JP2002228658A - Analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an analyzer whose running cost is suppressed to be low, in which the production process of a test piece are not increased, which is miniaturized and whose structure is made simple to reduce the cost. SOLUTION: A first LED 10 which emits light at 630 nm and a second LED 11 which emits light at 570 nm with respect to a sheet of test paper installed at a window 6a from among respective sheets of test paper pasted on the test piece, installed at windows 6a to 6d in the test-piece mounting part 5 of the analyzer 1 are installed. The LED 10 and the LED 11 are turned on sequentially. Beams of light reflected by the sheet of test paper are received. On the basis of their light receiving signals, the reflectance differences (R630-R570) between a reflectance (R630) by the first LED 10 and a reflectance (R570) by the second LED 11 is calculated. The calculated reflectance difference (R630-R570) and the reflectance (R570) are made to refer to reflectance difference (R630-R570) and a reflectance (R570) as preliminarily stored assumed values, and the kind of the sheet of test paper is identify.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for optically detecting and measuring a change in the color tone of a test paper which changes in color according to the concentration of a component to be measured contained in a biochemical sample such as blood, saliva, urine, etc. The present invention relates to an analyzer for measuring the concentration of a component to be measured.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a dip-and-read type test piece for colorimetrically measuring components to be measured such as glucose, protein, urobilinogen, and bilirubin contained in biochemical samples such as blood and urine, each component to be measured is Test papers that selectively react in color depending on the density of the test paper are adhered on one sheet or in combination.

[0003] The number and combinations of test papers affixed to one test piece vary widely, and up to about 20 types of test pieces are prepared even for the same brand and the same brand. The user can select a test piece according to the purpose of use from the combination.

The measurement of the concentration of the component to be measured using such a test piece is often carried out by visually comparing the degree of color tone change of each test paper with a color tone table. On the other hand, there are many commercially available devices for optically detecting a change in the color tone of a test paper for the purpose of preventing erroneous measurement by visual observation and improving measurement accuracy.

In an analyzer based on such an optical method, among the many types of test pieces as described above, which test piece is set or a test paper set at a predetermined position is determined. The analyzer must recognize the type in some way.

One method for causing the analyzer to recognize the type of test strip or test strip is to manually input information on the type of test strip by the user himself.
In order to save labor and avoid human error in information input, for example, the following technology is disclosed as a device for automatically identifying the type of a test piece or a test paper.

First, JP-A-56-656: "Test system and test instrument" includes a carrier for a test piece and at least one reagent provided on the carrier and reacting with a specific component in a liquid. A code means also provided on the carrier and spaced a predetermined distance from the reagent, a code sensing means for sensing the distance between the code means and the reagent, and a reaction sensing means for generating an output signal in response to the reaction of the reagent. There is disclosed a test system for measuring a chemical component in a liquid, comprising a means and a reading means controlled by a code sensing means and responsive to an output signal from a reaction sensing means.

Next, Japanese Patent No. 1422211 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
No. 8-60377): "Device for optically reading a code on a diagnostic test strip" includes a code on a diagnostic test strip in an evaluation device in which the diagnostic test strip is forcibly guided relative to a code reader. In a device having a light source as a transmitter and a photosensitive element as a receiver for optically reading a bar code formed as a high information density bar code character, a device is provided between a test strip and a transmitter. (Or) between the test strip and the receiver there is in each case a slit diaphragm and a cylindrical lens, the axis of which runs parallel to the test surface supporting the cord and the code bar, the slit of the diaphragm being the cylindrical lens axis And the distance between the cylindrical lens axis and the test strip surface is approximately in the plane determined by the transmitter or receiver, and the cylindrical lens Focal line reading a code on the diagnostic test strip characterized in that it is chosen to be approximately the test strip surface optical devices have been disclosed.

As shown in the above-mentioned prior art, a test piece or a test paper is provided with a code or bar code for mounting information relating to the test piece or a test paper, and a device for reading the mounted information is provided. The type of the strip or the test strip is automatically identified, and appropriate optical measurement can be performed on the test strip installed at a predetermined position.

[0010]

However, in the conventional apparatus as described above, information related to the test piece and the test paper must be included on the test piece by means of a code or a bar code. The manufacturing process of the pieces increases, and the process management becomes more complicated. As a result, the cost of the test piece rebounds, and the running cost also increases. There was a problem.

Alternatively, a dedicated optical means or device for reading information on the test piece and the test paper mounted on the test piece is required, so that the size of the device is increased. The internal structure becomes complicated, and the price of the device also increases. There was a problem.

The present invention has such a conventional problem.
An object of the present invention is to provide an analyzer which does not increase the number of steps for manufacturing a test piece, keeps running costs low, reduces the size of the apparatus, and has a simple structure and is inexpensive.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, an analyzer according to the present invention comprises a test strip having at least one test paper whose color tone changes in accordance with the concentration of a component to be measured in a biochemical sample. An analyzer for measuring the concentration of the component to be measured and the like from the reflectance of the test paper, using the following components a to
e. a) a first light source that emits light having a first wavelength b) a second light source that emits light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength of the first light source c) light emitted from each light source A light receiving means for receiving light reflected by the test paper placed at a predetermined position; d) a first reflectance of the test paper with respect to a first wavelength of the first light source and a second reflectance of the second light source based on a light receiving signal of the light receiving means; E) means for calculating the second reflectance of the test paper for two wavelengths e) identification means for identifying the type of test paper installed at the predetermined position based on the first reflectance and the second reflectance. It is also characterized by having components f and g. f) Means for identifying the type of test piece based on the identification result of the test paper g) Light source having a wavelength suitable for its reflectance characteristic for each test paper based on the identification result of the test paper and / or the test piece Means for calculating the concentration of the component to be measured on each test paper. In this analyzer, the light is irradiated on the test paper from two light sources having different wavelengths, and the reflected light from the test paper is received by the light receiving means. Light is received, the reflectance for each light source wavelength is calculated from the received light signal, and the type of test paper is identified based on the calculated two reflectances. Therefore, a means such as a code or a barcode representing information on a test piece or a test paper required in the related art is unnecessary, and a step of mounting information such as a barcode on the test piece in a test piece manufacturing process is unnecessary. Can be omitted. Also, on the device side, it is not necessary to newly provide a device for reading information such as a bar code, separately from the optical system for calculating the reflectance of the test paper. As a result, the number of manufacturing steps of the test piece does not increase, so that the running cost can be suppressed and the apparatus can be made compact and inexpensive.

In the above configuration, the identification of the type of test paper by the identification means is performed more specifically, for example, as follows. That is, means for calculating a parameter expressing a difference between the first reflectance and the second reflectance, an assumed value of the first reflectance and / or the second reflectance, and a difference between the two reflectances. Storage table means for storing in advance the assumed values of the parameters for each type of test paper, wherein the calculated first reflectance and / or the calculated second reflectance, and the calculated first reflectance By referring to a parameter expressing a difference from the second reflectance with an assumed value stored in the storage table means, the type of the test paper set at a predetermined position is identified.

The parameters expressing the difference between the first reflectance and the second reflectance are the difference between the first reflectance and the second reflectance,
Alternatively, it is a ratio between the first reflectance and the second reflectance.

Further, based on the identification result of the type of the test paper by the identification means, the light of the light source having a wavelength suitable for the reflectance characteristic of the test paper from the first light source and the second light source is again irradiated on the test paper. And a density calculating means for calculating the density of the component to be measured corresponding to the test paper based on the reflectance of the test paper.

On the other hand, the calculated first reflectance and / or the calculated second reflectance, and a parameter expressing the difference between the calculated first reflectance and the second reflectance are stored in the storage table means. If the value deviates from the assumed value, a notifying means may be provided to notify the user to that effect, and in this case, the subsequent processing may be interrupted and the notifying means may notify the user. In this case, since the processing is stopped halfway, useless time lapse can be avoided, and the user can know that fact.

Further, the first light source, the second light source, the light receiving means, the means for calculating the first reflectance and the second reflectance, and the identification means are respectively arranged corresponding to the installation positions of at least two or more test papers. This makes it possible to identify at least two or more types of test paper. In this case, for example, if there are four test papers, the calculation means and the identification means may be arranged on all four test papers, or the calculation may be performed on two or three of the four test papers. Means and identification means may be arranged.

On the other hand, there is provided test piece information storage means for preliminarily storing information relating to the type of test piece expected to be used, and the identification means is provided with one of the identification results of the type of test paper set at a predetermined position. If the type of the test strip is identified by referring to at least one identification result with the information stored in the test strip information storage means, the identification result of the test strip type may be used according to the identification result of the test strip type. The type of test piece can also be identified.

The test piece information storage means previously stores information on the position of the test strip for each test piece, and the identification means stores the identification result of the test strip type in the test piece information storage means. By referring to the position information of the test paper present, the type of the test piece having the test paper installed at a predetermined position is identified.

In the case where the first light source, the second light source, the light receiving means, the means for calculating the first reflectance and the second reflectance, and the identification means are respectively arranged corresponding to the installation positions of the test papers, the identification means Based on the identification result of the type of test paper and / or the identification result of the type of test specimen, the light of the light source having a wavelength suitable for the reflectance characteristic of the test paper is applied to the test paper installed at each predetermined position. Is provided, and the concentration of the component to be measured corresponding to each test paper can be calculated by providing the density calculating means for calculating the concentration of the component to be measured of each test paper according to the reflectance of the test paper. .

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows an analyzer 1 provided with test strip identification means according to the embodiment, and two types of test strips 5 that can be selected and used by a user in the analyzer 1 according to the purpose.
0 and 60 are shown. The analyzer 1 is for optically reading a color reaction of a urine test paper, and includes a display unit 2 for displaying measurement results and the like, and an operation unit 3 for instructing start of measurement and the like.
And a test piece mounting section 5 for setting a test piece. When the test pieces 50 and 60 are set in the test piece mounting portion 5, the test papers 51 to 53 and 61 attached to the respective test pieces.
4 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) are provided with four windows 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d, respectively.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the analyzer 1 is provided with a notifying means (for example, a buzzer or an LED) for notifying a measurement abnormality. This notification means
An error message may be displayed on the display unit 2.

The test pieces 50 and 60 are respectively
The test piece 50 has a protein test paper 51, a glucose test paper 52, and a pH test paper 53, and the test piece 60 has an urobilinogen test paper 61 and a protein test paper. 62, glucose test paper 63, and pH test paper 64. FIGS. 2 and 3 show cross-sectional views of the test pieces 50 and 60 in a state where the test pieces 50 and 60 are set in the test piece mounting portion 5. In the set state, the test papers 51 to 53 and 61 to 64 of the test pieces 50 and 60 come into contact with the windows 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d, respectively. However, in the case of the test piece 50, there is no test paper in the window 6d, so that no contact is made.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of the analyzer 1.
Shown in In this analyzer 1, the window 6a of the test piece mounting portion 5
A first LED (first light source) 10 that emits light including a first wavelength of 630 nm with respect to the test paper 51 (or 61) of the test piece 50 (or 60) installed in the first LED 10 and a second LED different from the wavelength of the first LED 10 A second LED (second light source) 11 that emits light including two wavelengths of 570 nm is arranged. Window 6b
63 for the test paper 52 (or 62) set in
The third LED 12 that emits light including 0 nm is arranged, and the test paper 53 (or 63) installed in the window 6c is:
Similarly, a fourth LED 13 that emits light including 630 nm is arranged. In addition, the fifth LED 14 that emits light including 630 nm is applied to the test paper 64 installed in the window 6d.
Is arranged.

Further, a photodetector (light receiving means) 20 for receiving the light reflected by the test papers 51 (or 61) and 52 (or 62) and performing photoelectric conversion is provided, and the test paper 53 (or 63), A light detector 21 that receives the light reflected by the light 64 and performs photoelectric conversion is provided. First LED 10
And the second LED 11 is connected to the light source control circuit 22 by a third LED.
12 is connected to the light source control circuit 23, the fourth LED 13 is connected to the light source control circuit 24, and the fifth LED 14 is connected to the light source control circuit 25. The selection and timing of the LEDs to be turned on are controlled by the light source control circuits 22 to 25. .

The photodetector 20 is connected to a reflectance calculating circuit 30. The reflectance calculating circuit 30 calculates the first reflectance (R630) and the first reflectance (R630) of the first LED 10 based on the electric signal photoelectrically converted by the photodetector 20. The second reflectance (R570) of the second LED 11 and the third reflectance of the third LED 12 are calculated.

On the other hand, the photodetector 21 is provided with a reflectance calculating circuit 33.
Is connected to the fourth LED 1 based on the electric signal photoelectrically converted by the photodetector 21.
3 and the fifth reflectance by the fifth LED 14 are calculated.

The data of the first reflectance (R630) and the second reflectance (R570) among the reflectances calculated by the reflectance calculating circuit 30 are transmitted to the reflectance difference calculating circuit 39. The difference (R630-R570) between the first reflectance and the second reflectance is calculated.

The test paper identification circuit 32 receives the second reflectance (R570) from the reflectance calculation circuit 30 and the reflectance difference (R630-R570) from the reflectance difference calculation circuit 39, and converts each data into the reflectance. By referring to the assumed data stored in advance / reflectance difference table 31, the type of test paper installed relative to window 6 a is identified. The reflectance / reflectance difference table 31 stores a second assumed value for each type of test paper.
The reflectance (R570) and the reflectance difference assumed in advance (R6
30-R570).

The result data identified by the test strip identification circuit 32 is transmitted to the test strip identification circuit 35. The test strip identification circuit 35 refers to the data of the transmitted test strip identification result and the data stored in advance in the test strip information table (test strip information storage means) 36 and refers to the test strip mounting unit 5.
The type of the test piece set in is determined. The test piece information table 36 receives the identification result data of the test paper set in the window 6a, and tests the arrangement of test papers set in the remaining windows 6b to 6d, their types, the names of test pieces, and the like. This is for outputting pieces of information, and information about these test pieces is stored in advance.

After the test piece identification circuit 35 determines the type of the test piece, the test piece identification circuit 35 first determines the type of the test piece according to the result.
25, and then sends a control signal to the density calculation circuit 34.

The density calculation circuit 34 includes a reflectance calculation circuit 3
On the basis of the data on the reflectance transmitted from 0, 33 and the information data on the type of the test piece transmitted from the test piece identification circuit 35 (that is, which kind of test paper is installed in which window). By referring to the reflectance / density conversion table 37, the density of the measured component corresponding to each test paper is calculated. The calculation result of the density is displayed on the display unit 2. In the reflectance / density conversion table 37, data on the correspondence between reflectance and density is stored in advance for each type of test paper.

Next, the flow of a series of measurement operations in the analyzer 1 configured as shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIGS.
2 will be described with reference to the flowchart.

First, in a step (hereinafter abbreviated as ST) 1, a test piece on which a sample is spotted is set in a test piece mounting section 5 of the analyzer 1. With this set, each test paper of the test piece is arranged in each of the windows 6a to 6d. Based on the control signal of the light source control circuit 22, the first L is applied to an unknown test paper (viewed from the analyzer 1 side) installed in the window 6 a.
The ED 10 emits light having a wavelength of 630 nm, and the photodetector 2
The reflected light received at 0 is converted into an electric signal, and the first reflectance (R630) is obtained by the reflectance calculating circuit 30 (ST).
2). Next, light having a wavelength of 570 nm is emitted from the second LED 11, and a second reflectance (R570) is similarly obtained (ST).
3).

Thereafter, the data of the first reflectance (R630) and the data of the second reflectance (R570) are transmitted to the reflectance difference calculating circuit 39, and the difference between the two reflectances (R630) is transmitted to the reflectance difference calculating circuit 39.
-R570) (ST4). Next, the calculated reflectance difference (R630-R
570) and the second reflectance (R570) are transmitted, and the originally possible reflectance difference (R630-R570) stored in advance in the reflectance / reflectance difference table 31 and the second reflectance (R570) are transmitted.
Referring to the reflectance (R570) data (ST5), window 6
It is determined whether the test paper set in a is a protein test paper or a urobilinogen test paper (ST6).

As a result of this identification, the first and second LEDs 1
The reflectance difference (R630) obtained by irradiating light of 0, 11
-R570) and the second reflectance (R570) are stored in the reflectance / reflectance difference table 31 in the reflectance difference (R630).
-R570) and the second reflectivity (R570) (ST8), the process is interrupted (ST13), the notification means provided in the analyzer 1 is operated, and the user is informed of that. Notify.

On the other hand, as a result of the identification, when it is possible to identify whether the test paper placed in the window 6a is a protein test paper or an urobilinogen test paper, the concentration of the component to be measured in each subsequent test paper is measured. In order to perform the test, a suitable LED is selected for the test paper set in the windows 6a to 6d, and the selected LED is selected.
A control signal is transmitted to each of the light source control circuits 22 to 25 to cause the ED to emit light at an optimal timing.

First, as a result of the identification, when the test paper placed in the window 6a is identified as the protein test paper 51 (ST7),
The data of the identification result is transmitted to the test piece identification circuit 35. In the test strip identification circuit 35, the test strip information table 36 and the data of the identification result that the test paper set in the window 6 a is the protein test paper 51 and the test strip information table 36 are referred to, and the test strip identification circuit 35 is set in the test strip mounting section 5. The test piece is the test piece 50, and the test papers set in the windows 6b and 6c are a glucose test paper 52 and a pH test paper 53, respectively, and the window 6d
, It is automatically determined that the test paper is not facing (ST10).

Similarly, if the test paper set in the window 6a is identified as the urobilinogen test paper 61 (ST9), the test piece set in the test piece mounting part 5 is the test piece 6
0, and the test papers set in the windows 6b, 6c, 6d are:
It is automatically determined that they are the protein test paper 62, the glucose test paper 63, and the pH test paper 64 (ST1).
1).

Next, based on the result of the above test piece discrimination, the test piece identification circuit 35 sends the light source control circuits 22 to 25.
A control signal is transmitted to each test paper to irradiate the LED with an LED to obtain reflected light, thereby measuring the concentration of the component to be measured contained in the sample. Hereinafter, the flow of the measurement operation will be described.

When it is determined that the test piece set in the test piece mounting section 5 is the test piece 50 based on the above test piece identification result, the test piece identification circuit 35 sends the light source control circuits 22 to
A control signal relating to LED lighting is transmitted to 25. By this control signal, first, the protein test paper 51 facing the window 6a
To the first LED 1 including light of the first wavelength 630 nm
0 is turned on, and the reflected light from the protein test paper 51 is detected by the photodetector 2.
After the detection at 0, photoelectric conversion is performed, and the reflectance calculating circuit 30 calculates the first 'reflectance. After the first LED 10 is turned off, the third LED (630 nm) 12 is turned on for the glucose test paper 52 facing the window 6b, and the third reflectance from the glucose test paper 52 is calculated. Similarly,
The fourth LED is used for the pH test paper 53 facing the window 6c.
(630 nm) 13 is turned on, and the reflectance calculating circuit 33 calculates the fourth reflectance. Since the test paper does not face the window 6d, no light is emitted here (ST12).

Subsequently, the first 'reflectivity, the third reflectivity, the fourth
The reflectance is transmitted to the density calculation circuit 34. The transmitted reflectance data is converted into the density of each measured component by referring to the reflectance / density conversion table 37 in the circuit 34. At this time, the first 'reflectance, the third
In order to apply the tables of protein test paper, glucose test paper, and pH test paper to the reflectance and the fourth reflectance, respectively, the control signal from the test piece identification circuit 35 is output from the concentration calculation circuit 3.
4 is transmitted. The result of the density calculated in this way is displayed on the display unit 2 (ST14).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the test piece set in the test piece mounting section 5 is the test piece 60 by the discrimination of the test piece, the control signal from the test piece identification circuit 35 first causes the window 6a to move relative to the window 6a. The second LED 11 including the light having the second wavelength of 570 nm is turned on for the urobilinogen test paper 61 to be subjected to photoelectric conversion after the reflected light from the urobilinogen test paper 61 is detected by the photodetector 20 and the reflectance calculation circuit 3
At 0, the second 'reflectance is calculated. After the second LED 11 is turned off, the third LED 12 is turned on for the protein test paper 62 facing the window 6b, and the third 'reflectance from the protein test paper 62 is calculated. Similarly, the fourth LED 13 is turned on for the glucose test paper 63 facing the window 6c, and the fourth reflectance is calculated by the reflectance calculation circuit 33.
Since the pH test paper 64 is now opposed to the window 6d, the fifth LED 14 is turned on, and the fifth reflectance from the pH test paper 64 is calculated (ST15).

Subsequently, the second 'reflectance, third' reflectance, fourth 'reflectance, and fifth reflectance calculated by the two reflectance calculating circuits 30 and 33 are transmitted to the density calculating circuit 34. Each transmitted reflectance data is converted into a density in the same manner as in the case of the test piece 50 described above. At this time, the urobilinogen test paper 61, the protein test paper 62, the glucose test paper 63, and the pH test paper 64 are used for the 2 'reflectance, the 3' reflectance, the 4 'reflectance, and the fifth reflectance, respectively. To apply
A control signal is transmitted from the test piece identification circuit 35 to the density calculation circuit 34. The result of the concentration calculated in this way is
It is displayed on the display unit 2 (ST16).

Next, the principle of identifying the type of test paper by the test paper identification circuit 32 will be described. Test paper identification circuit 32
As described above, the type of the test paper is identified by referring to the actual measurement data of the reflectance and the reflectance difference with the assumed data, but this is due to the change in color tone due to the chemical reaction with the test paper or the component to be measured. This is because the obtained test paper shows a different reflectance spectrum for each type.

For example, FIG. 6 shows the difference in reflectance between the protein test paper and the urobilinogen test paper (R630-R570).
And plotted values of the reflectance (R570). Here, the “possible value” is a value (assumed value) that can be measured within a conceivable density range and time range when the test paper exhibits a normal color tone change. The reflectance difference (R) obtained by the irradiation of the first and second LEDs
630-R570) and the second reflectivity (R570) are determined on the plot to determine whether the test paper set in the window 6a is the protein test paper 51 or the urobilinogen test paper 61. Can be distinguished.

The principle of selecting a suitable LED for density measurement based on the control signal from the test piece identification circuit 35 is also explained by the difference in the reflectance spectrum. Figure 1
0 shows the reflectance spectra of the protein test paper and the urobilinogen test paper. In order to measure the reflectance depending on the concentration, it is advantageous to measure at a wavelength where the reflectance changes greatly. In other words, 630 nm for measuring the reflectance of the protein test paper, that is, 570 nm for measuring the reflectance of the urobilinogen test paper.
That is, it is understood that the use of the second LED 11 is preferable.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the applicable test pieces are limited to only two types of test pieces 50 and 60 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the examples described above.

When there are more types of test strips that can be selected in the analyzer or when there are more types of test strips attached to the test strips, more optical systems and windows are provided for each test strip. For example, an optimal design may be implemented.

For example, in this embodiment, the window 6
b, 6c, 6d, one LED for each,
Although only 13 and 14 are provided, this corresponds to the window 6 of two types of test pieces 50 and 60 that can be selected by the user.
This is because it is advantageous to measure the reflectance of glucose test paper, protein test paper, and pH test paper at 630 nm relative to b and 6c. Therefore, for example, there are many types of test pieces,
When test papers having wavelength characteristics of different reflectivity may be opposed to the windows 6b and 6c, two LEDs having different wavelengths may be installed as necessary similarly to the case of the window 6a. As in the case of the present embodiment, the design may be made so that a suitable LED can be selected at the time of identification of the test paper and measurement of the density.

On the other hand, when a test piece to which only a single test piece is attached can be selected from a plurality of types, identifying the test piece means identifying the test piece. Therefore, the test piece identification circuit 35 and the test piece information table 36 in the circuit of FIG. 4 become unnecessary.

Further, with respect to the identification of the test paper, in this embodiment, the distinction between the protein test paper and the urobilinogen test paper is exemplified, but the invention is not limited to the identification of only both. For example, regarding the difference between glucose test paper and protein test paper, the difference in reflectance (R630-R57) is used.
7) plotting possible values of 0) and the reflectance (R570) as a table, and FIG. 8 as a table for discrimination between glucose test paper and occult blood test paper. 9 can be identified by using FIG. 9 as a table. However, in the tables of FIGS. 6 to 9, R570 is applied as the reflectance data, but this may be R630 or both. Further, depending on the type of the test paper, the reflectance and the reflectance difference at other different wavelengths may be applied.

In this embodiment, two test papers 51 are used.
(Or 61), 52 (or 62) for the photodetector 20
Is the photodetector 2 with respect to the test papers 53 (or 63) and 64.
1 is provided, but one photodetector may be provided for each test paper, or conversely, only one photodetector may receive all the reflected light. It does not matter. The correspondence between the reflected light originating from the test paper and the photodetector may be arbitrarily designed within the range permitted by the specification. For example, one photodetector 20a, 20
FIG. 5 shows a block diagram (part) when b is provided.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG.
Although the reflectance calculation circuits 30 and 33 are provided for 0 and 21, respectively, if they are within the range permitted by the specification, they may be integrated into one reflectance calculation circuit 30a as shown in FIG. No problem.

[0057]

As described above, according to the analyzer of the present invention, the test paper is irradiated with light from two light sources having different wavelengths, and the reflected light from the test paper is received by the light receiving means. The reflectivity for the wavelength of each light source is calculated from the received light signal, and the type of the test paper is identified based on the calculated two reflectivities. Therefore, the following effects are obtained. (1) In the test piece manufacturing process, a step of mounting information such as a barcode on the test piece can be omitted. (2) On the device side, it is not necessary to newly provide a device for reading information such as a bar code, separately from the optical system for calculating the reflectance of the test paper. (3) According to the above (1) and (2), the number of manufacturing steps of the test piece does not increase, so that the running cost can be suppressed and the apparatus can be made compact and inexpensive.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an analyzer provided with a test strip identification unit according to an embodiment and two types of test strips.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view in a state where one test piece is set on a test piece mounting portion of an analyzer.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in a state where the other test piece is set in a test piece mounting portion of an analyzer.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a structure of the analyzer.

FIG. 5 is a partial block diagram showing a modified example of the structure of the analyzer.

FIG. 6: Reflectance difference (R630-R570) and reflectance (R570) between urobilinogen test paper and protein test paper
FIG. 5 is a diagram in which values that can be taken are plotted.

FIG. 7 is a diagram in which the reflectance difference (R630-R570) between the glucose test paper and the protein test paper and the possible values of the reflectance (R570) are plotted.

FIG. 8 is a diagram in which the reflectance difference (R630-R570) between the glucose test paper and the occult blood test paper and possible values of the reflectance (R570) are plotted.

FIG. 9: Reflectance difference (R630-R570) and reflectance (R570) between occult blood test paper and urobilinogen test paper
FIG. 6 is a diagram in which values that can be taken are plotted.

FIG. 10 is a view showing reflectance spectra of a protein test paper and an urobilinogen test paper.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of a series of measurement operations in the analyzer.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart following FIG. 11;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Analysis apparatus 2 Display part 3 Operation part 5 Test piece mounting part 6a-6d Window 10-14 LED (light source) 20, 21 Photodetector (light receiving means) 20a, 20b Photodetector (light receiving means) 22-25 Light source control Circuits 30, 30a, 33 Reflectivity calculation circuit 31 Reflectance / reflectance difference table (storage table means) 32 Test paper identification circuit (identification means) 34 Density calculation circuit (density calculation means) 35 Test piece identification circuit (identification means) 36 Test piece information table (test piece information storage means) 39 Reflectance difference calculation circuit 50, 60 Test piece 51-53 Test paper 61-64 Test paper

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Muneo Tokita 801 Shiokyo-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto Shimogyo Horikawa Higashi-iri Minami-Fudodo-cho Inside OMRON Life Science Research Inc. (72) Inventor Yusaku Soda 801 Horikawa Higashiiri Minami Fudo-do Town OMRON Life Science Research Laboratories F-term (reference) HA14 JA01 JA07 2G054 AA07 AB02 CA03 CA23 CA25 CE02 EA05 EB01 EB02 FA32 FA33 GE06

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An analysis for measuring the concentration of a component to be measured and the like from the reflectance of the test paper using a test piece having at least one test paper whose color tone changes according to the concentration of the component to be measured in a biochemical sample. An apparatus, comprising: a first light source that emits light having a first wavelength; a second light source that emits light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength of the first light source; and light emitted from each light source. Receiving means for receiving the light reflected by the test paper placed at a predetermined position, and a first reflectance of the test paper with respect to a first wavelength of the first light source based on a light receiving signal of the light receiving means. Means for calculating a second reflectance of the test paper for a second wavelength of the second light source; and identification for identifying a type of the test paper installed at the predetermined position based on the first reflectance and the second reflectance. And an analysis device. 2. A means for calculating a parameter expressing a difference between the first reflectance and the second reflectance;
Or storage table means for storing in advance the assumed value of the second reflectivity and the assumed value of the parameter expressing the difference between the two reflectivities for each type of test paper, Rate and / or the calculated second reflectivity,
The test paper set at the predetermined position is referred to by referring to a parameter expressing the difference between the calculated first reflectance and the second reflectance with an assumed value stored in the storage table means. The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the type of the analyzer is identified. 3. The analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the parameter expressing the difference between the first reflectance and the second reflectance is a difference between the first reflectance and the second reflectance. 4. The analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the parameter expressing the difference between the first reflectance and the second reflectance is a ratio between the first reflectance and the second reflectance. 5. A light source of a light source having a wavelength suitable for the reflectance characteristic of the test paper among the first light source and the second light source, based on a result of the identification of the test paper type by the identification means. The analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a density calculation unit that irradiates the test paper again and calculates the density of the component to be measured corresponding to the test paper based on the reflectance of the test paper. 6. The storage of the calculated first reflectance and / or the calculated second reflectance, and a parameter expressing a difference between the calculated first reflectance and the second reflectance. In the case where the value deviates from the assumed value stored in the table means, a notifying means for notifying the user of the fact is provided, and in this case, the subsequent processing is interrupted and the notifying means notifies the user. The analyzer according to claim 2. 7. The first light source, the second light source, the light receiving means, and the first light source.
The means for calculating the reflectance and the second reflectance and the identification means are respectively arranged corresponding to the installation positions of at least two or more test strips, and identify types of at least two or more test strips. The analyzer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 8. A test strip information storage means for preliminarily storing information relating to the type of test strip expected to be used, wherein said identification means is configured to store the identification result of the type of test strip installed at said predetermined position. 8. The test piece type is identified by referring to at least one identification result with information stored in the test piece information storage means. The analyzer as described. 9. The test strip information storage means stores in advance information on the position of the test strip for each test strip, and the identification means stores the identification result of the test strip type in the test strip information storage means. The type of the test piece having the test paper placed at the predetermined position is identified by referring to the test paper position information stored in the storage device.
An analyzer according to claim 2, 7, or 8. 10. The reflectance characteristics of a test paper set at each predetermined position based on the identification result of the type of test paper and / or the identification result of the type of test piece by the identification means. And a density calculator that irradiates light of a light source having a wavelength suitable for the test paper and calculates the density of the component to be measured on each test paper according to the reflectance of the test paper. The analysis device according to claim 8 or 9.