Container storage device

Abstract

Provided is a container storage device by which it is possible to reduce the load on a worker whose duties pertain to conveying in and conveying out a liquid. This container storage device comprises: a storage unit that stores a container that accommodates a liquid; and a control unit that controls the storage unit. The container storage device is characterized in that the control unit selects a container that is a candidate to be conveyed out, from among containers stored in the storage unit, when a new container is conveyed in, and conveys out the selected container while conveying in the new container.

Description

container storage device

[0001] The present invention relates to a container storage device.

[0002] As a technology for managing liquids such as quality control samples used for quality control, an automatic analyzer is disclosed that starts a preparation process so that the quality control sample can be used at a preset time (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2015-135282 A

[0004] According to Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to the burden on the workers involved in carrying in and out the liquid containing the quality control sample.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a container storage device that can reduce the burden on workers involved in carrying in and out liquids.

[0006] A container storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a storage unit for storing containers containing liquids, and a control unit for controlling the storage unit. When a new container is brought in, the control unit selects a container that is a candidate for removal from among the containers stored in the storage unit, removes the selected container, and brings in the new container.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a container storage device that can reduce the burden on workers involved in carrying in and out liquids.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analysis system of Example 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a sample table. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a rack table. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a quality control processing flow. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of Example 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen requesting input of delivery conditions. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen requesting replenishment of empty racks. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a quality control screen. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the automatic analysis system of Example 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of Example 2. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen requesting the delivery of a new sample. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of Example 3.

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the container storage device will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a specimen, which is one of the liquids to be analyzed in an automated analysis system, will be described. The containers that hold the liquid include specimen containers that hold specimens and reagent bottles that hold reagents. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, components that have the same functional configuration will be assigned the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description.

[0010] An example of the overall configuration of an automated analysis system will be described using Figure 1. The automated analysis system is a system that analyzes quality control samples used for quality control and specimens such as blood and urine provided by patients, and includes an automated analyzer 100 and a container storage device 101. The automated analyzer 100 includes a specimen loading unit 102, a specimen unloading unit 103, a rack transport line 104, a rack information acquisition unit 105, a detection unit 112, an operation unit 111, a control unit 113, and a recording device 114. The container storage device 101 includes a buffer 106, a rack stopping unit 107, a specimen movement mechanism 108, a specimen storage module 109, and a specimen information acquisition unit 110. Each unit will be described below.

[0011] Sample containers containing samples are carried in the sample carrying-in section 102. The sample containers are placed on racks, and the sample containers are carried in by an operator. The sample carrying-in section 103 carries out the sample containers placed on the racks. The carried-out sample containers are received by the operator.

[0012] The rack transport line 104 is connected to the sample input unit 102, sample output unit 103, detection unit 112, and container storage device 101, and transports racks between them. The rack information acquisition unit 105 is provided on the rack transport line 104, and reads an identifier assigned to the rack, for example, a barcode attached to the rack.

[0013] The detection unit 112 is equipped with a photomultiplier tube, a light source lamp, a spectroscope, and a photodiode, and measures the sample. The detection unit 112 may be equipped with a function for adjusting the internal temperature.

[0014] The operation unit 111 includes, for example, a display, touch panel, mouse, keyboard, etc., and is used to input instructions from an operator regarding the loading and unloading of samples and measurements, and to display data related to the loading and unloading of samples and measurement results. The control unit 113 controls each unit in accordance with instructions input to the operation unit 111 and various programs read from the recording device 114. The recording device 114 records various programs and data related to the loading and unloading of samples and measurements.

[0015] Empty racks used for transporting sample containers are stored in the buffer 106. At least one empty rack is stored in the buffer 106 so as not to interfere with the transport of sample containers. When a request is made to transport a sample container, the sample container is loaded onto an empty rack stored in the buffer 106, and the rack with the sample container loaded is transported to the sample transport unit 103. Furthermore, the rack used to transport a sample container is stored in the buffer 106 after the sample container has been transported, and is used to transport another sample container.

[0016] The rack stop section 107 is provided on the rack transport line 104 and is a location where sample containers are loaded onto and unloaded from racks. That is, sample containers are unloaded from racks transported from the sample carry-in section 102 to the rack stop section 107, and sample containers are loaded onto racks stopped at the rack stop section 107. Loading and unloading of sample containers at the rack stop section 107 is performed by a sample moving mechanism 108.

[0017] The specimen moving mechanism 108 moves specimen containers removed from a rack into the specimen storage module 109 , and loads specimen containers in the specimen storage module 109 onto a rack stopped at the rack stop section 107 .

[0018] The sample storage module 109 is provided with a plurality of storage locations for storing sample containers. The sample storage module 109 also has a temperature control mechanism to maintain a constant temperature of the samples contained in the sample containers. When the number of storage locations in the sample storage module 109 is M and the number of sample containers stored in the sample storage module 109 is N, M-N empty locations will be created in the sample storage module 109.

[0019] The sample information acquisition unit 110 is provided on the movement path of the sample movement mechanism 108, and reads identifiers assigned to sample containers that are taken in and out of the sample storage module 109, such as barcodes affixed to the sample containers. Sample-related data is associated with the identifier for each sample container.

[0020] An example of a sample table in which sample container identifiers are associated with sample-related data will be described using Figure 2A. The sample table illustrated in Figure 2A has columns for the sample ID, remaining amount, expiration date, OBS, storage location, and export flag, and is recorded in the recording device 114.

[0021] The sample ID column records the identifier of the sample container. The remaining amount column records the amount of sample remaining in the sample container. The expiration date column records the date by which the sample contained in the sample container can be used. The OBS (On Board Stability) column records the date by which the sample container can be used after it is opened. The storage location column records the location in the sample storage module 109 where the sample container is stored. The export flag column records a flag indicating that the sample container is a candidate for export. That is, in Figure 2A, a sample container with a sample ID of C has a remaining amount of V_C, an expiration date of EXD_C, an OBS of OBS_C, and a storage location of P_C, indicating that it is a candidate for export. Furthermore, data related to the rack may be associated with the identifier for each rack.

[0022] An example of a rack table in which rack identifiers are associated with rack-related data will be described using Figure 2B. The rack table illustrated in Figure 2B has columns for rack IDs and sample IDs, and is recorded in the recording device 114. The rack ID column records the rack identifier. The sample ID column records the identifiers of the sample containers mounted on the rack.

[0023] An example of the flow of quality control processing will be described step by step with reference to FIG.

[0024] (S301) The control unit 113 receives a measurement instruction input by the operator via the operation unit 111.

[0025] (S302) The control unit 113 controls the sample moving mechanism 108 to remove the sample container from the sample storage module 109.

[0026] (S303) The control unit 113 determines whether the sample contained in the sample container removed in S302 is usable. If the sample is unusable, the process returns to S302 via S303, and if the sample is usable, the process proceeds to S305.

[0027] The usability of a sample is determined based on the data recorded in the sample table of Fig. 2A, for example. That is, if the remaining amount associated with the sample container identifier read by the sample information acquisition unit 110 is less than the amount required for measurement, or if the expiration date or OBS has passed, the sample is determined to be unusable.

[0028] (S304) The control unit 113 registers the sample container determined to be unusable in S303 as a candidate for export. Registration as a candidate for export is performed, for example, by recording 1 in the export flag of the sample table in Fig. 2A. Once the registration as a candidate for export is complete, the sample containers that have not yet been removed in S302 are removed.

[0029] (S305) The control unit 113 causes the detection unit 112 to measure the sample determined to be usable in S303. More specifically, the sample container containing the usable sample is loaded onto a rack stopped at the rack stop unit 107 by the sample moving mechanism 108, and transported to the detection unit 112 by the rack transport line 104.

[0030] (S306) The control unit 113 transports the specimen container for which the measurement has been completed in S305 to the container storage device 101. More specifically, the specimen container after the measurement is transported to the container storage device 101 by the rack transport line 104 while still mounted on the rack that was used for transport to the detection unit 112.

[0031] (S307) The control unit 113 determines whether or not the remaining amount of sample contained in the sample container transported in S306 is sufficient. If the remaining amount is sufficient, the process proceeds to S309, and if the remaining amount is insufficient, the process proceeds to S309 via S308.

[0032] (S308) The control unit 113 registers the sample container determined to have an insufficient remaining amount in S307 as a candidate for export. Registration as a candidate for export is the same as in S304.

[0033] (S309) The control unit 113 controls the sample moving mechanism 108 to store the sample container transported in S306 in the sample storage module 109.

[0034] (S310) The control unit 113 stores the rack used to transport the sample container in S306 in the buffer 106.

[0035] 3, quality control is performed, and sample containers that have been determined to be unusable are registered as candidates for export. If the sample storage module 109 becomes filled with many of the sample containers that are candidates for export, it becomes difficult to store a certain number of usable sample containers. Therefore, it is desirable that the sample containers that are candidates for export be exported at the appropriate time. Furthermore, since the import and export of samples are performed by operators, for example, if a sample container that is a candidate for export is exported when a new sample container is imported, the burden on the operator is reduced.

[0036] As an example of the processing flow of the first embodiment, the process of carrying in a new sample container and carrying out an unusable sample container will be described step by step with reference to FIG.

[0037] (S401) The control unit 113 receives a sample loading instruction input by the operator via the operation unit 111. The operator loads a rack on which new sample containers are loaded into the sample loading unit 102 and then operates the operation unit 111. The rack on which the new sample containers are loaded is transported by the rack transport line 104 to the rack information acquisition unit 105, and the rack information acquisition unit 105 reads the identifier of the rack.

[0038] (S402) The control unit 113 acquires the number of samples to be transported. For example, the number of samples for which a transport flag is recorded in the sample table illustrated in FIG. 2A is counted.

[0039] (S403) The control unit 113 determines whether there is sufficient free space in the sample storage module 109 after the sample container is removed. If there is insufficient free space, the process returns to S403 via S404, and if there is sufficient free space, the process proceeds to S405.

[0040] Whether or not there is sufficient free space in the sample storage module 109 after the sample containers have been transported out is determined based on the number of newly brought-in sample containers. That is, if the number of free spaces after transport is equal to or greater than the number of newly brought-in sample containers, it is determined to be sufficient, and if it is less than the number of newly brought-in sample containers, it is determined to be insufficient.

[0041] (S404) The control unit 113 notifies the operator of a request to input the export conditions. That is, if there is insufficient space, newly transported sample containers cannot be stored in the sample storage module 109, so the operator is requested to input the export conditions, which are conditions for extracting additional sample containers to be transported. Figure 5A shows an example of a screen notifying the operator of the request to input the export conditions. Note that when the export conditions are input, a determination is made again in S403 regarding available space in the sample storage module 109 after the sample containers have been transported out.

[0042] (S405) The control unit 113 determines whether or not there are a sufficient number of empty racks stored in the container storage device 101. If there are an insufficient number of empty racks, the process returns to S405 via S406, and if there are a sufficient number, the process proceeds to S407.

[0043] Whether the number of empty racks stored in the container storage device 101 is sufficient is determined based on a predetermined threshold. That is, if the number of racks is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is determined to be sufficient, and if it is less than the threshold, it is determined to be insufficient. The threshold may be, for example, 1, which is the minimum number that does not interfere with the transport of sample containers, or may be the maximum number that can be stored in the container storage device 101. If the threshold is the maximum number, the risk of stopping the transport of sample containers can be minimized.

[0044] (S406) The control unit 113 notifies the operator of a request to replenish empty racks. That is, if the number of empty racks is insufficient, it will cause problems in transporting sample containers, so the operator is requested to replenish the empty racks. Figure 5B shows an example of a screen notifying the request to replenish empty racks. Note that once empty racks are replenished in response to the replenishment request, the number of empty racks is determined again in S405.

[0045] (S407) The control unit 113 carries out the transport and loading of sample containers. More specifically, after a detection container that is a candidate for transport or a detection container that satisfies the transport conditions is loaded onto a rack supplied from the buffer 106 and transported out, the sample container instructed in S401 is carried in, and the rack used for the transport is stored in the buffer 106.

[0046] In addition, when multiple racks are used to carry in sample containers, the rack used for carrying in may be used for carrying out detection containers that are candidates for carrying out or detection containers that satisfy the carrying-out conditions. By using the rack used for carrying in for carrying out, the number of empty racks stored in the container storage device 101 does not need to be reduced.

[0047] 4, when a new sample container is brought in, an unusable sample container is brought out, thereby reducing the burden on the worker involved in bringing in and out samples. When the process flows of Figures 3 and 4 are executed, a screen related to the operation may be displayed on the operation unit 111.

[0048] A quality control screen 600, which is an example of a screen related to quality control, will be described using Fig. 6. The quality control screen 600 includes a menu button 601, a routine operation button 602, an apparatus status button 603, a maintenance button 604, an alarm button 605, a report button 606, a stop button 607, a start button 608, and a quality control storage button 609.

[0049] The menu button 601 is pressed to display a menu screen. The routine operation button 602 is pressed to display a routine operation screen. The device status button 603 is pressed to display a device status screen. The maintenance button 604 is pressed to display a maintenance screen. The alarm button 605 is pressed to display an alarm screen. The report button 606 is pressed to display a report screen. The stop button 607 is pressed to instruct the stop of an operation. The start button 608 is pressed to start an operation such as an analysis process. The quality control storage button 609 is pressed to display a sample storage module status screen 610.

[0050] The sample storage module status screen 610 includes a quality control sample button 611, a settings button 612, a carry-in button 613, a carry-out button 614, and a close button 615. The quality control sample button 611 is pressed to display a sample information table 616. The settings button 612 is pressed to set the carry-out conditions. The carry-in button 613 is pressed to instruct sample carry-in. The carry-out button 614 is pressed to instruct sample carry-out. The close button 615 is pressed to close the sample storage module status screen 610.

[0051] The specimen information table 616 has columns for ck, status, position, specimen name, lot number, expiration date, use, test, and OBS. The ck column is a checkbox that is checked when the corresponding row is selected. The status column displays the specimen status. The position column displays the specimen storage location. The specimen name column displays the specimen name. The lot number column displays the specimen lot number. The expiration date column displays the specimen expiration date. The use column displays whether the specimen is usable or not. The test column displays the specimen test items. The OBS column displays the expiration date after the specimen container is opened. In the specimen information table 616 of Figure 6, the specimen in the second row is checked as scheduled for export, and when the export button 614 is pressed, an export instruction is issued.

[0052] If there are many racks on which sample containers are to be carried in, the racks may be made to wait in front of the sample receiving section 102. Figure 7 shows an automatic analysis system in which a sample waiting section 700 is provided in front of the sample receiving section 102. The sample waiting section 700, which is different from Figure 1, will now be described.

[0053] The sample waiting section 700 stores a large number of racks on which sample containers are loaded, and sequentially loads the large number of racks into the sample loading section 102. The sample waiting section 700 has a temperature adjustment mechanism to maintain a constant temperature of the samples contained in the sample containers. Furthermore, a barcode reader, a camera, etc. may be provided in the sample waiting section 700. By providing a barcode reader or a camera, the number of racks stored in the sample waiting section 700 and the types of samples in the sample containers loaded in the racks can be recorded in the recording device 114. Furthermore, the presence or absence of unusable sample containers may be determined based on the data recorded in the recording device 114.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the removal of unusable sample containers in conjunction with a sample delivery instruction from an operator was described. The linkage between sample delivery and delivery is not limited to the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the automated analyzer system confirms the sample being delivered and then issues a request to deliver a new sample. Note that the difference from the first embodiment is the processing flow, and therefore other explanations will be omitted.

[0055] The process flow of the second embodiment will be described step by step with reference to FIG.

[0056] (S402) The control unit 113 acquires the number of samples to be transported, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0057] (S800) The control unit 113 notifies the operator of a request to bring in a new sample. That is, the operator is requested to bring in a new sample container in conjunction with the removal of an unusable sample container. Figure 9 shows an example of a screen notifying a request to bring in a new sample. When the operator inputs a sample delivery instruction via the operation unit 111, the processing from S403 onwards is executed.

[0058] (S403 to S407) As in the first embodiment, the control unit 113 checks the number of empty spaces and racks in the sample storage module 109, and then controls the loading and unloading of sample containers.

[0059] 8, when an unusable sample container is removed, a new sample container is brought in, thereby reducing the burden on the worker involved in the loading and unloading of samples. Furthermore, by making timely requests for the delivery of new samples, the worker does not forget to load new samples. Furthermore, since a certain number of usable samples are stored in the automated analysis system, there is no disruption to the automation of analysis.

[0060] In Examples 1 and 2, the process flow triggered by a sample delivery instruction from an operator was described. In Example 3, the process flow triggered by a sample delivery instruction from an operator will be described. Note that the difference from Examples 1 and 2 is the process flow, and therefore other explanations will be omitted.

[0061] The process flow of the third embodiment will be described step by step with reference to FIG.

[0062] (S1001) The control unit 113 receives a sample removal instruction input by the operator via the operation unit 111. The sample removal instruction is issued, for example, by selecting a sample in the sample information table 616 on the quality control screen 600 in FIG. 6 and pressing the removal button 614.

[0063] (S402) The control unit 113 acquires the number of samples to be transported, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0064] (S405-S406) As in the first embodiment, the control unit 113 checks the number of empty racks stored in the container storage device 101, and if there are insufficient, issues a request for replenishment. (S1007) The control unit 113 carries out the removal of the sample containers. More specifically, the sample containers instructed to be removed in S1001 and the detection containers that are candidates for removal are loaded onto a rack supplied from the buffer 106 and removed. Note that the sample containers instructed to be removed and the detection containers that are candidates for removal may be removed on the same rack, or on different racks. If they are removed on the same rack, the time required to remove the sample containers can be shortened. If they are removed on different racks, it becomes easier to distinguish between the sample containers instructed to be removed and the detection containers that are candidates for removal.

[0065] 10, when a sample container for which an instruction to remove has been given by an operator is removed, the sample container that is a candidate for removal is also removed, thereby reducing the burden on the operator involved in removing the sample. Furthermore, because the sample container is removed automatically, the operator does not need to wait near the sample removal unit 103, and the processing associated with the sample removal can be performed at any time.

[0066] The above describes several embodiments of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the components may be modified within the scope of the gist of the invention. Furthermore, the components disclosed in the above embodiments may be appropriately combined. Furthermore, some components may be omitted from all the components shown in the above embodiments.

[0067] 100: Automatic analyzer, 101: Container storage device, 102: Sample input section, 103: Sample output section, 104: Rack transport line, 105: Rack information acquisition section, 106: Buffer, 107: Rack stop section, 108: Sample movement mechanism, 109: Sample storage module, 110: Sample information acquisition section, 111: Operation section, 112: Detection section, 113: Control section, 114: Recording device, 600: Quality control screen, 601: Menu button, 602: Routine operation button, 603: device status button, 604: maintenance button, 605: alarm button, 606: report button, 607: stop button, 608: start button, 609: quality control storage button, 610: sample storage module status screen, 611: quality control sample button, 612: setting button, 613: carry-in button, 614: carry-out button, 615: close button, 616: sample information table, 700: sample waiting section.

Claims

1. A storage unit for storing a container for storing a liquid, A rack storage for storing a rack used for transporting the container, A control unit for controlling the storage unit and the rack storage, When a new container is carried in, the control unit selects a container that is a candidate for removal from the containers stored in the storage unit, and after removing the selected container, if there is sufficient empty space in the storage unit and the number of the racks stored in the rack storage is sufficient, the control unit uses the rack to remove the selected container and carry in the new container. A container storage device characterized by this.

2. A storage unit for storing a container for storing a liquid, A control unit for controlling the storage unit, When a new container is carried in, the control unit selects a container that is a candidate for removal from the containers stored in the storage unit, removes the selected container, and carries in the new container. When there is insufficient empty space in the storage unit where the new container is to be stored, the control unit notifies an input request for a removal condition, which is a condition for extracting a container to be additionally removed. A container storage device characterized by this.

3. The container storage device according to claim 2, The removal condition includes at least one of the expiration date of the liquid, the expiration date after the container is opened, and the remaining amount of the liquid. A container storage device characterized by this.

4. (Deleted)

5. The container storage device according to claim 1, The control unit stores the rack used for carrying in the new container in the rack storage. A container storage device characterized by this.

6. The container storage device according to claim 1, When the number of the racks stored in the rack storage is insufficient, the control unit notifies a request for replenishing the racks. A container storage device characterized by this.

7. The container storage device according to claim 6, When the number of the racks is less than the maximum number that can be stored in the rack storage, the control unit determines that the number of the racks is insufficient. A container storage device characterized by this.

8. The container storage device according to claim 1, When there are a plurality of racks used for carrying in the new container, the control unit uses the racks used for carrying in to remove the selected container. A container storage device characterized by this.

9. The container storage device according to claim 1, The container storage device is characterized in that the control unit notifies a request for loading a new container when a container that is a candidate for unloading is confirmed.

10. The container storage device according to claim 1, wherein the rack storage can store a plurality of racks on which a plurality of the containers can be placed, and when a predetermined number or more of racks that can be placed in the rack storage are placed in the rack storage and a first rack on which a first container is placed is carried into the storage unit, the control unit controls to place a second container that is stored in the storage unit and satisfies a predetermined condition on a second rack among the racks placed in the rack storage, and carry out the second rack together with the second container.

11. The container storage device according to claim 10, wherein the control unit controls to place the first rack in the rack storage and store the first container in the storage unit in parallel with carrying out the second rack together with the second container.

12. The container storage device according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined condition means that the amount of liquid required for analysis is not stored in an analysis device connected to the container storage device, or the storage period in the storage unit is longer than a predetermined date and time.

13. The container storage device according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined number or more of racks indicates the maximum number of racks that can be placed in the rack storage.