Automated analysis device and method for controlling same

Abstract

The present disclosure reduces the influence of assembly / dimensional errors between a stirring mechanism and a reaction cell in an automated analysis device. An automated analysis device according to the present disclosure comprises a dispensing probe, a reaction disc that holds a plurality of reaction cells, an ultrasonic stirring mechanism, and a controller. The plurality of reaction cells include at least one reference reaction cell provided at the height of a relative position serving as a reference with respect to the ultrasonic stirring mechanism. The controller executes: a process for calculating liquid surface height information; a process for controlling the dispensing probe to descend to the bottom surface of the reference reaction cell and the bottom surface of a first reaction cell; a process for deriving the reference reaction cell height and the first reaction cell height on the basis of the amount of descent of the dispensing probe when the dispensing probe comes into contact with the bottom surface of the reference reaction cell and the bottom surface of the first reaction cell; and a process for selecting, from among a plurality of ultrasonic elements, an ultrasonic element to be driven during stirring of the liquid on the basis of the reference reaction cell height, the first reaction cell height, and the liquid surface height information.

Description

Automatic analyzer and control method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automatic analyzer and a control method thereof.

[0002] An automatic analyzer for performing qualitative or quantitative analysis of biological samples such as blood and urine is known. The automatic analyzer uses a stirring mechanism to stir a mixture of a biological sample and a reagent dispensed into a reaction cell and obtains these reaction solutions. Patent Document 1 discloses ultrasonic stirring of a reaction solution using a plurality of ultrasonic elements. Patent Document 2 discloses adjusting the behavior of a stirring mechanism by detecting the bottom surfaces of a plurality of reaction cells.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-3378, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-173555

[0004] When the height relationship between the object to be stirred (the mixture in the cell) and the ultrasonic element to be driven is not appropriate, there is a possibility of scattering due to the rise of the liquid surface and a possibility that sufficient stirring cannot be performed. Patent Document 1 describes calculating the liquid surface height from the liquid volume of the reaction solution and driving an appropriate ultrasonic element. However, differences other than the liquid surface height, such as differences in height between reaction cells and differences included in the assembly / dimensions of each mechanism, are not mentioned.

[0005] Patent Document 2 describes correcting differences in height between reaction cells and differences included in the assembly / dimensions of each mechanism for each reaction cell by detecting the bottom surface of the dispensing probe with respect to the reaction cell. However, differences included in the assembly / dimensions of each mechanism between the ultrasonic stirring mechanism and the reaction cell are not mentioned. Although there is a description of detecting by contacting the stirring rod with the bottom surface of the reaction cell, this content is an example limited to a stirring mechanism using a stirring rod, and there is no description about correcting differences included in the assembly / dimensions of each mechanism between the stirring mechanism and the reaction cell in the case of an ultrasonic stirring mechanism.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a technique for reducing the influence of assembly / dimensional errors between a stirring mechanism and a reaction cell in an automatic analyzer.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the automated analyzer of the present disclosure comprises one or more dispensing probes for dispensing liquid, a reaction disk holding a plurality of reaction cells capable of containing the dispensed liquid, an ultrasonic stirring mechanism for stirring the liquid in the reaction cells by irradiating the liquid with ultrasonic waves from a plurality of ultrasonic elements that emit ultrasonic waves, a storage device for storing information regarding the volume of liquid dispensed into the reaction cells, and a controller for controlling the dispensing probes and the ultrasonic stirring mechanism, wherein the plurality of reaction cells include at least one reference reaction cell provided at a reference relative height with respect to the ultrasonic stirring mechanism, The controller is configured to perform the following processes: calculating liquid level information from information regarding the volume of the liquid; controlling the dispensing probe to descend to the bottom surface of the reference reaction cell and the bottom surface of the first reaction cell; determining the height of the reference reaction cell and the height of the first reaction cell based on the amount the dispensing probe descends when it contacts the bottom surface of the reference reaction cell and the bottom surface of the first reaction cell; and selecting an ultrasonic element from among the plurality of ultrasonic elements to be driven when stirring the liquid, based on the height of the reference reaction cell, the height of the first reaction cell, and the liquid level information.

[0008] Further features relating to this disclosure will become apparent from the description herein and the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, aspects of this disclosure are achieved and realized through elements and various combinations of elements and the modes of the claims that will be described in detail later. The descriptions herein are typical examples only and do not limit in any way the claims or applications of this disclosure.

[0009] The automated analyzer of this disclosure can reduce the effects of assembly / dimensional errors between the mixing mechanism and reaction cells.

[0010] Other issues, configurations, and effects will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments.

[0011] A plan view of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. A diagram showing an example of the specific configuration of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism. A flowchart of the correction method for the ultrasonic stirring mechanism. A diagram to explain the case without a reference cell (comparative example). A diagram to explain the effect obtained by providing a reference cell. A cross-sectional view showing the state when the reaction disk and reaction cell are attached to the automatic analyzer. A cross-sectional view showing the state when the reaction disk and reaction cell are attached to the automatic analyzer. A cross-sectional view showing the state when the reaction disk and reaction cell are attached to the automatic analyzer. A cross-sectional view showing the state when the reaction disk and reaction cell are attached to the automatic analyzer. A plan view showing the relationship between the reaction disk to which the reaction cell is attached and the locations accessed by each mechanism. A plan view showing the relationship between the reaction disk to which the reaction cell is attached and the locations accessed by each mechanism. A table summarizing the height differences between the reference cell and a specific reaction cell at multiple locations for different devices.

[0012] [First Embodiment] <Example of Automatic Analyzer Configuration> Figure 1 is a plan view of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. The automatic analyzer 1 comprises a sample rack 101, a reagent disk 103, a reaction disk 105, a sample dispensing mechanism 106, a reagent dispensing mechanism 107, a washing unit 108, a washing unit 109, an ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110, a washing mechanism 111, a constant temperature bath 112, a control device 113, and a console 114.

[0013] The sample rack 101 can accommodate multiple sample containers 100 for holding samples. The reagent disk 103 can accommodate multiple reagent containers 102 for holding reagents on a concentric circumference. The reaction disk 105 can accommodate multiple reaction cells 104 on its circumference. The sample dispensing mechanism 106 is rotatable and can move up and down, and dispenses samples from the sample rack 101 to the reaction disk 105. The reagent dispensing mechanism 107 is rotatable and can move up and down, and dispenses reagents from the reagent disk 103 to the reaction disk 105. The washing unit 108 is positioned on the rotational trajectory of the sample dispensing mechanism 106 and washes the sample dispensing mechanism 106. The washing unit 109 is positioned on the rotational trajectory of the reagent dispensing mechanism 107 and washes the reagent dispensing mechanism 107. The ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 stirs the samples and reagents dispensed into the reaction cells 104. The washing mechanism 111 washes the reaction cells 104. The constant temperature bath 112 maintains a constant temperature for the reaction cells 104 stored in the reaction disk 105. The control device 113 includes, for example, a processor and memory. The control device 113 creates programs and controls the operation of the automatic analyzer 1. The console 114 is connected to the control device 113 and is operated by the user of the automatic analyzer 1. The user can set information such as the analysis items and the volume of liquid to be analyzed via the console 114.

[0014] The automated analyzer 1 dispenses samples and reagents into multiple reaction cells 104, allows them to react, and measures the resulting liquid. The sample dispensing mechanism 106 moves in an arc around its axis of rotation to dispense samples from the sample container 100 into the reaction cells 104. Similarly, the reagent dispensing mechanism 107 moves in an arc around its axis of rotation to dispense reagents from the reagent container 102 into the reaction cells 104. The ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 stirs the samples and reagents dispensed into the reaction cells 104 to allow them to react. The washing mechanism 111 washes the reaction cells 104 by aspirating the mixed solution of the samples and reagents after analysis and by dispensing detergent.

[0015] <Example of the configuration of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism> Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the specific configuration of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110. As shown in Figure 2, the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 includes a piezoelectric element 201, a plurality of ultrasonic elements 202, a reflection means 210, a drive device 212, etc. The drive device 212 includes a waveform generator 203, an amplifier 204, a variable matching circuit 205, a storage unit 206, a determination unit 207, a controller 208, a switch 209, etc. Some of these functional parts of the drive device 212 may be configured as functional parts of the control device 113.

[0016] The piezoelectric element 201 is provided along the inner wall of the constant temperature bath 112, which is filled with constant temperature water 211, so as to face the side surface of the reaction cell 104. The piezoelectric element 201 is provided along one inner wall of the constant temperature bath 112, and the reflective means 210 is provided along the other inner wall of the constant temperature bath 112. The reaction cell 104 is positioned between the piezoelectric element 201 and the reflective means 210.

[0017] The piezoelectric element 201 includes a piezoelectric film and electrodes formed on both sides of the piezoelectric film. When a voltage is applied between the two electrodes, the piezoelectric film vibrates, and ultrasonic waves of a predetermined frequency are irradiated from the piezoelectric element 201 to the side of the reaction cell 104.

[0018] The ultrasonic waves generated on the side of the piezoelectric element 201 are reflected by the reflection means 210 and supplied to the reaction cell 104. The ultrasonic waves supplied to the reaction cell 104 are irradiated downwards from the side of the reaction cell 104, stirring the liquid such as the sample inside the reaction cell 104. As a result, the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 can stir the object to be stirred inside the reaction cell 104 without contact.

[0019] A voltage with an amplitude-modulated waveform is applied to the piezoelectric element 201 from the drive device 212. Based on this voltage (change in amplitude), the piezoelectric element 201 irradiates ultrasonic waves onto the side surface of the reaction cell 104. The irradiated ultrasonic waves propagate through the constant-temperature water 211 in the wall of the constant-temperature bath 112, are transmitted to the reaction cell 104, and enter the reaction cell 104.

[0020] Generally, when ultrasonic waves propagating through a liquid reach the free liquid surface, a force acts on the liquid that causes it to jump towards the gas side (mainly due to acoustic radiation pressure). In this case, according to the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment, an amplitude-modulated waveform voltage is applied from the drive unit 212 to the piezoelectric element 201. Therefore, the ultrasonic waves irradiated from the piezoelectric element 201 to the reaction cell 104 also correspond to this amplitude change.

[0021] Furthermore, the ultrasonic waves reflected by the reflection means 210 and incident on the reaction cell 104 are set to travel in a direction where there is no liquid surface.

[0022] The multiple ultrasonic elements 202 have a structure in which segments are arranged in an array so that each ultrasonic element can be driven independently.

[0023] The waveform generator 203 generates an ultrasonic waveform based on information received from the controller 208 regarding the volume of liquid being stirred in the reaction cell 104 (i.e., the amount of sample and reagent being dispensed) and the timing of the stirring, and outputs it to the amplifier 204.

[0024] The variable matching circuit 205 matches the impedance between the waveform generator 203 and the ultrasonic element 202 to be driven, based on the determination result.

[0025] The variable matching circuit 205 calculates the liquid level of the liquid to be measured filling the reaction cell 104 from the liquid volume information and determines the optimal ultrasonic irradiation area including that liquid level. The ultrasonic irradiation area is the area in the height direction within a single reaction cell. For example, the ultrasonic irradiation area can be defined by the height from the bottom surface of the reaction cell.

[0026] The variable matching circuit 205 matches the impedance of the ultrasonic element 202 with the impedance of the drive unit 212. This reduces reflected power to the drive unit 212 and improves the durability of the drive unit 212.

[0027] Sample information is input from the console 114. Sample information is information necessary for setting the stirring conditions, and includes, for example, information on the amount of sample, viscosity, and amount of reagent. The storage unit 206 stores the correspondence information between this sample information and stirring information. Stirring information is information such as the position and number of ultrasonic elements 202 driven during stirring, and includes stirring conditions. By providing the storage unit 206 in this way, appropriate stirring conditions can be stored for the sample information. Stirring conditions include, for example, the output intensity of the ultrasonic waves and the stirring time.

[0028] The detector 207 determines the position and number of ultrasonic elements to be driven from among multiple ultrasonic elements 202, based on the corresponding information stored in the memory unit 206, so that the height at which the ultrasonic waves propagate is adjusted to a resolution less than or equal to the height of the ultrasonic elements 202. The detector 207 outputs this determination result as transmission information to the controller 208. By comparing the memory unit 206 in this way, the detector 207 can determine the stirring conditions without having to calculate the stirring conditions each time a determination is made.

[0029] The controller 208 generates a control signal based on the transmission information input from the determination unit 207 and outputs it to the waveform generator 203, the variable matching circuit 205, and the switch 209.

[0030] The switch 209 controls the ON / OFF state of the ultrasonic element 202 driven by the piezoelectric element 201 based on the control signal input from the controller 208. The switch 209 selects the ultrasonic element (the ultrasonic element to be driven) that corresponds to the ultrasonic irradiation area from among the multiple ultrasonic elements 202. As a result, the predetermined ultrasonic element is driven.

[0031] <Method for Correcting the Ultrasonic Stirring Mechanism> The method for correcting the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 of this disclosure is outlined below. First, the height relationship between the reaction cell 104 (reference cell) and the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 is adjusted only for a specific reaction cell (hereinafter referred to as the "reference cell"). The height difference between the reference cell and each reaction cell 104 is obtained by comparing the pulse consumption when the sample probe contacts the bottom surface of the reaction cell 104 during the analysis operation. Based on this difference, the parameters for operating the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 are selected.

[0032] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the correction method for the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110. In step S301, before starting up the automatic analyzer 1, the user manually adjusts the relative height between the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 and the reference cell using a jig or the like. This makes the relative height between the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 and the reference cell equivalent to the design value. Here, the manufacturer of the automatic analyzer 1 can specify which reaction cell 104 will be used as the reference cell, for example, a specific position on the reaction disk 105, in the manual or the like. Alternatively, the user may set any reaction cell 104 as the reference cell. In this case, the user inputs information about the reference cell via the console 114.

[0033] In step S302, when the user starts up the automated analyzer 1, the control device 113 starts the analysis operation. In step S303, the sample dispensing mechanism 106 moves to the sample dispensing position. In step S304, the sample dispensing mechanism 106 aspirates the sample. In step S305, the sample dispensing mechanism 106 moves to the sample ejection position of the reaction disk.

[0034] In step S306, the sample dispensing mechanism 106 descends until the probe contacts the bottom surface of the reaction cell. The probe of the sample dispensing mechanism 106 is equipped with an abnormal descent stop sensor (not shown). The probe stops when it contacts the bottom surface of the reaction cell 104, due to the abnormal descent stop sensor. The control device 113 acquires the pulses consumed until the probe stops due to the abnormal descent stop sensor.

[0035] In step S307, the sample dispensing mechanism 106 dispenses the sample into the reaction cell 104. The control device 113 performs steps S303 to S307 in each reaction cell 104, including the reference cell.

[0036] In step S308, the control device 113 calculates the difference between the pulse consumption when contacting the bottom surface of the reference cell, which was acquired in step S306, and the pulse consumption when contacting the bottom surface of each reaction cell. Since the relative height between the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 and the reference cell corresponds to the design value in step S301, this procedure allows the difference between the relative height between the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 and the design value of each reaction cell 104 to be calculated.

[0037] In step S309, the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 selects an ultrasonic element to drive according to the amount of liquid (liquid level) in the reaction cell 104 and the difference between that amount and the design value of the height of each reaction cell 104 obtained in steps S306 to S307.

[0038] The method for selecting ultrasonic elements will now be explained. The ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 determines the liquid level of the liquid to be measured (height from the bottom of the reaction cell) from the amount of liquid in the reaction cell. The ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 adds the difference between the liquid level of the liquid to be measured and the design value of the relative height of the reaction cell to the liquid level of the liquid to be measured. Based on this added height value (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "added value"), it selects a segment of the ultrasonic element so that ultrasound is irradiated to the region including that height. For example, if the liquid level is 2 mm and the difference from the design value of the relative height of the reaction cell is +3 mm, it selects a segment of the ultrasonic element so that ultrasound can be irradiated to a region of 5 mm from the bottom of the reaction cell. At this time, the number of ultrasonic elements to be driven in the height direction can be determined according to the resolution of each segment of the ultrasonic element. The correspondence between the range of the above added value and the segments of the ultrasonic elements to be driven (for example, in a table format) may be stored in the storage unit 206. As a result, the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 can select the ultrasonic elements to be driven by referring to the storage unit 206.

[0039] As described above, the optimal ultrasonic irradiation area can be determined by considering not only the liquid level of the liquid to be measured, but also the assembly / dimensional errors of the unit including the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110, reaction disk 105, and reaction cell 104. Note that the assembly error of the sample dispensing mechanism 106 does not affect the ultrasonic irradiation area.

[0040] <Explanation of Effects> The effects obtained by providing a reference cell as in this embodiment will be explained.

[0041] Figure 4A is a diagram illustrating the case where the flowchart in Figure 3 is implemented without a reference cell (comparative example). In steps S308 and S309, the design value 401a of the relative position of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 is compared with the measured value of each reaction cell to determine the correction of the behavior of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110. However, in this procedure, it is not possible to recognize if there is a difference between the design value 401a of the relative position between the reaction cell and the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 and the actual distance 402 of the relative position between the reaction cell and the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110. Furthermore, it is not possible to correct for such a difference.

[0042] Figure 4B is a diagram illustrating the case where a reference cell is set up according to step S301 and the flowchart in Figure 3 is carried out (this embodiment). The actual distance between the reference cell 403 and the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 is equivalent to the design value 401b of the relative position between the cell and the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110, due to the adjustment in step S301. This makes it possible to appropriately correct the behavior of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 by the procedures carried out in steps S308 and S309.

[0043] <Other Examples of Correction for Ultrasonic Stirring Mechanism> In step S309 above, it was explained that more appropriate stirring for the liquid to be measured can be achieved by selecting the ultrasonic element to be driven and changing the ultrasonic irradiation area. As another method of individually correcting each reaction cell, which differs from one another, one example is to change the output intensity of the ultrasound by changing the voltage setting applied to the ultrasonic element. The distance between segments of the ultrasonic element is 3 mm, while the actual assembly / dimensional error is in the order of 0.1 mm. Therefore, there may be cases where it is desired to irradiate ultrasound at a height midway between two segments. In this case, the irradiation intensity of ultrasound in the two segments adjacent to that height is reduced. This is thought to make it possible to simulate irradiating ultrasound at a height midway between two segments.

[0044] As another method, for example, there is a method of changing the stirring time of the liquid to be measured by changing the time for driving the ultrasonic element. Regarding the method of changing the driving time of the ultrasonic element, it can be the same as changing the output intensity.

[0045] By executing these methods individually or in combination, it is possible to correct the appropriate stirring conditions in consideration of the liquid level height and viscosity of different liquids to be measured, and the relative height with respect to the ultrasonic stirring mechanism that varies for each reaction cell.

[0046] In step S301 above, a procedure for eliminating the influence due to unit assembly / dimensional errors, etc. by manually aligning the relative height between the ultrasonic stirring mechanism and the reference cell to the design value using a jig or the like was shown. This is one means of eliminating the influence due to unit assembly / dimensional errors, and it may be realized by other means. For example, a displacement sensor attached to the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 measures the relative distance between each reaction cell 104 passing under the displacement sensor during operation and the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110. The distance measured here is the distance between the bottom surface of each reaction cell in the height direction and the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110. There is no need to provide a reference cell in this procedure. In step S308, instead of the difference in consumed pulses between the reference cell and each reaction cell 104, the difference between the height of the reaction cell 104 obtained from the consumed pulses of each reaction cell and the design value can be used to obtain the difference in the relative height between the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 and each reaction cell 104. According to the above method, since the differences in the relative height between the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 and each reaction cell 104 can be collectively obtained during operation, it is not necessary to execute steps S301 and S308.

[0047] In this embodiment, the adjustment of the positional relationship in the height direction between the reference cell and the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 has been described. Alternatively, the above various methods may be executed using the positional relationship in the lateral direction (radial direction of the reaction disk).

[0048] <Summary of the First Embodiment> The automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment includes a specimen dispensing mechanism 106 (one or more dispensing probes) for dispensing a liquid, a reaction disk 105 that holds a plurality of reaction cells 104 capable of accommodating the dispensed liquid, an ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 that irradiates the liquid in the reaction cell 104 with ultrasonic waves output from a plurality of ultrasonic elements 202 to stir the liquid, a storage unit 206 (storage device) that stores information regarding the liquid volume of the liquid dispensed into the reaction cell 104, and a control device 113 or a drive device 212 (controller) that controls the specimen dispensing mechanism 106 and the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110. The plurality of reaction cells 104 includes at least one reference cell provided at a height of a reference relative position with respect to the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110. The control device 113 performs a process (S309) of calculating liquid surface height information from information regarding the liquid volume of the liquid, a process (S306) of controlling the specimen dispensing mechanism 106 (dispensing probe) to descend to the bottom surface of the reference cell and the bottom surface of the first reaction cell, a process (S308) of obtaining the reference cell height and the first reaction cell height respectively based on the descent amount of the dispensing probe when it contacts the bottom surface of the reference cell and the bottom surface of the first reaction cell, and a process (S309) of selecting the ultrasonic element 202 to be driven during the stirring of the liquid among the plurality of ultrasonic elements based on the reference cell height, the first reaction cell height, and the liquid surface height information.

[0049] As a result, it becomes possible to drive the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 for each reaction cell in consideration of not only the liquid surface height but also assembly / dimensional errors of the unit. As a result, it contributes to improving the reliability of the measurement data. <G

[0050] In order to reduce the influence of assembly / dimensional errors of the unit, means such as increasing the processing accuracy of each component constituting the unit can be considered. However, it is necessary to introduce a new processing machine for increasing the processing accuracy, train engineers, and increase the man-hours. Compared with such measures, according to the method of the present embodiment, it is possible to more easily reduce the influence of assembly / dimensional errors of the unit.

[0051] [Second Embodiment] <Overview> In the second embodiment, a case is described in which the difference in height between the reference cell and a specific reaction cell varies depending on the location on the reaction disk 105 where the reaction cell is accessed. Figures 5A to 5D are cross-sectional views showing various states when the reaction disk 105 and reaction cell 104 are attached to the automatic analyzer 1.

[0052] Figure 5A shows the normal configuration when the reaction disk 105 and reaction cell 104 are attached to the automatic analyzer 1. The reaction disk 105 and reaction cell 104 are attached to the rotating shaft 501a, which is supported by the base 502a. The rotating shaft 501a has a top surface for attaching the reaction disk 105, and the top surface is perpendicular to the rotation axis 503a. The rotating shaft 501a is supported perpendicular to the base 502a and has degrees of freedom in the direction of rotation. The ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 is attached to the base 502a and is not affected by the rotating shaft 501a. In this configuration, all reaction cells 104 are at the same height. Furthermore, there is no difference in the height of the reaction cells 104 between the point 504a that accesses the reaction cells to measure the height difference between a reference cell and a specific reaction cell, and the point 505a where the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 accesses the reaction cells for stirring.

[0053] Figure 5B shows the case where the top surface of the rotating shaft 501b does not have sufficient perpendicularity to the rotation axis 503b. Due to the inclination of the top surface, the reaction disk 105 is tilted relative to the base 502b. In this configuration, the difference in height between the reference cell and the reaction cell is determined by the mounting position of the reaction cell 104 on the reaction disk 105, regardless of the access point on the reaction disk 105. Therefore, the difference in height between the reference cell and the specific reaction cell obtained at access point 504b to measure the difference in height between the reference cell and the specific reaction cell is equivalent to the difference in height between the reference cell and the reaction cell at access point 504b where the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 accesses the reaction cell for stirring. Accordingly, the parameters of the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 can be corrected using the same flow as in the first embodiment (Figure 3).

[0054] Figure 5C shows the case where the rotating shaft 501c is supported without being sufficiently perpendicular to the base 502c. Due to the inclination of the rotating shaft 501c with respect to the rotation axis 503c, the reaction disk 105 is tilted relative to the base 502c.

[0055] Figure 5D shows the state when the rotating shaft has rotated 180° from Figure 5C. The reaction cell measured at point 504c in Figure 5C, where the difference in height between the reference cell and a specific reaction cell is accessed, is located at point 505d in Figure 5D, where the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 accesses the reaction cell for stirring.

[0056] In the configurations of Figures 5C and 5D, the difference in height between the reference cell and the specific reaction cell is determined not by the position of the reaction cell 104 relative to the reaction disk 105, but by the location where the reaction cell 104 is accessed on the reaction disk 105. Therefore, the difference in height between the reference cell and the specific reaction cell obtained at location 504c, where the reaction cell is accessed to measure the difference in height between the reference cell and the specific reaction cell in Figure 5C, is different from the difference in height between the reference cell and the specific reaction cell at location 505d, where the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 accesses the reaction cell for stirring. Consequently, the procedure of the first embodiment cannot be used to properly correct this difference.

[0057] The cases described in Figures 5A to 5D are just examples, and various other factors can be assumed to cause differences in height between a reference cell and a specific reaction cell. These factors can be broadly categorized into those determined by the mounting position of the reaction cell 104 on the reaction disk 105 and those determined by the location of access to the reaction cell 104 on the reaction disk 105.

[0058] <Method for correcting the ultrasonic stirring mechanism> When the difference in height between the reference cell and a specific reaction cell is determined by the location of access to the reaction cell 104 on the reaction disk 105, a method for appropriately correcting the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 is described.

[0059] Figures 6A and 6B are plan views showing the relationship between the reaction disk 105 to which the reaction cell 104 is attached and the locations accessed by each mechanism. Figure 6A shows a configuration in which each mechanism is arranged such that the location 601a where the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 accesses the reaction cell 104 and the location 602a where the sample dispensing mechanism 106 accesses the reaction cell 104 are the same. With this structure, even if the difference in height between the reference cell and a specific reaction cell is determined by the location on the reaction disk 105 that accesses the reaction cell 104, the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 can be appropriately corrected using the same flow as in the first embodiment (Figure 3).

[0060] Figure 6B shows a configuration where there are multiple points of access to the reaction cell in order to measure the height difference between the reference cell and a specific reaction cell. The means for measuring the height difference between each reference cell and a specific reaction cell may be, for example, the sample dispensing mechanism 106 accessing multiple points, as in the first embodiment, or the reagent dispensing mechanism 107 performing similar actions. Alternatively, the sample dispensing mechanism 106 and the reagent dispensing mechanism 107 may share the access duties. Furthermore, the height difference between the reference cell and a specific reaction cell may be measured by a displacement sensor mounted on the upper part of the circumference of the reaction disk 105.

[0061] Figure 7 is an example of a table summarizing the height difference between a specific reaction cell and a reference cell, measured at access points 602b to 605b in two different devices, A and B.

[0062] In apparatus A, the height difference between a specific reaction cell and a reference cell was measured at access points 602b to 605b in steps S306 and S308, and equivalent measurement results were obtained in both cases. From these results, it can be estimated that the cause of the height difference between the reference cell and the specific reaction cell occurring in apparatus A is determined by, for example, the mounting position of the reaction cell 104 on the reaction disk 105, as shown in Figure 5B. Therefore, the control device 113 determines that the acquired data on the height difference between a specific reaction cell and a reference cell can be used directly to correct the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110, thereby providing appropriate correction. Subsequently, in step S309, the control device 113 corrects the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 using the average value of the multiple data measured at the multiple access points 602b to 605b acquired above.

[0063] In apparatus B, the height difference between a specific reaction cell and a reference cell is measured at access points 602b to 605b in steps S306 and S308, and measurement results showing different trends were obtained at access points 602b and 603b and access points 604b and 605b. From these results, it can be estimated that the cause of the height difference between the reference cell and the specific reaction cell occurring in apparatus B is determined by the access point to the reaction cell 104 on the reaction disk 105. Furthermore, it can be estimated that the trend of this height difference slopes from left to right in Figure 6B. Therefore, the control device 113 does not use the data obtained from multiple locations as is. Specifically, the control device 113 corrects the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 using the average value of only access points 604b and 605b, which are located close to access point 601b where the ultrasonic stirring mechanism 110 accesses the reaction cell 104 and are considered to have equivalent data based on the above estimation.

[0064] [Variations] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes various variations. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail for the purpose of explaining this disclosure, and do not necessarily have to include all the configurations described. Parts of one embodiment can be replaced with the configurations of another embodiment. Configurations of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. Parts of the configuration of each embodiment can be added, deleted, or replaced with parts of the configurations of other embodiments.

[0065] Each of the above configurations, functions, processing units, and processing means may be implemented in hardware, in whole or in part, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. Each of the above configurations, functions, and means may also be implemented in software by having the processor interpret and execute programs that realize each function. Information such as programs, tables, and files that realize each function can be stored in memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD.

[0066] In the drawings, control lines and information lines are shown only if deemed necessary for explanation, and not all control lines and information lines are necessarily shown in the actual product. In reality, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected.

[0067] 1...Automatic analyzer 100...Sample container 101...Sample rack 102...Reagent container 103...Reagent disc 104...Reaction cell 105...Reaction disc 106...Sample dispensing mechanism 107...Reagent dispensing mechanism 108...Washing unit 109...Washing unit 110...Ultrasonic stirring mechanism 111...Washing mechanism 112...Constant temperature bath 113...Control device (controller) 114...Console 212...Drive unit (controller)

Claims

1. The device comprises: one or more dispensing probes for dispensing liquid; a reaction disk holding a plurality of reaction cells capable of containing the dispensed liquid; an ultrasonic stirring mechanism for stirring the liquid in the reaction cells by irradiating the liquid with ultrasonic waves from a plurality of ultrasonic elements that emit ultrasonic waves; a storage device for storing information regarding the volume of liquid dispensed into the reaction cells; and a controller for controlling the dispensing probes and the ultrasonic stirring mechanism, wherein the plurality of reaction cells include at least one reference reaction cell located at a reference relative height with respect to the ultrasonic stirring mechanism; the controller performs the following processes: calculating liquid level information from information regarding the volume of liquid; controlling the dispensing probes to descend to the bottom surface of the reference reaction cell and the bottom surface of the first reaction cell; and determining the height of the reference reaction cell and the height of the first reaction cell, respectively, based on the amount the dispensing probe descends when it contacts the bottom surface of the reference reaction cell and the bottom surface of the first reaction cell. An automatic analyzer configured to perform the following steps: select an ultrasonic element from among the plurality of ultrasonic elements to be driven when stirring the liquid, based on the reference reaction cell height, the first reaction cell height, and the liquid level height information.

2. An automated analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the controller selects the ultrasonic element to be driven based on the difference between the reference reaction cell height and the first reaction cell height.

3. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to further perform the following: a process of controlling the dispensing probe to descend to the bottom surface of a second reaction cell located at a second position different from the first reaction cell located at a first position or the reference reaction cell; and a process of determining the height of the second reaction cell based on the amount the dispensing probe descends when it contacts the bottom surface of the second reaction cell, and the controller is configured to further perform the following: a process of determining the height of the second reaction cell based on the amount the dispensing probe descends when it contacts the bottom surface of the second reaction cell, and the controller selects the ultrasonic element to be driven based on the height of the second reaction cell, the height of the reference reaction cell, the height of the first reaction cell, and the liquid level height information.

4. An automated analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the one or more dispensing probes include a plurality of dispensing probes, the controller is configured to further perform a process to acquire the first reaction cell height at a plurality of positions using the plurality of dispensing probes, and the automated analyzer is characterized in that it selects the ultrasonic element to be driven based on the first reaction cell height at the plurality of positions, the reference reaction cell height, and the liquid level height information.

5. An automated analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that the position of the reaction cell when dispensing with the dispensing probe and the position of the reaction cell when stirring the liquid in the reaction cell with the ultrasonic stirring mechanism are the same.

6. A control method for an automated analyzer, executed by a controller of the automated analyzer, wherein the automated analyzer comprises: one or more dispensing probes for dispensing liquid; a reaction disk holding a plurality of reaction cells capable of containing the dispensed liquid; an ultrasonic stirring mechanism for stirring the liquid in the reaction cells by irradiating the liquid with ultrasonic waves from a plurality of ultrasonic elements that emit ultrasonic waves; a storage device for storing information regarding the volume of liquid dispensed into the reaction cells; and a controller for controlling the dispensing probes and the ultrasonic stirring mechanism, wherein the plurality of reaction cells include at least one reference reaction cell provided at a reference relative height with respect to the ultrasonic stirring mechanism, and the control method comprises: calculating liquid level information from information regarding the volume of liquid using the controller; controlling the dispensing probe to descend to the bottom surface of the reference reaction cell and the bottom surface of the first reaction cell; and determining the height of the reference reaction cell and the height of the first reaction cell, respectively, based on the amount the dispensing probe descends when it contacts the bottom surface of the reference reaction cell and the bottom surface of the first reaction cell. A control method for an automated analyzer, comprising: selecting an ultrasonic element from among a plurality of ultrasonic elements to be driven when the liquid is stirred, based on the reference reaction cell height, the first reaction cell height, and the liquid level height information.

7. A control method for an automated analyzer according to claim 6, wherein the controller selects the ultrasonic element to be driven based on the difference between the reference reaction cell height and the first reaction cell height.

8. A control method for an automated analyzer according to claim 6, further comprising: controlling the dispensing probe to descend to the bottom surface of a second reaction cell at a second position different from the first reaction cell at a first position or the reference reaction cell, and determining the height of the second reaction cell based on the amount the dispensing probe descends when it contacts the bottom surface of the second reaction cell, wherein the controller selects the ultrasonic element to be driven based on the height of the second reaction cell, the height of the reference reaction cell, the height of the first reaction cell, and the liquid level height information.

9. A control method for an automated analyzer according to claim 6, wherein the one or more dispensing probes include a plurality of dispensing probes, the control method further includes the controller obtaining the first reaction cell height at a plurality of positions using the plurality of dispensing probes, and the controller selects the ultrasonic element to be driven based on the first reaction cell height at the plurality of positions, the reference reaction cell height, and the liquid level height information.

10. A control method for an automated analyzer according to claim 6, characterized in that the position of the reaction cell when dispensing with the dispensing probe and the position of the reaction cell when stirring the liquid in the reaction cell with the ultrasonic stirring mechanism are the same.

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