimen container 11 using a physical method including an optical method. The calibration of the specimen container 11 is performed using, for example, a method of contacting a substance, a method of optically capturing an image and analyzing the resulting image, or a method of detecting the position of a substance using ultrasound.

[0059] In this embodiment, information indicating the sample container inner lower limit height position PK is obtained by bringing the sample dispensing probe 161 into contact with the sample container 11 in the sample dispensing device 16. Details of the calibration of the sample container 11 and the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe 161 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0060] When the control unit 31 receives a calibration execution request through user operation, it sends a control signal to the sample dispensing device 16 to execute a process for measuring the sample container inner lowest-limit height position PK. The sample dispensing device 16 sends information indicating the measured sample container inner lowest-limit height position PK to the sample container information generation unit 32 as liquid level position predictable information. The control unit 31 also receives input of sample container identification information that can identify the sample container 11, such as the manufacturer and identification number of the sample container 11, and sends the input information to the sample container information generation unit 32.

[0061] The sample container information generation unit 32 generates sample container information based on the received information indicating the sample container inner lower limit height position PK and separately acquired sample container-related information, which is other information related to the sample container 11. The sample container-related information includes, for example, the inner diameter of the sample container and the shape of the bottom of the sample container.

[0062] The sample container information registration unit 33 registers the sample containers by storing the sample container information generated by the sample container information generation unit 32 in the sample container information storage unit .

[0063] <Sample dispensing probe lowering operation> Here, the downward movement of the sample dispensing probe 161 when aspirating the sample 111 from the sample container 11 will be described.

[0064] 6A to 6D are diagrams illustrating the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe. The sample dispensing device 16 performs the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe 161 in two stages when aspirating the sample 111 from the sample container 11 so that the sample 111 contained in the sample container 11 can be dispensed accurately and quickly.

[0065] 6A, before the sample dispensing probe 161 starts to descend, it is positioned in a position in the horizontal direction A1 where the central axis of the sample dispensing probe 161 and the central axis of the sample container 11 held in the rack 12 are substantially aligned. In addition, the sample dispensing probe 161 is positioned in a vertical direction B1 where the height position P of the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 (hereinafter also referred to as the probe tip height position) is at an upper limit height position P0.

[0066] In the first stage of the lowering operation, the sample dispensing probe 161 starts to descend at a relatively fast first speed V1, as shown in Fig. 6A. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 6B, the sample dispensing probe 161 is lowered at the first speed V1 until the probe tip height position P reaches a first probe height position P1 (an example of the first height position in this application) that is a first distance d1 above a height position PS corresponding to the liquid level of the sample 111 contained in the sample container 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the sample liquid level height position).

[0067] In the second stage of the lowering operation, as shown in FIG. 6C, the sample dispensing probe 161 is lowered at a relatively slow second speed V2 until the probe tip height position P reaches the sample liquid surface height position PS.

[0068] Then, as shown in Figure 6D, the sample dispensing probe 161 is lowered at a second speed V2 until the probe tip height position P reaches a second probe height position P2 (an example of the second height position in this application) which is a second distance d2 below the sample liquid level height position PS.

[0069] The first probe height position P1 can be determined in advance if the sample liquid level position PS can be predicted. On the other hand, the sample liquid level position PS is determined by the shape and dimensions of the sample container 11 and the amount of sample 111 (hereinafter also referred to as sample amount) KA contained in the sample container 11.

[0070] The specimen container 11 generally comprises a cylindrical portion and a bottom portion that closes the opening at the lower end of the cylindrical portion. Therefore, the shape and dimensions of the specimen container 11 can be, for example, the inner diameter DM of the cylindrical portion (hereinafter also referred to as the specimen container inner diameter) and the shape of the bottom portion SH (hereinafter also referred to as the specimen container bottom shape). The specimen container bottom shape SH can also be called the specimen container tip shape. The specimen container bottom shape SH can be broadly classified into, for example, a flat shape, a U-shape, and a V-shape.

[0071] The sample container inner diameter DM and the sample container bottom shape SH can be determined based on input by the user, etc. The sample volume KA is generally determined according to the type of sample or the type of analysis of the sample. The type of sample, the type of analysis of the sample, etc. are set by the user, etc. In other words, the sample volume KA can be determined in advance based on the set sample type or the type of analysis.

[0072] Therefore, if the sample container inner lower limit height position PK is known, it is possible to predict the sample liquid level position PS in combination with information input or set by the user. That is, the first probe height position P1 can be determined to be a height position that is a first distance d1 (e.g., 10 mm) above the sample liquid level position PS predicted based on the sample container inner diameter DM, the sample container bottom shape SH, the sample container inner lower limit height position PK, and the sample volume KA.

[0073] The second probe height position P2 is determined according to the sample liquid level position PS. The second probe height position P2 is a position where the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 is inserted from the sample liquid level position PS to a depth considered necessary for aspirating the sample 111.

[0074] The sample dispensing device 16 lowers the sample dispensing probe 161 from the first probe height position P1 while repeatedly detecting whether the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 is touching the liquid surface of the sample 111 based on the output signal of the first contact sensor 167a. When the sample dispensing device 16 detects that the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 has touched the liquid surface of the sample 111, it determines a height position that is a second distance d2 (e.g., 10 mm) below the probe tip height position P at that time as a second probe height position P2.

[0075] <Sample Container Calibration> Next, we will explain the calibration of the sample container in embodiment 1. As described above, the calibration of the sample container in this embodiment means obtaining information indicating the height position PK of the lower limit point k1 of the inner bottom of the sample container 11 inserted into the automated analyzer 1 (for example, the height from a predetermined reference point on the rack 12).

[0076] 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining an example of a technique for calibrating a sample container.

[0077] 7A, before calibration begins, the sample dispensing probe 161 is positioned in the horizontal direction A1 so that the central axis of the sample dispensing probe 161 and the central axis of the sample container 11 held in the rack 12 are substantially aligned. In addition, the sample dispensing probe 161 is positioned in the vertical direction B1 so that the probe tip height position P is at the upper limit height position P0.

[0078] The sample dispensing probe 161 starts to descend at a predetermined speed. Thereafter, as shown in Figure 7B, the sample dispensing probe 161 is lowered until the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 comes into contact with the lower limit point k1 of the inner bottom of the sample container 11.

[0079] When the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 contacts the lower limit point k1 of the inside bottom of the sample container 11, the height position P of the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 at that time is detected as the height position PK of the lower limit point inside the sample container.

[0080] <Automated analyzer processing flow> The processing flow of the automatic analyzer 1 according to embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the automatic analysis process performed by the automatic analyzer according to embodiment 1. In this example, it is assumed that the type of specimen and the type of specimen analysis are set in advance, and the amount of specimen contained in the specimen container can already be predicted.

[0081] 8, in step S1, input of sample container-related information is accepted. Specifically, the control unit 31 controls the display unit 23 in response to a user's operation of the operation unit 22, and causes the display unit 23 to display a sample container registration screen on its display surface.

[0082] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a sample container registration screen. As shown in Fig. 9, the sample container registration screen 50 includes, for example, an input field 51 for "sample container manufacturer," an input field 52 for "sample container identification number (model number)," an input field 53 for "sample container inner diameter," an input field 54 for "sample container bottom shape," and an input field 55 for "sample container inner lower limit height position."

[0083] The user can directly input information into input fields 51 to 55. In addition, the input field 54 for "specimen container bottom shape" displays, for example, a pull-down list 54a, allowing the user to select from the options of flat, U-shaped, and V-shaped.

[0084] 9, the sample container registration screen 50 further includes, for example, a "Calibration" button 56, a "Registration" button 57, and a "CLOSE" button 58 for the sample container 11. When the "Calibration" button 56 is pressed, a request to perform calibration of the sample container 11 is input, and calibration is performed.

[0085] When the sample container inner lowest height position PK is detected by performing calibration, the detected sample container inner lowest height position PK is automatically entered into the input field 55. When the "Register" button 57 is pressed, the target sample container 11 is registered based on the information entered into each of the input fields 51 to 55. When the "CLOSE" button 58 is pressed, the sample container registration screen 50 is closed.

[0086] In this embodiment, the user inputs the sample container manufacturer, sample container identification number, sample container inner diameter DM, and sample container bottom shape SH as sample container-related information into each of input fields 51 to 54. The control unit 31 accepts the input of this sample container-related information.

[0087] In step S2, a request to perform calibration of the sample container is input. Specifically, the user presses the "perform calibration" button 56, and the control unit 31 accepts the request to perform calibration.

[0088] In step S3, the rack is transported. Specifically, the control unit 31 controls the transport device 13 to transport the rack 12 holding the sample containers 11 to be calibrated to a position where the sample containers 11 can be calibrated.

[0089] In step S4, a calibration process for the sample container is performed. Specifically, the control unit 31 controls the sample dispensing device 16 to use the sample dispensing probe 161 to perform a calibration process for the sample container 11 held in the rack 12. By performing this calibration process, the sample container inner lower limit height position PK is detected. Details of the calibration process for the sample container 11 will be described later.

[0090] In step S5, the success or failure of the calibration is determined. Specifically, the control unit 31 determines whether the calibration of the sample container 11 was successful in step S4. For example, if the sample container inner lowest height position PK is detected and the detected height position is within an expected range, the calibration of the sample container 11 is determined to be successful. Alternatively, for example, if the sample container 11 is not held in the rack 12 or the detected sample container inner lowest height position PK exceeds the expected range, the calibration of the sample container 11 is determined to be unsuccessful.

[0091] If it is determined that the calibration has failed (step S5: failed), the control unit 31 notifies the user of this and terminates the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the calibration has been successful (step S5: successful), the control unit 31 inputs the detected sample container inner lower limit height position into the input field 55 for "detection container inner lower limit height" on the sample container registration screen 50. Then, the process of step S6 is performed.

[0092] In step S6, sample container information is generated. Specifically, the user presses the "Register" button 57 on the sample container registration screen 50. When the "Register" button 57 is pressed, the sample container information generation unit 32 generates sample container information based on the sample container-related information input by the user and information indicating the sample container inside lower limit height position PK obtained by performing calibration of the sample container 11.

[0093] In step S7, the sample container information is registered. Specifically, the sample container information registration unit 33 stores the generated sample container information in the sample container information storage unit 34, thereby registering the target sample container 11.

[0094] In step S8, a sample container is selected. Specifically, the control unit 31 receives a request to select a sample container 11 in response to an operation by the user. Upon receiving the request to select a sample container, the control unit 31 controls the display unit 23 to display a sample container selection screen on the display surface of the display unit 23.

[0095] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sample container selection screen. As shown in Fig. 10, the sample container selection screen 60 includes, for example, a list 61 of registered sample containers, a "Select" button 62, and a "CLOSE" button 63. On the sample container selection screen 60, the user performs an operation to select a sample container to be used in the automatic analyzer 1 from the displayed list 61.

[0096] The control unit 31 receives a selection of the sample container to be used in response to a selection operation by the user, and reads out sample container information corresponding to the selected sample container from the sample container information storage unit 34. Based on the read-out sample container information, the control unit 31 determines a first probe height position P1 used to control the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe 161 in the sample dispensing device 16.

[0097] In step S9, dispensing and analysis of the sample are initiated. Specifically, the control unit 31 controls each device and each unit to initiate dispensing and analysis of the sample 111 contained in the inserted sample container 11.

[0098] That is, the transport device 13 transports the rack 12 holding the sample containers 11 containing the samples 111 to a position where the samples 111 are to be dispensed.

[0099] The sample dispensing device 16 aspirates a sample from a sample container 11 held in a rack 12 using a sample dispensing probe 161 , and dispenses the sample 111 into a reaction container 18 housed in a reaction disk 191 .

[0100] When the sample dispensing device 16 lowers the sample dispensing probe 161 to aspirate the sample 111, the sample dispensing probe 161 is lowered at a relatively fast first speed V1 until its tip 161a is positioned at the previously determined first probe height position P1.

[0101] Thereafter, the sample dispensing device 16 lowers the sample dispensing probe 161 at a relatively slow second speed V2 until the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 is positioned at the second probe height position P2. That is, the sample dispensing device 16 controls the sample dispensing probe 161 so that the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 descends at high speed until it approaches the liquid surface of the sample 111, and then decelerates as the tip 161a is inserted into the liquid surface of the sample 111.

[0102] The above-described downward movement of the sample dispensing probe 161 reduces the risk of the sample 111 splashing and contaminating the sample dispensing probe 161 when the tip 161a is inserted into the sample 111, and allows the sample 111 to be aspirated reliably and efficiently in terms of time. Details of the sample dispensing process will be described later.

[0103] Based on the reagent identification information read by the reagent identification information reading device 26, the reagent dispensing device 17 uses the reagent dispensing probe 171 to aspirate the specified reagent from the reagent container 14 stored in the reagent disk 151, and dispenses the reagent into the reaction container 18 into which the sample 111 has been dispensed.

[0104] In addition, when multiple types of analyses are performed on the specimen 111 contained in the same specimen container 11, the specimen 111 is aspirated and ejected into the reaction container 18, and the reagent is aspirated and ejected into the reaction container 18, and this is repeated for the number of types of analyses.

[0105] The measurement unit 20 irradiates the mixture of the sample 111 and the reagent contained in the reaction vessel 18 with measurement light and detects the transmitted light to obtain the measurement results related to the analysis of the sample 111. The measurement unit 20 also outputs to the control unit 31 measurement result information that associates the sample identification information read by the sample identification information reader 24 with the obtained measurement results.

[0106] The cleaning device 29 discards the mixed liquid after the measurement and cleans the reaction vessel 18 .

[0107] In step S10, analysis result information is generated. Specifically, the control unit 31 generates the analysis result information for the sample 111 based on the sample identification information for the sample 111 and the measurement result information for that sample 111. Once the analysis result information has been generated, the control unit 31 ends the automatic analysis process.

[0108] <Calibration process> The calibration process will now be described in detail with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

[0109] 11, in step S31, the sample dispensing probe is positioned. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the sample dispensing drive unit 164 to move the sample dispensing probe 161 to the calibration initial position. The calibration initial position is a position where the central axis of the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 coincides with the central axis of the sample container 11 to be calibrated, and the height position of the sample dispensing probe 161 is at its upper limit position.

[0110] In step S32, the sample dispensing probe starts to descend. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the sample dispensing drive unit 164 to lower the sample dispensing probe 161.

[0111] In step S33, an error determination is performed. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 determines whether an error has occurred based on whether the first contact sensor 167a, the second contact sensor 167b, and the position sensor 168 are outputting unexpected signals. If it is determined that an error has occurred (S33: Yes), the process proceeds to step S37. If it is determined that no error has occurred (S33: No), the process proceeds to step S34.

[0112] In step S34, it is determined whether the tip of the sample dispensing probe is in contact with the lower limit point of the inside bottom of the sample container. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 determines whether the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 is in contact with the lower limit point k1 of the sample container 11 based on the output signal of the second contact sensor 167b. If it is determined that the tip 161a is in contact with the lower limit point k1 (S34: Yes), the process proceeds to step S35. If it is determined that the tip 161a is not in contact with the lower limit point k1 (S34: No), the process proceeds to step S32, where the sample dispensing probe 161 continues to descend.

[0113] In step S35, the position of the sample dispensing probe 161 is detected. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 detects the height position P of the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 based on the output signal of the position sensor 168.

[0114] In step S36, the height position of the lowest point of the inner bottom of the sample container is identified. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 identifies the height position P of the probe tip detected in step S35 as the height position PK of the lowest point k1 of the inner bottom of the sample container 11.

[0115] In step S37, the sample dispensing probe is returned to the initial calibration position, and the calibration process is then completed.

[0116] In this embodiment, the sample dispensing probe 161 is an example of a "probe" in this application, the sample dispensing device 16 is an example of an "information acquisition device" in this application, and the control unit 31 is an example of a "control device" in this application.

[0117] <Sample dispensing process> Next, the sample dispensing process will be described in detail. 12 is a flowchart of the sample dispensing process. As shown in FIG. 12, in step S91, sample container information is read. Specifically, the control unit 31 reads information representing the sample container inner diameter DM, the sample container bottom shape SH, and the sample container inner lower limit height position PK from the sample container information storage unit 34 of the sample container 11 selected by the user, and transmits the read information of the sample container inner lower limit height position PK to the sample dispensing control unit 169.

[0118] In step S92, the first probe height position P1 is determined. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 determines the first probe height position P1 based on the received information, i.e., the sample container inner diameter DM, the sample container bottom shape SH, and the information representing the sample container interior lower limit height position PK.

[0119] In this embodiment, the first probe height position P1 is determined based on the read-out sample container information. However, the first probe height position P1 may be determined in advance based on the sample container inner diameter DM, the sample container bottom shape SH, and the sample container interior lower limit height position PK, and the determined first probe height position P1 may be registered as part of the sample container information, and the first probe height position P1 may be identified by reading out the sample container information.

[0120] In step S93, the rack is transported and the sample dispensing probe is moved. The sample dispensing probe 161 is moved to the initial dispensing position. Specifically, the transport device 13 transports the rack 12 so that the sample container 11 into which the sample is to be dispensed is positioned at the specified sample dispensing position. In addition, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the sample dispensing drive unit 164 to move the sample dispensing probe 161 to the initial dispensing position.

[0121] In step S94, the sample dispensing probe is lowered to a first probe height position. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the sample dispensing drive unit 164 to lower the sample dispensing probe 161 at a relatively fast first speed V1 until the probe tip height position P reaches the first probe height position P1.

[0122] In step S95, the sample dispensing probe is lowered to a second probe height position. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the sample dispensing drive unit 164 to start lowering the sample dispensing probe 161 at a relatively slow second speed V2.

[0123] In step S96, it is determined whether the tip of the sample dispensing probe is in contact with the liquid surface of the sample. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 detects and determines whether the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 is in contact with the liquid surface of the sample 111 based on the output signal of the first contact sensor 167a while the sample dispensing probe 161 is descending. If it is determined that the tip 161a is in contact with the liquid surface of the sample 111 (S96: Yes), the process proceeds to step S97. On the other hand, if it is determined that the tip 161a is not in contact with the liquid surface of the sample 111 (S96: No), the process returns to step S95, and the sample dispensing probe 161 continues to descend.

[0124] In step S97, the sample dispensing probe is lowered a second distance. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the sample dispensing drive unit 164 to lower the sample dispensing probe 161 a by a second distance d2 after the tip 161 a of the sample dispensing probe 161 contacts the liquid surface of the sample. This lowering brings the probe tip height position P to a second probe height position P2.

[0125] In step S98, the sample is aspirated. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the pump 165 to aspirate the amount of sample 111 required for analysis from the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161.

[0126] In step S99, the sample is discharged into the reaction vessel. Specifically, the reaction disk rotation control unit 192 of the reaction disk rotating device 19 controls the rotation position of the reaction disk 191 so that the designated reaction vessel 18 is located at a position where the sample 111 is discharged. In addition, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the sample dispensing drive unit 164 and the pump 165 to move the sample dispensing probe 161 to the sample discharge position and discharge the sample 111 into the designated reaction vessel 18. When dispensing the sample 111 into multiple reaction vessels 18, control of the suction of the sample 111, control of the rotation position of the reaction disk 191 (control of the positioning of the reaction vessel 18), and control of the discharge of the sample 111 are repeatedly performed.

[0127] The above describes the automated analyzer according to the first embodiment. Generally, the sample containers that can be used in an automated analyzer are limited to one or several specified sample containers with predetermined dimensions and shapes. When a specified sample container is used, the liquid level of the sample contained in the sample container can be predicted based on the dimensions and shape. If the liquid level of the sample can be predicted, the downward movement of the sample dispensing probe required for dispensing the sample can be controlled accurately and quickly, enabling high-speed analysis of the sample.

[0128] Therefore, in general, an automated analyzer stores in advance sample container information relating to the dimensions and shapes of specified sample containers. When a sample container to be used is identified, the analyzer determines parameters relating to the control of the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe when dispensing a sample, such as the first probe height position, based on the sample container information of the identified sample container.

[0129] On the other hand, in an automated analyzer, since the dimensions and shape of a non-standard sample container are unknown, it is not possible to determine the parameters for controlling the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe, and therefore it is not possible to respond to such a non-standard sample container. Therefore, the automated analyzer is configured to check the type of the sample container inserted before starting sample analysis, and if it is determined that the inserted sample container is a non-standard sample container, it outputs an error and stops the analysis process.

[0130] Furthermore, if an error is output due to an unspecified sample container, or if the occurrence of such an error needs to be prevented, the user must perform the cumbersome task of transferring the sample to a specified sample container and then loading it into the automatic analyzer.

[0131] Under such circumstances, the automated analyzer according to embodiment 1 performs calibration on the non-standard sample container and detects the inner height limit of the sample container. The automated analyzer can then determine parameters for controlling the downward movement of the sample dispensing probe when dispensing the sample, based on the detected inner height limit of the sample container, the input information such as the inner diameter of the sample container, the shape of the bottom (tip), and the estimated amount of sample in the sample container.

[0132] In other words, the automatic analyzer of embodiment 1 can handle even cases where a non-standard sample container is inserted, and can accurately and quickly control the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe when dispensing a sample.

[0133] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, the automated analyzer calibrates a sample container by bringing the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 into contact with the lower limit point k1 of the inside bottom of the sample container 11, thereby detecting the height position of the lower limit point k1. The automated analyzer then acquires information representing the height position PK of the inside lower limit point of the sample container as the liquid level position predictable information. In the second embodiment, the automated analyzer analyzes an image of the sample container 11 captured by an imaging device to acquire information representing the height position of the inside lower limit point of the sample container, the inner diameter of the sample container, the shape of the bottom of the sample container, and the like as the liquid level position predictable information.

[0134] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the main parts of an automatic analyzer according to embodiment 2. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, the automatic analyzer 1 has an imaging device 303 that captures images of the specimen containers 11 held in a rack 12. The imaging device 303 captures images of the specimen containers 11 to obtain images of the specimen containers 11.

[0135] The control unit 31 analyzes the image of the sample container 11 obtained by imaging. The control unit 31 detects the sample container inner lowest height position PK through the analysis, and acquires information representing the sample container inner lowest height position PK as liquid level position predictable information.

[0136] In addition, the control unit 31 may further detect the inner diameter DM of the specimen container or the bottom shape SH of the specimen container by analyzing the image, and obtain information representing the inner diameter DM of the specimen container, information representing the bottom shape SH of the specimen container, etc. as information that enables the liquid level position to be predicted.

[0137] The control unit 31, for example, inputs the above acquired information into each input field of the sample container registration screen as shown in FIG.

[0138] The imaging device 303 may be provided solely for detecting the specimen container inner lower limit height position PK, specimen container inner diameter DM, specimen container bottom shape SH, etc., but may also serve as an imaging device provided for another purpose. For example, the imaging device 303 may also serve as an imaging device provided for detecting abnormalities in the specimen 111 contained in the specimen container 11.

[0139] In this embodiment, the imaging device 303 and the control unit 31 are an example of the "information acquisition device" in the present application.

[0140] The automated analyzer according to the second embodiment can detect the sample container inner lowest height position PK for unregistered sample containers, such as sample containers with non-standard dimensions, in the same way as in the first embodiment. The automated analyzer can then determine the parameter used to control the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe 161, i.e., the first probe height position P1, based on the detected sample container inner lowest height position PK.

[0141] Furthermore, the automated analyzer according to the second embodiment can detect the sample container inner diameter DM or the sample container bottom shape SH of an unregistered sample container, such as a sample container with non-standard dimensions. The automated analyzer can then determine the parameter used to control the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe 161, i.e., the first probe height position P1, based on the detected sample container inner diameter DM or sample container bottom shape SH.

[0142] (Embodiment 3) The automated analyzer according to the third embodiment accesses the specimen container 11 in which the specimen 111 is accommodated, thereby obtaining information that enables prediction of the liquid level position.

[0143] Specifically, for example, the sample dispensing probe 161 is lowered until the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 touches the liquid surface of the sample 111. The control unit 31 detects the height position P of the probe tip at that time as the sample liquid surface position PS. The control unit 31 acquires information (liquid surface position information) representing the detected sample liquid surface position PS as liquid surface position predictable information.

[0144] The detected specimen liquid level height position PS is the height position of the liquid level of the specimen 111 actually contained in the specimen container 11. Therefore, the height position of the liquid level of the specimen 111 contained in the specimen container 11 can be predicted based on the detected specimen liquid level height position PS plus an error in the estimated specimen amount.

[0145] Furthermore, for example, the automatic analyzer has an imaging device (for example, an imaging device 303 as shown in FIG. 13) that images a specimen container 11 containing a specimen 111. The control unit 31 detects the specimen liquid level height position PS by analyzing the image obtained by imaging the specimen container 11 with the imaging device, and acquires information representing the specimen liquid level height position PS (liquid level position information) as liquid level position predictable information.

[0146] According to the automatic analyzer of embodiment 3, as in embodiment 1, for unregistered sample containers, such as sample containers of non-standard dimensions, the sample liquid level height position PS, which is the height position of the liquid level of the sample contained in the sample container, can be detected, and a parameter used to control the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe 161, i.e., the first probe height position P1, can be determined.

[0147] (Embodiment 4) The sample container information generated and registered in the automatic analyzer 1 may be made shareable with other automatic analyzers.

[0148] 14A and 14B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analysis system according to embodiment 4. Also, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks realized by a computer in embodiment 4.

[0149] The automatic analysis system according to the fourth embodiment is, for example, an automatic analysis system 2a having a configuration in which the automatic analysis device 1 and other automatic analysis devices 1a and 1b are communicatively connected to each other, as shown in Fig. 14A. Alternatively, the automatic analysis system according to the fourth embodiment is, for example, an automatic analysis system 2b having a configuration in which the automatic analysis device 1 and other automatic analysis devices 1a and 1b are communicatively connected to each other via an external computer 81, as shown in Fig. 14B.

[0150] 15, the computer 21 of the automatic analyzer 1 in embodiment 4 has, as functional blocks, a control unit 31, a specimen container information generation unit 32, a specimen container information registration unit 33, a specimen container information storage unit 34, and a specimen container selection reception unit 35, as well as a specimen container information transmission / reception unit 36. The specimen container information transmission / reception unit 36 ​​is an example of the "transmission device" in this application.

[0151] The sample container information transmitting and receiving unit 36 ​​transmits sample container information generated and registered in the automatic analyzer 1 to other automatic analyzers 1a, 1b, or to an external computer 81. The sample container information transmitting and receiving unit 36 ​​also receives sample container information generated and registered in the other automatic analyzers 1a, 1b. The sample container information registration unit 33 newly registers the sample container information received by the sample container information transmitting and receiving unit 36. The external computer 81 may simply act as an intermediary in the transmission and reception of sample container information, or may store and manage the sample container information and transmit it to the automatic analyzer 1 or the other automatic analyzers 1a, 1b as needed.

[0152] According to the automated analyzer systems 2a and 2b of embodiment 4, sample container information for unregistered sample containers, such as sample containers with non-standard dimensions, can be shared among multiple automated analyzers. That is, for sample containers that have been calibrated in one automated analyzer, the sample container information can also be used in other automated analyzers. This prevents duplicate calibration of unregistered sample containers in multiple automated analyzers, thereby saving the effort and time required for redundant calibration.

[0153] (Embodiment 5) In the first embodiment, the case where the sample container information is generated, registered, and stored using the computer 21 included in the automatic analyzer 1 has been exemplified, but it may also be performed using an external computer.

[0154] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analysis system according to embodiment 5. For example, as shown in Fig. 16, an automatic analysis system 3 according to embodiment 5 has a configuration in which an automatic analyzer 1 and other automatic analyzers 1a and 1b are connected to an external computer 81. The external computer may be a host computer that controls or manages multiple automatic analyzers, or may be a so-called cloud-based computer.

[0155] 16, the external computer 81 has a specimen container information generation unit 32, a specimen container information registration unit 33, and a specimen container information storage unit 34. In other words, the functions of generating, registering, and storing specimen container information are separated from the automatic analyzer and are provided in the external computer.

[0156] According to the automatic analysis system of embodiment 5, functions such as generating, registering, and storing specimen container information are performed by an external computer, eliminating the need to impose the processing burden associated with these functions on each automatic analyzer.

[0157] (Embodiment 6) The specimen containers to be used may be determined by the country, region, facility, etc. In such cases, a conceivable method is to store in the automatic analyzer 1 information indicating the correspondence between the usage environment conditions (specimen container usage environment conditions) of the country, region, facility, etc. and the type of specimen container to be used under those usage environment conditions, and identify the type of specimen container that corresponds to the specified usage environment conditions.

[0158] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks realized by a computer in embodiment 6. As shown in Fig. 17, the computer 21 of the automatic analyzer 1 in embodiment 6 has, as functional blocks, a control unit 31, a specimen container information generation unit 32, a specimen container information registration unit 33, a specimen container information storage unit 34, and a specimen container selection reception unit 35, as well as a specimen container usage environment storage unit 37. The specimen container usage environment storage unit 37 is an example of the "storage device" in this application.

[0159] The sample container usage environment storage unit 37 stores a table that associates usage environment conditions with the types of sample containers used under those usage environment conditions. The control unit 31 accepts a request to input usage environment conditions. Upon accepting the request to input usage environment conditions, the control unit 31 controls the display unit 23 to display a sample container list screen by usage environment condition.

[0160] 18 is a diagram showing an example of a sample container list screen by usage environment conditions. As shown in Fig. 18, the sample container list screen 70 by usage environment conditions includes, for example, a country designation field 71, a region designation field 72, a facility designation field 73, a sample container list display field 74, a "Select" button 75, and a "CLOSE" button 76.

[0161] The user can specify the usage environment conditions by specifying a country in a country specification field 71, a region in a region specification field 72, and a facility in a facility specification field 73. When the usage environment conditions are specified, the control unit 31 refers to the table stored in the sample container usage environment storage unit 37, and displays in a sample container list display field 74 a list of sample containers being used under the specified usage environment conditions and their sample container information.

[0162] The user can select the sample container to be actually used from the sample containers displayed in the sample container list display field 74. When the user selects a sample container and presses the "Select" button 75, the sample container selection receiving unit 35 receives the selection of the sample container. Based on the sample container information of the selected sample container, the control unit 31 determines parameters related to the control of the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe 161, i.e., the first probe height position P1.

[0163] According to the automatic analyzer of the sixth embodiment, parameters relating to the control of the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe can be determined simply by inputting the operating environment conditions, and calibration of the sample containers can be omitted.

[0164] (Embodiment 7) In this embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the transport device 13 transports the rack 12 to a position where calibration of the sample containers 11 is possible has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

[0165] For example, the automatic analyzer 1 may have a rotatable sample disk that holds multiple sample containers 11, and the control unit 31 may control the sample disk to rotate the sample disk holding the sample containers 11 to a rotational position where calibration of the sample containers 11 is possible.

[0166] Furthermore, for example, the automatic analyzer 1 may have a specimen container holding mechanism that is used exclusively when calibrating the specimen container 11, and the user may be able to hold the specimen container 11 in the specimen container holding mechanism.

[0167] (Embodiment 8) The program PG for causing the computer 21 included in the automatic analyzer 1 to function as the control unit 31, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program PG, are also embodiments of the present application.

[0168] When the processor 211 executes the program PG according to the eighth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0169] (Embodiment 9) The following automatic analysis method is also an embodiment of the present application. The automatic analysis method according to this embodiment is an automatic analysis method for an automatic analyzer including a holding mechanism for holding a specimen container containing a specimen, and a probe extending in a vertical direction for aspirating the specimen contained in the specimen container held by the holding mechanism and dispensing the specimen into a reaction vessel, the automatic analysis method including the steps of: an information acquisition device accessing the specimen container held by the holding mechanism or the specimen contained in the specimen container, and acquiring liquid level position predictable information that can be used to predict the liquid level position of the specimen when the specimen container containing the specimen is held in the holding mechanism; and a control device controlling, based on the acquired liquid level position predictable information, a downward movement of the probe when aspirating the specimen contained in the specimen container.

[0170] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. All of these fall within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, numerical values ​​and the like included in the text and figures are merely examples, and the use of different values ​​does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0171] For example, in the above embodiment, the height position PK of the lowest point k1 of the inside bottom of the specimen container 11 is detected, and information representing the height position PK is acquired as the liquid level position predictable information. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, as long as the information can predict the height position of the liquid contained in the specimen container 11. For example, information representing the inner and outer contour shapes and the respective dimensions or scales of the specimen container 11 may be acquired as the liquid level position predictable information by analyzing an image obtained by capturing an image of the specimen container 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 1 Automatic analyzer 1a Other automated analyzers 1b Other automated analyzers 11. Sample container 12 Rack (retention mechanism) 13 Transport device (holding mechanism) 14 Reagent containers 15 Reagent disc rotating device 16. Sample dispensing device (information acquisition device) 17 Reagent dispensing device 18 Reaction vessel 19 Reaction disk rotating device 20 Measuring part 21 Computer (control device) 22 Control section 23 Display section 24 Sample identification information reader 25 Interface 26 Reagent identification information reader 27 Temperature bath 28 A / D converters 29 Cleaning Equipment 31 Control unit (information acquisition device, control device) 32 Sample container information generation unit 33 Sample container information registration unit (registration device) 34 Sample container information storage unit 35. Sample container selection reception area 36. Sample container information transmitting and receiving unit (transmitting device) 37. Sample container usage environment memory unit (memory device) 81 External Computer 121 Bottom member 122 Support member 151 Reagent Disk 152 Reagent disk rotation control unit 161 Sample dispensing probe (probe) 161a Tip of sample dispensing probe 162 Horizontal support part 163 Vertical column 164 Sample dispensing drive unit 165 Pump 166 tubes 167a first contact sensor 167b Second contact sensor 168 Position Sensor 169 Sample dispensing control unit 171 Reagent dispensing probe 191 Reaction Disc 192 Reaction disk rotation control unit 201 Light source 202 Photometry section 211 processor 212 memory 213 Storage 214 Bus 303 Imaging device (information acquisition device) A1 Horizontal B1 Vertical direction d1 First distance d2 Second distance DM Sample container inner diameter (sample container inner diameter information) k1 Lower limit of the inside bottom of the sample container KA Sample volume (sample volume information) P Probe tip height position P0 Upper limit height position P1 First probe height position P2 Second probe height position PG Program PK Sample container inner lower limit height position (lower limit position information) PR Sample container outer lowest height position PS Sample liquid level position SH Sample container bottom shape (sample container bottom shape information) V1 First Speed V2 Second Speed

Claims

1. a holding mechanism for holding a sample container in which a sample is contained; a probe extending in a vertical direction and configured to aspirate the specimen contained in the specimen container held by the holding mechanism and dispense the specimen into a reaction container; an information acquisition device that acquires liquid level position predictable information that can be used to predict the liquid level of the sample when the sample container containing the sample is held by the holding mechanism; a control device that controls the lowering operation of the probe when aspirating the sample contained in the sample container based on the acquired liquid level position predictable information; Equipped with The liquid level position predictable information is lower limit position information indicating the height position of the lower limit of the inner bottom of the sample container, which is acquired by detecting the position of the probe when the tip of the probe descending inside the sample container comes into contact with the inner bottom of the sample container; and Sample container inner diameter information indicating the inner diameter of the sample container; specimen container bottom shape information representing the shape of the bottom of the specimen container; Specimen volume information that is specified based on the type of specimen or the type of analysis of the specimen set by a user and indicates the volume of the specimen contained in the specimen container; Including, Automatic analyzer.

2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, the sample container inner diameter information and the sample container bottom shape information are input and registered by the user; Automatic analyzer.

3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The sample container bottom shape information is information selected by the user from among a flat shape, a U-shape, and a V-shape. Automatic analyzer.

4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, a storage device; a registration device that stores sample container information obtained by associating the acquired liquid level position predictable information with sample container identification information in the storage device; Automatic analyzer.

5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, a transmitting device that transmits the registered sample container information to another automatic analyzer different from the automatic analyzer or to a computer connected to the other automatic analyzer; Automatic analyzer.

6. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The control device, during the lowering operation of the probe, the probe is lowered at a relatively fast first speed until the tip of the probe is positioned at a first height position above the liquid level of the sample contained in the sample container, and the probe is lowered at a relatively slow second speed until the tip of the probe is positioned at a second height position below the liquid level of the sample. Automatic analyzer.

7. A program for causing a computer to function as the information acquisition device and the control device in the automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 7.

9. a holding mechanism for holding a sample container in which a sample is contained; a probe extending in a vertical direction and configured to aspirate a sample contained in the sample container held by the holding mechanism and dispense the sample into a reaction container, an information acquisition device acquiring liquid level position predictable information that can be used to predict the liquid level of the sample when the sample container containing the sample is held by the holding mechanism; a step of controlling a downward movement of the probe when aspirating the sample contained in the sample container based on the acquired liquid level position predictable information by the control device, The liquid level position predictable information is lower limit position information indicating the height position of the lower limit of the inner bottom of the sample container, which is acquired by detecting the position of the probe when the tip of the probe descending inside the sample container comes into contact with the inner bottom of the sample container; and Sample container inner diameter information indicating the inner diameter of the sample container; specimen container bottom shape information representing the shape of the bottom of the specimen container; Specimen volume information that is specified based on the type of specimen or the type of analysis of the specimen set by a user and indicates the volume of the specimen contained in the specimen container; Including, Automatic analysis method.

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