JP2007309886A - Analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To sense the difference between wells due to feed delay and feed skip, and to surely prevent a wrong analysis of a specimen. <P>SOLUTION: An analyzer includes a micro plate 10, having a plurality of the wells W for receiving the specimen S and disposed at a predetermined interval in parallel; an imaging section 30 for imaging an object within the field of view V; and a feeding section 20 for feeding and moving the micro plate 10, in accordance with a given feeding command, sequentially sets and images a plurality of the well W within the field of view V of the imaging section 30, by alternately repeating feeding operation of the feeding section 20 and an imaging operation of the imaging section 30, and analyzes the specimen S within the wells W using captured image information. The analyzer also includes a determining section 44 for comparing information on the specimen, obtained from the image information captured by the imaging section 30, before and after the feeding operation of the feeding section 20, and determining that the feeding operation of the feeding section 20 is wrong, when the information on the specimen matches. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an analyzer that images a sample stored in a storage unit with an imaging unit and analyzes the sample in the storage unit based on image information obtained by the imaging.

  Conventionally, as an analyzer for analyzing a sample such as blood or urine, an analysis device is generally used in which a sample is reacted with a reagent according to a desired analysis item and an analysis is performed based on the reaction result. Some types of analyzers include a microplate, an imaging unit, and a feeding unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The microplate is a plate made of a transparent material such as acrylic, and has many holes called wells opened on the surface thereof. The wells contain specimens, are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals on the surface of the microplate, and are arranged in a matrix. The imaging unit images a specimen contained in a well, and is configured by, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera. The CCD camera has an optical axis of the imaging optical system orthogonal to the surface of the microplate and a visual field. It is arranged so that one well fits inside. The feeding unit is configured to be able to feed and move the microplate or the imaging unit. For example, the microplate or the imaging unit is arranged in the row direction and the column direction of each well of the wells arranged in a matrix according to a given feeding command. To move. The feeding unit can sequentially replace wells that fall within the field of view of the CCD camera by feeding the wells one pitch at a time.

  The feeding unit is configured to be able to feed and move the microplate or the imaging unit. For example, the microplate or the imaging unit is arranged in the row direction and the column direction of the wells arranged in a matrix in accordance with a given feeding command. To move. This feeding unit sequentially replaces the wells that enter the field of view of the CCD camera by feeding the pitch of the wells one by one, and the imaging unit on the front side removes the wells while irradiating light from the back side of the microplate. An image was taken and the specimen in the well was analyzed based on the taken image data.

JP-A-8-304401

  However, in the above analysis apparatus, there is a case where the feeding operation along the row direction of the well is not performed even though a feeding command for one pitch is given (hereinafter referred to as “feeding sabotage”). However, there is a problem that the previously imaged well is imaged again, and this image data is erroneously recognized as image data of a desired well and used for analysis. In some cases, the desired well may be skipped (hereinafter referred to as “flip skip”). In this case, the skipped well is imaged, and this image data is erroneously recognized as image data of the desired well. There is a problem of being used for analysis.

  Therefore, as a method for solving these problems, there is a method in which a sensor corresponding to each well on the microplate is individually provided to detect the feed skip and feed skip. However, this analyzer requires a large number of sensors corresponding to the total number of wells on the microplate, and there is a problem in that the manufacturing cost is remarkably increased.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an analyzer that can detect a difference in wells due to feed skipping and skipping and reliably prevent erroneous analysis of a sample. And

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an analyzer according to the present invention includes a substrate provided with a plurality of storage units for storing a sample, and an imaging unit that images a subject in a predetermined visual field. In the analyzer for analyzing the specimen in each storage unit based on the obtained image information, the storage unit can be imaged by sequentially storing the storage unit within a predetermined field of view of the imaging unit. A moving means for moving at least one of the substrate and the imaging means, an image processing means for performing image processing of image information obtained by imaging by the imaging means, and image information processed by the image processing means. And a determination unit that compares and determines whether the moving operation by the moving unit is good or not based on the comparison result.

  Further, in the analysis apparatus according to the invention of claim 2, in the above invention, the image processing means extracts sample information included in image information obtained by imaging by the imaging means, and the extraction means Brightness detection means for detecting the brightness information of the sample extracted in step (b), wherein the determination means compares the brightness information of the specimen detected by the brightness detection means.

  The analyzer according to a third aspect of the present invention is the analyzer according to the above invention, wherein the image processing means extracts sample information included in image information obtained by imaging by the imaging means, and the extraction means. Density detecting means for detecting the density information of the sample extracted in step (1), wherein the determination means compares the density information of the sample detected by the density detection means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the analysis apparatus according to the fourth aspect, identification information for identifying the accommodating portion is added to the substrate, and the imaging device is configured to capture the image when the accommodating portion is imaged. It further comprises an identification information area that fits within a predetermined field of view of the means.

  The analysis apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the analysis apparatus according to the above invention, wherein the image processing unit includes an identification extraction unit that extracts the identification information included in image information obtained by imaging by the imaging unit, The determination means compares the identification information extracted by the identification extraction means.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the analysis apparatus according to the sixth aspect, arrangement information relating to the arrangement of the accommodating portion is added on the substrate, and the information is within a predetermined field of view of the imaging means when the accommodating portion is imaged. An arrangement information area is further provided.

  The analysis apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the analysis apparatus according to the seventh aspect, wherein the image processing means includes a placement extraction means for extracting the placement information included in the image information obtained by the imaging of the imaging means, The determination means compares the arrangement information extracted by the extraction means.

  In the analyzer according to the invention of claim 8, in the above invention, the determination unit determines that the moving operation by the moving unit is defective when the information to be compared matches in the comparison result. The analyzing apparatus further includes alarm means for giving an alarm when the determining means determines that the moving operation by the moving means is defective.

  The analysis apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the analysis apparatus according to the above invention, wherein the image processing means includes identification extraction means for extracting identification information included in image information obtained by imaging by the imaging means, The determining means determines whether the moving operation by the moving means is good or not based on the arrangement of the identification information extracted by the identification extracting means.

  Further, in the analysis apparatus according to the invention of claim 10, in the above invention, the image processing means includes arrangement extraction means for extracting the arrangement information included in the image information obtained by imaging by the imaging means, The determining means determines whether the moving operation by the moving means is good or not based on the arrangement of the arrangement information extracted by the extracting means.

  Further, in the analysis apparatus according to the invention of claim 11, in the above invention, the determination unit determines that the movement operation by the movement unit is defective when the arrangement is not a predetermined arrangement, and the analysis apparatus The apparatus further comprises alarm means for giving an alarm when the determining means determines that the moving operation by the moving means is defective.

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, at least one of a substrate provided with a plurality of the accommodating portions for accommodating a specimen and an imaging means for capturing an object in a predetermined field of view is moved by the moving means so that the accommodating portion can be imaged. Then, the specimen is sequentially imaged by the imaging means, the obtained image information is image-processed by the image processing means, the image information is compared with each other, and based on the comparison result, the determining means is the moving means. By determining whether or not the moving operation is good, it is possible to detect a difference in wells due to feed skipping and skipping, and to reliably prevent erroneous analysis of the specimen.

  Embodiments of an analyzer according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings of FIGS. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an analyzer according to the first embodiment. The analyzer shown in FIG. 1 reacts a sample S such as blood or urine with a reagent, measures the luminance of the sample S after the reaction, and analyzes the sample S based on a photometric value obtained by this photometry. It is. The analyzer includes a microplate 10 as a substrate, a feeding unit 20 as a moving unit, an imaging unit 30 as an imaging unit, and a control device 40 as an image processing unit and a determination unit.

  The microplate 10 is a plate made of a transparent material such as acrylic, and has a number of wells W on its surface. The well W is a hole having a concave cross section provided on the surface of the microplate 10 in order to accommodate the specimen S. As shown in FIG. 2, n wells W are provided along the X axis at a constant pitch L1, and m wells W are provided along the Y axis at a constant pitch L2, as shown in FIG. The Wmn is arranged in a matrix of m rows and n columns.

  The feeding unit 20 includes an XY table 21 and a driving unit 22. The XY table 21 is a table for mounting the microplate 10, and is configured to be movable along the X axis and the Y axis. The drive unit 22 includes, for example, a stepping motor that drives the XY table 21 in the XY directions in accordance with a feed command given from the control device 40. A light source 50 is disposed at a position below the XY table 21. The XY table 21 is configured to be able to irradiate the microplate 10 without blocking light from the light source 50.

  The imaging unit 30 images a subject in the visual field V in accordance with an imaging command given from the control device 40, and is configured by a CCD camera, for example. The imaging unit 30 is positioned above the microplate 10 on the XY table 21 and is arranged so that the optical axis of the imaging optical system is orthogonal to the surface of the microplate 10. As shown in the enlarged plan view of FIG. 3, the field of view V of the imaging unit 30 is within a range in which the well W adjacent to the well W is not reflected when one of the wells W on the microplate 10 appears in the approximate center. Is set.

  The control device 40 is a device that controls the feeding operation by the feeding unit 20 and the imaging by the imaging unit 30, and is connected to the driving unit 22, the imaging unit 30, and the alarm unit 60. The alarm unit 60 is a functional unit that issues a predetermined alarm to a user of the analyzer in accordance with an alarm command given from the control device 40. The alarm unit 60 includes, for example, a display for displaying an error or a buzzer that generates an alarm sound. Is done.

  The control device 40 includes an interface unit 41, a photometry unit 42, a data storage unit 43, a determination unit 44, and a control unit 45. The interface unit 41 is an interface for inputting and outputting data between the drive unit 22, the imaging unit 30, and the alarm unit 60 in the control device 40. The photometric unit 42 is a luminance detecting unit that detects a photometric value corresponding to the luminance of the specimen S from given image data. The data storage unit 43 is storage means for storing given image data and photometric values. The determination unit 44 is a determination unit that determines the quality of the sending operation by the sending unit 20 based on the given photometric value, and has a function of comparing a plurality of given photometric values.

  The control unit 45 is a processing unit that comprehensively controls the interface unit 41, the photometry unit 42, the data storage unit 43, and the determination unit 44. Specifically, when acquiring the image data from the imaging unit 30 through the interface unit 41, the control unit 45 extracts the sample data from the image data and detects the photometric value of the sample S from the sample data. The photometry unit 42 is controlled, and the data storage unit 43 is controlled so as to store these image data and photometry values. That is, since the imaging unit 30 acquires an image when the well W appears in the center of the visual field V, the control unit 45 acquires an image of the position of the well W in which the specimen S is accommodated from the input image data. Data (specimen data) can be specified and extracted. Then, by sending the extracted sample data to the photometric unit 42, the photometric unit 42 can detect the photometric value of only the sample S.

  Further, the control unit 45 controls the determination unit 44 so as to determine whether or not the feeding operation by the sending unit 20 is good based on the photometric value. Further, the control unit 45 has a function of outputting, via the interface unit 41, a feed command to the drive unit 22, an imaging command to the imaging unit 30, and an alarm command to the alarm unit 60 as an alarm unit.

  FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating the photometric values of the specimen S in the wells W11 to W1n in the first row on the microplate 10. In the specimens S of the wells W adjacent to each other, it is practically impossible that the respective reaction results coincide with each other, and therefore the respective photometric values B are different from each other. In FIG. 4, photometric values corresponding to the luminance of the specimen S are shown in 256 gradations, and the smaller the photometric value B, the closer the specimen S on the image data is to black, that is, the light from the light source 50. This means that the specimen S is difficult to penetrate.

  In the first embodiment, paying attention to this fact, the photometric value B as the specimen information unique to each specimen S is used to determine the quality of the feeding operation by the feeding section 20. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed in the control device 40 when the sample S in the wells W11 to W1n in the first row on the microplate 10 is measured in the analyzer according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, a processing procedure performed in the control device 40 in order to determine whether the feeding operation by the feeding unit 20 is good or not will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 5, first, the control unit 45 of the control device 40 sends to the drive unit 22 a feed command for positioning the well W11 in the center of the field of view V of the imaging unit 30 (step 101). After a predetermined feed time for the feed operation of the XY table 21 has elapsed, the control unit 45 sends an imaging command to cause the imaging unit 30 to perform imaging, obtains image data A11 from the imaging unit 30, and acquires data. It records in the storage part 43 (step 102).

  When acquiring the image data A11, the control unit 45 causes the photometric unit 42 to detect the photometric value B11 corresponding to the image data A11 (step 103), and stores the photometric value B11 in the data storage unit 43.

  Next, the control unit 45 sends a feed command for positioning the well W12 in the center of the field of view V of the imaging unit 30 to the drive unit 22 (step 104). After a predetermined feed time has elapsed, the imaging command is sent. The image data is sent out to cause the imaging unit 30 to perform imaging, and the image data A12 is acquired from the imaging unit 30 and recorded in the data storage unit 43 (step 105).

  When acquiring the image data A12, the control unit 45 causes the photometric unit 42 to detect the photometric value B12 corresponding to the image data A12 (step 106), and stores the photometric value B12 in the data storage unit 43.

  Next, the control unit 45 causes the determination unit 44 to compare the photometric value B11 and the photometric value B12 stored in the data storage unit 43 (step 107), and determines whether the feeding operation by the sending unit 20 is good or bad. Here, when the photometric value B11 and the photometric value B12 match each other, the determination unit 44 determines that feed subtraction has occurred, and the control unit 45 issues an alarm command to the alarm unit 60 based on the determination result. (Step 117), the alarm unit 60 displays an error message indicating that feed subtraction has occurred, and then the above process ends.

  Further, when the photometric value B11 and the photometric value B12 do not coincide with each other, the determination unit 44 determines that the feed subtraction has not occurred, and the control unit 45 determines the well W13 of the imaging unit based on the determination result. A feed command for positioning in the center of the field of view V is sent to the drive unit 22 (step 108), and after a predetermined feed time has elapsed, the imaging command is sent to cause the image pickup unit 30 to take an image. The image data A13 is acquired from the data and recorded in the data storage unit 43 (step 109).

  When the image data A13 is acquired, the control unit 45 causes the photometric unit 42 to detect the photometric value B13 from the image data A13 (step 110), and stores the photometric value B13 in the data storage unit 43.

  Next, the control unit 45 causes the determination unit 44 to compare the photometric value B12 and the photometric value B13 stored in the data storage unit 43 (step 111), and determines the presence or absence of feed subtraction. Here, when the photometric value B12 and the photometric value B13 coincide with each other, it is determined that the feed subtraction has occurred, and the control unit 45 sends an alarm command to the alarm unit 60 (step 117), so that the feed subtraction is performed. After causing the alarm unit 60 to display an error indicating that the error has occurred, the above process is terminated.

  Further, in the determination result of the determination unit 44, when the photometric value B12 and the photometric value B13 do not coincide with each other, it is determined that the feed subtraction has not occurred, and the control unit 45 is the same as the processing procedure steps 108 and 109 described above. Repeat the procedure. If the feed sabotage does not occur, the control unit 45 eventually sends a feed command for positioning the well W1n to the center of the field of view V of the imaging unit 30 to the drive unit 22 (step 112).

  Then, the control unit 45 sends an imaging command to cause the imaging unit 30 to perform imaging, acquires image data A1n from the imaging unit 30 (step 113), and uses the photometric unit 42 to obtain a photometric value B1n from the image data A1n. The photometric value B1n is stored in the data storage unit 43 (step 114).

  Here, when any of the feeding operations for photometry of the specimens S in the wells W11 to W1n occurs, the well W does not appear on the image data A1n. In this case, since the photometric unit 42 cannot normally detect the photometric value B1n, it stores “null” meaning invalid data in the data storage unit 43 instead of the photometric value B1n.

  Next, the control unit 45 causes the determination unit 44 to determine whether or not the photometric value B1n is “null” (step 115), and determines whether the feeding operation by the feeding unit 20 is good or bad. Here, when the photometric value B1n is “null”, the determination unit 44 determines that skipping has occurred, and the control unit 45 sends an alarm command to the alarm unit 60 (step 117). After causing the alarm unit 60 to display an error message indicating that skipping has occurred, the above process is terminated.

  Further, when the photometric value B1n is not “null”, the determining unit 44 determines that no skipping has occurred, and the control unit 45 determines the photometric value B1 (n−1) and the photometric value B1n. (ST516) to determine the presence or absence of feed sabotage.

  Here, when the photometric value B1 (n-1) and the photometric value B1n coincide with each other, it is determined that the feed subtraction has occurred, and the control unit 45 sends an alarm command to the alarm unit 60 (step). 117) After causing the warning unit 60 to display an error message indicating that feed skip has occurred, the above process is terminated.

  If the photometric value B1 (n-1) and the photometric value B1n do not match each other, it is determined that no feed subtraction has occurred, and the control unit 45 ends the above process. In this case, neither feed skipping nor skipping occurred in any of the feeding operations for photometry of the specimens S in the wells W11 to W1n. This photometric value comparison determination is performed in the same manner for the specimens S in the wells W in the second and subsequent rows on the microplate 10.

  As a result, in the analyzer according to this embodiment, even when feed subtraction and skipping occur when photometry is performed on the specimens S in the wells arranged in a matrix on the microplate 10, they are acquired from the imaging unit. Based on the brightness of the image information, it is possible to reliably detect the difference between the wells due to the feed skipping and skipping, and to issue a warning to the user. For this reason, according to the analysis apparatus according to this embodiment, a dedicated mechanical or optical sensor conventionally used for detecting feed skip and feed skip in the row direction is not required, and the manufacturing cost is increased. It is possible to reliably prevent erroneous analysis of the sample while suppressing it.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of the analyzer according to the second embodiment. In the following drawings, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals for convenience of explanation.

  In FIG. 6, this analyzer is an apparatus applied when a shade pattern is generated on the sample S due to the reaction between the sample S and the reagent. The difference from the first embodiment is that the sample S is obtained from given image data. The pattern data extracting unit 46 is used as a density detecting means for extracting pattern data indicating a gray pattern.

  The pattern data extraction unit 46 has a preset density threshold value, and a function for extracting the pattern data of the specimen S based on the threshold value, for example, a portion darker than the threshold value in given image data. It has a function of binarizing so that the black color and the portion thinner than the threshold value are white. The data storage unit 43 is a storage unit that stores given image data, photometric values, and pattern data. The determination unit 44 is a processing unit that determines the quality of the feeding operation by the feeding unit 20 based on the given pattern data. The determination unit 44 has a function for comparing a plurality of given pattern data, for example, a function for determining a matching degree between the plurality of pattern data.

  When the image data is acquired from the imaging unit 30 through the interface unit 41, the control unit 45 controls the photometry unit 42 so as to detect the photometric value of the specimen S from the image data, and the image data and the photometric value are obtained. The data storage unit 43 is controlled to store the data. Further, the control unit 45 controls the pattern data extraction unit 46 so as to extract the pattern data of the specimen S from this image data, and also controls the data storage unit 43 so as to store this pattern data. Further, the control unit 45 controls the determination unit 44 so as to determine the quality of the feeding operation by the feeding unit 20 based on the pattern data. Further, the control unit 45 has a function of outputting a feed command to the drive unit 22, an imaging command to the imaging unit 30, and an alarm command to the alarm unit 60 through the interface unit 41.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram exemplifying a state in which the specimen S in the well W on the microplate 10 has a shade pattern due to the reaction with the reagent. FIG. 8 is a chart illustrating pattern data of the specimen S in the wells W11 to W1n in the first row on the microplate 10. In the specimens S of the wells W adjacent to each other, it is practically impossible that the shade patterns match each other, and the pattern data C are different from each other.

  In the second embodiment, paying attention to this fact, the pattern data C as the specimen information unique to each specimen S is used to determine the quality of the feeding operation by the feeding section 20. Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, a processing procedure when the sample of the well in the first row on the microplate is measured in the control apparatus shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

  In FIG. 9, the control unit 45 of the control device 40 sends a feed command targeting the well W11 to the drive unit 22 (step 201) and controls the feed operation of the XY table 21, as in the first embodiment. Later, the image data A11 is acquired from the imaging unit 30 and recorded in the data storage unit 43 (step 202). Then, the pattern data extraction unit 46 extracts the pattern data C11 of the sample S from the image data A11 (step 203), and the pattern data C11 is stored in the data storage unit 43.

  Next, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 45 sends a feed command targeting the well W12 to the drive unit 22 (step 204), and controls the feed operation of the XY table 21, and then the imaging unit 30. The image data A12 is acquired from the data and recorded in the data storage unit 43 (step 205). Then, the pattern data extraction unit 46 extracts the pattern data C12 of the sample S from the image data A12 (step 206), and the pattern data C12 is stored in the data storage unit 43.

  Next, the control unit 45 causes the determination unit 44 to compare the pattern data C11 and the pattern data C12 stored in the data storage unit 43 (step 207), and determines whether the feeding operation by the feeding unit 20 is good or bad. Here, when the pattern data C11 and the pattern data C12 match each other, the determination unit 44 determines that the feed subtraction has occurred, and the control unit 45 issues an alarm command to the alarm unit 60 based on the determination result. (Step 217), the alarm unit 60 is caused to display an error message indicating that feed subtraction has occurred, and then the above processing is terminated.

  Further, when the pattern data C11 and the pattern data C12 do not coincide with each other, the determination unit 44 determines that the feed sabotage has not occurred, and the control unit 45 is based on the determination result as in the first embodiment. Then, a feed command targeting the well W13 is sent to the drive unit 22 (step 208), and the XY table 21 is sent and controlled, and then the image data A13 is acquired from the imaging unit 30 and recorded in the data storage unit 43. (Step 209). Then, the pattern data extraction unit 46 extracts the pattern data C13 of the sample S from the image data A13 (step 210), and the pattern data C13 is stored in the data storage unit 43.

  Next, the control unit 45 causes the determination unit 44 to compare the pattern data C13 with the pattern data C12 stored in the data storage unit 43 (step 211), and determines the presence or absence of feed subtraction. Here, when the pattern data C12 and the pattern data C13 coincide with each other, it is determined that the feed subtraction has occurred, and the control unit 45 sends a warning command to the alarm unit 60 (step 217), thereby sending After causing the alarm unit 60 to display an error message indicating that a sabotage has occurred, the above process is terminated.

  In addition, when the pattern data C12 and the pattern data C13 do not match each other, the determination unit 44 determines that the feed subtraction has not occurred, and the control unit 45 performs the same processing as the processing procedure steps 208 and 209 described above. Repeat the procedure. If the feed sabotage does not occur, the control unit 45 sends a feed command for the well W1n to the drive unit 22 (step 212) and controls the XY table 21 for feed operation, as in the first embodiment. After that, the image data A1n is acquired from the imaging unit 30 and recorded in the data storage unit 43 (step 213). Then, the pattern data extraction unit 46 extracts the pattern data C1n of the specimen S from the image data A1n (step 214), and stores the pattern data C13 in the data storage unit 43.

  Here, when any of the feeding operations for photometry of the specimens S in the wells W11 to W1n occurs, the well W does not appear on the image data A1n. In this case, since the pattern data extraction unit 46 cannot normally extract the pattern data C1n, “null” meaning invalid data is stored in the data storage unit 43 instead of the pattern data C1n.

  Next, the control unit 45 causes the determination unit 44 to determine whether the pattern data C1n is “null” (step 215), and determines whether the feeding operation by the feeding unit 20 is good or bad. Here, when the pattern data C1n is “null”, the determination unit 44 determines that the skip has occurred, and the control unit 45 sends an alarm command to the alarm unit 60 (step 217). After causing the alarm unit 60 to display an error message indicating that skipping has occurred, the above process is terminated.

  In addition, when the pattern data C1n is not “null”, the determination unit 44 determines that no skip has occurred, and the control unit 45 determines the pattern data C1 (n−1) and the pattern data C1n. (Step 216) to determine the presence or absence of feed sabotage.

  Here, when the pattern data C1 (n-1) and the pattern data C1n match each other, it is determined that the feed subtraction has occurred, and the control unit 45 sends an alarm command to the alarm unit 60 (step (step)). 217) After causing the alarm unit 60 to display an error message indicating that feed skip has occurred, the above process is terminated.

  If the pattern data C1 (n-1) and the pattern data C1n do not match each other, it is determined that no feed sabotage has occurred, and the control unit 45 ends the above processing. In this case, neither feed skipping nor skipping occurred in any of the feeding operations for photometry of the specimens S in the wells W11 to W1n. This pattern data comparison / determination is similarly performed for the specimens S in the wells W in the second and subsequent rows on the microplate 10.

  As a result, in the analyzer according to this embodiment, even when feed subtraction and skipping occur when photometry is performed on the specimens S in the wells arranged in a matrix on the microplate 10, they are acquired from the imaging unit. Based on the pattern data of the image information, it is possible to reliably detect the difference between the wells due to feed skipping and skipping, and to issue a warning to the user. For this reason, according to the analyzer according to the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the dedicated mechanical or optical sensor conventionally used for detecting the feed skip and feed skip in the row direction is provided. It becomes unnecessary, and it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous analysis of the sample while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, an analyzer according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first and second embodiments, the quality of the feeding operation by the feeding unit 20 is determined based on the sample information for identifying the sample S. In the third embodiment, the well W is identified. The quality of the feeding operation by the feeding unit 20 is determined based on the identification information.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an analyzer according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 10, the difference from the first embodiment is that an identification data extraction unit 47 is provided as identification extraction means for extracting identification data provided corresponding to the well W.

  As shown in the enlarged plan view of the microplate in FIG. 11, the microplate 10 is provided with an identification information area M at a position that fits in the field of view V of the imaging unit 30 together with the well W. Identification information for identifying adjacent wells W is appended. These identification information areas M are arranged at predetermined positions on the upper right of each well in FIG. 11, and square and triangular marks as identification information are alternately added. In the present invention, other marks such as a round shape and a rhombus shape may be added.

  The identification data extraction unit 47 is a processing unit that extracts the identification data of the well W from the given image data, and has a function for extracting the identification data of the well W, for example, a binarization function. That is, as in the first embodiment, the imaging unit 30 obtains an image when the well W appears in the center of the field of view V. Therefore, the control unit 45 obtains the upper right identification data from the input image data. It is possible to identify and extract.

  The data storage unit 43 is a storage unit that stores given image data, photometric values, and identification data. The determination unit 44 is a processing unit that determines the quality of the feeding operation by the feeding unit 20 based on the given identification data. The determination unit 44 has a function for comparing a plurality of given identification data, for example, a function for deriving a matching degree between the plurality of identification data.

  The control unit 45 controls the identification data extraction unit 47 so as to extract the identification data of the well W from the image data, and also controls the data storage unit 43 so as to store this identification data. Further, the control unit 45 controls the determination unit 44 so as to determine the quality of the feeding operation by the feeding unit 20 based on the identification data. Further, the control unit 45 has a function of outputting a feed command to the drive unit 22, an imaging command to the imaging unit 30, and an alarm command to the alarm unit 60 through the interface unit 41.

  FIG. 12 is a chart illustrating identification data of the wells W11 to W1n in the first row on the microplate 10. As described above, since the identification information area M of adjacent wells W is alternately marked with quadrangular and triangular marks as identification information, the identification data D of adjacent wells W are different from each other. ing.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13, a processing procedure when the sample of the well in the first row on the microplate is measured in the control apparatus shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 45 sends a feed command targeting the well W11 to the drive unit 22 (step 301), controls the feed operation of the XY table 21, and then controls the imaging unit. The image data A11 is acquired from 30 and recorded in the data storage unit 43 (step 302). Then, identification data D11 is extracted from the image data A11 by the identification data extraction unit 47 (step 303), and the identification data D11 is stored in the data storage unit 43.

  Next, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 45 sends a feed command targeting the well W12 to the drive unit 22 (step 304), and controls the feed operation of the XY table 21, and then the imaging unit 30. The image data A12 is acquired from the data and recorded in the data storage unit 43 (step 305). The identification data D12 is extracted from the image data A12 by the identification data extraction unit 47 (step 306), and the identification data D12 is stored in the data storage unit 43.

  Next, the control unit 45 causes the determination unit 44 to compare the identification data D11 and the identification data D12 stored in the data storage unit 43 (step 307), and determines whether the feeding operation by the feeding unit 20 is good or bad. Here, when the identification data D11 and the identification data D12 coincide with each other, the determination unit 44 determines that the feed subtraction has occurred, and the control unit 45 issues an alarm command to the alarm unit 60 based on the determination result. (Step 317), the alarm unit 60 is caused to display an error message indicating that the feed sabotage has occurred, and then the above process is terminated.

  Further, when the identification data D11 and the identification data D12 do not coincide with each other, the determination unit 44 determines that no feed subtraction has occurred, and the control unit 45 is similar to the first embodiment based on the determination result. Then, a feed command targeting the well W13 is sent to the drive unit 22 (step 308), and the XY table 21 is fed and controlled, and then the image data A13 is acquired from the imaging unit 30 and recorded in the data storage unit 43. (Step 309). The identification data D13 is extracted from the image data A13 by the identification data extraction unit 47 (step 310), and the identification data D13 is stored in the data storage unit 43.

  Next, the control unit 45 causes the determination unit 44 to compare the identification data D12 and the identification data D13 stored in the data storage unit 43 (step 311), and determines whether there is feed subtraction. Here, when the identification data D12 and the identification data D13 match each other, it is determined that the feed subtraction has occurred, and the control unit 45 sends a warning command to the alarm unit 60 (step 317), thereby causing the feed subtraction. After causing the alarm unit 60 to display an error indicating that the error has occurred, the above process is terminated.

  In addition, when the identification data D12 and the identification data D13 do not match each other, the determination unit 44 determines that the feed subtraction has not occurred, and the control unit 45 performs the same processing procedure as the processing procedure steps 308 and 309 described above. repeat. If the feed sabotage does not occur, the control unit 45 sends a feed command for the well W1n to the drive unit 22 (step 312) and controls the XY table 21 for feed operation as in the first embodiment. After that, the image data A1n is acquired from the imaging unit 30 and recorded in the data storage unit 43 (step 313). The identification data D1n is extracted from the image data A1n by the identification data extraction unit 47 (step 314), and the identification data D13 is stored in the data storage unit 43.

  Here, when any of the feeding operations for photometry of the specimens S in the wells W11 to W1n occurs, the well W does not appear on the image data A1n. In this case, since the pattern data extraction unit 46 cannot normally extract the identification data D1n, “null” indicating invalid data is stored in the data storage unit 43 instead of the identification data D1n.

  Next, the control unit 45 causes the determination unit 44 to determine whether or not the identification data D1n is “null” (step 315), and determines whether the feeding operation by the feeding unit 20 is good or bad. Here, when the identification data D1n is “null”, the determination unit 44 determines that skipping has occurred, and the control unit 45 sends an alarm command to the alarm unit 60 (step 317). After causing the alarm unit 60 to display an error message indicating that skipping has occurred, the above process is terminated.

  In addition, when the identification data D1n is not “null”, the determination unit 44 determines that no skip has occurred, and the control unit 45 determines the identification data D1 (n−1) and the identification data D1n. (Step 316) to determine the presence or absence of feed sabotage.

  Here, when the identification data D1 (n-1) and the identification data D1n coincide with each other, it is determined that the feed subtraction has occurred, and the control unit 45 sends an alarm command to the alarm unit 60 (step S1). 317) After causing the alarm unit 60 to display an error message indicating that feed skip has occurred, the above process is terminated.

  If the identification data D1 (n-1) and the identification data D1n do not match each other, it is determined that no feed subtraction has occurred, and the control unit 45 ends the above processing. In this case, neither feed skipping nor skipping occurred in any of the feeding operations for photometry of the specimens S in the wells W11 to W1n. This pattern data comparison / determination is similarly performed for the specimens S in the wells W in the second and subsequent rows on the microplate 10.

  As a result, in the analyzer according to this embodiment, even when feed subtraction and skipping occur when photometry is performed on the specimens S in the wells arranged in a matrix on the microplate 10, they are acquired from the imaging unit. Based on the identification data of the image information, it is possible to reliably detect the difference between the wells due to the feed skipping and skipping, and to issue a warning to the user. For this reason, according to the analyzer according to the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the dedicated mechanical or optical sensor conventionally used for detecting the feed skip and feed skip in the row direction is provided. It becomes unnecessary, and it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous analysis of the sample while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost.

  In this embodiment, the extracted identification data is compared with the previous identification data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a change in shape pattern as identification information is set in a predetermined order. It is also possible to store the data in the determination unit so that the feed subtraction is determined when the shape pattern is not extracted in the predetermined order. Also in this case, the same effect as in the third embodiment can be obtained.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, an analyzer according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the fourth embodiment, whether or not the feeding operation by the feeding unit 20 is good is determined based on the arrangement information regarding the arrangement of the wells W.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an analyzer according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 10, the difference from the first embodiment is that an arrangement data extraction unit 48 is provided as arrangement extraction means for extracting arrangement data provided corresponding to the well W.

  As shown in the enlarged plan view of the microplate in FIG. 15, the microplate 10 is provided with an arrangement information region m at a position that fits within the field of view V of the imaging unit 30 together with the well W. The arrangement information area m is an area where arrangement information regarding the arrangement of the well W is added. These arrangement information areas m are arranged at predetermined positions on the upper right of each well in FIG. 15, and numbers indicating the row numbers and column numbers of the corresponding wells W are sequentially added. In addition, in this invention, you may add the code | symbol which shows orders, such as an alphabet, for example.

  The arrangement data extraction unit 48 is a processing unit that extracts arrangement data of the well W from given image data, and has a function for extracting arrangement data, for example, a function of recognizing numbers. The determination unit 44 is a processing unit that determines the quality of the feeding operation by the feeding unit 20 based on the given arrangement data, and has a function for comparing a plurality of given arrangement data.

  The control unit 45 controls the arrangement data extraction unit 48 so as to extract the arrangement data of the well W from the image data, and also controls the data storage unit 43 so as to store the arrangement data. Further, the control unit 45 controls the determination unit 44 so as to determine the quality of the feeding operation by the feeding unit 20 based on the arrangement data. Further, the control unit 45 has a function of outputting a feed command to the drive unit 22, an imaging command to the imaging unit 30, and an alarm command to the alarm unit 60 through the interface unit 41.

  FIG. 16 is a chart illustrating the arrangement data E11 to E1n of the wells W11 to W1n in the first row on the microplate 10. As described above, since the numbers indicating the row number and the column number of the corresponding well W are added to the arrangement information area m of each well W in order, these numbers become the arrangement data.

  Also in this embodiment, as in the flowchart of the third embodiment, the determination unit 44 compares the extracted arrangement data with the previous arrangement data to determine the presence or absence of feed subtraction, and the arrangement data is “null”. The presence or absence of skipping can be determined by substituting for. In this embodiment, the presence / absence of feed subtraction can also be determined by determining by the determination unit 44 whether or not the numbers as the arrangement data attached to the wells W are extracted in order. is there.

  As a result, in the analyzer according to this embodiment, even when feed subtraction and skipping occur when photometry is performed on the specimens S in the wells arranged in a matrix on the microplate 10, they are acquired from the imaging unit. Based on the arrangement data of the image information, it is possible to reliably detect the difference between the wells due to the feed skipping and skipping, and to issue a warning to the user. For this reason, according to the analyzer according to the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the dedicated mechanical or optical sensor conventionally used for detecting the feed skip and feed skip in the row direction is provided. It becomes unnecessary, and it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous analysis of the sample while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an analyzer according to a first embodiment. It is a top view of the microplate in the analyzer shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of FIG. 2. 2 is a chart illustrating photometric values of well specimens on the microplate shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when photometry is performed on a sample in a well in the first row on a microplate in the control device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of an analyzer according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the microplate shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a chart illustrating pattern data of the sample of the well shown in FIG. 6. FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the sample of the well in the first row on the microplate is measured in the control device shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of an analyzer according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view of the microplate shown in FIG. 10. 11 is a chart illustrating well identification data on the microplate shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the sample of the well in the first row on the microplate is measured in the control device shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of an analyzer according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is an enlarged plan view of the microplate shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is a chart illustrating well identification data on the microplate shown in FIG. 14. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Microplate 20 Feed part 21 XY table 22 Drive part 30 Imaging part 40 Control apparatus 41 Interface part 42 Photometry part 43 Data storage part 44 Judgment part 45 Control part 46 Pattern data extraction part 47 Identification data extraction part 48 Arrangement data extraction part 50 Light source 60 Alarm part M Identification information area m Arrangement information area S Sample V Field of view of imaging part W Well

Claims (11)

An image obtained by including a substrate provided with a plurality of storage units for storing a sample and an imaging unit for imaging a subject in a predetermined field of view, and sequentially storing the storage unit in a predetermined field of view of the imaging unit. In the analyzer for analyzing the sample in each container based on the information,
Moving means for moving at least one of the substrate and the imaging means so as to enable imaging of the housing portion;
Image processing means for performing image processing of image information obtained by imaging by the imaging means;
A determination unit that compares the image information image-processed by the image processing unit, and determines whether the moving operation by the moving unit is good or not based on the comparison result;
An analysis apparatus comprising: The image processing means includes
Specimen extraction means for extracting specimen information included in image information obtained by imaging by the imaging means;
Luminance detection means for detecting luminance information of the sample extracted by the extraction means;
The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit compares luminance information of the specimen detected by the luminance detection unit. The image processing means includes
Specimen extraction means for extracting specimen information included in image information obtained by imaging by the imaging means;
Light / dark detection means for detecting light / dark information of the sample extracted by the extraction means;
The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit compares the density information of the specimen detected by the density detection unit. The analyzer is
Identification information for identifying the storage unit is added on the substrate, and an identification information area that fits within a predetermined field of view of the imaging unit when the storage unit is imaged,
The analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising: The image processing means includes
Identification extraction means for extracting the identification information included in the image information obtained by imaging by the imaging means;
The analysis apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit compares the identification information extracted by the identification extraction unit. Arrangement information area on which the placement information about the placement of the storage portion is added on the substrate, and the placement information area fits within a predetermined field of view of the imaging means when the storage portion is imaged
The analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising: The image processing means includes
Arrangement extraction means for extracting the arrangement information included in the image information obtained by imaging by the imaging means;
The analyzer according to claim 6, wherein the determination unit compares the arrangement information extracted by the extraction unit. The determination unit determines that the moving operation by the moving unit is defective when the information to be compared matches in the comparison result,
The analysis device includes an alarm unit that issues an alarm when the determination unit determines that the moving operation by the moving unit is defective.
The analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising: The image processing means includes
Identification extraction means for extracting identification information included in image information obtained by imaging by the imaging means;
The analysis apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit determines whether the moving operation by the moving unit is good or not based on an array of identification information extracted by the identification extracting unit. The image processing means includes
Arrangement extraction means for extracting the arrangement information included in the image information obtained by imaging by the imaging means;
The analysis device according to claim 6, wherein the determination unit determines whether the moving operation by the moving unit is good or not based on an arrangement of the arrangement information extracted by the extracting unit. The determination means determines that the movement operation by the movement means is defective when the arrangement is not a predetermined arrangement;
The analysis device includes an alarm unit that issues an alarm when the determination unit determines that the moving operation by the moving unit is defective.
The analyzer according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising:

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