Automated analyzer and method for reading information from the automated analyzer

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a specimen disk 114 which holds a specimen container 102 having, attached to an outer wall thereof, a first identifier 101 for storing information regarding contained liquid; a holding region 103A which is positioned in the specimen disk 114 and in which the specimen container 102 having the first identifier 101 attached thereto is set; a region 105A in which a second identifier 104 for storing information regarding an automatic analysis device 1 is set; and a reader 106 which has a reading range 111 including the holding region 103A and the region 105A and which is fixed so as to be able to read the information stored in the first identifier 101 and the second identifier 104. With this configuration, the present invention provides an automatic analysis device and a method for reading information on the automatic analysis device with which it is possible to reduce the installation area of the device over the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer and a method for reading information in an automatic analyzer.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a structure for reading an information recording medium attached to a reagent by bending light from a reader with a reflector. By this method, the mounting density is improved while maintaining the identification function of the reagent by barcode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to Patent Document 1, consideration is not given to simply reading two types of information such as a sample ID and a consumable ID.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer and a method for reading information in an automatic analyzer that can simply read a plurality of types of information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An automatic analyzer according to one aspect of the present invention includes a container holding unit that holds a container having a first identifier storing information related to a liquid to be accommodated attached to an outer wall thereof, a first identifier installation location located within the container holding unit where the container with the first identifier attached is installed, a second identifier installation location where a second identifier storing information related to the automatic analyzer is installed, and a reader whose reading range includes the first identifier installation location and the second identifier installation location and is fixed so as to be able to read information stored in the first identifier and the second identifier.An optical path branching section is installed between the reader and the first identifier installation location or the second identifier installation location, at least one of the two locations. Equipped with The reading range is such that at least one of the first identifier installation location and the second identifier installation location is directly optically readable. ru. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automated analyzer capable of concisely reading multiple types of information, and a method for reading information using the automated analyzer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of an automated analyzer. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating the configuration for information retrieval. [Figure 3A] A diagram illustrating one example of how to divide an image into sections. [Figure 3B] A diagram illustrating one example of how to divide an image into sections. [Figure 3C] A diagram illustrating one example of how to divide an image into sections. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram illustrating another example of an information reading configuration. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating an example of the information retrieval process. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating an example of the information retrieval process. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing the processing flow within region A in Figure 6. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram showing the information reading configuration of Example 2. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram showing the information reading configuration of Example 3. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram showing the information reading configuration of Example 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Examples of an automatic analyzer and a method for reading information in the automatic analyzer will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used in this specification, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these components may be omitted.

[0010] In the following examples, the liquid is a sample, the container to which the first identifier is attached is the sample container 102 that holds the sample, the container holding unit is the sample disk 114 that holds a plurality of sample containers 102, and the information related to the automatic analyzer 1 recorded in the second identifier will be described for the case where it is information related to the parts or numerical values of the automatic analyzer 1, but it is needless to say that it is not limited to this.

[0011] The liquid can be a reagent in addition to the sample. This reagent also includes system reagents and various consumables.

[0012] <Example 1> Example 1 of an automatic analyzer and a method for reading information in the automatic analyzer will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0013] First, the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the automatic analyzer.

[0014] The automatic analyzer 1 is a device for analyzing a sample using a reagent corresponding to a predetermined analysis item, and includes a sample disk 114, a sample dispensing mechanism 115, a reagent storage 116, a reagent dispensing mechanism 119, a reaction tank 120, a biochemical detection unit 121, a control unit 130, a UI unit 110, and the like.

[0015] The sample disk 114 has a structure in which the sample containers 102 are installed annularly. When dispensing the sample, the sample disk 114 rotates to transport the sample container 102 to the access position of the sample dispensing mechanism 115.

[0016] A first identifier 101, described later, is attached to the sample container 102. The code reader (hereinafter referred to as the reader) 106 reads the first identifier 101 and transmits the information of the first identifier 101 to the control unit 130.

[0017] The sample dispensing mechanism 115 consists of a rotational drive mechanism, an up-and-down drive mechanism, and a dispensing probe, and moves between the sample aspiration position and the sample dispensing position using these mechanisms.

[0018] The reagent storage cabinet 116 is a mechanism equipped with a cooling function for storing reagent packs containing reagents, and has a reagent disk 117 and a reagent pack holding section 118.

[0019] The reagent disc 117 has reagent pack holders 118 arranged in a ring shape, and is configured to hold multiple reagent packs. The reagent disc 117 has a rotation drive mechanism, which moves each reagent pack to a predetermined position on the circumference by rotational motion.

[0020] The reagent dispensing mechanism 119 consists of a rotation drive mechanism, an up-and-down drive mechanism, and a dispensing probe. The reagent dispensing mechanism 119 rotates and descends to a predetermined position of a reagent pack of a predetermined type on the reagent disk 117 and aspirates a predetermined amount of reagent. After aspirating the reagent, the reagent dispensing mechanism 119 rises. Next, it rotates and descends to a predetermined reaction cell on the reaction vessel 120 as the reagent discharge destination and discharges each reagent.

[0021] The reaction vessel 120 is kept at an appropriate temperature to promote the reaction between the sample and the reagent.

[0022] The following describes the biochemical analysis flow.

[0023] First, the sample dispensing mechanism 115 dispenses a predetermined amount of sample into a predetermined reaction cell on the reaction vessel 120. Then, the reaction vessel 120 rotates, moving the reaction cell from which the sample was dispensed to the access position of the reagent dispensing mechanism 119, and the reagent dispensing mechanism 119 dispenses a predetermined amount of reagent into the reaction cell from which the sample was dispensed.

[0024] Once the reaction process between the sample and reagents in the reaction vessel 120 is complete, the reaction vessel 120 rotates, moving the reaction cell containing the reaction solution after the reaction is complete to the installation position of the biochemical detection unit 121.

[0025] Subsequently, the reaction signal is measured by the biochemical detection unit 121.

[0026] The mechanism described above within the automated analyzer 1 is referred to as the analysis operation unit.

[0027] Furthermore, the automated analyzer 1 includes a control unit 130 and a UI unit 110 that control the operation of each instrument within the automated analyzer 1.

[0028] The control unit 130 is composed of, for example, a hardware board and a computer, and incorporates a storage device 132 such as a hard disk, a mechanism operation control unit 108, and an analysis operation control unit 109.

[0029] The memory device 132 stores control parameters and other information corresponding to each unit.

[0030] The control unit 130 may be configured as hardware using a dedicated circuit board, or as software executed on a computer. When configured as hardware, it can be realized by integrating multiple arithmetic units that perform processing on a wiring board, or within a semiconductor chip or package. When configured as software, it can be realized by equipping a computer with a high-speed general-purpose CPU and executing a program that performs the desired arithmetic processing. Existing devices can also be upgraded using a recording medium on which this program is stored. Furthermore, these devices, circuits, and computers are connected by a wired or wireless network, and data is transmitted and received as needed.

[0031] The UI unit 110 consists of a display device, such as a display, and input devices such as a mouse and keyboard.

[0032] Next, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 2 and subsequent figures. First, the configuration for reading information will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration for reading information.

[0033] As described above, a first identifier 101, such as a one-dimensional code (barcode), is affixed to the outer wall of the sample container 102, which contains a liquid such as a sample. In other words, the first identifier stores information related to the liquid it contains.

[0034] Furthermore, the container to which the first identifier is affixed is not limited to the sample container 102 containing the liquid as a sample, but may also be a container containing liquids such as reagents. In addition, the first identifier 101 can be a two-dimensional code as well as a one-dimensional code, and may be composed of semiconductor storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, etc.

[0035] The sample container 102 is fixed to one of the multiple holding areas 103A located within the sample disk 114. Multiple sample containers 102 may be held in the holding area 103A. The holding area 103A is not particularly limited and may be a rectangular prism-shaped structure capable of holding several items, or a disc-shaped structure capable of holding items circumferentially.

[0036] Additionally, a sensor 113 capable of determining the presence or absence of a container may be installed when reading with the reader 106. This sensor 113 can be an optical sensor such as a reflection, transmission, or imaging sensor, or an acoustic sensor, and may be located at the same position as the reading position of the reader 106.

[0037] Furthermore, objects 105, such as consumables used in the automatic analyzer 1 or parts of the device configuration, have a second identifier 104, such as a two-dimensional code that stores information related to the automatic analyzer 1, installed in area 105A.

[0038] Furthermore, the second identifier 104 does not need to be installed on the object 105; it may be displayed on a screen using a smart device, printed on paper or a label, etc. Similar to the first identifier 101, the second identifier 104 can be a 2D code or a 1D code, and may also be composed of semiconductor storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, etc.

[0039] In this embodiment, a reader 106 capable of reading information stored in the first identifier 101 located in the holding area 103A and the second identifier 104 located in area 105A is fixed in a predetermined position within the automatic analyzer 1. Furthermore, its reading range 111 is fixed to include the holding area 103A and area 105A. Preferably, the first identifier 101 and the second identifier 104 can be read simultaneously.

[0040] After reading is performed, the information of the first identifier 101 and the second identifier 104 is processed by the mechanism operation control unit 108 or the analysis operation control unit 109 and stored in the storage device 132, and the UI unit 110 displays the information related to them. The operation of the reader 106 is controlled by the mechanism operation control unit 108 or the analysis operation control unit 109.

[0041] The reading range 111 of the reader 106 allows at least one of the holding area 103A and area 105A to be read directly by optical means. In this embodiment, the second identifier 104 in area 105A is read directly by optical means, while a first optical path branching section 107, such as a mirror, is installed within the reading range 111 between the reader 106 and the holding area 103A. A portion of the optical path in the reading range 111 is bent to read the first identifier 101.

[0042] Furthermore, the first optical path branching section 107, which is installed within the reading range 111, can be installed in one or more locations between the reader 106 and the holding area 103A, or between the reader 106 and area 105A. It can be installed in one location between the reader 106 and area 105A where the second identifier 104 is located, or in two locations between the reader 106 and the holding area 103A and area 105A (the configuration of Embodiment 3, details of which will be described later).

[0043] Figures 3A to 3C schematically show examples of how the reader 106 divides the image into segments during imaging. In this embodiment, preferably, the reader 106 can simultaneously read the information stored in the first identifier 101 located in the holding area 103A and the second identifier 104 located in the area 105A. As shown in Figure 3A, the sample container 102 to which the first identifier 101 is attached and the object 105, such as a consumable to which the second identifier 104 is attached are captured in the same image area 301 during imaging.

[0044] Therefore, it is desirable that the image area 301 that is captured within the same image is divided into sections as set in the software's decode area setting 302. For example, in the first identifier information reading mode, which reads the information of the first identifier 101, it is desirable that the area 105A is set as the decode area as shown in Figure 3B, and in the second identifier information reading mode, which reads the information of the second identifier 104, the area 103A is set as the decode area as shown in Figure 3C, thereby switching the range of the reading area during the reading process.

[0045] Alternatively, reading may be performed simultaneously without setting a decode area.

[0046] Furthermore, it is desirable that the reader 106 allows the detection settings for reading to be changed between a first identifier information reading mode, which reads information from the first identifier 101, and a second identifier information reading mode, which reads information from the second identifier 104.

[0047] For example, when reading information from the first identifier 101 located in the holding region 103A, the reading is done via the first optical path branching section 107. This allows for adjustments such as increasing the exposure time or increasing the light intensity, compared to when reading information from the second identifier 104 located in region 105A.

[0048] It is preferable, but not limited to, that the mode switching between the first identifier information reading mode and the second identifier information reading mode be performed on a screen displayed on the UI unit 110.

[0049] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a cover installed at the second identifier reading position. A cover 402 is provided at the installation position of the second identifier 104. This cover 402 is installed to ensure the performance and safety of the reader, and may not be provided depending on the configuration.

[0050] A cover identifier 401 is affixed to the reader side of cover 402. This cover identifier 401 is read by the reader 106 at a certain point in the system, allowing confirmation that the cover is closed.

[0051] Next, the flow of reading the first identifier 101 will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of reading the first identifier 101. The following operations are controlled by the mechanism operation control unit 108.

[0052] When reading of the first identifier 101 begins, the sample disk 114 moves to its home position. This causes one of the multiple retention areas 103A located within the sample disk 114 to move to a position suitable for starting the read (S501). Here, the home position refers to a specific location, of which there is only one, defined for each movable mechanism. The sample disk 114 also has a home position. When the sample disk 114 is in its home position, one of the multiple retention areas 103A will be positioned in a location suitable for starting the read. Note that when the sample disk 114 is in its home position when reading of the first identifier 101 begins, the sample disk 114 does not move.

[0053] Next, the sensor 113 determines whether or not a sample container 102 is placed in the holding area 103A based on its sensor reading (S502). If there are any holding areas 103A where the presence or absence of a sample container 102 has not been checked (YES in S503), the sample disk 114 moves to the reading position for the next holding area 103A (S504). The system checks whether a container is placed in all holding areas 103A (NO in S503), and if it is determined that there are no sample containers 102 on the sample disk 114 (NO in S505), the process is completed. If there is at least one sample container 102 (YES in S505), the system moves to the home position (S506) and proceeds to S507. Note that if the sample disk 114 is in the home position at S505, S506 is unnecessary.

[0054] Next, it is determined whether the first identifier 101 could be read by processing S501 to S505 above, and whether the information of the first identifier 101 can be recorded (S507).

[0055] If it is determined that the data is readable and that the information can be recorded, the storage device 132 records the information of the corresponding first identifier 101 in addition to the installation location information of the sample container 102 in the holding area 103A (S508), displays the necessary information on the UI unit 110 (S509), and proceeds to S512.

[0056] In contrast, if it is determined in S507 that the data is unreadable or unrecordable, the device records the installation position information of the sample container 102 in the storage device 132 (S510), displays an alarm on the UI unit 110 indicating that there is an unreadable sample container 102 (S511), and proceeds to S512.

[0057] If it is determined in S503 that there is another sample container 102 in another holding area 103A, it is determined whether or not the first identifier 101 of the other sample container 102 also needs to be read consecutively (S512). If reading is necessary, the next container is moved to a position suitable for reading (S513), and then the process returns to S507 to continue reading. If reading is not necessary, the process is completed.

[0058] Next, the flow of reading the second identifier 104 will be explained using Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of reading the second identifier 104, and Figure 7 is a diagram showing a part of the flow in Figure 6.

[0059] In this embodiment, a cover 402 is provided at the second identifier reading position. As shown in Figure 6, the user opens the cover 402 when starting to read the second identifier 104 (S601). If a cover 402 is not provided, S601 is omitted.

[0060] Next, the user selects the reading mode for the second identifier 104 from the UI unit 110 or the like (S602). After that, the mechanism operation control unit 108 changes the settings of the reader 106 to the settings for reading the second identifier (S603). Note that it is not necessary to change the settings of the reader 106, and instead, preparatory mechanism operations for reading the second identifier 104 may be performed on the mechanism.

[0061] Next, the mechanism operation control unit 108 determines whether the second identifier 104 can be read and whether the information of the second identifier 104 can be recorded (S604). If it is determined that it can be read and the information can be recorded, the process proceeds to S605. On the other hand, if it is determined that it cannot be read or that the read information cannot be recorded, the process proceeds to S700.

[0062] As shown in Figure 7, S700 consists of the following steps.

[0063] First, after S604 shown in Figure 6, the mechanism operation control unit 108 displays the first error alarm indicating that reading is impossible on the UI unit 110 (S701), and proceeds to S702.

[0064] Subsequently, the mechanism operation control unit 108 performs another read after a certain period of time has elapsed (S702). Based on this second read, it determines whether the second identifier 104 can be read and whether the information of the second identifier 104 can be recorded (S703). If it is determined that it can be read and the information can be recorded, the process proceeds to S605. On the other hand, if it is determined that it cannot be read or that the read information cannot be recorded, the process proceeds to S704.

[0065] Next, the mechanism operation control unit 108 displays an alarm on the UI unit 110 indicating an abnormality in the reading state (S704), terminates the reading mode of the device's second identifier 104 (S705), and proceeds to S612.

[0066] Returning to Figure 6, the mechanism operation control unit 108 determines whether the second identifier 104 is different from the information of the cover identifier 401 (S605).

[0067] If it is determined in S605 that the information is the same as that of the cover identifier 401, the mechanism operation control unit 108 displays an alarm on the UI unit 110 indicating that the cover 402 is still attached and therefore unreadable (S606). If necessary, the settings are changed to read the first identifier (S607), and the process returns to S601. Alternatively, the settings of the reader 106 may not be changed, and preparatory mechanism operations for reading the first identifier 101 may be performed on the mechanism.

[0068] In response to this, if it is determined in S605 that the information is different from that of the cover identifier 401, the mechanism operation control unit 108 records the information of the second identifier 104 in the storage device 132 (S608), displays the recorded information on the UI unit 110 (S609), and then proceeds to S610.

[0069] Next, the mechanism operation control unit 108 determines whether or not to register multiple second identifiers 104 (S610). If it is determined that readings should be performed consecutively, the process returns to S604. If it is determined that readings do not need to be performed consecutively, the process proceeds to S611, and the UI unit 110 and the like terminate the second identifier reading mode (S611).

[0070] The user closes the cover 402 at the second identifier reading position, which was opened in S601 (S612). At this time, the mechanism operation control unit 108 determines whether the cover identifier 401 is readable in order to confirm that the cover 402 is properly reassembled (S613). If it is determined that reading is not possible, the mechanism operation control unit 108 displays an alarm on the UI unit 110 indicating that the cover 402 is not attached and therefore unreadable (S614), and returns to processing in S612.

[0071] In response to this, if it is determined in S613 that reading was possible, the mechanism operation control unit 108 may change the settings to read the first identifier and terminate (S615). The setting change of the reader 106 in S615 is not required, and a preparatory mechanism operation for reading the first identifier may be performed on the mechanism.

[0072] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0073] The automated analyzer 1 described above includes a sample disk 114 that holds a sample container 102 on which a first identifier 101 for storing information relating to the liquid to be contained is attached to its outer wall; a holding area 103A located within the sample disk 114 on which the sample container 102 with the first identifier 101 attached is placed; an area 105A on which a second identifier 104 for storing information relating to the automated analyzer 1 is placed; and a reader 106 whose reading range 111 includes the holding area 103A and the area 105A, and which is fixed so as to be able to read the information stored in the first identifier 101 and the second identifier 104.

[0074] According to this embodiment, even if multiple reading targets are placed at different reading positions, the field of view during reading can be divided and reading can be performed simultaneously. This reduces the mounting area of ​​the automatic analysis device 1 compared to conventional devices, enabling miniaturization of the device.

[0075] Furthermore, since at least one of the holding area 103A and area 105A in the reading range 111 is directly readable by optical means that there is no need to arrange multiple first optical path branching sections 107, etc., and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0076] Furthermore, by further providing a first optical path branching section 107 installed between the reader 106 and the holding area 103A or area 105A within the reading range 111, the degree of freedom in setting the holding area 103A and area 105A can be increased, and some constraints on the device layout can be alleviated.

[0077] Furthermore, since the reader 106 can change the detection settings for reading between the first identifier information reading mode, which reads information from the first identifier 101, and the second identifier information reading mode, which reads information from the second identifier 104, a single reader 106 can be configured to be suitable for reading the first identifier 101 and the second identifier 104, and the reading of information from either identifier can be performed with high accuracy.

[0078] <Example 2> The automated analyzer and the method for reading information in the automated analyzer of Example 2 will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the code reading unit in the automated analyzer according to the configuration of Example 2.

[0079] In this embodiment, the first optical path branching section 107 is not provided within the reading range 111A, and both the holding area 103B and area 105A can be directly read optically.

[0080] The other configurations and operations are substantially the same as those of the automated analyzer and the information reading method in the automated analyzer described in Example 1 above, and therefore details are omitted.

[0081] <Example 3> The automated analyzer and the method for reading information in the automated analyzer of Example 3 will be explained with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the code reading unit in the automated analyzer according to the configuration of Example 2.

[0082] In this embodiment, a first optical path branching section 107, like a mirror, is provided between the reader 106 and the holding area 103A within the reading range 111B, and a second optical path branching section 501, like a mirror, is also provided between the reader 106 and the area 105B where the second identifier 104 is located.

[0083] The other configurations and operations are substantially the same as those of the automated analyzer and the information reading method in the automated analyzer described in Example 1 above, and therefore details are omitted.

[0084] <Example 4> The automated analyzer and the method for reading information in the automated analyzer of Example 4 will be explained with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the code reading unit in the automated analyzer according to the configuration of Example 4.

[0085] In this embodiment, a second holding area 603 is provided, on which a containment container 602 substantially similar to the sample container 102 is installed, and a third identifier 601 for storing information related to the automatic analyzer 1 is affixed. Furthermore, the reading range 111C is fixed to include the holding area 103A, area 105A, and the second holding area 603, and within the reading range 111C, in addition to the first optical path branching section 107 such as a mirror, a third optical path branching section 604 is arranged.

[0086] Furthermore, the third optical path branching section 604 is connected to a drive unit 605 that moves the position of the third optical path branching section 604, so that the reading range 111C changes and either region 105A or the second holding region 603 is included in the reading range 111C. The second identifier 104 located in region 105A can be detected optically directly without going through the third optical path branching section 604, whereas the third identifier 601 located in the second holding region 603 can be detected via the third optical path branching section 604.

[0087] Furthermore, the movement method of the third optical path branch 604 is not limited to rotation as shown in Figure 10, but may also be movement such as up, down, left, or right.

[0088] The other configurations and operations are substantially the same as those of the automated analyzer and the method for reading information from the automated analyzer in Example 1, and therefore details are omitted.

[0089] Furthermore, the device includes a drive unit 605 that moves the position of the third optical path branch 604, and a second holding area 603 where a third identifier 601 that stores information related to the automatic analyzer 1 is installed. The reading range is fixed to include the holding area 103A, area 105A, and the second holding area 603. Since one or more of the holding area 103A, area 105A, and the second holding area 603 are included in the reading range 111C by the third optical path branch 604 whose position is moved by the drive unit 605, more identifier reading positions can be provided, and various types of information can be read by a single reader 106.

[0090] <Other> Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various other applications and modifications can be taken without departing from the gist of the invention as described in the claims.

[0091] For example, the reader 106 may be composed not only of an image-based reading method, but also of a different optical reading method such as a laser, or a reader capable of reading semiconductor storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, etc. Furthermore, these reading methods may be combined. In addition, the first optical path branching section 107, the second optical path branching section 501, and the third optical path branching section 604 may be composed of half mirrors, prisms, etc.

[0092] Furthermore, the divisions of the reading area can be freely set, and it may be divided into two or more sections.

[0093] Furthermore, the device may be configured to automatically perform the processing that the user currently performs when reading the second identifier in the above embodiment.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an automated analyzer may be configured by combining at least two of a plurality of detection units or mechanisms.

[0095] Furthermore, the configuration described in the above embodiment can also be applied to clinical testing equipment other than automated analyzers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1…Automatic analyzer 101...First identifier 102... Specimen container 103A, 103B...Retention area (first identifier installation location) 104...Second identifier 105...Object 105A, 105B... Area (Location of the second identifier) 106... Leader 107...First optical path branching point 108... Mechanism Operation Control Unit 109…Analysis and Motion Control Unit 110...UI section 111, 111A, 111B, 111C… Reading range 113...Sensor 114... Specimen disc (specimen holding section) 115... Specimen dispensing mechanism 116… Reagent storage cabinet 117… Reagent disk 118…Reagent pack holder 119… Reagent dispensing mechanism 120…Reaction vessel 121...Biochemical detection unit 130... Control Unit 132...Storage device 301…Image area 302...Settings 401... Cover identifier 402...cover 501...Second optical path branching point 601...Third identifier 602...Containment container 603...Second retention area (third identifier installation location) 604...Third optical path branching point 605…Drive unit

Claims

1. A container holding section that holds a container on which a first identifier for storing information about the liquid to be contained is affixed to its outer wall, A first identifier installation location located within the container holding section, where the container to which the first identifier is affixed is installed, The location where the second identifier, which stores information related to the automated analyzer, is installed, A reader whose reading range includes the location of the first identifier and the location of the second identifier, and which is fixed in a manner that allows it to read the information stored in the first identifier and the second identifier, The optical path branching section is installed between the reader and at least one of the first identifier installation location or the second identifier installation location, The reading range is such that at least one of the first identifier installation location and the second identifier installation location can be directly read optically.

2. A drive unit that moves the position of the optical path branching section, The system further includes a third identifier installation location where a third identifier for storing information related to an automated analyzer is installed, The reading range is fixed to include the first identifier installation location, the second identifier installation location, and the third identifier installation location. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the first identifier installation location, the second identifier installation location, and the third identifier installation location are included in the reading range by the optical path branching section whose position is moved by the drive unit.

3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the reader has a read detection setting that can be changed between a first identifier information reading mode for reading information of the first identifier and a second identifier information reading mode for reading information of the second identifier.

4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the automatic analyzer is information relating to the parts or numerical values ​​of the automatic analyzer.

5. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is a sample or a reagent.

6. The aforementioned liquid is a sample, The container is a sample container for holding the sample, The automatic analyzer according to claim 5, wherein the container holding unit is a sample holding unit that holds a plurality of sample containers.

7. A method for reading information stored in the first identifier and the second identifier in an automatic analyzer comprising: a first identifier installation location where a container is installed, located within a container holding section that holds a container on which a first identifier storing information relating to the liquid to be contained is affixed to the outer wall; a second identifier installation location where a second identifier storing information relating to an automatic analyzer is installed; a reader having a fixed reading range that allows at least one of the first identifier installation location and the second identifier installation location to be directly read optically; and an optical path branching section installed between the reader and at least one of the first identifier installation location or the second identifier installation location, wherein the automatic analyzer comprises: a first identifier installation location where a container is installed, located within a container holding section that holds a container on which a first identifier storing information relating to the liquid to be contained is affixed; a second identifier installation location where a second identifier storing information relating to an automatic analyzer is installed; a reader having a fixed reading range that allows at least one of the first identifier installation location and the second identifier installation location to be directly read optically; and an optical path branching section installed between the reader and the first identifier installation location or the second identifier installation location. An information reading method in an automated analyzer that allows reading the information stored in the first identifier and the second identifier without moving the reader.

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