Specimen information detection device and specimen information detection method

Abstract

To provide a specimen information detection device and a specimen information detection method which can detect a state of a specimen with high accuracy and efficiency.SOLUTION: A specimen information detection device includes: an imaging unit for imaging a specimen container for storing a specimen; illuminating units for applying light to the specimen container from a direction intersecting with an imaging direction during the imaging; and an information processing section for detecting a state inside the specimen container by image processing on the basis of image information on the specimen container, which has been acquired by imaging the specimen container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a specimen information detection device and a specimen information detection method.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in processes such as various blood tests like biochemical analysis, an image of a specimen container is acquired as preprocessing, and the state of the specimen before the test is detected based on the image. The specimen container is made of a transparent material such as glass.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Labels with specimen information such as identification information are attached to the outer peripheral surfaces of many specimen containers. In this case, it is difficult to detect the state of the specimen in the container from an image of the outer appearance of the specimen container.

[0005] In such preprocessing before the test, it is required to detect the state of the specimen with high precision and high efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The specimen information detection device according to the embodiment is A label having a printing area is provided on the outer surface,The system comprises: an image acquisition unit comprising an imaging device for imaging a sample container containing a sample, and a side light for irradiating the sample container with light from a direction different from the imaging direction during imaging; an information processing unit that detects the chyle state, hemolysis state, or foreign matter presence state inside the sample container by image processing based on the image information of the sample container acquired by imaging the sample container; a label sensor that detects the orientation of the sample container by detecting the position of the edge of a label having a printed portion on the sample container; a position adjustment device that adjusts the orientation of the label attached to the outer surface of the sample container prior to imaging so that the printed portion of the label faces the back side in the imaging direction; and a chamber that houses the sample container and blocks external light during imaging. Huh, before The sidelight comprises a pair of LEDs positioned on both sides of the sample container at the imaging position, and the illumination light from the LEDs has a central angle of 60 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less relative to the center position of the sample container with respect to the imaging direction, and the image acquisition unit performs sidelight imaging by illuminating the sample container from both sides opposite to the imaging direction using the pair of LEDs within the chamber, and the light is illuminated from the pair of LEDs and incident into the sample container. Without passing through the aforementioned printing area The light reflected from the back of the label and transmitted through the sample is received by the imaging device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the specimen information detection device and specimen information detection method of the present invention, it is possible to detect the state of a specimen with high accuracy and efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A plan view showing the configuration of a sample information detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A side view showing the configuration of the sample information detection device. [Figure 3] An explanatory diagram showing a test tube and specimen according to the same embodiment. [Figure 4] A perspective view showing a part of the specimen information detection device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram showing the processing procedure of the sample processing method according to the same embodiment. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the positional relationships in the imaging process of the sample information detection method. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the positional relationships in the imaging process of the sample information detection method. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the sidelight image of a test tube from the sample information detection device and, as a comparative example, the backlight image. [Figure 9] Diagram illustrating the method for detecting sample information. [Figure 10] An explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an analytical apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] A process diagram illustrating the processing steps of the analytical device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a sample information detection device 10 and a sample information detection method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Note that the components in each figure are shown enlarged, reduced, or omitted as appropriate. The arrows X, Y, and Z in each figure indicate three orthogonal directions.

[0010] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams illustrating the specimen information detection device 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a test tube, which is a specimen container, and the specimen itself. The specimen information detection device 10 is a pre-testing device that detects the state of a specimen in advance of various testing processes such as biochemical analysis of the specimen, and is used, for example, as one of the pre-testing devices for an analytical instrument. In this embodiment, in addition to lipemia and hemolysis, the device detects foreign matter content such as fibrin and poor blood clot formation as factors that inhibit testing.

[0011] The specimen information detection device 10 includes a device main body 11, a conveyance unit 12 that conveys a test tube 25 (specimen container) along a predetermined conveyance path 20a (conveyance path), an image acquisition unit 14 that captures an image of the specimen to acquire image information, and an inspection inhibition factor detection unit 15 that performs inspection inhibition factor detection processing based on various images acquired by the image acquisition unit 14.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the conveyance unit 12 is a conveyor-type holder conveyance mechanism provided above the device main body 11. It includes a pair of guide rails 21 installed at a constant width along the conveyance path 20a extending in the X-axis direction in the figure, a conveyance belt 22 arranged across the conveyance path 20a between the guide rails 21, and a drive unit such as a conveyance roller that rotationally drives the back side of the conveyance belt 22 to send the conveyance belt 22. Further, the specimen information detection device 10 includes a reading unit 30 arranged at the pickup position P0 of the conveyance path 20a, and a transfer device 35 that transfers the test tube 25 between the pickup point P0 (pickup position) and the imaging point P1 (imaging position) on the conveyance path 20a.

[0013] The reading unit 30 includes a barcode reader 31 that detects information attached to a label 27 affixed to the test tube 25, a label sensor 32 that detects the position of the label 27, a rotation device 33 as a position adjustment device that rotates the test tube 25, and a position sensor 34 that detects the presence or absence of the test tube 25.

[0014] The barcode reader 31 reads, for example, the identification information represented on the label 27 of the test tube 25 on the conveyance path 20a.

[0015] The label sensor 32 detects the orientation of the test tube 25 by detecting the position of the edge 27d of the label 27 of the test tube 25.

[0016] The rotation device 33 rotates the test tube 25 on the conveyance path 20a to move the outer peripheral surface of the test tube 25 during the label reading process. Also, the rotation device 33 adjusts the rotation amount to adjust the orientation of the test tube 25 to a suitable orientation for imaging in the next process.

[0017] For example, the rotating device 33 includes a roller 33a that rotates while contacting the outer surface of the test tube 25 or the outer surface of the holder 24, and rotates the test tube 25 by the rotation of the roller 33a. The rotating device 33 is controlled by the control unit 18, and rotates at a predetermined timing and rotation amount, so that the entire circumference of the test tube 25 is sequentially read during the reading process by the reading unit 30, and at the same time, the posture of the test tube 25 is adjusted to a posture suitable for the imaging direction.

[0018] The transfer device 35 includes a robot arm. The transfer device 35 holds the test tube 25 on the transport path 20a in a standing state and transfers it to the imaging point P1 in the chamber 45 of the image acquisition unit 14, or takes out the test tube 25 from the chamber 45 after imaging and returns it to the transport path 20a.

[0019] The test tube 25 as a specimen container for accommodating the specimen 25a is held by the holder 24 and transported along the transport path 20a in a standing state. The holder 24 is engaged and supported between a pair of guide rails 21 and is transported along with the movement of the transport belt 22. Various processes are performed on the test tube 25 or the specimen 25a by each processing device provided along the transport path 20a. The test tube 25 is transferred from the transport path 20a to the imaging point P1 in the chamber 45 in a standing state by the transfer device 35, and imaging processing (photographing processing) is performed in the chamber 45. The test tube 45 after imaging is returned onto the transport path 20a again by the transfer device 35 and sent to the downstream side.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the test tube 25 is made of transparent glass or the like, and is configured such that the specimen inside can be visually recognized from the outside. The test tube 25 has a bottomed cylindrical shape having a cylindrical space for accommodating the specimen inside. For example, a label 27 is adhered to the outer peripheral side surface of the test tube 25.

[0021] The label 27 has a printed area 27a, such as a barcode, that displays various information, including identification information of the sample 25a. The label 27 is affixed to a part of the outer circumference of the test tube 25, covering a predetermined area of ​​the circumferential surface of the test tube 25. The pair of edges 27d, which are the circumferential ends of the label 27, are spaced apart, and the test tube 25 has an exposed area 27b on its outer circumference where the label 27 is not affixed. In the exposed area 27b, the sample inside the test tube 25 can be viewed from the outside through the transparent test tube 25.

[0022] Inside the test tube 25, the sample 25a is separated into three layers: a blood clot layer 25b, a separating agent (silicone) layer 25c, and a serum layer 25d, arranged in order from bottom to top. A first interface 25e is formed between the blood clot layer 25b and the separating agent layer 25c, a second interface 25f is formed between the separating agent layer 25c and the serum layer 25d, and a third interface, the sample liquid surface 25g, is formed on the serum layer 25d.

[0023] A region of the serum layer 25d is exposed over a predetermined width on the side circumference of the test tube 25. Here, as an example, we show a test tube 25 in which an exposed portion 27b is present in a part where the label 27 has not been applied beforehand. However, in other cases, a predetermined area of ​​the label 27 may be peeled off by other pretreatment to form the exposed portion 27b.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image acquisition unit 14 includes an imaging unit 41 (image detection means), which is an imaging device that captures the side of the test tube 25 to acquire image information of the specimen; a side light 42, which is an illumination device that irradiates light from the side in the imaging direction; and a chamber 45 that houses these.

[0025] The sidelights 42 consist of a pair of white LEDs positioned on both sides of the test tube 25 with the imaging unit 41 facing forward, and illuminate the test tube 25 from the side intersecting the image detection axis, which is the imaging direction of the test tube 25. In this embodiment, for example, the image detection axis is along the Y direction and the illumination direction is along the X direction, and they are perpendicular to each other. The sidelights 42 are composed of, for example, white LEDs, and illuminate the test tube 25 from the side. At the imaging point P1, the test tube 25 is set so that the exposed portion 27b is located behind the image source.

[0026] The imaging unit 41 (image detection means) is, for example, a CCD camera equipped with an image sensor, and is located on the side of the imaging point P1 in the transport path. The imaging unit 41 images the circumferential surface of the test tube 25, which is held in an upright position at the imaging point P1, from the side of the transport path, and acquires image information. The acquired image information is recorded in the storage unit 16 and sent to the data processing unit 17.

[0027] The chamber 45 is provided, for example, on the side of the transport path 20a. An imaging point P1 is provided at a predetermined position on the bottom of the chamber 45, and a holder 24 is installed thereon. The top surface of the chamber 45 is provided with a lid that can be opened and closed when inserting or removing the test tube 25.

[0028] The image information acquisition unit 14 operates in accordance with the control unit 18 and performs sidelight imaging at predetermined timings, which involves irradiating the image with light from both sides in directions different from the imaging direction.

[0029] The imaging unit 41 acquires image information of the sample 25a inside the transparent test tube 25 by illuminating the test tube 25a from the side and imaging from the front during sidelight imaging. At this time, the optical axis of the imaging unit 41 is aligned with the Y direction, while the optical axis of the illumination is aligned with the X direction. Therefore, the optical axis of the imaging unit 41 and the optical axis of the illumination are in different directions. For example, the angle between the optical axis of the imaging unit 41 and the optical axis of the illumination is between 60 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0030] The imaging unit 41 and the side light 42 are positioned such that, for example, light from the side light 42 enters the test tube 25 through the exposed portion 27b, and the incident light is reflected off the inner wall of the test tube 25, so that it does not pass through the printed portion 27a of the label 27 and is incident on the imaging unit 41. As an example, the side light 42 is positioned in a range where the central angle with respect to the imaging direction, with respect to the center of the test tube 25, is between 45 degrees and 90 degrees. Preferably, the side light 42 is positioned in a range where the central angle with respect to the imaging direction, with respect to the center of the test tube 25, is between 60 degrees and 90 degrees. With this positional relationship, light emitted from the side light 42 enters the test tube 25 through the exposed portion 27b, and the light is reflected around the back surface of the label 27 attached to the circumferential surface of the test tube 25, acting as a reflector, so that the light that does not pass through the printed portion 27a on the surface of the label 27 can be detected and imaged.

[0031] In addition to the image acquisition unit 14, the inspection inhibiting factor detection unit 15 is configured to include a storage unit 16 (storage means) for storing various data including image information, a data processing unit 17 (information processing unit) for performing data processing such as calculations and judgments including image processing based on the various data, and a control unit 18 (control means) for controlling the operation of each unit.

[0032] The sample information detection method according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the sample information detection device. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the processing procedure of the sample processing method. Figures 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams showing the positional relationships in the imaging process.

[0033] In step ST1, the control unit 18 holds the test tube 25, which is moving along the transport path 20a, at the pickup point P0 using the transfer device 35 and places it in the imaging point P1 inside the chamber 45. As a pre-processing step for the setting process, the control unit 18 first reads the identification information of the label 27 using the barcode reader 31, detects the edge position using the label sensor 32, and rotates the test tube 25 using the rotating device 33. For example, when reading with the barcode reader 31, the control unit 18 detects the position of the edge 27d of the label 27 on the test tube 25 on the transport path 20a using the label sensor 32, and adjusts the orientation of the test tube 25 by adjusting the amount of rotation of the rotating device 33 based on the detected position information of the edge 27d.

[0034] At this time, the test tube 25 is set in such a orientation that, in the subsequent imaging process, the light from the side light 42 enters the inside of the test tube 25 from the exposed part 27b, and the incident light is reflected off the inner wall of the test tube 25 so that it does not pass through the printed part 27a of the label 27 and enters the imaging unit 41. For example, the control unit 18 sets the test tube 25 in such a position that the exposed part 27b faces the camera and the printed part 27a of the label 27 faces the rear side in the imaging direction. Then, by transferring it using the transfer device 35, the test tube 25 is positioned in the imaging position of the chamber 45 with the exposed part 27b facing the camera. The lid is opened and closed at predetermined timings when the test tube 25 is inserted into and removed from the chamber 45, and the lid is closed during imaging to block the intrusion of external light.

[0035] As step ST2, the control unit 18 controls the image acquisition unit 14 to perform sidelight imaging. During sidelight imaging, the sidelight 42 illuminates the test tube 25 from both sides of the imaging surface, i.e., in this embodiment, in the X direction, and images of the upright test tube 25 are taken from the front side in the Y direction to acquire image information.

[0036] The control unit 18 stores the image acquired in step ST2 as the first image in the storage unit 16.

[0037] In sidelight imaging, light is shone from the side by the sidelight 42 at a preset light intensity, and imaging is performed by receiving the light that has passed through the sample 25a and sample 25. As shown in Figure 6, the light shone by the sidelight 42 enters the test tube 25 from the exposed part 27b and is reflected by the transparent peripheral wall surface to which the back surface of the label 27 is attached. That is, the back surface of the label 27, i.e., the inner curved surface that is not printed and has an adhesive layer, functions as a reflector, and the light reflected from the back surface of the label 27 passes through the serum. The imaging unit 41 then detects the light that has passed through the serum and obtains an image.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, for example, the image acquired by this sidelight imaging process has reduced influence from the printed portion 27a on the image because there is no printed portion 27a in the area through which the illumination light passes. Figure 7 shows the first image Im1 obtained by sidelight imaging with a pair of sidelights 42, and a backlight image Im2 obtained by backlight imaging with light irradiated from the back side as a comparative example. As shown in Figure 7, in backlight imaging, the label printing is reflected in the image because the direction of illumination and the direction of imaging are the same, but in sidelight imaging, the reflection of the label printing can be suppressed by making the direction of illumination and the direction of imaging different, resulting in an image in which only foreign objects stand out. Therefore, various measurement items can be detected with higher accuracy compared to backlight imaging.

[0039] Next, the control unit 18 performs boundary position detection processing by image processing based on the first image information to identify the area AR to be determined (step ST3). Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the data processing unit 17 detects line B1 indicating the sample liquid level 25g, line B2 indicating the first boundary surface 25e, line B3 indicating the second boundary surface 25f, and a pair of lines B4 indicating the edge of the test tube 25, and detects the coordinates as position information for each line. Then, the control unit 18 identifies the area AR to be determined based on the various position information obtained.

[0040] Specifically, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the area enclosed by line B1 representing the sample liquid level of 25g, line B2 representing the second interface surface 25f, and line B4 representing the edge of the test tube 25 is defined as the lipemia and hemolysis testing area AR1. In addition, the second determination target area AR2, enclosed by line B1 representing the sample liquid level of 25g, line B3 representing the second interface surface 25f, and line B4 representing the pair of edges, is defined as the target area for determining the presence or absence of foreign matter.

[0041] Next, image processing is used to determine whether or not the target region AR2 contains substances other than normal serum (foreign bodies), such as fibrin or poor blood clot formation, based on the contrast with the surrounding area (Step ST4).

[0042] Fibrin is a product of blood coagulation, a paste-like solidification of protein fibers (fibrinogen). In blood tests, red blood cells and fibrin are separated by centrifugation to obtain the supernatant serum. However, in conditions where coagulation is delayed, fibrin precipitation may not be complete during centrifugation, and may continue even after the serum has been separated. In this case, a gelatinous semi-solid substance will form in the serum, interfering with automated dispensing. Fibrin can be visible to the naked eye or not, and it comes in various forms. Fibrin is a translucent substance that floats in the serum, and its presence will result in differences in density in the serum area being tested.

[0043] "Poor blood clot formation" refers to a condition where, after centrifugation, insufficient movement of the separating agent occurs, resulting in the failure to form a separating agent layer between the serum (serum / plasma) layer and the blood clot (blood clot / blood cell) layer, thus preventing complete separation. In this case, similar to fibrin precipitation, it hinders automated dispensing.

[0044] In these foreign matter-containing states, a contrast is created with the surroundings. Therefore, in step ST4, as a foreign matter-containing state determination process, the contrast in the target area AR2 is detected by image analysis based on the first image information, and based on this contrast, if the contrast is above a predetermined value, it is determined that a foreign matter is present.

[0045] Furthermore, in step ST5, the data processing unit 17 performs hemolysis determination from the first image by image analysis. "Hemolysis" is a phenomenon in which hemoglobin inside red blood cells is leached out of the cells due to the breakdown of red blood cells. At this time, other components inside the red blood cells are also leached out, which affects test values, etc. In this embodiment, the hemolysis state is determined by utilizing the characteristic that serum turns red when hemolysis occurs.

[0046] For hemolysis detection, the data processing unit 17 detects the color information of the target area AR1. For example, the hue value (H) is measured using the HSV method. The data processing unit 17 then determines whether or not hemolysis is present based on the detected color information.

[0047] Furthermore, in step ST6, the data processing unit 17 determines whether the sample is chyle. "Chylery" refers to a state where fat is broken down and appears cloudy, or a state where fat is absorbed and appears cloudy. This chyle can sometimes prevent some blood test items from being measured accurately.

[0048] In a chyle state, the serum layer becomes cloudy, and the density of the serum layer becomes darker than in a normal state. Therefore, as a process for determining the presence of a test inhibitor, the density value (density information) in the target region AR1 is measured by image analysis based on the first image, and if this density value is above a predetermined level, it is determined to be a chyle state.

[0049] Furthermore, the data processing unit 17 performs a final overall determination (step ST7) based on the determination results of various test-inhibiting factors determined in steps ST4 to ST6. As a final overall determination, for example, based on the results of the foreign body content determination, the hemolysis determination, and the lipemia determination, the test is deemed impossible if the level of each item is above a certain level, possible if it does not reach a certain level, or possible if it is within a predetermined range but requires correction of the test results.

[0050] The following effects can be obtained with the sample information detection device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0051] By making the optical axis for imaging and the optical axis for illumination different, the influence of the printed portion 27a of the label 27 is reduced, enabling highly accurate determination. Specifically, by arranging the sidelights 42 on both sides of the test tube 25 and illuminating it, that is, by making the optical axis for imaging and the optical axis for illumination different directions, light can be incident into the test tube 25 from the exposed portion 27b and reflected off the back surface of the label 27, and incident into the imaging portion 41 without passing through the printed portion 27a. For example, in the case of a backlight image, the influence of reflections from the printed portion is large because the optical axis for imaging and the optical axis for illumination pass through the printed portion. However, according to the above embodiment, by irradiating light from the side, light can be made to wrap around into the test tube 25 from the exposed portion 27b without passing through the printed portion 27a, thereby reducing the influence of the printing on the label 27 and enabling imaging. Therefore, by processing and analyzing this sidelight image, the detection accuracy of factors that inhibit testing in clinical blood samples can be improved. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, since a common image is used for multiple types of judgments, the determination of multiple types of inspection inhibiting factors can be processed quickly and with high accuracy.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by using a label sensor 32 that detects the position of the edge of the label 27, and detecting the position of the label 27 and setting it in the orientation for imaging, processing efficiency can be further improved. [Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, as a second embodiment of the present invention, an analytical apparatus 1 as a sample processing device equipped with a sample information detection device 10 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of the analytical apparatus 1 equipped with the sample information detection device 10. The analytical apparatus is configured by arranging a plurality of individually configured devices in parallel so that their respective transport paths are continuous.

[0053] The analytical apparatus 1 is configured with the following components arranged in processing order from upstream to downstream along a predetermined transport path: an input device 63, a sample information detection device 10, a sorting device (sorting means) 64, an output device 65, a preparatory and dispensing device (preparatory and dispensing means) 66, and an analytical apparatus 61. Each device is provided with a conveyor-type transport section for transporting test tubes 25, and the transport paths of these multiple transport sections are arranged to be continuous.

[0054] The loading device 63 includes a transport section that transports the holder 24 along the transport path and a transfer mechanism such as a robot arm, which transfers, for example, the test tubes 25 from the rack mounting section 68 provided on the side onto the transport path.

[0055] The sample information detection device 10 is configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In this sample information detection device 10, the processing steps ST1 to ST7 are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and various test inhibiting factor detection processing is performed by image processing based on image information captured from the side of the test tube 25.

[0056] The sorting device 64 includes a transport unit for transporting the holder 24, and a gate unit 71 which serves as a guide means for guiding the transport direction of the holder 24 based on the inspection inhibiting factor detection result in accordance with the control unit 18.

[0057] A branching section is provided in the middle of the transport path, and branch paths are provided that branch off from the transport path to form different paths. The gate section 71 switches to sort test tubes 25 that have been determined to be unsuitable for testing into the branch paths, according to the control unit 18. For example, test tubes 25 containing specimens 25a that have been determined to be unsuitable for testing due to factors that inhibit testing are guided to the branch paths, while normal test tubes 25 are guided along the transport path to the downstream sorting and dispensing device 66. The downstream side of the branch path is connected to an unloading device 65 that performs a separate process for specimens in a chyle or hemolyzed state from normal specimens. On the other hand, normal specimens that are neither chyle nor hemolyzed are guided along the transport path to the downstream sorting and dispensing device 66.

[0058] The dispensing device 65, for example, dispenses a test tube 25 containing a sample 25a that has been determined to be unsuitable for testing due to factors that inhibit testing, and removes it from the sorting and dispensing process.

[0059] The dispensing and sampling device 66 includes a transport unit that transports the holder 24 along the transport path 20a, and a vertically movable dispensing and sampling tip positioned opposite the opening of the test tube 25. When the test tube 25 containing the sample is positioned and stopped at a predetermined location on the transport path, the dispensing and sampling tip dispenses a predetermined amount of serum from the test tube 25 and dispenses it into a sample cup that has been sent separately. The sample cup containing the dispensed serum is then transported to the downstream analyzer 61 for analysis.

[0060] The following describes the processing procedure in the analyzer 1 with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 shows the processing flow of the analyzer 1. First, the loading device 63 located on the upstream side grasps the test tubes 25 containing samples stored in the test tube rack 68a and transfers them to the transport path (step ST31). A holder 24 is waiting on the transport path, and the test tubes 25 are set in the holder 24. The transferred test tubes 25 are held in the holder 24 and sent along the transport path to the sample information detection device 10 on the downstream side.

[0061] In the sample information detection device 10, steps ST1 to ST7 are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above. The test tube 25, after the detection of test inhibitory factors has been completed, is held upright in the holder 24 and sent to the downstream sorting device 64.

[0062] Next, in the sorting device 64 located downstream of the sample information detection device 10, the control unit 18 controls the gate unit 71 according to the overall judgment result in step ST7, and the test tubes 25 are sorted (step ST33). For example, test tubes 25 containing samples 25a that have been determined to be unsuitable for testing are guided to a branching path and then to the downstream discharge device 65 when the gate unit 71 is switched. On the other hand, normal samples that are neither chylated nor hemolyzed are guided along the transport path to the downstream sorting and dispensing device 66.

[0063] At the downstream discharge device 65 of the branching path, the test tube 25 containing the sample 25a that has been determined to be untestable due to factors that inhibit testing is discharged and removed from the sorting and dispensing process (step ST34).

[0064] In the dispensing and sampling device 66, a dispensing and sampling tip is used to dispense a predetermined amount of serum from a test tube 25 containing a normal sample, and this serum is dispensed into a sample cup that has been sent separately (step ST35). The sample cup containing the dispensed serum is then discharged from the downstream discharge device and transported through the downstream connecting path to the analyzer 61. The analyzer 61 then performs analytical processing to check for various reactions (step ST36).

[0065] According to the analytical apparatus 1 of this embodiment, by detecting test-inhibiting factors as a pre-testing treatment, it is possible to prevent waste in the testing process and waste of reagents by changing the reagent dilution ratio and testing conditions according to the test-inhibiting factors, or by excluding them from the test before performing the analytical processing. Furthermore, by performing image analysis using a common image for multiple test-inhibiting factors, detection can be performed quickly and with high accuracy. In addition, according to the above embodiment, since a common image is used for multiple types of judgments, the judgment of multiple types of test-inhibiting factors can be processed quickly and with high accuracy.

[0066] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and the components can be modified and implemented in practice without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, although the above embodiments illustrate the case where sample processing is performed on each test tube 25, processing may be performed on multiple test tubes 25 simultaneously.

[0067] In the above embodiment, we have illustrated the detection of multiple test-inhibiting factors, including chyle, hemolysis, poor blood clot formation, and the presence of foreign substances such as fibrin. However, any of these may be omitted, or other items may be added. For example, jaundice may be detected as an additional test-inhibiting factor. Jaundice is a condition in which bilirubin in the blood increases, causing tissues such as the skin and mucous membranes to become yellow due to the deposition of bilirubin. In the case of serum, the yellow component tends to become more concentrated with an increase in bilirubin, so jaundice can be detected, for example, using the RGB method.

[0068] Furthermore, the method for detecting chyle, hemolysis, foreign body content, etc., by analyzing the first image is not limited to the above, and various image analyses can be applied. For example, in hemolysis determination, an example was shown where hemolysis was determined based on the hue value (H) as color information, but this is not the only example. For example, the red (R) color component of the area to be determined could be extracted using the RGB method through image processing, and based on the value of the red component, it could be determined that hemolysis is present if, for example, the R component is above a predetermined level.

[0069] For example, while an example of determining chyle using grayscale values ​​was shown, this is not the only method. For example, the chyle state may be determined based on light transmittance. For example, as a specific example of a transmittance index, the V (brightness) value of the HSV color wheel may be used, or the shutter speed of the camera in the imaging unit 41 may be made adjustable, and the value of the shutter speed at which a predetermined brightness is obtained may be used as a transmittance index.

[0070] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a test tube 25 in which an exposed portion 27b has been formed in a predetermined area in advance was used, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, by providing a label peeling device to peel off the label 27 of the test tube 25 upstream of the transport path or as a separate device, a predetermined area necessary for imaging may be peeled off as a pre-processing step for imaging if an exposed portion 27b has not been formed in the predetermined position.

[0071] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the label sensor 32 and the rotating device 33 are arranged upstream of the transfer device 35, but the invention is not limited to this. Also, an example was shown in which the label orientation adjustment process is performed before transfer, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the label sensor 32 for detecting the position of the edge of the label 27 and the rotating device 33 for rotating the test tube 25 may be provided inside the chamber 45 as part of the image acquisition unit 14. In this case, after the transfer device 35 has moved the test tube into the chamber 45, the rotating device 33 and the label sensor 32 may be used to detect the position of the label 27 and adjust the orientation of the test tube 25.

[0072] Furthermore, each component exemplified in the above embodiments may be deleted, or the shape, structure, material, etc., of each component may be changed. Various inventions can be formed by appropriate combinations of the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. The following is an appended description equivalent to the invention described in the claims of the original application. (1) An imaging device for imaging the specimen container that holds the specimen, A specimen information detection device comprising: an illumination device that irradiates the specimen container with light from a direction intersecting the imaging direction during the aforementioned imaging; and an information processing unit that detects the state inside the specimen container by image processing based on the image information of the specimen container obtained by imaging the specimen container. (2) The illumination device irradiates the sample container with light from both sides of the light irradiation direction that intersects the imaging direction, which is the direction in which the image detection axis and the sample container are aligned during imaging. A chamber that houses the sample container and blocks out external light during the imaging process, The specimen information detection device according to (1), further comprising a position adjustment device for adjusting the orientation of a label attached to the outer surface of the specimen container prior to imaging. (3) Prior to the inspection process of the sample, the information processing unit detects the density information of the image in the target area from the image information of the sample container obtained by imaging the sample container, and detects the chyle state of the sample based on the density information. A specimen information detection device according to (1) or (2), which detects the color information of the specimen from the aforementioned image information by image processing and detects the hemolytic state of the specimen based on the aforementioned color information. (4) A specimen information detection device according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that it detects the contrast in a target area from the aforementioned image information by image processing and detects the state of foreign matter content in the specimen based on the contrast. (5) Image the specimen container that holds the specimen, During the aforementioned imaging, light is irradiated onto the sample container from a direction intersecting the imaging direction, A method for detecting sample information, comprising detecting the state inside the sample container by image processing based on image information of the sample container obtained by imaging the sample container. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] A...Transportation path, AR1, AR2...Determination target area, 1...Analyzer (sample processing device), 10...Sample information detection device, 11...Device body, 12...Transportation unit, 14...Image acquisition unit, 15...Test inhibiting factor detection unit, 16...Storage unit, 17...Data processing unit, 18...Control unit, 20a...Transportation path, 20...Transportation unit, 24...Holder, 25...Test tube, 25a...Sample, 25b...Blood clot layer, 25c...Separating agent layer, 25d...Serum layer, 25e...First Interface, 25f...Second interface, 25g...Sample liquid level, 27...Label, 27a...Printing section, 27b...Exposed section, 30...Reading unit, 31...Barcode reader, 32...Label sensor, 33...Rotation device, 34...Position sensor, 41...Imaging unit, 42...Side light, 45...Chamber, 61...Analyzer, 62...Label peeling device, 63...Loading device, 64...Sorting device, 65...Unloading device, 66...Preparation and dispensing device.

Claims

1. An imaging device for imaging a sample container that contains a sample and has a label on its outer surface having a printing portion, and an image acquisition unit comprising a side light that irradiates the sample container with light from a direction different from the imaging direction during imaging, An information processing unit detects the chyle state, hemolysis state, or foreign matter content state inside the sample container by image processing based on image information of the sample container obtained by imaging the sample container, A label sensor detects the orientation of the sample container by detecting the position of the edge of the label having a printed portion on the sample container, A position adjustment device that adjusts the orientation of the label attached to the outer surface of the sample container prior to imaging so that the printed portion of the label faces the back side in the imaging direction, A chamber that houses the sample container and blocks out external light during the imaging process, Equipped with, The aforementioned side light comprises a pair of LEDs arranged on both sides of the side of the specimen container at the imaging position. The light emitted from the LED has a central angle of 60 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less with respect to the imaging direction, with reference to the center position of the sample container. The image acquisition unit performs side-light imaging by irradiating the sample container with light from both sides opposite to the imaging direction using the pair of LEDs within the chamber, and imaging is performed. The light emitted from the pair of LEDs, incident upon the sample container, and reflected by the back surface of the label without passing through the printed portion, and transmitted through the sample, is received by the imaging device. Sample information detection device.

2. A transport route for sequentially transporting the aforementioned sample containers, The specimen information detection device according to claim 1, comprising a control unit that detects a label on an upright specimen container in the transport path using the label sensor, adjusts the orientation of the specimen container using the position adjustment device, then transfers the specimen container into the chamber using the transfer device, and performs sidelight imaging within the chamber.

3. Prior to the inspection process of the sample, the information processing unit detects the density information of the image in the target area from the image information of the sample container obtained by imaging the sample container, and detects the chyle state of the sample based on the density information. A specimen information detection device according to claim 1, which detects the color information of the specimen from the aforementioned image information by image processing and detects the hemolytic state of the specimen based on the aforementioned color information.

4. Prior to the inspection process of the sample, the information processing unit detects the density information of the image in the target area from the image information of the sample container obtained by imaging the sample container, and detects the chyle state of the sample based on the density information. A specimen information detection device according to claim 2, which detects color information of the specimen from the aforementioned image information by image processing and detects the hemolytic state of the specimen based on the aforementioned color information.

5. The specimen information detection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it detects the contrast in a target area from the aforementioned image information by image processing and detects the state of foreign matter content in the specimen based on the contrast.

6. An imaging device for imaging a sample container that contains a sample and is equipped with a label having a printing portion, and an image acquisition unit comprising a side light that irradiates the sample container with light from a direction different from the imaging direction during imaging, An information processing unit detects the chyle state, hemolysis state, or foreign matter content state inside the sample container by image processing based on image information of the sample container obtained by imaging the sample container, A label sensor detects the orientation of the sample container by detecting the position of the edge of the label having a printed portion on the sample container, A position adjustment device that adjusts the orientation of the label attached to the outer surface of the sample container prior to imaging so that the printed portion of the label faces the back side in the imaging direction, A chamber that houses the sample container and blocks out external light during the imaging process, Equipped with, The aforementioned side light comprises a pair of LEDs arranged on both sides of the side of the specimen container at the imaging position. The light emitted from the LED has a central angle of 90 degrees relative to the center position of the sample container with respect to the imaging direction. The image acquisition unit performs side-light imaging by irradiating the sample container with light from both sides opposite to the imaging direction using the pair of LEDs within the chamber, and the light that is irradiated from the pair of LEDs, enters the sample container, and is reflected by the back surface of the label without passing through the printed area, thereby passing through the sample, is received by the imaging device. Sample information detection device.

7. The orientation of a sample container is detected by detecting the position of the edge of the label of a sample container that contains a sample and has a label with a printing area. By adjusting the orientation of the label attached to the outer surface of the sample container, the printed portion of the label is directed towards the back side in the imaging direction, After detecting and adjusting the orientation of the label, the sample container is placed in a chamber that blocks external light, and sidelight imaging is performed by illuminating the sample container with light from both sides opposite to the imaging direction using a pair of LEDs positioned on both sides of the sample container, with a central angle of 60 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less relative to the center position of the sample container with respect to the imaging direction. Based on the image information of the sample container obtained by imaging the sample container, the state of chyle, hemolysis, or foreign matter content within the sample container is detected by image processing. Equipped with, A method for detecting sample information, wherein in the sidelight imaging described above, a pair of LEDs arranged on both sides of the sample container irradiate the sample container with light from both sides in a direction different from the image detection axis during imaging, such that the central angle with respect to the center position of the sample container with respect to the imaging direction is 60 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less, the light is incident into the sample container, the light is reflected off the back surface of the label without passing through the printed portion and the light that has passed through the sample is incident into the imaging device.

8. Prior to the testing of the sample, the sample container is imaged and the image information of the sample container is obtained, and the grayscale information of the image in the target area is detected by image processing, and the chyle state of the sample is detected based on the grayscale information, A method for detecting sample information according to claim 7, comprising detecting color information of the sample from the image information by image processing, and detecting the hemolytic state of the sample based on the color information.

9. A method for detecting sample information according to claim 7, comprising detecting the contrast in a target region from the image information by image processing, and detecting the state of foreign matter content in the sample based on the contrast.

10. The method for detecting sample information according to claim 7, wherein the light emitted from the LED has a central angle of 90 degrees with respect to the imaging direction, with reference to the central position of the sample container.

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