CN112577792B

CN112577792B - Sample analysis system and method for starting centrifugation operation of a centrifugation module

Info

Publication number: CN112577792B
Application number: CN201910925273.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 甘裕明; 王鑫润
Original assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio Medical Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio Medical Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-27
Filing date: 2019-09-27
Publication date: 2024-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-27
Also published as: CN112577792A

Abstract

The present invention provides a sample analysis system and a method for starting the centrifugation operation of a centrifugation module, the sample analysis system comprising: the centrifugal modules are used for carrying out centrifugal operation on the sample to be tested; a plurality of rails respectively connected to the respective centrifugal modules; the scheduling device is used for scheduling the sample to be tested to the corresponding centrifugal module through the track so as to perform centrifugal operation; the timing module is used for calculating a scheduling time interval, wherein the scheduling time interval is the time interval at which the scheduling device schedules the sample to be measured to the centrifugal module; and a controller for controlling whether to start the centrifugation operation of the centrifugation module based on whether the scheduled time interval is equal to or greater than a preset time threshold, wherein the time threshold can be set to different values in different time periods based on the sample to be tested. The sample analysis system has reasonable centrifugal starting conditions, can avoid the premature starting of centrifugation and reduce the sample centrifugation waiting time, thereby reducing the TAT time of the system and improving the centrifugation efficiency.

Description

Sample analysis system and method for starting centrifugation operation of a centrifugation module

Technical Field

The present invention relates to sample analysis systems, and more particularly, to sample analysis systems and methods for initiating centrifugation operations of a centrifugation module.

Background

In the field of medical testing, centrifugation is typically performed to separate the components of a sample prior to analysis of the sample to be tested. In current TLA (total laboratory automation) systems, the working procedure of the centrifugation is generally: and placing the sample to be tested on the sample rack by the manipulator, placing the sample rack into a centrifugal machine after the sample rack is fully loaded, and starting the centrifugal machine. During actual use, the sample flow of the centrifuge is intermittent.

In current TLA systems, there are typically only two conditions for the centrifuge to start up when the sample rack is not full: one is to initiate centrifugation when the latency of the centrifugation module reaches a set single sample latency interval (the interval time between two samples arriving at the centrifuge); the other is to initiate centrifugation when the time for a batch of samples to reach the centrifuge reaches a set batch waiting time interval. The two conditions are unreasonable in arrangement and single in condition, when the sample flow changes, the sample rack is easy to start centrifugation too early under the condition that the sample rack is not filled with samples, so that the centrifugation efficiency of the centrifuge is low, the samples of each centrifugation module are unsaturated, and resource waste is caused; and the centrifugation time of the centrifuge is usually 5-10 minutes, and too long waiting time of some samples can be caused by too early starting of the centrifugation.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a novel sample analysis system and method for initiating centrifugation of a centrifugation module to address the above-described problems.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sample analysis system comprising: the centrifugal modules are used for carrying out centrifugal operation on the sample to be tested; a plurality of rails respectively connected to the respective centrifugal modules; the scheduling device is used for scheduling the sample to be tested to the corresponding centrifugal module through the track so as to perform centrifugal operation; the timing module is used for calculating a scheduling time interval, wherein the scheduling time interval is the time interval at which the scheduling device schedules the sample to be tested to the centrifugal module; and a controller for controlling whether to start the centrifugation operation of the centrifugation module based on whether the scheduled time interval is equal to or greater than a preset time threshold, wherein the time threshold can be set to different values in different time periods based on the sample to be tested.

In one embodiment, the timing module includes a first timing module and a second timing module, and the scheduling time interval includes a first scheduling time interval and a second scheduling time interval, where the first timing module is configured to calculate the first scheduling time interval, the first scheduling time interval is a time interval between two adjacent single samples scheduled by the scheduling device to the centrifugal module, and the second timing module is configured to calculate the second scheduling time interval, and the second scheduling time interval is a total time used by the scheduling device to schedule a batch of samples to the centrifugal module.

In one embodiment, further, the controller controls starting the centrifugal operation of the centrifugal module based on satisfaction of a judgment condition, wherein the judgment condition includes: the first scheduling time interval is greater than or equal to a preset first time threshold and/or the second scheduling time interval is greater than or equal to a preset second time threshold.

In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to: when the judging condition is met, if samples which are scheduled and do not reach the centrifugal module exist, the controller controls the centrifugal operation of the centrifugal module to be started again after waiting for the samples to be tested to reach the centrifugal module.

In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to: if the sample rack of the centrifugal module is fully loaded, controlling to immediately start the centrifugal operation of the centrifugal module without waiting for the sample to be tested to reach the centrifugal module.

In one embodiment, the decision condition can be selected to be enabled or disabled based on different time periods or load saturation of an analyzer in the sample analysis system.

In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to: and when the judging condition is forbidden, controlling to start the centrifugal operation of the centrifugal module after the sample rack of the centrifugal module is fully loaded.

In one embodiment, when the judgment condition is enabled, the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold can be set to be enabled based on different time periods, respectively.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold can be set to different values based on the saturation of the sample rack of the centrifugation module during different time periods when the judgment condition is enabled.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold can be set to different values based on different sample sources during different time periods when the judgment condition is enabled.

In one embodiment, the determination condition is enabled when the load of the analyzer is not saturated; and when the load of the analyzer is saturated, disabling the judging condition.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold can be set to different values based on the load saturation of the analyzer during different time periods when the judgment condition is enabled.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold can be set to different values based on different test item types of the sample under test during different time periods when the judgment condition is enabled.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold can be automatically set to an initial value based on the results of autonomous statistics of the sample analysis system during different time periods when the judgment condition is enabled.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a sample analysis system comprising: the centrifugal modules are used for carrying out centrifugal operation on samples to be tested in medical detection; a plurality of rails respectively connected to the respective centrifugal modules; the scheduling device is used for scheduling the sample to be tested to the corresponding centrifugal module through the track so as to perform centrifugal operation; the timing module is used for calculating a scheduling time interval, wherein the scheduling time interval is the time interval at which the scheduling device schedules the sample to be tested to the centrifugal module; and a controller for controlling whether to start the centrifugation operation of the centrifugation module based on whether the scheduled time interval is equal to or greater than a preset time threshold, wherein the time threshold can be set to different values based on different test item types of the sample to be tested.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold of the test item type of the sample to be tested can be set to different values based on different time periods when the judgment condition is enabled.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold for the test item type of the sample to be tested can be set based on the saturation of the sample holder of the centrifugation module when the judgment condition is enabled.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold of the test item type of the sample to be tested can be set to different values based on different sample sources when the judgment condition is enabled.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold of the test item type of the sample to be tested can be set to different values based on the load saturation of the analyzer when the judgment condition is enabled.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold of the test item type of the sample to be tested can be automatically set to an initial value based on the result of the autonomous statistics of the sample analysis system when the judgment condition is enabled.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a sample analysis system comprising: the centrifugal modules are used for carrying out centrifugal operation on samples to be tested in medical detection; a plurality of rails respectively connected to the respective centrifugal modules; the scheduling device is used for scheduling the sample to be tested to the corresponding centrifugal module through the track so as to perform centrifugal operation; the timing module is used for calculating a scheduling time interval, wherein the scheduling time interval is the time interval at which the scheduling device schedules the sample to be tested to the centrifugal module; and a controller for controlling whether to start the centrifugal operation of the centrifugal module based on the scheduled time interval.

In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to: when the judging condition is met, if a sample to be tested which is scheduled but does not reach the centrifugal module exists, the controller controls the centrifugal operation of the centrifugal module to be started again after the sample to be tested reaches the centrifugal module.

In one embodiment, the timing module further comprises a third timing module for calculating an orbital movement time of the sample to be measured, the orbital movement time being a time elapsed since the sample to be measured was scheduled to the centrifugation module.

In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to: and when the orbital motion time is greater than or equal to a preset orbital time threshold, controlling to start the centrifugal operation of the centrifugal module without waiting for the sample to be detected to reach the centrifugal module.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold can be set to different values based on different time periods when the judgment condition is enabled.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold can be set based on the saturation of the sample rack of the centrifugation module when the judgment condition is enabled.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold can be set to different values based on different sample sources when the judgment condition is enabled.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold can be set to different values based on the load saturation of the analyzer when the judgment condition is enabled.

In one embodiment, when the judgment condition is enabled, the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold can be set to different values based on different test item types of the sample under test.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold can be automatically set to an initial value based on the results of autonomous statistics of the sample analysis system when the judgment condition is enabled.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for starting up a centrifugal operation of a centrifugal module, the method comprising:

Dispatching a sample to be tested to a corresponding centrifugal module through a track so as to carry out centrifugal operation;

calculating a scheduling time interval, wherein the scheduling time interval is a time interval for scheduling the sample to be tested to the centrifugal module;

and controlling whether to start centrifugal operation of the centrifugal module based on the scheduling time interval.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer readable storage medium comprising a computer program executable by a processor to implement a method as described above.

The sample analysis system provided by the embodiment of the invention has reasonable centrifugal starting conditions, can avoid the premature start of centrifugation and reduce the sample centrifugation waiting time, thereby reducing the TAT (total analysis time, i.e. the total time required from the time of receiving the sample to the time of completing the analysis of the sample) time of the system and improving the centrifugation efficiency.

Drawings

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following more particular description of embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the invention and together with the embodiments of the invention, and not constitute a limitation to the invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals generally refer to like parts or steps.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a sample analysis system according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a sample analysis system according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pre-processing module according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic structural view of an aftertreatment module, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a pipeline system of endless tracks in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a sample centrifugation device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary interface for relevant settings of a centrifugal start-up strategy according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the steps of a method for controlling a sample analysis system, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more apparent, exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be apparent that the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention and not all embodiments of the present invention, and it should be understood that the present invention is not limited by the example embodiments described herein. Based on the embodiments of the invention described in the present application, all other embodiments that a person skilled in the art would have without inventive effort shall fall within the scope of the invention.

As described above, the current condition setting for starting the centrifugation operation of the centrifugation module is unreasonable and single, which is liable to cause a phenomenon of too long waiting time for the premature start-up centrifugation or sample centrifugation, thereby resulting in a low centrifugation efficiency.

In order to improve the centrifugation efficiency of the centrifugation module, the invention provides a sample analysis system, wherein a controller controls whether to start the centrifugation operation of the centrifugation module or not based on whether a scheduled time interval is larger than or equal to a preset time threshold, wherein the time threshold is set to different values in different time periods based on samples to be tested.

In order to improve the centrifugation efficiency of the centrifugation module, the invention further provides a sample analysis system, wherein the controller controls whether to start the centrifugation operation of the centrifugation module based on whether the scheduled time interval is equal to or greater than a preset time threshold, wherein the time threshold is set to different values based on different test item types of the sample to be tested.

In order to improve the centrifugation efficiency of the centrifugation module, the present invention also provides a sample analysis system, wherein the controller controls whether to start the centrifugation operation of the centrifugation module based on the scheduled time interval.

The sample analysis system has reasonable centrifugal starting conditions, can avoid the premature starting of centrifugation and reduce the sample centrifugation waiting time, thereby reducing the TAT (total analysis time, i.e. the total time required from the time of receiving the sample to the time of completing the analysis of the sample) time of the system and improving the centrifugation efficiency.

Example 1

As shown in fig. 1, fig. 1 shows a schematic structure of a sample analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 1, a sample analysis system according to the present embodiment may include a plurality of centrifugation modules 100, a plurality of tracks 110, a scheduler 120, a timing module TM, and a controller 130. The centrifugal module 100 is used for performing centrifugal operation on a sample to be tested; a plurality of rails 110 are respectively connected to the respective centrifugal modules 100; the dispatching device 120 is used for dispatching the sample to be tested to the corresponding centrifugal module 100 through the plurality of tracks 110 for centrifugal operation; the timing module TM is configured to calculate a scheduling time interval STM, where the scheduling time interval STM is a time interval during which the scheduling device 120 schedules samples to be tested to the centrifugal module 100. In one embodiment, the sample to be tested may comprise any suitable sample that can be tested in the medical field, such as a blood sample, a urine sample, etc., as the invention is not limited in this regard. Fig. 1 shows an example of three centrifugal modules 100, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the number of centrifugal modules. In some examples, other modules (e.g., analysis modules, etc.) and components for pre-and post-processing may also be added to a sample analysis system, which may also be referred to as a pipeline system.

Wherein, when the sample rack of the centrifugal module 100 is fully loaded, the controller 130 controls the centrifugal module 100 to immediately start the centrifugal operation; when the sample rack of the centrifuge module 100 is not fully loaded, a centrifuge start-up strategy may be enabled. The centrifuge start-up strategy may include: the controller 130 controls whether to start the centrifugation operation of the centrifugation module 100 based on the scheduled time interval STM. According to the embodiment, whether to start centrifugal operation is controlled based on the time interval of dispatching the samples instead of the time interval of the samples reaching the centrifugal module, the centrifugal starting conditions are reasonable, the premature start of centrifugation can be avoided, the sample centrifugation waiting time is shortened, the TAT time of the system is shortened, and the centrifugal efficiency is improved.

In one embodiment, the timing module TM may include a first timing module TM1 and a second timing module TM2, and the scheduling time interval STM may include a first scheduling time interval STM1 and a second scheduling time interval STM2. The first timing module TM1 is configured to calculate a first scheduling time interval STM1, where the first scheduling time interval STM1 is a time interval between two adjacent single samples scheduled by the scheduling device 120 to the centrifugal module 100; the second timing module TM2 is configured to calculate a second scheduling time interval STM2, where the second scheduling time interval STM2 is a total time taken for the scheduler 120 to schedule a batch of samples to the centrifugal module 100.

When monitoring that a certain sample starts to be scheduled, the first timing module TM1 starts timing; when the next sample is monitored to be started to be scheduled, the first timing module TM1 is cleared and timing is restarted. When the first sample for starting dispatching a batch is monitored, the second timing module TM2 starts timing; when the centrifugation module 100 starts centrifugation, the second timing module TM2 is cleared.

In one embodiment, the controller 130 controls the start of the centrifugal operation of the centrifugal module 100 based on satisfaction of a judgment condition SR, which may include: the first scheduling time interval STM1 is greater than or equal to a preset first time threshold TH1 and/or the second scheduling time interval STM2 is greater than or equal to a preset second time threshold TH2. In other words, as long as one or both of the two scheduled time intervals is greater than or equal to the corresponding time threshold, the controller 130 controls the centrifugation operation of the start-up centrifugation module 100, so that the phenomenon of prematurely starting the centrifugation or waiting for the centrifugation of the sample for too long can be more effectively avoided, thereby more effectively improving the centrifugation efficiency.

In one embodiment, when the judgment condition SR is satisfied, if there is a sample to be tested that has been scheduled but has not yet reached the centrifugation module 100, the controller 130 controls the start of the centrifugation operation of the centrifugation module 100 again after waiting for the sample to be tested to reach the centrifugation module 100. This avoids the problem that samples to be tested which have been scheduled but have not arrived at the centrifugation module, due to missing centrifugation with the batch of samples, need to wait for centrifugation with the next batch of samples, resulting in excessive waiting times.

However, if the sample rack of the centrifugation module 100 is fully loaded, since the sample rack does not have a void to receive the sample to be tested, the controller 130 controls to immediately start the centrifugation operation of the centrifugation module 100 without waiting for the sample to be tested to reach the centrifugation module 100.

In one embodiment, the timing module TM may further include a third timing module TM3, configured to calculate a time to orbit TTM of the sample to be measured, where the time to orbit TTM is a time elapsed since a certain sample to be measured is scheduled to the centrifugal module 100. Wherein, when the orbit time TTM is greater than or equal to the preset orbit time threshold TTH, the controller 130 controls to start the centrifugation operation of the centrifugation module 100 without waiting for the scheduled sample to be tested to reach the centrifugation module 100. This can avoid the phenomenon that the sample to be tested which has been scheduled does not reach the centrifugation module 100 for a long time due to system failure or being manually taken away or other reasons, resulting in a too long waiting time for centrifugation to start or a failure to start centrifugation.

Wherein the track time threshold TTH may be empirically set, for example, to be equal to or slightly longer than the time it should take for the sample to reach the centrifugation module. For example, if the sample should take about 60 seconds from being scheduled to reach the centrifugation module, the track time threshold TTH may be set to 70 seconds, 80 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.

In one embodiment, the above-described centrifugal start-up strategy may be selected to be enabled or disabled, i.e., the judgment condition SR may be selected to be enabled or disabled. In one embodiment, the judgment condition SR may be selected to be enabled or disabled based on different time periods or load saturation of an analyzer in the sample analysis system. It should be appreciated that this is merely exemplary and not limiting, and that the user may also add the option of enabling or disabling the judgment conditions SR based on other conditions.

Wherein, when the judging condition SR is disabled, the controller 130 controls the start of the centrifugation operation of the centrifugation module 100 after the sample rack of the centrifugation module 100 is loaded. The judgment condition SR is disabled when the sample flows are relatively dense, and then the centrifugation is started after the sample rack is fully loaded, so that the phenomenon of resource waste caused by low centrifugation efficiency of the centrifugation module due to premature starting of the centrifugation can be avoided.

When the judgment condition SR is selected to be enabled or disabled based on different time periods, in one embodiment, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 may be set to be enabled based on different time periods, respectively, when the judgment condition SR is enabled. In other words, only the first time threshold TH1 may be enabled in a certain period of time, that is, only whether the first scheduling time interval STM1 is equal to or greater than the first time threshold TH1 is determined; or only the second time threshold TH2 may be started, that is, only whether the second scheduling time interval STM2 is greater than or equal to the second time threshold TH2 is determined; both time thresholds may be enabled, with both determinations being made and the controller 130 controlling the start of the centrifugal operation of the centrifugal module 100 whenever one of them is satisfied. For example, during a 9:00-11:00 time period, the first time threshold TH1 and the second time threshold TH2 may both be set to be enabled; during the 0:00-9:00 time period, the first time threshold TH1 and the second time threshold TH2 may both be set to disabled; in the 11:00-24:00 time period, the first time threshold TH1 may be set to be enabled and the second time threshold TH2 may be set to be disabled. By the aid of the method, a user can flexibly set which time threshold is started according to the condition of the sample flow in a certain time period, so that the aim of improving centrifugal efficiency is fulfilled.

In one embodiment, when the judgment condition SR is enabled, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 may be set to different values based on different time periods. For example, during a 9:00-11:00 time period, the first time threshold TH1 may be set to 60 seconds and the second time threshold TH2 may be set to 240 seconds; the first time threshold TH1 may be set to 120 seconds and the second time threshold TH2 may be set to 600 seconds during a period of 0:00-9:00. By doing so, the user can flexibly set the values of the two time thresholds according to the condition of the sample flow in a certain time period, so as to further improve the centrifugal efficiency.

In one embodiment, it should be understood that the above-described settings of the various time periods are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting. In practical operation, one skilled in the art can set values of the first time threshold TH1 and the second time threshold TH2 for different time periods and each time period as required.

In one embodiment, the initial values of each time period and the two time thresholds for each time period may be set according to the results of the autonomous statistics of the sample analysis system. For example, the step of setting initial values of the first time threshold TH1 for each time period and each time period based on the result of the autonomous statistics of the sample analysis system may be:

1) Counting the time point of each sample entering the system: t is t ₀ 、t ₁ 、t ₂ …

2) The time interval between two adjacent samples entering the system is: Δt (delta t) ₁ ＝t ₁ -t ₀ 、Δt ₂ ＝t ₂ -t ₁ 、Δt ₃ ＝t ₃ -t ₂ …

3) Acquisition of different time periods:

(i) When Deltat _i >Generating a trigger event at DeltaT, recording the partition time period T ₀ ～t _i The set of time intervals 1 for two adjacent samples to enter the system within this period is: Δt (delta t) ₁ 、Δt ₂ 、Δt ₃ 、…、Δt _i ；

(ii) When Deltat _i+x1 >Generating a trigger event at DeltaT, recording the partition time period T _i+1 ～t _i+x1 The set of time intervals 2 during which two adjacent samples enter the system within the time period are: Δt (delta t) _i+1 、Δt _i+2 、Δt _i+3 、…、Δt _i+x1 ；

(iii) When Deltat _i+x2 >Generating a trigger event at DeltaT, recording the partition time period T _i+x1+1 ～t _i+x2 The set of time intervals 3 for two adjacent samples to enter the system within this period of time are: Δt (delta t) _i+x1+1 、Δt _i+x1+2 、Δt _i+x1+3 、…、Δt _i+x2

…………

4) The first time threshold TH1 of each partition period may be set as follows:

(1)t ₀ ～t _i first time threshold th1=average (Δt of time period ₁ 、Δt ₂ 、Δt ₃ 、…、Δt _i )；

(2)t _i+1 ～t _i+x1 First time threshold th1=average (Δt of time period _i+1 、Δt _i+2 、Δt _i+3 、…、Δt _i+x1 )；

(3)t _i+x1+1 ～t _i+x2 First time threshold th1=average (Δt of time period _i+x1+1 、Δt _i+x1+2 、Δt _i+x1+3 、…、Δt _i+x2 )；

…………

In one embodiment, the first time threshold TH1 may be set based on the saturation of the sample rack of the centrifugal module 100 when the judgment condition SR is enabled.

In one embodiment, the linear wait setting may be enabled or disabled based on different time periods. For example, the linear wait setting is disabled for a period of 0:00-9:00 and enabled for a period of 9:00-11:00. When the linear wait setting is enabled, the first time threshold TH1 may be automatically set to be in a linear relationship with the saturation of the sample rack of the centrifugation module 100. In one embodiment, the linear relationship may include, for example, th1= (1-N/N) ×t (N > 0), where N is the number of samples loaded on the sample rack of the centrifugation module, N is the sample capacity of the sample rack of the centrifugation module, and the value of T may be empirically set. For example, assuming n=100, t is 60 seconds, when 50 samples have been loaded in the centrifuge rack, then the first time threshold TH1 is automatically switched to 30 seconds, and when the first scheduled time interval is 30 seconds or more, the centrifuge module starts the centrifugation operation. Enabling linear wait results in a shorter single sample wait time when the sample rack is full, and the switching process is automatically completed, which can automatically reduce the wait time of loaded samples on the sample rack in real time, thereby improving centrifugation efficiency.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 may be automatically set to different values based on different sample sources when the judgment condition is enabled. In one embodiment, the sample sources may include emergency samples, outpatient samples, hospitalized samples, and the like.

Specifically, when the sample to be tested reaches the centrifugal module 100, the controller 130 automatically obtains the sample source of the sample to be tested, and controls to switch the first time threshold TH1 and the second time threshold TH2 of the centrifugal module 100 to the smallest time threshold of the first time threshold and the second time threshold corresponding to the sample sources of all the samples in the centrifugal module. For example, taking the first time threshold TH1 as an example, assuming that the first time threshold TH1 corresponding to the emergency sample is 40 seconds, the first time threshold TH1 corresponding to the outpatient sample is 50 seconds, the first time threshold TH1 corresponding to the hospitalization sample is 60 seconds, only the hospitalization sample is in the centrifugation module at the beginning, and the first time threshold TH1 is 60 seconds at this time; after a period of time, the clinic sample arrives, and the first time threshold TH1 is automatically switched to 50 seconds; the emergency sample arrives after a period of time, and the first time threshold TH1 is automatically switched to 40 seconds. Thereafter, if an outpatient or hospitalized sample arrives, the first time threshold TH1 remains unchanged for 40 seconds, and if the scheduler 120 does not schedule samples to the centrifugation module within 40 seconds, the centrifugation module will initiate centrifugation. It will be appreciated that the operating mechanism is equally applicable to the second time threshold TH2.

In one embodiment, the time threshold corresponding to each sample source may be set based on different time periods. For example, in the time period of 0:00-9:00, the first time threshold TH1 corresponding to the emergency sample, the outpatient sample and the hospitalization sample is set to 60 seconds, 80 seconds and 100 seconds respectively, and the second time threshold TH2 corresponding to the emergency sample, the outpatient sample and the hospitalization sample is set to 240 seconds, 320 seconds and 400 seconds respectively; in the time period of 9:00-11:00, the first time threshold TH1 corresponding to the emergency sample, the outpatient sample and the inpatient sample is set to 40 seconds, 60 seconds and 80 seconds respectively, and the second time threshold TH2 corresponding to the outpatient sample and the inpatient sample is set to 160 seconds, 240 seconds and 320 seconds respectively. By the arrangement, the sample rack can be centrifuged as soon as possible when an urgent sample (such as an emergency sample) exists, so that an analysis result can be obtained as soon as possible, and the sample rack can be started to be centrifuged as soon as possible only when a non-urgent sample (such as a hospitalized sample) does not exist, so that the phenomenon that the centrifugation efficiency is low and resource waste is caused due to the fact that the sample rack of the centrifugation module is started to be centrifuged as soon as possible when the sample rack is not fully loaded is reduced.

When the judgment condition SR is selected to be enabled or disabled based on the load saturation of the analyzer in the sample analysis system, in one embodiment, the judgment condition SR is enabled when the load of the analyzer is not saturated; when the load of the analyzer is saturated, the judgment condition SR is disabled.

In one embodiment, when the judgment condition SR is enabled, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 may be set to different values based on the load saturation of the analyzer. In one embodiment, when the load saturation of the analyzer is large, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 are set to large values; when the load saturation of the analyzer is small, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 are set to small values. By the arrangement, under the condition that the sample supply of the analyzer is insufficient, the sample starts to be centrifuged as soon as possible, so that the sample reaches the analyzer as soon as possible, and under the condition that the sample supply of the analyzer is sufficient, the sample to be tested can wait in the centrifugal module, and the centrifugal module can play a storage role at the moment, so that the utilization rate of the centrifugal module is improved.

In one embodiment, when the judgment condition SR is enabled, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 may be set to different values based on different test item types of the sample to be tested. Specifically, the time threshold corresponding to the test item for which the analysis result needs to be output as soon as possible may be set shorter, and the time threshold corresponding to the test item for which the analysis result needs not be output as much as possible may be set longer. In one embodiment, the test items of the sample may include an immunoassay test item and a biochemical test item. In one embodiment, the test items of the sample may include albumin, total protein, total bilirubin, free thyroxine, thyroglobulin, anti-T3, and the like.

In one embodiment, the sample analysis system may further include an input module and a display module (not shown). The input module may be used for a user to input commands, and typically may be a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The display module is used for displaying content, such as content related to relevant settings of the centrifugal start strategy, etc. Referring to fig. 7, fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary interface for relevant settings of a centrifugal start-up strategy according to one embodiment of the invention.

In one embodiment, the relevant settings of the centrifugal start-up policy may include a base setting and one or more setting policies, wherein the user may select a single box in front of the base setting and setting policies via a mouse to make the relevant settings. Two setup strategies are shown in fig. 7, it being understood that this is merely exemplary and that embodiments of the present invention may include more or fewer setup strategies.

In one embodiment, the setting items in the basic settings and settings policies may be added and/or deleted via "Add" and "delete" buttons. For example, the basic settings shown in fig. 7 include the following setting items: three time periods (0:00-9:00, 9:00-11:00, and 11:00-24:00), whether linear wait and track wait time are enabled (i.e., track time threshold TTH described above), set policy 1 includes a set item-sample source wait time, set policy 2 includes a set item-analyzer load saturation wait time, although it should be understood that this is merely exemplary, and that both basic set and set policies may additionally include other set items or replace the set items described above, as the invention is not limited in this regard.

Example two

There is provided a sample analysis system according to the present embodiment, and still reference is made to fig. 1 for a schematic structural diagram of the sample analysis system.

As shown in fig. 1, the sample analysis system according to the present embodiment may include a plurality of centrifugation modules 100, a plurality of rails 110, a scheduler 120, a timing module TM, and a controller 130. The centrifugal module 100 is used for performing centrifugal operation on a sample to be tested; a plurality of rails 110 are respectively connected to the respective centrifugal modules 100; the dispatching device 120 is used for dispatching the sample to be tested to the corresponding centrifugal module 100 through the plurality of tracks 110 for centrifugal operation; the timing module TM is configured to calculate a scheduling time interval STM, where the scheduling time interval STM is a time interval during which the scheduling device 120 schedules samples to be tested to the centrifugal module 100. In one embodiment, the sample to be tested may comprise any suitable sample that can be tested in the medical field, such as a blood sample, a urine sample, etc., as the invention is not limited in this regard. Fig. 1 shows an example of three centrifugal modules 100, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the number of centrifugal modules. In some examples, other modules (e.g., analysis modules, etc.) and components for pre-and post-processing may also be added to a sample analysis system, which may also be referred to as a pipeline system.

Wherein, when the sample rack of the centrifugal module 100 is fully loaded, the centrifugal module 100 immediately starts the centrifugal operation; when the sample rack of the centrifuge module 100 is not fully loaded, the controller 130 may enable a centrifuge start-up strategy. The centrifuge start-up strategy may include: the controller 130 controls whether to start the centrifugation of the centrifugation module 100 based on whether a judgment condition SR is satisfied, wherein the judgment condition SR may include a scheduling time interval STM being equal to or greater than a preset time threshold TH, wherein the time threshold TH may be set to different values in different time periods based on the sample to be measured. According to the embodiment, whether the centrifugal operation is started or not is controlled based on whether the time interval of the scheduled samples is larger than or equal to the time threshold, the time threshold can be set according to different time periods, the centrifugal starting conditions are more optimized, premature starting of centrifugation can be effectively avoided, sample centrifugation waiting time is reduced, accordingly TAT time of a system is reduced, and centrifugal efficiency is improved.

In one embodiment, the judgment condition SR may include: the first scheduling time interval STM1 is greater than or equal to a preset first time threshold TH1 and/or the second scheduling time interval STM2 is greater than or equal to a preset second time threshold TH2. In other words, as long as one or both of the two scheduled time intervals is greater than or equal to the corresponding time threshold, the controller 130 controls the centrifugation operation of the start-up centrifugation module 100, so that the phenomenon of prematurely starting the centrifugation or waiting for the centrifugation of the sample for too long can be more effectively avoided, thereby more effectively improving the centrifugation efficiency.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 may be set to different values in different time periods, respectively, based on the sample to be measured. For example, during a 9:00-11:00 time period, the first time threshold TH1 may be set to 60 seconds and the second time threshold TH2 may be set to 240 seconds; the first time threshold TH1 may be set to 120 seconds and the second time threshold TH2 may be set to 600 seconds during a period of 0:00-9:00. By doing so, the user can flexibly set the values of the two time thresholds according to the condition of the sample flow in a certain time period, so as to further improve the centrifugal efficiency.

In one embodiment, the initial values of each time period and the two time thresholds for each time period may be set according to the results of the autonomous statistics of the sample analysis system. For example, the step of setting the initial values of the first time threshold TH1 for each time period and each time period based on the result of the autonomous statistics of the sample analysis system may be as described in the first embodiment, and will not be described herein.

In one embodiment, the timing module TM may further include a third timing module TM3, configured to calculate a time to orbit TTM of the sample to be measured, where the time to orbit TTM is a time elapsed since a certain sample to be measured is scheduled to the centrifugal module 100. When the time to orbit TTM is equal to or greater than the preset time to orbit threshold TTH, the controller 130 controls to start the centrifugation operation of the centrifugation module 100 without waiting for the sample to be tested to reach the centrifugation module 100. This can avoid the phenomenon that the sample to be tested which has been scheduled does not reach the centrifugation module 100 for a long time due to system failure or being manually taken away or other reasons, resulting in a too long waiting time for centrifugation to start or a failure to start centrifugation.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold TH1 may be set based on the saturation of the sample rack of the centrifugal module 100 during different time periods when the judgment condition SR is enabled.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 may be automatically set to different values based on different sample sources during different time periods when the judgment condition is enabled. In one embodiment, the sample sources may include emergency samples, outpatient samples, hospitalized samples, and the like.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 may be set to different values based on the load saturation of the analyzer during different time periods when the judgment condition SR is enabled. In one embodiment, when the load saturation of the analyzer is large, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 are set to large values; when the load saturation of the analyzer is small, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 are set to small values. By the arrangement, under the condition that the sample supply of the analyzer is insufficient, the sample starts to be centrifuged as soon as possible, so that the sample reaches the analyzer as soon as possible, and under the condition that the sample supply of the analyzer is sufficient, the sample to be tested can wait in the centrifugal module, and the centrifugal module can play a storage role at the moment, so that the utilization rate of the centrifugal module is improved.

In one embodiment, when the judgment condition SR is enabled, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 may be set to different values in different time periods based on different test item types of the sample to be tested. Specifically, the time threshold corresponding to the test item for which the analysis result needs to be output as soon as possible may be set shorter, and the time threshold corresponding to the test item for which the analysis result needs not be output as much as possible may be set longer. In one embodiment, the test items of the sample may include an immunoassay test item and a biochemical test item. In one embodiment, the test items of the sample may include albumin, total protein, total bilirubin, free thyroxine, thyroglobulin, anti-T3, and the like.

In one embodiment, the sample analysis system may further include an input module and a display module (not shown). The input module may be used for a user to input commands, and typically may be a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The display module is used for displaying content, such as content related to relevant settings of the centrifugal start strategy, etc.

Still referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the relevant settings of the centrifugal start-up policy may include a base setting and one or more setting policies, wherein the user may select a single box in front of the base setting and setting policies via a mouse to make the relevant settings. Two setup strategies are shown in fig. 7, it being understood that this is merely exemplary and that embodiments of the present invention may include more or fewer setup strategies.

Example III

Wherein, when the sample rack of the centrifugal module 100 is fully loaded, the centrifugal module 100 immediately starts the centrifugal operation; when the sample rack of the centrifuge module 100 is not fully loaded, the controller 130 may enable a centrifuge start-up strategy. The centrifuge start-up strategy may include: the controller 130 controls whether to start the centrifugation of the centrifugation module 100 based on whether a judgment condition SR is satisfied, wherein the judgment condition SR may include a scheduling time interval STM being equal to or greater than a preset time threshold TH, wherein the time threshold TH can be set to different values based on different test item types of the sample to be tested. Specifically, the time threshold corresponding to the test item for which the analysis result needs to be output as soon as possible may be set shorter, and the time threshold corresponding to the test item for which the analysis result needs not be output as much as possible may be set longer. According to the embodiment, whether to start centrifugal operation is controlled based on the time interval of the scheduled samples, and the time threshold is set based on different test item types, so that the centrifugal starting conditions are more optimized, the premature start of centrifugation can be more effectively avoided, the sample centrifugation waiting time is reduced, the TAT time of the system is reduced, and the centrifugal efficiency is improved.

In one embodiment, the test items of the sample may include an immunoassay test item and a biochemical test item. In one embodiment, the test items of the sample may include albumin, total protein, total bilirubin, free thyroxine, thyroglobulin, anti-T3, and the like.

In one embodiment, the determining the condition SR may include: the first scheduling time interval STM1 is greater than or equal to a preset first time threshold TH1 and/or the second scheduling time interval STM2 is greater than or equal to a preset second time threshold TH2. In other words, as long as one or both of the two scheduled time intervals is greater than or equal to the corresponding time threshold, the controller 130 controls the centrifugation operation of the start-up centrifugation module 100, so that the phenomenon of prematurely starting the centrifugation or waiting for the centrifugation of the sample for too long can be more effectively avoided, thereby more effectively improving the centrifugation efficiency.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 may be set to different values based on different test item types of the sample to be tested, respectively.

In one embodiment, when the judgment condition SR is enabled, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 of the test item type of the sample to be tested may be set to different values based on different time periods. For example, during a 9:00-11:00 time period, the first time threshold TH1 may be set to 60 seconds and the second time threshold TH2 may be set to 240 seconds; the first time threshold TH1 may be set to 120 seconds and the second time threshold TH2 may be set to 600 seconds during a period of 0:00-9:00. By doing so, the user can flexibly set the values of the two time thresholds according to the condition of the sample flow in a certain time period, so as to further improve the centrifugal efficiency.

In one embodiment, the initial values of each time period and the two time thresholds for each time period may be set according to the results of the autonomous statistics of the sample analysis system. For example, the step of setting the initial values of the first time threshold TH1 for each time period and each time period based on the result of the autonomous statistics of the sample analysis system may be as shown in embodiment one, and will not be described herein.

In one embodiment, when the judgment condition SR is enabled, the first time threshold TH1 of the test item type of the sample to be tested may be set based on the saturation of the sample rack of the centrifugal module 100.

In one embodiment, the linear wait setting may be enabled or disabled based on different time periods. For example, the linear wait setting is disabled for a period of 0:00-9:00 and enabled for a period of 9:00-11:00. When the linear wait setting is enabled, the first time threshold TH1 of the test item type of the sample under test may be automatically set to be in linear relationship with the saturation of the sample rack of the centrifugal module 100. In one embodiment, the linear relationship may include, for example, th1= (1-N/N) ×t (N > 0), where N is the number of samples loaded on the sample rack of the centrifugation module, N is the sample capacity of the sample rack of the centrifugation module, and the value of T may be empirically set. For example, assuming n=100, t is 60 seconds, when 50 samples have been loaded in the centrifuge rack, then the first time threshold TH1 is automatically switched to 30 seconds, and when the first scheduled time interval is 30 seconds or more, the centrifuge module starts the centrifugation operation. Enabling linear wait results in a shorter single sample wait time when the sample rack is full, and the switching process is automatically completed, which can automatically reduce the wait time of loaded samples on the sample rack in real time, thereby improving centrifugation efficiency.

In one embodiment, when the determination condition is enabled, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 of the test item type of the sample to be tested may be automatically set to different values based on different sample sources. In one embodiment, the sample sources may include emergency samples, outpatient samples, hospitalized samples, and the like.

In one embodiment, when the judgment condition SR is enabled, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 of the test item type of the sample to be tested may be set to different values based on the load saturation of the analyzer. In one embodiment, when the load saturation of the analyzer is large, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 are set to large values; when the load saturation of the analyzer is small, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 are set to small values. By the arrangement, under the condition that the sample supply of the analyzer is insufficient, the sample starts to be centrifuged as soon as possible, so that the sample reaches the analyzer as soon as possible, and under the condition that the sample supply of the analyzer is sufficient, the sample to be tested can wait in the centrifugal module, and the centrifugal module can play a storage role at the moment, so that the utilization rate of the centrifugal module is improved.

Example IV

Referring now to fig. 2, fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sample analysis system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The sample analysis system of fig. 2 may include one or more of an input module 140, a pre-processing module 150, a post-processing module 160, and an analysis module 170, in addition to the plurality of centrifugation modules 100, the rail 110, the scheduler 120, and the controller 130; the plurality of tracks 110 are used to connect the modules, such as the input module 140, the centrifugation module 100, the pre-processing module 150, the analysis module 170, and the post-processing module 160, etc., and the scheduler 120 schedules the samples to the corresponding modules via the tracks 110, and the controller 130 is used to control whether to start the centrifugation operation of the centrifugation module 100, which may include the controller described in any one of the first, second, and third embodiments, and will not be described herein. It should be understood that FIG. 2 shows an example of two centrifugal modules 100, which is for illustration only and not for limiting the number of centrifugal modules; the following describes each module.

The input module 140 is configured to receive a sample to be tested placed by a user. The input module 140 in the pipeline system is typically an area where a user places samples, and during operation of the pipeline system, the input module 140 may automatically scan the samples placed therein, sort the samples, etc., for processing by a next module, such as the centrifuge module 100.

The centrifugation module 100 is used for centrifuging a sample to be tested. The centrifugation time of the centrifugation module 100 may be set with reference to the above-described respective embodiments.

The preprocessing module 150 is used for completing preprocessing of the centrifuged sample. Referring to fig. 3, fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a preprocessing module 150 according to an embodiment of the invention. The pre-processing module 150 in fig. 3 may include one or more of a serum detection module 152, a decap module 153, and a parting module 154. Wherein the serum detection module 152 is configured to detect whether the serum level of the sample is sufficient and/or whether the serum quality of the sample is acceptable, to determine whether the centrifuged sample is available for subsequent testing. The cap removing module 153 is used for removing caps from the centrifuged sample, and as will be understood, capping, filming, cap removing and film removing of the sample herein refers to capping, filming, cap removing and film removing of a sample tube containing the sample; typically, the sample after centrifugation requires removal of the cap for subsequent sample separation or pipetting by the separation module 154 or the analysis module 170. The dispensing module 154 is used to dispense samples, such as a single sample into multiple samples, for separate measurement in different analysis modules 170. One typical preprocessing flow for the preprocessing module 150 is: the centrifugation module 100 receives the samples scheduled by the input module 140 and centrifigates the samples; the serum detection module 152 detects serum of the centrifuged sample to determine whether the sample is available for subsequent measurement, and if the serum is insufficient in quantity or quality is not acceptable, the sample cannot be used for subsequent measurement; if the detection is passed, the samples are dispatched to the cap removing module 153, the cap removing module 153 removes the caps of the samples, if the cap separating module 154 is provided, the cap separating module 154 separates the caps of the samples, and then the separated samples are dispatched to the corresponding analyzing module 170 for measurement. If the module 154 is not split, the samples are dispatched from the decap module 153 to the corresponding analysis module 170 for testing.

The analysis module 170 includes an analyzer for testing the sample to be tested after centrifugation and decapping.

The post-processing module 160 is used to complete post-processing of the sample. In one embodiment, referring to fig. 4, fig. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of an aftertreatment module 160 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The post-processing module 160 in fig. 4 includes one or more of a film/capping module 161, a refrigerated storage module 162, and a film/capping module 163. The membrane/cap module 161 is used for membrane or cap the sample; the refrigerated storage module 162 is used for storing samples; the membrane/cap removal module 163 is used to remove membranes or caps from the sample. One typical post-processing flow of the post-processing module 160 is: after the analysis module 170 is suctioned, the samples are further dispatched to the film adding/capping module 161, and the film adding/capping module 161 adds films or caps to the samples after measurement, and then dispatches the samples to the cold storage module 162 for storage. If the sample needs to be retested, the sample is dispatched from the refrigerated storage module 162 and removed from the film or lid in the film/lid removal module 163 and then dispatched to the analysis module 170 for testing.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a pipeline system with circular tracks, in which the direction of the dashed arrow is the direction and path of travel of the sample, and in which the upper right-hand curved track is an example of a system buffer, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the sample analysis system may further include an input module and a display module (not shown). The input module may be used for a user to input commands, and typically may be a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The display module is used for displaying content, such as content related to relevant settings of the centrifugal start strategy, etc. The input module and the display module may be the same as those in the first, second and third embodiments, and will not be described herein.

Example five

According to the present embodiment, there is provided a sample centrifugation device, and referring to fig. 6, fig. 6 shows a schematic structural view of the sample centrifugation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 6, the sample centrifugation device may include a sample rack 310, a centrifuge 320, and a controller 330. Wherein the sample rack 310 comprises a plurality of carrying parts for carrying samples reaching the sample rack 310; the centrifuge is used to perform a centrifugation operation on the sample rack 310.

Wherein, when the sample rack 310 is fully loaded, the controller 330 controls the centrifuge 320 to immediately start the centrifugation operation; when the sample rack 310 is not fully loaded, a centrifuge start-up strategy may be enabled. The centrifuge start-up strategy may include: the controller 330 controls whether to start the centrifugation of the centrifuge 320 based on a scheduled time interval STM, which is a time interval for scheduling samples to be measured to the sample centrifugation device. According to the embodiment, whether to start centrifugal operation is controlled based on the time interval of dispatching the samples instead of the time interval of the samples reaching the centrifugal module, the centrifugal starting conditions are reasonable, the premature start of centrifugation can be avoided, the sample centrifugation waiting time is shortened, the TAT time of the system is shortened, and the centrifugal efficiency is improved.

In one embodiment, the scheduling intervals STM may comprise a first scheduling interval STM1 for scheduling the time interval between two adjacent individual samples to the sample centrifugation device and a second scheduling interval STM2 for the total time taken to schedule a batch of samples to the sample centrifugation device.

In one embodiment, the controller 330 further controls the priming operation of the centrifuge 320 based on meeting a judgment condition SR, wherein the judgment condition SR may include: the first scheduling time interval STM1 is greater than or equal to a preset first time threshold TH1 and/or the second scheduling time interval STM2 is greater than or equal to a preset second time threshold TH2. In other words, as long as one or both of the two scheduled time intervals is greater than or equal to the corresponding time threshold, the controller 330 controls the start of the centrifugation operation of the centrifuge 320, so that the phenomenon of prematurely starting the centrifugation or waiting for the sample for the centrifugation for too long can be more effectively avoided, thereby more effectively improving the centrifugation efficiency.

In one embodiment, when the judgment condition SR is satisfied, if there is a sample to be tested that has been scheduled but has not yet arrived at the sample centrifugation device, the controller 330 controls the start of the centrifugation operation of the centrifuge 320 again after waiting for the sample to be tested to arrive at the sample centrifugation device. This can avoid the phenomenon that the sample to be tested which has been scheduled but has not arrived at the sample centrifugation device is required to wait for centrifugation with the next batch of samples due to missing centrifugation with the batch of samples, resulting in too long waiting for centrifugation.

In one embodiment, if the sample rack 310 is full, the controller 330 controls to immediately start the centrifugation of the centrifuge 320 without waiting for the already scheduled sample to be tested to reach the sample centrifugation device since the sample rack has no empty space to receive the sample to be tested.

In another embodiment, the controller 330 is further configured to control the start of the centrifugation of the centrifuge 320 based on the time to orbital TTM of the sample to be tested, wherein the time to orbital TTM is the time elapsed since the sample to be tested was scheduled to the sample centrifugation device. Further, the controller 330 is further configured to: when the orbital movement time TTM of the sample to be measured is greater than or equal to the preset orbital time threshold TTH, the control starts the centrifugation operation of the centrifuge 320 without waiting for the scheduled sample to reach the sample centrifugation device. By doing so, the phenomenon that the sample to be tested which is scheduled does not reach the sample centrifugal device for a long time due to system failure or manual removal or other reasons, so that the centrifugal start waiting time is too long or the centrifugal start cannot be started can be avoided.

Wherein the track time threshold TTH may be empirically set, for example, to be equal to or slightly longer than the time it should take for the sample to reach the sample centrifugation device. For example, if it should take about 60 seconds from being scheduled to reaching the sample centrifugation device, the track time threshold TTH may be set to 70 seconds, 80 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.

Wherein, when the judgment condition SR is disabled, the controller 330 controls the start of the centrifugation operation of the centrifuge 320 after the sample rack 310 is fully loaded. The judgment condition SR is disabled when the sample flows are relatively dense, and then the centrifugation is started after the sample rack is fully loaded, so that the phenomenon of resource waste caused by low centrifugation efficiency of the centrifugal machine due to premature starting of the centrifugation can be avoided.

When the judgment condition SR is selected to be enabled or disabled based on different time periods, in one embodiment, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 may be set to be enabled based on different time periods, respectively, when the judgment condition SR is enabled. In other words, only the first time threshold TH1 may be enabled in a certain period of time, that is, only whether the first scheduling time interval STM1 is equal to or greater than the first time threshold TH1 is determined; or only the second time threshold TH2 may be started, that is, only whether the second scheduling time interval STM2 is greater than or equal to the second time threshold TH2 is determined; both time thresholds may be enabled, with both determinations being made and the controller 330 controlling the start of the centrifuge 320 centrifugation whenever one of them is met. For example, during a 9:00-11:00 time period, the first time threshold TH1 and the second time threshold TH2 may both be set to be enabled; during the 0:00-9:00 time period, the first time threshold TH1 and the second time threshold TH2 may both be set to disabled; in the 11:00-24:00 time period, the first time threshold TH1 may be set to be enabled and the second time threshold TH2 may be set to be disabled. By the aid of the method, a user can flexibly set which time threshold is started according to the condition of the sample flow in a certain time period, so that the aim of improving centrifugal efficiency is fulfilled.

In one embodiment, the first time threshold TH1 may be set based on the saturation of the sample rack 310 when the judgment condition SR is enabled.

In one embodiment, the linear wait setting may be enabled or disabled based on different time periods. For example, the linear wait setting is disabled for a period of 0:00-9:00 and enabled for a period of 9:00-11:00. When the linear wait setting is enabled, the first time threshold TH1 may be automatically set to be in a linear relationship with the saturation of the sample rack 310. In one embodiment, the linear relationship may include, for example, th1= (1-N/N) ×t (N > 0), where N is the number of samples loaded on the sample rack, N is the sample capacity of the sample rack, and the value of T may be empirically set. For example, assuming n=100 and t is 60 seconds, when 50 samples have been loaded on the centrifuge rack, then the first time threshold TH1 is automatically switched to 30 seconds, and when the first scheduled time interval is 30 seconds or more, the centrifuge starts the centrifugation operation. Enabling linear wait results in a shorter single sample wait time when the sample rack is full, and the switching process is automatically completed, which can automatically reduce the wait time of loaded samples on the sample rack in real time, thereby improving centrifugation efficiency.

Specifically, when the sample to be tested reaches the sample centrifugation device, the controller 330 automatically acquires the sample source of the sample to be tested, and controls to switch the first time threshold TH1 and the second time threshold TH2 of the sample centrifugation device to the smallest time threshold of the first time threshold and the second time threshold corresponding to the sample sources of all samples in the sample centrifugation device. For example, taking the first time threshold TH1 as an example, assuming that the first time threshold TH1 corresponding to the emergency sample is 40 seconds, the first time threshold TH1 corresponding to the outpatient sample is 50 seconds, the first time threshold TH1 corresponding to the hospitalization sample is 60 seconds, and only the hospitalization sample is in the sample centrifugation device at the beginning, and at this time, the first time threshold TH1 is 60 seconds; after a period of time, the clinic sample arrives, and the first time threshold TH1 is automatically switched to 50 seconds; the emergency sample arrives after a period of time, and the first time threshold TH1 is automatically switched to 40 seconds. Thereafter, if an outpatient or hospitalized sample arrives, the first time threshold TH1 remains unchanged for 40 seconds, and if no sample is scheduled to the sample centrifugation device within 40 seconds, the centrifuge will initiate centrifugation. It will be appreciated that the operating mechanism is equally applicable to the second time threshold TH2.

In one embodiment, the time threshold corresponding to each sample source may be set based on different time periods. For example, in the time period of 0:00-9:00, the first time threshold TH1 corresponding to the emergency sample, the outpatient sample and the hospitalization sample is set to 60 seconds, 80 seconds and 100 seconds respectively, and the second time threshold TH2 corresponding to the emergency sample, the outpatient sample and the hospitalization sample is set to 240 seconds, 320 seconds and 400 seconds respectively; in the time period of 9:00-11:00, the first time threshold TH1 corresponding to the emergency sample, the outpatient sample and the inpatient sample is set to 40 seconds, 60 seconds and 80 seconds respectively, and the second time threshold TH2 corresponding to the outpatient sample and the inpatient sample is set to 160 seconds, 240 seconds and 320 seconds respectively. By the arrangement, the sample rack can be centrifuged as soon as possible when an urgent sample (such as an emergency sample) exists, so that an analysis result can be obtained as soon as possible, and the sample rack does not need to be started to be centrifuged too soon when a non-urgent sample (such as a hospitalized sample) exists, so that the phenomenon that the sample rack is started to be centrifuged too soon when the sample rack is not fully loaded is reduced, the centrifugation efficiency is low, and resource waste is caused.

In one embodiment, when the judgment condition SR is enabled, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 may be set to different values based on the load saturation of the analyzer. In one embodiment, when the load saturation of the analyzer is large, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 are set to large values; when the load saturation of the analyzer is small, the first time threshold TH1 and/or the second time threshold TH2 are set to small values. By the arrangement, under the condition that the sample supply of the analyzer is insufficient, the sample starts to be centrifuged as soon as possible, so that the sample reaches the analyzer as soon as possible, and under the condition that the sample supply of the analyzer is sufficient, the sample to be tested can wait in the centrifuge, and at the moment, the centrifugal module can play a storage role, so that the utilization rate of the centrifuge is improved.

In one embodiment, the sample centrifugation device may further include an input module and a display module (not shown). The input module may be used for a user to input commands, and typically may be a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The display module is used for displaying content, such as content related to relevant settings of the centrifugal start strategy, etc. The input module and the display module may be the same as those in the first, second and third embodiments, and will not be described herein.

Example six

As shown in fig. 8, fig. 8 shows a flow chart of steps of a method S10 for starting a centrifugation operation of a centrifugation module according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a sample analysis system may comprise a plurality of centrifugation modules, the method S10 comprising the steps of:

in step S200, samples to be tested are scheduled to the corresponding centrifugal modules through the tracks to perform centrifugal operation;

in step S400, a scheduling time interval is calculated, wherein the scheduling time interval is a time interval for scheduling samples to be tested to the centrifugal module;

in step S600, whether to start the centrifugation operation of the centrifugation module is controlled based on the scheduled time interval.

Example seven

The present embodiment provides a computer readable medium having stored thereon a computer program which, when run, performs the method as described in the above embodiments. Any tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium may be used, including magnetic storage devices (hard disks, floppy disks, etc.), optical storage devices (CD-ROMs, DVDs, blu-ray discs, etc.), flash memory, and/or the like. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including means which implement the function specified. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified.

Although the illustrative embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the above illustrative embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto. Various changes and modifications may be made therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in order to streamline the invention and aid in understanding one or more of the various inventive aspects, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, the method of the present invention should not be construed as reflecting the following intent: i.e., the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and all of the processes or units of any method or apparatus so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where the features are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that while some embodiments described herein include some features but not others included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in a claim. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the unit claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The use of the words first, second, third, etc. do not denote any order. These words may be interpreted as names.

The foregoing description is merely illustrative of specific embodiments of the present invention and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily think about variations or substitutions within the scope of the present invention. The protection scope of the invention is subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A sample analysis system, comprising:

the centrifugal modules are used for carrying out centrifugal operation on the sample to be tested;

a plurality of rails respectively connected to the respective centrifugal modules;

the scheduling device is used for scheduling the sample to be tested to the corresponding centrifugal module through the track so as to perform centrifugal operation;

the timing module comprises a first timing module and a second timing module, wherein the first timing module is used for calculating a first scheduling time interval, the first scheduling time interval is a time interval between two adjacent single samples scheduled by the scheduling device to the centrifugal module, and the second timing module is used for calculating a second scheduling time interval, and the second scheduling time interval is total time used by the scheduling device for scheduling a batch of samples to the centrifugal module;

A controller for controlling the start of the centrifugal operation of the centrifugal module based on satisfaction of a judgment condition, wherein the judgment condition includes: the first scheduling time interval is greater than or equal to a preset first time threshold and/or the second scheduling time interval is greater than or equal to a preset second time threshold, wherein the judgment condition can be selectively enabled or disabled based on the load saturation of an analyzer in the sample analysis system.

2. The sample analysis system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: when the judging condition is met, if samples which are scheduled and do not reach the centrifugal module exist, the controller controls the centrifugal operation of the centrifugal module to be started again after waiting for the samples to be tested to reach the centrifugal module.

3. The sample analysis system of claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to: if the sample rack of the centrifugal module is fully loaded, controlling to immediately start the centrifugal operation of the centrifugal module without waiting for the sample to be tested to reach the centrifugal module.

4. The sample analysis system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: and when the judging condition is forbidden, controlling to start the centrifugal operation of the centrifugal module after the sample rack of the centrifugal module is fully loaded.

5. The sample analysis system of claim 1, wherein the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold can be set to be enabled, respectively, based on different time periods when the judgment condition is enabled.

6. The sample analysis system of claim 1, wherein the first time threshold can be set to different values based on the saturation of the sample rack of the centrifugation module for different periods of time when the judgment condition is enabled.

7. The sample analysis system of claim 1, wherein the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold can be set to different values based on different sample sources for different time periods when the judgment condition is enabled.

8. The sample analysis system of claim 1, wherein the judgment condition is activated when a load of the analyzer is not saturated; and when the load of the analyzer is saturated, disabling the judging condition.

9. The sample analysis system of claim 8, wherein the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold can be set to different values based on the load saturation of the analyzer during different time periods when the judgment condition is enabled.

10. The sample analysis system of claim 1, wherein the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold can be set to different values based on different test item types of the sample under test for different time periods when the judgment condition is enabled.

11. The sample analysis system of claim 1, wherein the first time threshold and/or the second time threshold are capable of automatically setting an initial value based on the results of autonomous statistics of the sample analysis system over different time periods when the judgment condition is enabled.

12. A method for initiating centrifugal operation of a centrifugal module, the method comprising:

calculating a scheduling time interval, wherein the scheduling time interval comprises a first scheduling time interval and a second scheduling time interval, the first scheduling time interval is a time interval between two adjacent single samples scheduled to the centrifugal module, and the second scheduling time interval is a total time used for scheduling a batch of samples to the centrifugal module;

Initiating a centrifugation operation of the centrifugation module based on meeting a judgment condition, wherein the judgment condition comprises: the first scheduling time interval is greater than or equal to a preset first time threshold and/or the second scheduling time interval is greater than or equal to a preset second time threshold, wherein the judging condition can be selected to be enabled or disabled based on the load saturation of the analysis module.

13. A computer readable storage medium comprising a computer program executable by a processor to implement the method of claim 12.