Automatic analysis device

Abstract

To improve the measurement accuracy of an automatic analyzer.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer according to an embodiment comprises: a reaction tube installation unit on which reaction tubes are installed; a reaction tube conveying mechanism that conveys the reaction tubes; an imaging unit that is provided on the reaction tube conveying mechanism; and a first control unit that controls the reaction tube conveying mechanism to convey the reaction tubes to the reaction tube installation unit, and causes the imaging unit to pick up images of the reaction tubes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings relate to an automated analyzer. [Background technology]

[0002] An automated analyzer is a device that analyzes the components of a test sample corresponding to each test item by, for example, optically measuring a mixture obtained by mixing a test sample such as blood collected from a subject or a sample such as a standard sample for each test item with a reagent corresponding to each test item.

[0003] Conventionally, in automated analyzers, the light intensity of light-emitting units used for optical measurement has been adjusted by inserting multiple light intensity measuring jigs into a reaction disk on which reaction tubes are placed and adjusting the light intensity of multiple light-emitting units provided on the reaction disk. However, when multiple light intensity measuring jigs are used, the light intensity obtained from the light-emitting units is affected by individual differences in the light intensity measuring jigs, which can cause variations in the adjusted light intensity and lead to variations in the optical measurement results of the mixed liquid. For this reason, it is desirable to transport one light intensity measuring jig to the reaction disk, measure the light intensity of the light-emitting units provided on the reaction disk, and adjust the light intensity of each light-emitting unit.

[0004] Furthermore, in an automatic analyzer using disposable reaction tubes, all disposable reaction tubes supplied by a reaction tube supply unit are installed on a reaction disk and used for optical measurement of a mixed solution. However, some disposable reaction tubes supplied by the reaction tube supply unit may be contaminated with dust or may have chips and / or cracks. If such reaction tubes are used for measurement, normal measurement results may not be obtained. Therefore, it is desirable to determine whether a reaction tube containing dust or the like is usable for optical measurement before using it for optical measurement, and to not use a reaction tube determined to be unusable for optical measurement. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-145621 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 63-21139 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-26548 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to improve the measurement accuracy of an automatic analyzer. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The automated analyzer according to the embodiment includes a reaction tube setting part where a reaction tube is set, a reaction tube transport mechanism which transports the reaction tube, an imaging part provided in the reaction tube transport mechanism, and a first controller which controls the reaction tube transport mechanism to transport the reaction tube to the reaction tube setting part and to cause the imaging part to image the reaction tube. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analysis mechanism in the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the photometric unit included in the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a top view of the photometric unit included in the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5]FIG. 3 is a top view of another example of the photometric unit included in the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a measurement process executed by the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the relationship between the light receiving position of the imaging unit and the optical axis height of the light emitting unit in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a measurement process executed by an automatic analyzer according to a first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a measurement process executed by an automatic analyzer according to a first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the relationship between the amount of lowering of the light quantity measurement jig and the height of the optical axis of the light-emitting unit in the automatic analyzer according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analysis mechanism in the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a reaction tube imaging process executed by the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a case where a reaction tube is determined to be unusable in the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analysis mechanism in the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a used reaction tube imaging process executed by the automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a case where an abnormality occurs in a used reaction tube in the automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic analyzer will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be given only when necessary.

[0010] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. In this embodiment, the automatic analyzer is, for example, a blood coagulation analyzer. As shown in Fig. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment is configured to include an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, an output interface 6, a communication interface 7, a memory circuit 8, and a control circuit 9.

[0011] The analysis mechanism 2 generates a mixture by mixing a blood sample, which is a specimen from a subject, with a coagulation reagent, which is a reagent used for each test item. Depending on the test item, the analysis mechanism 2 also mixes a standard solution diluted at a predetermined ratio with the reagent used for that test item. The analysis mechanism 2 continuously measures the optical properties of the mixture of the blood sample and the reagent, or the mixture of the standard solution and the reagent. This measurement generates standard data, represented by, for example, transmitted light intensity, absorbance, scattered light intensity, etc., and test data.

[0012] The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that generates calibration data and analysis data related to the coagulation of blood samples by analyzing the standard data and test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. The analysis circuit 3, for example, reads an analysis program from the storage circuit 8 and analyzes the standard data and test data in accordance with the read analysis program. The analysis circuit 3 may also include a storage area for storing at least a portion of the data stored in the storage circuit 8.

[0013] The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 under the control of the control circuit 9. The drive mechanism 4 is realized by, for example, a gear, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, a lead screw, and the like.

[0014] The input interface 5 receives, for example, settings such as analytical parameters for each test item related to a blood sample for which measurement has been requested from a user or via the hospital network NW. The input interface 5 is realized, for example, by a mouse, a keyboard, and a touchpad, which inputs instructions by touching the operation surface. The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 9, converts operation instructions input by the user into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the control circuit 9. Note that in this specification, the input interface 5 is not limited to those having physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to operation instructions input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analyzer 1 and outputs the electrical signals to the control circuit 9 is also included as an example of the input interface 5.

[0015] The output interface 6 is connected to the control circuit 9 and outputs a signal supplied from the control circuit 9. The output interface 6 is realized by, for example, a display circuit, a printed circuit, an audio device, etc. Display circuits include, for example, CRT displays, liquid crystal displays, organic EL displays, LED displays, and plasma displays. The display circuit also includes a processing circuit that converts data representing a display object into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside. The printed circuit includes, for example, a printer, etc. The printed circuit also includes an output circuit that outputs data representing a print object to the outside. The audio device includes, for example, a speaker, etc. The audio device also includes an output circuit that outputs an audio signal to the outside.

[0016] The communication interface 7 is connected to, for example, an intra-hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 performs data communication with an HIS (Hospital Information System) via the intra-hospital network NW. Note that the communication interface 7 may also perform data communication with an HIS via a laboratory information system (LIS) connected to the intra-hospital network NW.

[0017] The memory circuit 8 is configured by a processor-readable recording medium such as a magnetic or optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The memory circuit 8 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single storage device. For example, the memory circuit 8 can be realized by multiple storage devices.

[0018] The memory circuitry 8 also stores an analysis program executed by the analysis circuitry 3 and a control program for realizing the functions of the control circuitry 9. The memory circuitry 8 stores the calibration data generated by the analysis circuitry 3 for each test item. The memory circuitry 8 stores the analysis data generated by the analysis circuitry 3 for each blood sample. The memory circuitry 8 stores test orders input by the user or test orders received by the communication interface 7 via the hospital network NW.

[0019] The control circuit 9 is a processor that functions as the core of the automatic analyzer 1. The control circuit 9 executes an operating program stored in the memory circuit 8 to realize a function corresponding to the operating program. The control circuit 9 may also include a storage area for storing at least a portion of the data stored in the memory circuit 8.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 in the automatic analyzer 1 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment is configured to include a reaction disk 201, a constant temperature unit 202, a rack sampler 203, and a reagent storage 204.

[0021] The reaction disk 201 holds a plurality of reaction tubes (cuvettes) 2011 arranged in a circle. The reaction disk 201 transports the reaction tubes 2011 along a predetermined path. Specifically, during the sample analysis operation, the reaction disk 201 is alternately rotated and stopped at predetermined time intervals by the drive mechanism 4. The reaction tubes 2011 are made of, for example, polypropylene (PP) or acrylic. This reaction disk 201 constitutes a reaction tube installation unit in this embodiment.

[0022] The thermostatic unit 202 stores a heat transfer medium set at a predetermined temperature, and increases the temperature of the mixture contained in the reaction tube 2011 by immersing the reaction tube 2011 in the stored heat transfer medium.

[0023] The rack sampler 203 movably supports a sample rack 2031 capable of holding a plurality of sample containers, and these sample containers contain blood samples, which are samples requested to be measured. In the example shown in Figure 2, the sample rack 2031 is capable of holding five sample containers in parallel.

[0024] The rack sampler 203 is provided with a transport area 2032 for transporting the sample rack 2031. That is, using this transport area 2032, the sample rack 2031 is transported from an input position where the sample rack 2031 is input to a recovery position where the sample rack 2031 is recovered after measurement has been completed. In the transport area 2032, a plurality of sample racks 2031 aligned in the longitudinal direction are moved in direction D1 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0025] The rack sampler 203 is also provided with a retraction region 2033 that retracts the sample rack 2031 from the transport region 2032 in order to move the sample container held in the sample rack 2031 to a predetermined sample aspiration position. The sample aspiration position is provided, for example, at a position where the rotational path of the sample dispensing probe 207 intersects with the movement path of the opening of the sample container supported by the rack sampler 203 and held in the sample rack 2031. In the retraction region 2033, the transported sample rack 2031 is moved in direction D2 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0026] The rack sampler 203 is also provided with a return area 2034 for returning the sample rack 2031, which holds the sample container into which the sample has been aspirated, to the transport area. In the return area 2034, the sample rack 2031 is moved in direction D3 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0027] The reagent storage 204 keeps a plurality of reagent containers 100, which contain standard solutions and reagents used in various test items performed on blood samples, cool and secure. A turntable is rotatably provided within the reagent storage 204. The turntable holds a plurality of reagent containers 100 arranged in a circular ring shape. In this embodiment, the reagent storage 204 is covered with a removable reagent cover, although this is not shown in FIG. 2 .

[0028] The analyzing mechanism 2 according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes a sample dispensing arm 206, a sample dispensing probe 207, a reagent dispensing arm 208, and a reagent dispensing probe 209.

[0029] The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the rack sampler 203. The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by a drive mechanism 4. The sample dispensing arm 206 holds a sample dispensing probe 207 at one end.

[0030] The sample dispensing probe 207 rotates along an arc-shaped rotational path in accordance with the rotation of the sample dispensing arm 206. A sample suction position for aspirating a sample from a sample container held in a sample rack 2031 on the rack sampler 203 is provided on this rotational path. In addition, a sample dispensing position for dispensing the sample aspirated by the sample dispensing probe 207 into a reaction tube 2011 is provided on the rotational path of the sample dispensing probe 207. The sample dispensing position corresponds to, for example, the intersection of the rotational path of the sample dispensing probe 207 and the movement path of the reaction tube 2011 held on the reaction disk 201.

[0031] The sample dispensing probe 207 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves up and down at the sample suction position or the sample dispensing position. The sample dispensing probe 207 also aspirates a sample from a sample container located directly below the sample suction position under the control of the control circuit 9. The sample dispensing probe 207 also dispenses the aspirated sample into a reaction tube 2011 located directly below the sample dispensing position under the control of the control circuit 9. The sample dispensing arm 206 and the sample dispensing probe 207 constitute an example of a dispensing mechanism in this embodiment.

[0032] The reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the reagent storage 204. The reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by a drive mechanism 4. The reagent dispensing arm 208 holds a reagent dispensing probe 209 at one end.

[0033] The reagent dispensing probe 209 rotates along an arc-shaped rotational path in accordance with the rotation of the reagent dispensing arm 208. A reagent aspirating position is provided on this rotational path. The reagent aspirating position is provided, for example, at a position where the rotational path of the reagent dispensing probe 209 intersects with the movement path of the opening of the reagent container 100, which is placed in an annular shape on the turntable of the reagent storage 204. In addition, a reagent dispensing position is set on the rotational path of the reagent dispensing probe 209 for dispensing the reagent aspirated by the reagent dispensing probe 209 into the reaction tube 2011. The reagent dispensing position corresponds to, for example, the intersection of the rotational path of the reagent dispensing probe 209 and the movement path of the reaction tube 2011 held on the reaction disk 201.

[0034] The reagent dispensing probe 209 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves up and down at a reagent aspirating position or a reagent dispensing position on the rotation orbit. The reagent dispensing probe 209 also aspirates reagent from a reagent container stopped at the reagent aspirating position under the control of the control circuit 9. The reagent dispensing probe 209 also dispenses the aspirated reagent into a reaction tube 2011 located directly below the reagent dispensing position under the control of the control circuit 9.

[0035] Furthermore, the analyzing mechanism 2 according to this embodiment includes a reaction tube transport arm 210, a reaction tube supply part 211, and a light quantity measuring jig 212.

[0036] The reaction tube transport arm 210 transports the reaction tube 2011 from the reaction tube supply unit 211 to the reaction disk 201 by the drive mechanism 4. For example, the reaction tube transport arm 210 includes a reaction tube holder 2101 for holding the reaction tube 2011 and a transport arm 2102 for rotating and moving the reaction tube holder 2101 up and down. The reaction tube transport arm 210 is also provided with an imaging unit 2103 for capturing an image of the reaction tube 2011. The reaction tube holder 2101 is, for example, a gripper. The transport arm 2102 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by the drive mechanism 4. The imaging unit 2103 captures an image of the reaction tube 2011 under the control of the control circuit 9. The imaging unit 2103 is, for example, an imaging sensor used to measure light intensity, etc. The imaging unit 2103 may be an imaging device such as a camera. The reaction tube transfer arm 210 is an example of a reaction tube transfer mechanism. The reaction tube transfer arm 210 may include any number of transfer arms 2102. For example, the reaction tube transfer arm 210 may be composed of two or more transfer arms.

[0037] The reaction tube transfer arm 210 according to this embodiment transfers the reaction tube 2011 from the reaction tube supply unit 211 to the reaction tube installation position on the reaction disk 201 so that the reaction tube holding unit 2101 of the reaction tube transfer arm 210 and the reaction tube 2011 held by the reaction tube holding unit 2101 or the light quantity measuring jig 212 held by the reaction tube holding unit 2101 pass through the transfer path. The transfer path of the reaction tube 2011 or the light quantity measuring jig 212 held by the reaction tube holding unit 2101 of the reaction tube transfer arm 210 is formed, for example, on an arc-shaped rotation path accompanying the rotation of the transfer arm 2102 around one end of the transfer arm 2102. The reaction tube installation position on the reaction disk 201 is, for example, a position where a rotation path, which is a transport path of the reaction tube 2011 on the reaction disk 201, intersects with a rotation path, which is a transport path of the reaction tube 2011 or the light quantity measurement jig 212 held by the reaction tube holder 2101. The reaction tube 2011 or the light quantity measurement jig 212 transported by the reaction tube transport arm 210 is installed at the reaction tube installation position on the reaction disk 201.

[0038] The reaction tube 2011 or the light quantity measuring jig 212 held by the reaction tube holder 2101 of the reaction tube transport arm 210 may be transported along any desired path. For example, the transport path of the reaction tube 2011 or the light quantity measuring jig 212 held by the reaction tube holder 2101 of the reaction tube transport arm 210 may be formed on an elliptical orbit, or may be a transport path having no specific shape.

[0039] The reaction tube supply part 211 supplies empty reaction tubes 2011. The reaction tube supply part 211 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The reaction tube supply part 211 is configured, for example, to include a reaction tube accommodation part 2111 and a reaction tube supply rail 2112. The reaction tube accommodation part 2111 accommodates, for example, a plurality of empty reaction tubes 2011. The reaction tube accommodation part 2111 supplies the empty reaction tubes 2011 to the reaction tube supply rail 2112 under the control of the control circuit 9. The reaction tube supply rail 2112 is provided, for example, inclined from the reaction tube accommodation part 2111 toward the reaction tube supply position. Therefore, the reaction tube 2011 slides on the reaction tube supply rail 2112 by gravity and moves to the reaction tube supply position. The reaction tube supply position is, for example, a position where a rotation path, which is a transport path of the reaction tube 2011 of the reaction tube holder 2101 of the reaction tube transport arm 210, intersects with a movement path of the reaction tube 2011 on the reaction tube supply rail 2042.

[0040] The light quantity measuring jig 212 is a jig used to measure the light quantity and optical axis height of a light-emitting unit of a photometric unit, which will be described later. The light quantity measuring jig 212 is configured to include, for example, a mirror 2121 and a mirror housing container 2122. The mirror 2121 is a member that reflects light irradiated from the light-emitting unit and guides it to the image capturing unit 2103 of the reaction tube transport arm 210. Note that the member that reflects light irradiated from the light-emitting unit and guides it to the image capturing unit 2103 of the reaction tube transport arm 210 is not limited to a mirror, and may be a light-reflecting member such as a prism. The mirror housing container 2122 is a container for housing the mirror 2121 and has, for example, the same shape as the reaction tube 2011.

[0041] The light quantity measurement jig 212 according to this embodiment is installed, for example, at a jig installation position of the analysis mechanism 2. This jig installation position is provided on a rotation path, which is a transport path of the reaction tube holder 2101 of the reaction tube transport arm 210. Note that in this embodiment, the light quantity measurement jig 212 is installed at the jig installation position of the analysis mechanism 2; however, the light quantity measurement jig 212 does not have to be installed at the jig installation position of the analysis mechanism 2. That is, the installation location of the light quantity measurement jig 212 is arbitrary, and for example, it may be installed (stored) at a location other than the jig installation position of the analysis mechanism 2 in the automatic analyzer 1, such as outside the automatic analyzer 1. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the light quantity measurement jig 212 will be described as being installed at the jig installation position of the analysis mechanism 2.

[0042] Furthermore, the analyzing mechanism 2 according to this embodiment is provided therein with photometric units, the number of which is equal to the number of reaction tubes 2011 that can be held on the reaction disk 201. These photometric units constitute the photometric section in this embodiment. FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the configuration of the photometric unit 213. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the positional relationship of each component when the photometric unit 213 is viewed from above the reaction disk 201. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the positional relationship of each component when the photometric unit 213 is viewed from the cross-sectional direction of the reaction disk 201.

[0043] The photometric unit 213 continuously measures optical property values ​​of a mixture of a sample and a reagent dispensed into the reaction tube 2011. In the analyzing mechanism 2 according to this embodiment, a plurality of photometric units 213 are provided. For example, the number of photometric units 213 provided is the same as the number of reaction tubes that can be held on the reaction disk 201. In other words, one photometric unit 213 is provided for one reaction tube held on the reaction disk 201. Since the configurations of the respective photometric units 213 are similar, one photometric unit 213 is shown as a representative in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0044] 3 and 4 includes, for example, a light-emitting part 2131 and photodetectors 2132 and 2133. For example, the photometry unit 213 includes the light-emitting part 2131 on the annular center side of the reaction tubes 2011 held in an annular shape by the reaction disk 201. The light-emitting part 2131 is provided so as to irradiate light toward the outside of the ring in which the reaction tubes 2011 are arranged.

[0045] The light-emitting unit 2131 generates light of two wavelengths. The light-emitting unit 2131 generates, for example, a first light having a long wavelength and a second light having a short wavelength. For example, the wavelength of the first light is within the red wavelength range of 620 to 750 nm, and the wavelength of the second light is within the purple to blue wavelength range of 380 to 495 nm. The wavelengths of the first and second light may each be within the red wavelength range of 620 to 750 nm. The light-emitting unit 2131 is realized by, for example, a multi-wavelength LED capable of generating light of multiple wavelengths, two LEDs each generating light of a predetermined wavelength, and a light source unit that transmits light of a desired wavelength from light of a wide wavelength range using a filter.

[0046] The light-emitting unit 2131 emits first and second lights under the control of the control circuit 9. Specifically, for example, the light-emitting unit 2131 alternately emits the first and second lights at a predetermined cycle. At this time, the light-emitting unit 2131 alternately emits the first and second lights at a cycle of, for example, 0.05 seconds, which is half of 0.1 seconds, which is the smallest measurement unit of coagulation. The light emitted from the light-emitting unit 2131 is incident on the reaction tube 2011.

[0047] The light-emitting unit 2131 may be configured to emit light of one wavelength designated by the control circuit 9. The light-emitting unit 2131 may also be configured to emit the first and second lights simultaneously. In this case, however, it is necessary to provide the photodetectors 2132 and 2133 with filters to filter out light of unnecessary wavelengths.

[0048] The photodetector 2132 is disposed at a position facing the light-emitting unit 2131 across the reaction tube 2011. Light emitted from the light-emitting unit 2131 enters the reaction tube 2011 from a first side wall and exits from a second side wall opposite to the first side wall. The photodetector 2132 detects the light emitted from the reaction tube 2011.

[0049] Specifically, for example, the photodetector 2132 detects light transmitted through a mixture of a standard solution and a reagent in the reaction tube 2011. The photodetector 2132 samples the detected light at predetermined time intervals, for example, at 0.1-second intervals, and generates standard data represented by transmitted light intensity, absorbance, or the like. The predetermined time intervals are synchronized, for example, with the frequency of generation of the first light. Note that the photodetector 2132 may detect only light of a wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the first light, for example. The photodetector 2132 also detects light transmitted through a mixture of a blood sample and a reagent in the reaction tube 2011. The photodetector 2132 samples the detected light at predetermined time intervals and generates test data represented by transmitted light intensity, absorbance, or the like. The photodetector 2132 outputs the generated standard data and test data to the analysis circuit 3.

[0050] The photodetector 2133 is disposed so that the irradiation axis of light from the light-emitting unit 2131 and the light-receiving axis of the photodetector 2133 intersect at approximately 90 degrees inside the reaction tube 2011. The light emitted from the light-emitting unit 2131 enters the reaction tube 2011 from a first side wall, is scattered by particles in the mixed liquid, and then exits from a third side wall adjacent to the first side wall and separated by 90 degrees. The photodetector 2133 detects the light emitted from the reaction tube 2011. The photodetector 2133 is, for example, an example of a scattered light receiving unit.

[0051] Specifically, for example, the photodetector 2133 detects light scattered by a mixture of a standard solution and a reagent in the reaction tube 2011. The photodetector 2133 samples the detected light at a predetermined time interval, for example, at 0.1 second intervals, and generates standard data represented by scattered light intensity or the like. The predetermined time interval is synchronized, for example, with the frequency of generation of the second light. Note that the photodetector 2133 may be configured to detect only light of a wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the second light, for example. The photodetector 2133 also detects light scattered by a mixture of a blood sample and a reagent in the reaction tube 2011. The photodetector 2133 samples the detected light at a predetermined time interval, and generates test data represented by scattered light intensity or the like. The photodetector 2133 outputs the generated standard data and test data to the analysis circuit 3.

[0052] The photodetectors 2132 and 2133 may output the detected light intensity as a detection signal to the analysis circuit 3. At this time, the analysis circuit 3 samples the detection signal at predetermined time intervals, for example, at 0.1 second intervals, and generates standard data and test data.

[0053] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration of the photometric unit 213 according to this embodiment. Similar to Fig. 3, Fig. 5 shows an example of the positional relationship of the components of the photometric unit 213 when viewed from above the reaction disk 201. The photometric unit 213 shown in Fig. 5 has two LEDs 51 and 52 as a light-emitting section 2131. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the light irradiation axis of the LED 52 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the light irradiation axis of the LED 51.

[0054] 3 and 4, the photodetector 2132 is disposed at a position facing the LED 51 across the reaction tube 2011. On the other hand, the photodetector 2133 is disposed in the reaction tube 2011 so that the irradiation axis of the light from the LED 52 and the light receiving axis of the photodetector 2133 intersect at approximately 90 degrees.

[0055] 1 executes a control program stored in the memory circuitry 8 to realize functions corresponding to the program. For example, the control circuit 9 executes the control program to have a system control function 91, a first control function 92, a measurement function 93, and a first report function 94. Note that, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the system control function 91, the first control function 92, the measurement function 93, and the first report function 94 are realized by a single processor, but this is not limiting. For example, the control circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and these various functions may be realized by each processor executing a control program.

[0056] The system control function 91 is a function that controls all parts of the automatic analyzer 1 based on input information input from the input interface 5. For example, in the system control function 91, the control circuit 9 controls the drive mechanism 4 and the analysis mechanism 2, thereby controlling the sample dispensing arm 206 and the reagent dispensing arm 208 to dispense samples and reagents into the reaction tubes 2011, and also controls the analysis circuit 3 to perform analysis according to the test items.

[0057] The first control function 92 is a function that controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 and the imaging unit 2103 provided on the reaction tube transport arm 210 by controlling the analyzing mechanism 2 and the drive mechanism 4. Specifically, the first control function 92 is a function that controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to transport the reaction tube 2011 from the reaction tube supply unit 211 to the reaction disk 201, and controls the imaging unit 2103 provided on the reaction tube transport arm 210 to capture an image of the reaction tube 2011. In addition, the first control function 92 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to transport the light quantity measuring jig 212 to the reaction disk 201.

[0058] The measurement function 93 is a function for measuring the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 and the height of the optical axis of the light-emitting unit 2131. Specifically, the measurement function 93 is a function for measuring the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 received by the imaging unit 2103 via the light intensity measurement jig 212 and the height of the optical axis of the light-emitting unit 2131, which is the height from the bottom surface of the light intensity measurement jig 212 to the optical axis of the light-emitting unit 2131, by controlling the photometric unit 213 and the like.

[0059] The first reporting function 94 is a function that reports to the user the measurement results of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 and the measurement results of the optical axis height of the light-emitting unit 2131. Specifically, the first reporting function 94 reports to the user, via the output interface 6, at least one of the measurement results of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 measured by the measurement function 93 and the measurement results of the optical axis height of the light-emitting unit 2131 measured by the measurement function 93.

[0060] The system control function 91, first control function 92, measurement function 93, and first reporting function 94 shown in Figure 1 respectively constitute the system control unit, first control unit, measurement unit, and first reporting unit in this embodiment.

[0061] 6 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of the measurement process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. In this measurement process, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 and the optical axis height of the light-emitting unit 2131 are measured, and the measurement results of the light intensity and the optical axis height are reported to the user. For example, this measurement process is executed at a timing specified by the user, such as before using the device every morning or once a week.

[0062] 6, first, the automatic analyzer 1 moves the reaction tube holder 2101 of the reaction tube transport arm 210 to the jig installation position (step S11). The process of moving the reaction tube holder 2101 to the jig installation position is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to move the reaction tube holder 2101 to the jig installation position.

[0063] When the light quantity measuring jig 212 is installed (stored) outside the automatic analyzer 1 or at a location other than the jig installation location of the analyzing mechanism 2 of the automatic analyzer 1, a user may install the light quantity measuring jig 212 at the jig installation location and hold it in the reaction tube holding part 2101. Alternatively, a user may carry the light quantity measuring jig 212 from the installation location to the reaction tube holding part 2101 and hold it in the reaction tube holding part 2101. When a user carries the light quantity measuring jig 212 from the installation location to the reaction tube holding part 2101, the reaction tube transport arm 210 does not need to move. That is, when the light quantity measuring jig 212 is installed (stored) outside the automatic analyzer 1 or at a location other than the jig installation location of the analyzing mechanism 2 of the automatic analyzer 1, step S11 may be omitted.

[0064] 6, the automatic analyzer 1 holds the light quantity measuring jig 212 (step S13). This process of holding the light quantity measuring jig 212 is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to hold the light quantity measuring jig 212 by the reaction tube holder 2101 at the jig installation position.

[0065] 6, the automatic analyzer 1 places the light quantity measuring jig 212 on the reaction disk 201 (step S15). This process of placing the jig on the reaction disk 201 is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to place the light quantity measuring jig 212 at the reaction tube placement position on the reaction disk 201.

[0066] 6, the automatic analyzer 1 causes the light-emitting unit 2131 to emit light (step S17). This process of causing the light-emitting unit 2131 to emit light is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 causes the light-emitting unit 2131 in which the light quantity measurement jig 212 is installed to emit light. Note that in step S17, the automatic analyzer 1 may cause the light-emitting unit 2131 in which the light quantity measurement jig 212 is installed to emit light, and may also cause the light-emitting unit 2131 in which the light quantity measurement jig 212 is not installed to emit light.

[0067] 6, the automatic analyzer 1 measures the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 (step S19). This process of measuring the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 is realized by the measurement function 93 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 measures the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 by having the image capturing unit 2103 of the reaction tube transport arm 210 receive the light irradiated by the light-emitting unit 2131 via the mirror 2121 of the light intensity measuring jig 212.

[0068] 6, the automatic analyzer 1 measures the optical axis height of the light-emitting unit 2131 (step S21). This process of measuring the optical axis height of the light-emitting unit 2131 is realized by the measurement function 93 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 measures the optical axis height of the light-emitting unit 2131 based on the light-receiving position, which is the position within the imaging unit 2103 where the imaging unit 2103 receives the light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 2131.

[0069] 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the relationship between the light-receiving position of the imaging unit 2103 and the optical axis height of the light-emitting unit 2131 in the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the light quantity measuring jig 212 installed at the reaction tube installation position of the reaction disk 201 reflects light emitted from the light-emitting unit 2131 by the mirror 2121, and causes the imaging unit 2103 to receive the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 2131. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7(a), if the position at which the light-emitting unit 2131 irradiates the mirror 2121 with light is below the mirror 2121 in the height direction, i.e., if the optical axis height H is low, the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 2131 will be irradiated to a position to the left of the center of the imaging unit 2103, i.e., a position (proximal) within the imaging unit 2103 that is close to the light-emitting unit 2131.

[0070] 7(b), when the position where the light-emitting unit 2131 irradiates the mirror 2121 with light is near the center of the mirror 2121 in the height direction, the light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 2131 is irradiated at the center position of the image-capturing unit 2103. Furthermore, when the position where the light-emitting unit 2131 irradiates the mirror 2121 with light is above the mirror 2121 in the height direction, i.e., when the optical axis height H is high, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 2131 is irradiated at a position to the right of the center of the image-capturing unit 2103, i.e., a position (distal) within the image-capturing unit 2103 that is far from the light-emitting unit 2131. In other words, there is a certain relationship between the light-receiving position of the image-capturing unit 2103 and the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the automated analyzer 1 can measure the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 based on the light-receiving position of the image-capturing unit 2103. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the reaction tube holder 2101 does not hold the light quantity measuring jig 212, but the automatic analyzer 1 may measure the optical axis height H in a state where the light quantity measuring jig 212 is held.

[0071] 6, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether the light intensity is outside a predetermined range (step S23). This determination of whether the light intensity is outside the predetermined range is achieved by the first reporting function 94 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether the measurement result of the light intensity measured in step S19 is outside the predetermined range.

[0072] If it is determined that the light intensity is not outside the predetermined range (step S23: No), the automatic analyzer 1 reports the measurement result of the light intensity and the fact that the measurement result of the light intensity is not outside the predetermined range (step S25). This reporting process is realized by the first reporting function 94 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 reports to the user via the output interface 6 that the measurement result of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 measured in step S19 and the measurement result of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 determined in step S23 are not outside the predetermined range, i.e., that the measurement result of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 determined in step S23 is within the predetermined range.

[0073] On the other hand, if it is determined that the light intensity is outside the predetermined range (step S23: Yes), the automatic analyzer 1 automatically adjusts the light intensity (step S27). This process of automatically adjusting the light intensity is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1, for example, automatically adjusts the gain of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 and measures the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 after the automatic adjustment.

[0074] 6, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether the light intensity after the automatic adjustment is outside a predetermined range (step S29). This process of determining whether it is outside the predetermined range is realized by the first reporting function 94 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether the measurement result of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 after the automatic adjustment measured in step S27 is outside the predetermined range.

[0075] Then, if the light intensity after the automatic adjustment in step S27 is not outside the predetermined range (step S29: No), the automatic analyzer 1 reports the measurement result of the light intensity after the automatic adjustment and the fact that the measurement result of the light intensity after the automatic adjustment is not outside the predetermined range (step S31). This reporting process is realized by the first reporting function 94 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 reports to the user via the output interface 6 that the measurement result of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 after the automatic adjustment measured in step S27 and the measurement result of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 after the automatic adjustment determined in step S29 are not outside the predetermined range, that is, that the measurement result of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 after the automatic adjustment determined in step S29 is within the predetermined range.

[0076] On the other hand, if the light intensity after the automatic adjustment is outside the predetermined range (step S29: Yes), the automatic analyzer 1 reports the measurement result of the light intensity after the automatic adjustment and the fact that the measurement result of the light intensity after the automatic adjustment is outside the predetermined range (step S33). This reporting process is realized by the first reporting function 94 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 reports to the user via the output interface 6 the measurement result of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 after the automatic adjustment measured in step S27 and the measurement result of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 after the automatic adjustment determined in step S39 that are outside the predetermined range. Furthermore, when reporting to the user that the measurement result of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 is outside the predetermined range, the automatic analyzer 1 may be configured to display a setting screen on the display circuit of the output interface 6 to prompt the user to set whether or not to use the reaction tube installation position of the reaction disk 201 where the measurement result of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 after the automatic adjustment is outside the predetermined range, and the automatic analyzer 1 may be configured to automatically set not to use the reaction tube installation position of the reaction disk 201 where the measurement result of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 after the automatic adjustment is outside the predetermined range.

[0077] 6, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether the optical axis height H is outside a predetermined range (step S35). This determination of whether it is outside the predetermined range is achieved by the first reporting function 94 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether the measurement result of the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 measured in step S21 is outside the predetermined range.

[0078] If the optical axis height H is not outside the predetermined range (step S35: No), the automatic analyzer 1 reports the measurement result of the optical axis height H and the fact that the measurement result of the optical axis height H is not outside the predetermined range (step S37). This reporting process is realized by the first reporting function 94 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 reports to the user via the output interface 6 that the measurement result of the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 measured in step S21 and the measurement result of the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 determined in step S35 are not outside the predetermined range, that is, that the measurement result of the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 determined in step S35 is within the predetermined range.

[0079] On the other hand, if the optical axis height H is outside the predetermined range (step S35: Yes), the automatic analyzer 1 reports the measurement result of the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 and that the measurement result of the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 is outside the predetermined range (step S39). This process of reporting to the user is realized by the first reporting function 94 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 reports to the user via the output interface 6 that the measurement result of the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 measured in step S21 and the measurement result of the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 determined in step S35 are outside the predetermined range. Furthermore, when reporting to the user that the measurement result of the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 is outside the predetermined range, the automatic analyzer 1 may be configured to display a setting screen on the display circuit of the output interface 6, which allows the user to set whether or not to use the reaction tube installation position of the reaction disk 201 where the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 is outside the predetermined range, and the automatic analyzer 1 may be configured to automatically set not to use the reaction tube installation position of the reaction disk 201 where the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 is outside the predetermined range.

[0080] 6, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether or not measurement of another light-emitting unit 2131 is necessary (step S41). The process of determining whether or not measurement of another light-emitting unit 2131 is necessary is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether or not measurement of another light-emitting unit 2131 is necessary depending on whether measurement of another light-emitting unit 2131 has been completed.

[0081] Then, if measurement of another light-emitting unit 2131 is required (step S41: Yes), the automatic analyzer 1 holds the light quantity measuring jig 212 (step S43). The process of holding the light quantity measuring jig 212 is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to hold the light quantity measuring jig 212 installed at the reaction tube installation position on the reaction disk 201 using the reaction tube holder 2101.

[0082] 6, the automatic analyzer 1 places the light quantity measurement jig 212 on the reaction disk 201 (step S45). This process of placing on the reaction disk 201 is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to transport the light quantity measurement jig 212 to measure another light-emitting part 2131, and places the light quantity measurement jig 212 at the next reaction tube installation position on the reaction disk 201. Then, the process returns to step S17, and the process from step S17 is repeated.

[0083] On the other hand, if it is determined that the other light-emitting parts 2131 are not to be measured (step S41: No), the automatic analyzer 1 executes step S41 to end the measurement process according to this embodiment.

[0084] As described above, according to the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment, the reaction tube transport arm 210 is controlled to transport one light quantity measurement jig 212 to the reaction disk 201, and the light quantities of the plurality of light-emitting units 2131 provided on the reaction disk 201 and the optical axis heights H of the light-emitting units 2131 are measured by the one light quantity measurement jig 212, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the automatic analyzer 1. That is, by using one light quantity measurement jig 212, the automatic analyzer 1 is not affected by individual differences in the light quantity measurement jig, so there is no variation in the adjusted light quantity of the light-emitting unit 2131, and it is possible to reduce the possibility of variation in the measurement results of the light quantities of the plurality of light-emitting units 2131 and the measurement results of the optical axis heights H of the light-emitting units 2131.

[0085] [Modification 1 of the First Embodiment] In the automated analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 is measured based on the light-receiving position at which the imaging unit 2103 receives light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 2131, but it is also possible to measure the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 based on the amount of descent of the light quantity measuring jig 212 when the imaging unit 2103 receives light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 2131 at a predetermined position within the imaging unit 2103. Hereinafter, the case where this modification is applied to the first embodiment will be referred to as Modification 1, and differences from the first embodiment described above will be described.

[0086] The functional configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first modification of the first embodiment is the same as that shown in Fig. 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first modification of the first embodiment is the same as that shown in Fig. 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the configuration of the photometric unit 213 in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first modification of the first embodiment is the same as that shown in Figs. 3 and 4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] 8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating the contents of the measurement process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first modification of the first embodiment, and correspond to Fig. 6 in the first embodiment described above. Note that the processes in steps S11 and S13 shown in Fig. 8 are the same as those in Fig. 6 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0088] Next, as shown in Fig. 8, the automatic analyzer 1 transports the light quantity measurement jig 212 above the reaction disk 201 (step S51). This process of transporting the jig above the reaction disk 201 is realized by the first control function 92 of the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to transport the light quantity measurement jig 212 above the reaction tube installation position on the reaction disk 201. Note that the process of step S17 shown in Fig. 8 is the same as that in Fig. 6 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] 8, the automatic analyzer 1 lowers the light quantity measurement jig 212 (step S53). The process of lowering the light quantity measurement jig 212 is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to lower the light quantity measurement jig 212 at the reaction tube installation position on the reaction disk 201.

[0090] 8, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether light has been received at a predetermined position within the imaging unit 2103 (step S55). The process of determining whether light has been received at a predetermined position within the imaging unit 2103 is realized by a first control function in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether the imaging unit 2103 has received light irradiated from the light emitting unit 2131 at a predetermined position within the imaging unit 2103.

[0091] 8, if the imaging unit 2103 does not receive the light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 2131 at a predetermined position within the imaging unit 2103 (step S55: No), the process returns to step S53 described above, and the automatic analyzer 1 waits while repeating the processes from step S35. That is, the automatic analyzer 1 waits until the imaging unit 2103 receives the light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 2131 at a predetermined position within the imaging unit 2103, while controlling the reaction tube transport arm 210 to lower the light quantity measuring jig 212.

[0092] On the other hand, in step S55, if the imaging unit 2103 receives the light irradiated from the light emitting unit 2131 at a predetermined position within the imaging unit 2103 (step S55: Yes), the automatic analyzer 1 acquires the amount of descent of the light quantity measurement jig 212 (step S57). The process of acquiring this amount of descent is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 acquires the amount of descent of the light quantity measurement jig 212 when the imaging unit 2103 receives the light irradiated from the light emitting unit 2131 at a predetermined position within the imaging unit 2103. Note that step S19 after step S39 is the same as in the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0093] 8, the automatic analyzer 1 measures the optical axis height H (step S59). The process of measuring the optical axis height H is realized by the measurement function 93 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 measures the optical axis height H based on the amount of descent of the light quantity measurement jig 212 acquired in step S57.

[0094] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the amount of descent of the light quantity measurement jig 212 and the height of the optical axis of the light-emitting unit 2131 in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first modification of the first embodiment. In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, a predetermined position P in the imaging unit 2103 is near the center of the imaging unit 2103. As illustrated in FIG. 10(a), the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 at the reaction tube installation position on the reaction disk 201 to lower the light quantity measurement jig 212 so as to install it on the reaction disk 201. In the example illustrated in FIG. 10(a), the imaging unit 2103 does not receive light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 2131. That is, the light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 2131 is not irradiated onto the mirror 2121 of the light quantity measurement jig 212.

[0095] Next, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to further lower the light quantity measuring jig 212 at the reaction tube installation position of the reaction disk 201. In the example shown in FIG. 10(b), light emitted from the light-emitting unit 2131 is irradiated onto the mirror 2121 of the light quantity measuring jig 212, and the mirror 2121 reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 2131 to the imaging unit 2103. The imaging unit 2103 receives the light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 2131 via the mirror 2121. However, the position where the imaging unit 2103 receives the light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 2131 is not the predetermined position P within the imaging unit 2103, so the automatic analyzer 1 further lowers the light quantity measuring jig 212.

[0096] Next, as shown in FIG. 10(c), the automatic analyzer 1 further lowers the light quantity measuring jig 212, and the light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 2131 is received at a predetermined position P in the imaging unit 2103 via the mirror 2121 of the light quantity measuring jig 212. At this time, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 at the reaction tube installation position on the reaction disk 201 to obtain a descent amount, which is the amount by which the light quantity measuring jig 212 has been lowered. Then, based on this descent amount, the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 is measured. Note that when the imaging unit 2103 receives the light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 2131 at the predetermined position P in the imaging unit 2103, the light quantity measuring jig 212 may be installed on the reaction disk 201, or may not be installed on the reaction disk 201, as shown in FIG. 10(c).

[0097] The processes from step S23 to step S43 shown in FIG. 9 after step S59 are the same as those in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0098] 9, the automatic analyzer 1 transports the light quantity measurement jig 212 above the reaction disk 201. This process of transporting the jig above the reaction disk 201 is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to transport the light quantity measurement jig 212 and install the light quantity measurement jig 212 at the reaction tube installation position of the next light-emitting unit 2131. Then, the process returns to step S17 and repeats the process from step S17.

[0099] On the other hand, if it is determined that the other light-emitting parts 2131 are not to be measured (step S41: No), the automatic analyzer 1 executes step S41 to end the measurement process according to the first modification of this embodiment.

[0100] As described above, in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first modification of the first embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the reaction tube transport arm 210 is controlled to transport one light quantity measurement jig 212 to the reaction disk 201, and the light quantities of the plurality of light-emitting units 2131 provided on the reaction disk 201 and the optical axis height H of the light-emitting units 2131 are measured by the one light quantity measurement jig 212, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the automatic analyzer 1. That is, by using one light quantity measurement jig 212, the automatic analyzer 1 is not affected by individual differences in the light quantity measurement jig 212, so that there is no variation in the adjusted light quantity of the light-emitting unit 2131, and it is possible to reduce the possibility of variation in the measurement results of the light quantity of the light-emitting unit 2131 and the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131.

[0101] [Modification 2 of the First Embodiment] In the first embodiment and the first modification of the first embodiment described above, the automatic analyzer 1 measures both the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 and the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 and reports these measurement results to the user, but the automatic analyzer 1 according to the second modification of the first embodiment may measure either the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 2131 or the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 and report this to the user.

[0102] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to transport the light quantity measuring jig 212 to the reaction disk 201, and measures the light quantity of the light-emitting unit 2131 and the optical axis height H of the light-emitting unit 2131 using the imaging unit 2103. However, the imaging unit 2103 can be used for other purposes. Therefore, the automatic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to hold the reaction tubes 2011 supplied by the reaction tube supply unit, and determines whether the reaction tubes 2011 held by the reaction tube transport arm 210 are usable for testing based on the image captured by the imaging unit 2103, and discards the unusable reaction tubes 2011. Differences from the first embodiment described above will be described below.

[0103] Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to a second embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 1 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in Fig. 11, the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment is configured to include an analysis mechanism 2A, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, an output interface 6, a communication interface 7, a memory circuit 8, and a control circuit 9A. Note that the configurations of the analysis circuit 3, drive mechanism 4, input interface 5, output interface 6, communication interface 7, and memory circuit 8 of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0104] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2A in the automatic analyzer 1 shown in Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 12, the analysis mechanism 2A according to this embodiment is configured to include a reaction disk 201, a constant temperature unit 202, a rack sampler 203, a reagent storage 204, a sample dispensing arm 206, a sample dispensing probe 207, a reagent dispensing arm 208, and a reagent dispensing probe 209. Note that the configurations of the reaction disk 201, constant temperature unit 202, rack sampler 203, reagent storage 204, sample dispensing arm 206, sample dispensing probe 207, reagent dispensing arm 208, and reagent dispensing probe 209 of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0105] The analyzing mechanism 2A according to this embodiment includes a reaction tube transport arm 210, a reaction tube supply unit 211A, and a waste box 214. Although the light quantity measuring jig 212 is not shown in Fig. 12, the analyzing mechanism 2A according to the second embodiment may include the light quantity measuring jig 212, as in the first embodiment. The configuration of the reaction tube transport arm 210 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0106] The reaction tube supply unit 211A supplies empty reaction tubes 2011. The reaction tube supply unit 211A is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The reaction tube supply unit 211A according to this embodiment is configured, for example, to include a reaction tube accommodation unit 2111, a reaction tube supply rail 2112, and a light source unit 2113. The light source unit 2113 irradiates light onto the reaction tube 2011 to check whether the reaction tube 2011 has any foreign matter, cracks, or chips. Therefore, the light source unit 2113 is disposed at a position where it can irradiate light onto the reaction tube 2011 supplied to the reaction tube supply position. In the example shown in FIG. 12 , the light source unit 2113 is disposed directly below the reaction tube supply position on the reaction tube supply rail 2112, and irradiates light from the direction of the bottom of the reaction tube 2011. The configurations of the reaction tube accommodation unit 2111 and the reaction tube supply rail 2112 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0107] In the reaction tube supplying part 211A according to this embodiment, the light source part 2113 is arranged at a position where it can irradiate the reaction tubes 2011 supplied to the reaction tube supply position with light, but the arrangement position of the light source part 2113 is not limited thereto. That is, the arrangement position of the light source part 2113 is arbitrary, and for example, the light source part 2113 may be installed at a predetermined position on the rotation path, which is the transport path of the reaction tube transport arm 210.

[0108] 12 , the light source unit 2113 irradiates the reaction tube 2011 with light from the bottom side, but the direction in which the light source unit 2113 irradiates the reaction tube 2011 with light is not limited to the bottom side. That is, the direction in which the light source unit 2113 irradiates the reaction tube 2011 with light is arbitrary. For example, the light source unit 2113 may irradiate the reaction tube 2011 with light from the side or from the top side of the reaction tube 2011.

[0109] The waste box 214 is a box for storing reaction tubes 2011 to be discarded, such as used reaction tubes 2011 containing a mixture of a sample and a reagent or reaction tubes 2011 determined to be unusable. The waste box 214 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The reaction tube 2011 to be discarded is transported by the reaction tube transport arm 210 or the like to a reaction tube disposal position in the waste box 214, where the reaction tube is discarded. The reaction tube disposal position is, for example, a position where the opening of the waste box 214 intersects with a rotation path, which is a transport path for the reaction tube 2011 held by the reaction tube holder 2101 of the reaction tube transport arm 210. The waste box 214 constitutes a reaction tube disposal unit in this embodiment.

[0110] Furthermore, the analyzing mechanism 2A according to this embodiment is provided therein with photometric units 213, the number of which is equal to the number of reaction tubes 2011 that can be held on the reaction disk 201. These photometric units 213 constitute a photometric section in this embodiment. The configuration of these photometric units 213 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0111] The control circuit 9A shown in FIG. 11 executes a control program stored in the memory circuit 8 to realize functions corresponding to the program. For example, the control circuit 9A executes the control program to have a system control function 91, a first control function 92, a measurement function 93, a first reporting function 94, a first determination function 95, and a second reporting function 96. Note that in this embodiment, a case where the system control function 91, the first control function 92, the measurement function 93, the first reporting function 94, the first determination function 95, and the second reporting function 96 are realized by a single processor is described, but this is not limiting. For example, the control circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and these various functions may be realized by each processor executing a control program. Furthermore, the functions of the system control function 91, the first control function 92, the measurement function 93, and the first reporting function 94 in this embodiment are equivalent to the functions of the system control function 91, the first control function 92, the measurement function 93, and the first reporting function 94 shown in FIG. 1, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0112] The first determination function 95 is a function in which the first control function 92 controls the imaging unit 2103 to analyze the captured image of the reaction tube 2011, and determines whether the reaction tube 2011 is usable or not. Specifically, the first control function 92 controls the imaging unit 2103 to analyze the captured image of the reaction tube 2011 to determine whether the reaction tube 2011 is usable or not, by checking whether there is any foreign matter, cracks, chips, or the like in the reaction tube 2011.

[0113] When the first determination function 95 determines that the reaction tube 2011 is unusable, the second reporting function 96 reports to the user that the reaction tube 2011 will be discarded. Specifically, when the first determination function 95 determines that the reaction tube 2011 is unusable, the second reporting function 96 reports to the user via the output interface 6 that the reaction tube 2011 is unusable and therefore the reaction tube 2011 will be discarded.

[0114] The system control function 91, first control function 92, measurement function 93, first reporting function 94, first judgment function 95, and second reporting function 96 shown in Figure 11 respectively constitute the system control unit, first control unit, measurement unit, first reporting unit, first judgment unit, and second reporting unit in this embodiment.

[0115] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the reaction tube imaging process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. In this reaction tube imaging process, the reaction tube 2011 is imaged, the image is analyzed, and a report is sent to the user. If the reaction tube 2011 is unusable, the reaction tube is discarded. For example, this reaction tube imaging process is executed when the reaction tube transport arm 210 transports the reaction tube 2011 supplied to the reaction tube supply part 211A.

[0116] 13, first, the automatic analyzer 1 moves the reaction tube transport arm 210 to the reaction tube supply part 211A (step S71). This process of moving to the reaction tube supply part 211A is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9A. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to move the reaction tube holder 2101 of the reaction tube transport arm 210 to the reaction tube supply position of the reaction tube supply part 211A.

[0117] 13, the automatic analyzer 1 holds the reaction tube 2011 (step S73). This process of holding the reaction tube 2011 is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9A. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to hold the reaction tube 2011 supplied to the reaction tube supply position by the reaction tube holding part 2101 of the reaction tube transport arm 210.

[0118] 13, the automatic analyzer 1 causes the light source unit 2113 to emit light (step S75). This process of causing the light source unit 2113 to emit light is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9A.

[0119] 13 , the automatic analyzer 1 captures an image of the reaction tube 2011 (step S77). This process of capturing an image of the reaction tube 2011 is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9A. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the imaging unit 2103 so that the imaging unit 2103 captures an image of the reaction tube 2011 when the reaction tube transport arm 210 transports the reaction tube 2011. More specifically, at the reaction tube supply position where the light source unit 2113 is located, the first control function 92 irradiates the reaction tube 2011 held by the reaction tube transport arm 210 with light from the light source unit 2113, and causes the imaging unit 2103 to capture an image of the reaction tube 2011.

[0120] In step S77, the reaction tube 2011 was imaged by the imaging unit 2103 when the reaction tube 2011 was held by the reaction tube transport arm 210 at the reaction tube supply position, but the position at which the reaction tube 2011 is imaged is not limited to the reaction tube supply position. That is, the position at which the reaction tube 2011 is imaged may be any position, and for example, the position at which the reaction tube 2011 is imaged may be a position above the light source unit 2113 arranged at a predetermined position on the rotation path of the reaction tube transport arm 210, or may be an image at a position where the reaction tube 2011 is not irradiated with light from the light source unit 2113.

[0121] 13, the automatic analyzer 1 analyzes the captured image of the reaction tube 2011 (step S79). This process of analyzing the captured image is realized by the first determination function 95 in the control circuit 9A. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 analyzes whether or not there is any damage, such as a crack or a chip, in the captured image of the reaction tube 2011 captured in step S77.

[0122] 13 , the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether the reaction tube 2011 imaged in step S77 is usable (step S81). The process of determining whether the reaction tube 2011 is usable is achieved by the first determination function 95 in the control circuit 9. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether the reaction tube 2011 is usable based on the analysis result in step S79 of the image of the reaction tube 2011 imaged in step S77.

[0123] Then, in step S81, if it is determined that the reaction tube 2011 imaged in step S77 is usable (step S81: Yes), the automatic analyzer 1 transports the reaction tube 2011 to the reaction disk 201 (step S83). This process of transporting the reaction tube 2011 is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9A. More specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to transport the reaction tube 2011 held in step S73 to the reaction disk 201.

[0124] 13, the automatic analyzer 1 places the reaction tube 2011 on the reaction disk 201 (step S85). This process of placing the reaction tube on the reaction disk 201 is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9A. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to place the reaction tube 2011 at the reaction tube placement position on the reaction disk 201.

[0125] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S81 that the reaction tube 2011 imaged in step S77 is unusable (step S81: No), the automatic analyzer 1 notifies the user that the reaction tube 2011 will be discarded (step S87). This process of notifying the user is realized by the second reporting function 96 in the control circuit 9A. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 notifies the user via the output interface 6 that the reaction tube 2011 imaged in step S77 will be discarded.

[0126] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a case where a reaction tube 2011 is determined to be unusable in the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the reaction tube 2011 is held by the reaction tube holder 2101 of the reaction tube transport arm 210, and light emitted from the light source 2113 is irradiated from the bottom of the reaction tube 2011. The example shown in FIG. 14(a) shows an example where a foreign matter FM is mixed in the reaction tube 2011. The foreign matter FM is, for example, dust, dirt, or the like. When the foreign matter FM is mixed in the reaction tube 2011, the reaction tube 2011 is determined to be unusable. Furthermore, the example shown in FIG. 14(b) shows an example where the reaction tube 2011 has damage CR such as a crack or chip. When the reaction tube 2011 has damage CR, the reaction tube 2011 is determined to be unusable.

[0127] 13, the automatic analyzer 1 transports the reaction tube 2011 to the reaction tube disposal position (step S89). The process of transporting the reaction tube to this reaction tube disposal position is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9A. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to transport the reaction tube 2011 determined to be unusable in step S81 to the reaction tube disposal position in the disposal box 214.

[0128] 13, the automatic analyzer 1 discards the reaction tube 2011 (step S91). This process of discarding the reaction tube 2011 is realized by the first control function 92 in the control circuit 9A. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to store the reaction tube 2011 held in the reaction tube holder 2101 in the disposal box 214, thereby discarding the reaction tube 2011.

[0129] By executing step S85 or step S91, the reaction tube imaging process according to this embodiment is completed.

[0130] As described above, according to the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment, all of the reaction tubes 2011 supplied from the reaction tube supply unit 211A are imaged by the imaging unit 2103 before being placed on the reaction disk 201, and their usability is determined. Unusable reaction tubes 2011 are discarded without being placed on the reaction disk 201, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the automatic analyzer 1. That is, if the reaction tube 2011 contains dust or has a crack or chip, the automatic analyzer 1 determines that the reaction tube 2011 is unusable and discards the reaction tube 2011 without using it for testing. This reduces the possibility of obtaining incorrect measurement results due to the use of the reaction tube 2011 containing dust or having a chip and / or crack. This improves the measurement accuracy of the automatic analyzer 1.

[0131] Third Embodiment The automated analyzer 1 according to the third embodiment controls a reaction tube transport arm 210 to transport a used reaction tube (hereinafter referred to as a used reaction tube) 2011 containing a mixture of a sample and a reagent to a reaction tube disposal position, captures an image of the used reaction tube 2011, and analyzes the captured image of the used reaction tube 2011 to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the used reaction tube 2011, and if there is an abnormality, reports this to a user. The automated analyzer 1 according to the third embodiment can be implemented either additionally to the automated analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment and / or the second embodiment described above, or independently. Below, differences between the automated analyzer 1 according to the third embodiment and the first and second embodiments will be described assuming that the third embodiment is implemented independently of the first and second embodiments described above.

[0132] Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to a third embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 1 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in Fig. 15, the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment is configured to include an analysis mechanism 2B, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, an output interface 6, a communication interface 7, a memory circuit 8, and a control circuit 9B. Note that the configurations of the analysis circuit 3, drive mechanism 4, input interface 5, output interface 6, communication interface 7, and memory circuit 8 of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0133] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2B in the automatic analyzer 1 shown in Fig. 15. As shown in Fig. 16, the analysis mechanism 2B according to this embodiment is configured to include a reaction disk 201, a constant temperature unit 202, a rack sampler 203, a reagent storage 204, a sample dispensing arm 206, a sample dispensing probe 207, a reagent dispensing arm 208, and a reagent dispensing probe 209. Note that the configurations of the reaction disk 201, constant temperature unit 202, rack sampler 203, reagent storage 204, sample dispensing arm 206, sample dispensing probe 207, reagent dispensing arm 208, and reagent dispensing probe 209 of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0134] The analyzing mechanism 2B according to this embodiment includes a reaction tube transport arm 210 and a disposal box 214. Although the reaction tube supply unit 211 and the light quantity measuring jig 212 are not shown in Fig. 16, the analyzing mechanism 2B of the automated analyzer 1 according to the third embodiment may include the reaction tube supply unit 211 and the light quantity measuring jig 212, as in the first and second embodiments. The configuration of the disposal box 214 is the same as that in the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0135] The reaction tube transport arm 210 according to this embodiment transports the used reaction tube 2011 from the reaction tube installation position on the reaction disk 201 to the reaction tube disposal position in the disposal box 214 so that the reaction tube holder 2101 of the reaction tube transport arm 210 and the used reaction tube 2011 held by the reaction tube holder 2101 pass through the transport path. The other configurations of the reaction tube transport arm 210 are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0136] Furthermore, the analyzing mechanism 2B according to this embodiment is provided therein with photometric units 213, the number of which is equal to the number of reaction tubes 2011 that can be held on the reaction disk 201. These photometric units 213 constitute a photometric section in this embodiment. The configuration of these photometric units 213 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0137] The control circuit 9B shown in FIG. 15 executes a control program stored in the storage circuit 8 to realize functions corresponding to the program. For example, the control circuit 9B has a system control function 91, a second control function 97, a second determination function 98, and a third report function 99 by executing the control program. Note that in this embodiment, a case where the system control function 91, the second control function 97, the second determination function 98, and the third report function 99 are realized by a single processor is described, but this is not limiting. For example, the control circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and these various functions may be realized by each processor executing a control program. Furthermore, the functions of the system control function 91 in this embodiment are equivalent to the functions of the system control function 91 shown in FIG. 1, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0138] The second control function 97 is a function that controls the analysis mechanism 2B and the drive mechanism, thereby controlling the reaction tube transport arm 210 and the image capturing unit 2103 provided on the reaction tube transport arm 210. Specifically, the second control function 97 is a function that controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to take out the used reaction tube 2011 from the reaction disk 201 and transport it to a reaction tube disposal position in the disposal box 214, and to cause the image capturing unit 2103 of the reaction tube transport arm 210 to capture an image of the used reaction tube 2011.

[0139] The second determination function 98 is a function in which the second control function 97 controls the imaging unit 2103 to analyze the captured image of the used reaction tube 2011, and determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the used reaction tube 2011. Specifically, the second control function 97 controls the imaging unit 2103 to analyze whether or not there are bubbles or the like on the liquid surface of the used reaction tube 2011 in the captured image of the used reaction tube 2011, and determines whether or not there is an abnormality.

[0140] When the second determination function 98 determines that there is an abnormality in the used reaction tube 2011, the third reporting function 99 reports to the user that there is an abnormality in the used reaction tube 2011. Specifically, when the second determination function 98 determines that there is an abnormality in the used reaction tube 2011, the third reporting function 99 reports to the user that there is an abnormality in the used reaction tube 2011 via the output interface 6.

[0141] The system control function 91, second control function 97, second judgment function 98, and third reporting function 99 shown in Figure 15 respectively constitute the system control unit, second control unit, second judgment unit, and third reporting unit in this embodiment.

[0142] 17 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of the used reaction tube imaging process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. In this used reaction tube imaging process, the used reaction tube 2011 is imaged, the imaged image is analyzed, and the results are reported to the user. For example, this used reaction tube imaging process is executed when the reaction tube transport arm 210 transports the used reaction tube 2011.

[0143] 17, first, the automatic analyzer 1 moves the reaction tube transport arm 210 to the reaction disk 201 (step S101). The process of moving the reaction tube transport arm 210 to the reaction disk 201 is realized by the second control function 97 in the control circuit 9B. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to move the reaction tube holder 2101 of the reaction tube transport arm 210 to the reaction tube installation position on the reaction disk 201.

[0144] 17, the automatic analyzer 1 holds the used reaction tube 2011 (step S103). This process of holding the used reaction tube 2011 is realized by the second control function 97 in the control circuit 9B. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to hold the used reaction tube 2011 by the reaction tube holding part 2101 of the reaction tube transport arm 210.

[0145] 17, the automatic analyzer 1 captures an image of the used reaction tube 2011 (step S105). This process of capturing an image of the used reaction tube 2011 is realized by the second control function 97 in the control circuit 9B. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the imaging unit 2103 to capture an image of the used reaction tube 2011 when the reaction tube transport arm 210 transports the used reaction tube 2011.

[0146] 17, the automatic analyzer 1 analyzes the captured image of the used reaction tube 2011 (step S107). This process of analyzing the captured image is realized by the second determination function 98 in the control circuit 9B. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 analyzes whether or not there is an abnormality such as an air bubble in the captured image of the used reaction tube 2011 captured in step S105.

[0147] 17, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the used reaction tube 2011 (step S109). This determination process is realized by the second determination function 98 in the control circuit 9B. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the liquid level or the like in the used reaction tube 2011 based on the analysis result of the captured image of the used reaction tube 2011 in step S107.

[0148] Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a case where an abnormality occurs in the used reaction tube 2011 in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 18, the used reaction tube 2011 is held by the reaction tube holder 2101 of the reaction tube transport arm 210. In the example shown in Fig. 18, there are bubbles BU on the liquid surface of the used reaction tube 2011. When bubbles BU occur on the liquid surface of the used reaction tube 2011 in this way, the used reaction tube 2011 is determined to be abnormal.

[0149] Then, in step S109, if it is determined that there is an abnormality in the used reaction tube 2011 (step S109: Yes), the automatic analyzer 1 reports to the user that there is an abnormality in the used reaction tube (step S111). This reporting process is realized by the third reporting function 99 in the control circuit 9B. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 reports via the output interface 6 that there is an abnormality in the used reaction tube 2011 imaged in step S85.

[0150] After the process of step S111, or when it is determined in the above-mentioned step S109 that there is no abnormality in the used reaction tube 2011 (step S109: No), the automatic analyzer 1 transports the used reaction tube 2011 to a reaction tube disposal position (step S113). This process of transporting the used reaction tube 2011 to the reaction tube disposal position is realized by the second control function 97 in the control circuit 9B. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to transport the used reaction tube 2011 to the reaction tube disposal position in the disposal box 214.

[0151] 17, the automatic analyzer 1 discards the used reaction tube 2011 (step S115). This process of discarding the used reaction tube 2011 is realized by the second control function 97 in the control circuit 9B. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction tube transport arm 210 to store the reaction tube 2011 held in the reaction tube holder 2101 in the disposal box 214, thereby discarding the reaction tube 2011.

[0152] By executing step S115, the used reaction tube imaging process according to this embodiment is completed.

[0153] As described above, according to the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment, when the reaction tube transport arm 210 is controlled to transport the used reaction tube 2011 to the reaction tube disposal position, an image of the used reaction tube 2011 is taken to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the used reaction tube 2011. If there is an abnormality such as air bubbles on the liquid surface in the used reaction tube 2011, the user is notified of the abnormality in the used reaction tube 2011, so that the user can know whether an accurate measurement result has been obtained.

[0154] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). A processor realizes its functions by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. Instead of storing a program in a memory circuit, the processor may be configured to directly incorporate the program into its circuit. In this case, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. A processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may also be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its functions. Furthermore, multiple components may be integrated into a single processor to realize its functions.

[0155] Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel apparatus and method described herein may be embodied in various other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made to the forms of the apparatus and method described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms and modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1...automatic analyzer, 2, 2A, 2B...analysis mechanism, 3...analysis circuit, 4...drive mechanism, 5...input interface, 6...output interface, 7...communication interface, 8...memory circuit, 9, 9A, 9B...control circuit, 91...system control function, 92...first control function, 93...measurement function, 94...first reporting function, 95...first judgment function, 96...second reporting function, 97...second control function, 98...second judgment function, 99...third reporting function,

Claims

1. a reaction tube installation section in which a reaction tube is installed; a reaction tube transport mechanism for transporting the reaction tube; an imaging unit provided in the reaction tube transport mechanism; a first control unit which controls the reaction tube transport mechanism to transport the reaction tube to the reaction tube installation unit and causes the imaging unit to capture an image of the reaction tube; a light emitting unit that emits light so as to irradiate the reaction tube with light; a light quantity measuring tool used to measure the light quantity of the light emitting unit; a measuring unit in the reaction tube installation unit that measures the amount of light received from the light-emitting unit via the light amount measuring jig using the imaging unit; a first reporting unit that reports a measurement result of the light amount of the light-emitting unit, and that reports that the measurement result of the light amount of the light-emitting unit is outside a predetermined range when the measurement result of the light amount of the light-emitting unit is outside a predetermined range; An automatic analyzer comprising:

2. 2. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the measurement unit measures a height of the optical axis of the light-emitting unit, which is a height from a bottom surface of the light quantity measurement jig to an optical axis of the light-emitting unit, based on a light-receiving position, which is a position within the imaging unit where the imaging unit receives the light irradiated from the light-emitting unit, in a state where the light quantity measurement jig is installed in the reaction tube installation unit.

3. 2. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, wherein, in a state where the light quantity measurement jig is transported above the reaction tube installation unit, the first control unit controls the reaction tube transport mechanism to lower the light quantity measurement jig, while the measurement unit measures a height of the optical axis of the light-emitting unit, which is a height from a bottom surface of the light quantity measurement jig to the optical axis of the light-emitting unit, based on an amount of lowering of the light quantity measurement jig when the imaging unit receives light irradiated from the light-emitting unit at a predetermined position within the imaging unit.

4. An automatic analysis device as described in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the first reporting unit reports the measurement results of the optical axis height of the light-emitting unit.

5. 5. The automated analyzer according to claim 4, wherein the first reporting unit reports that the measurement result of the optical axis height of the light-emitting unit is outside a predetermined range when the measurement result of the optical axis height of the light-emitting unit is outside a predetermined range.

6. 6. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit controls the imaging unit to capture an image of the reaction tube when the reaction tube transport mechanism transports the reaction tube.

7. 7. The automated analyzer according to claim 6, further comprising a first determination unit configured to control the imaging unit to analyze an image of the reaction tube captured by the first control unit and determine whether the reaction tube is usable or not.

8. 8. The automated analyzer according to claim 7, wherein, when the first determination unit determines that the reaction tube is usable, the first controller controls the reaction tube transport mechanism to transport the reaction tube to the reaction tube installation unit.

9. 9. The automated analyzer according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, when the first determination unit determines that the reaction tube is unusable, the first controller controls the reaction tube transport mechanism to transport the reaction tube to a reaction tube discard position where the reaction tube is discarded.

10. 10. The automated analyzer according to claim 9, further comprising a second reporting unit that reports that the reaction tube is to be discarded when the first determining unit determines that the reaction tube is unusable.

Images