JP2016176846A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer that can early specify reasons for inaccurate reading of a bar code reader, and adjust and maintain a bar code reader with high efficiency.SOLUTION: A bar code label 202 for inspection is attached on a sample container. A controller compares information on the bar code label read by a bar code reader 104 and reference data for determination. The controller also displays, in a display unit 406, the reasons for abnormal reading of the bar code information by the bar code reader 104 or the manner of dealing with the abnormal reading, based on the comparison results.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer equipped with a barcode reader.

  In an automatic analyzer, a barcode is attached to a sample rack or a sample container, and is read by a barcode reader to identify a sample or the like.

  As a commonly used barcode reader technology, there is one described in Patent Document 1. This patent document 1 discloses a technique related to a barcode reader reading confirmation function, and “in the static test mode, a predetermined number of reading tests are performed on one measurement object, and the number of times the barcode can be decoded among them. Is displayed. "

  In the automatic analyzer, the barcode reader is attached to the apparatus using the function of the barcode reader as described in Patent Document 1.

  JP 2003-44784 A

  In the automatic analyzer, if the barcode reading by the barcode reader is inaccurate, it may be unknown which sample the measurement result (analysis result) belongs to, and remeasurement must be performed. Specimen measurement efficiency may be reduced.

  For this reason, in the automatic analyzer, when the barcode reading by the barcode reader is inaccurate, it is desirable to identify and adjust the cause early.

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, when a barcode reading test is performed by a barcode reader and only the barcode reading stability is displayed, and the barcode reading is inaccurate, I was unable to determine what the cause was.

  Therefore, in the prior art, in order to improve the barcode reading stability of the barcode reader, make sure that the barcode reader mounting position is finely adjusted and that the barcode reader window is not fogged. It was necessary to make a trial and error check to see if it was dirty or replace the barcode reader, and to check the barcode reading each time.

  Since such work is repeatedly performed, the adjustment work of the bar code reader sometimes becomes a long time work.

  However, in order to improve the processing capacity of the automatic analyzer and to improve maintenance (maintenance, maintenance), it is required to adjust the barcode reader in a short time.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize an automatic analyzer which can identify the cause of reading inaccuracy of a barcode reader at an early stage, can adjust the barcode reader efficiently, and can be efficiently maintained. is there.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

  In an automatic analyzer, a container with a barcode label attached thereto, a sample analysis unit for analyzing a sample, a barcode reader for reading the barcode of the barcode label attached to the container, a display unit, and the sample analysis And a control unit for controlling the operation of the bar code reader and the display unit.

  The control unit compares the barcode information of the barcode label read by the barcode reader with the reference data for determination, and based on the comparison result, the reading error of the barcode information of the barcode reader is detected. A cause of the abnormality or a method for dealing with the reading abnormality is displayed on the display unit.

  It is possible to realize an automatic analyzer that can identify the cause of reading inaccuracy of the barcode reader at an early stage, can efficiently adjust the barcode reader, and can perform maintenance efficiently.

1 is an overall schematic diagram of an automatic analyzer to which the present invention is applied. It is a schematic block diagram of the analysis unit in an automatic analyzer. It is a schematic external view of the sample container which puts a sample. It is a partial schematic perspective view of the mounting location in the automatic analyzer of a barcode reader. It is a functional block diagram of the sampler unit and operation part in Example 1 of this invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart in Example 1 of this invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart in Example 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example which totaled the bar of the barcode according to thickness. It is a figure which shows the barcode electric conversion result when a barcode reader receives regular reflection light. It is a figure which shows the barcode electric conversion result when the attachment position of a barcode reader has shifted | deviated to the horizontal direction. It is a figure which shows the other example which totaled the bar of the barcode according to thickness. It is a figure which shows the further another example which totaled the bar of the barcode according to thickness. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen which displays the barcode image of the reference data for determination, the converted barcode image, the determination result, and the countermeasure method associated therewith.

  A bar code reader usually irradiates a bar code (an information code consisting of a bar-shaped black (bar) and white (space) array), receives the reflected light, and electrically converts the received light. The binarized information (hereinafter referred to as “bar image”) is subjected to bar code analysis by an analysis processing unit inside the bar code reader, converted into data, and transmitted.

  In the present invention, a maintenance mode that can be operated only by an operator who can perform maintenance (maintenance, maintenance) of the automatic analyzer is provided on the automatic analyzer, and the setting inside the barcode reader is changed by the maintenance mode. Instead of the data after bar code analysis normally transmitted by the bar code reader, the bar image before bar code analysis is transmitted to the automatic analyzer.

  A technique in which a bar code reader transmits a bar image before analysis is a known technique.

  The automatic analyzer registers reference data for determination in advance, and uses a predetermined inspection barcode that matches this data.

  Further, the automatic analyzer has a communication processing unit, an analysis processing unit, and a determination processing unit, and the number and thickness of black (bar) or white (space) of the bar image, pre-registered determination reference data and To determine the attachment state of the barcode reader. Also, if the barcode reader is not properly attached, the cause is identified.

  Inspection barcodes may differ in quality due to the effects of printing press resolution, ink quality, clogging, dirt, etc., so inspection barcodes that have been confirmed to match the judgment reference data are maintained. Provide to service bases that perform (maintenance, maintenance).

  The automatic analyzer includes a conversion unit and a display unit, and displays a barcode, a determination result, and a countermeasure method associated with the determination result.

  Further, the automatic analyzer has a data storage unit and stores a bar image and a determination result. The stored information can be read and displayed later. The stored information can be copied to a storage medium and read and displayed at a remote location.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Example 1
FIG. 1 is an overall schematic diagram of an automatic analyzer to which the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 1, an automatic analyzer 101 includes a sample (sample) rack loading unit 102, a sample (sample) transport line 103, a barcode reader 104, a buffer unit 105, an analysis unit (sample analysis unit) 106, A specimen (sample) rack storage unit 107, a sampler unit 109, and an operation unit 108 including a control unit are provided.

  The sample rack input unit 102 is a part in which a plurality of holders called racks holding containers containing one or a plurality of samples (for example, blood and urine) can be input side by side.

  The transport line 103 is a part that transports the rack loaded from the sample rack loading unit 102, and is mounted with a barcode reader 104 and is stuck to a barcode attached to the rack or a container containing a sample. The barcode is read to identify the rack and the container containing the sample (identify the sample).

  Based on the barcode read by the barcode reader 104, the specimen is identified, the specimen is dispensed and analyzed, and the analysis result of the identified specimen is output.

  Note that the barcode reader 104 does not necessarily have to be mounted on the transport line 103. The transport line 103 has various sizes depending on the combination of the buffer unit 105 and the analysis unit 106.

  The buffer unit 105 is disposed along the transport line 103 and is a part for temporarily waiting the rack transported from the transport line 103. In some cases, a barcode reader 104 and a control unit that controls the barcode reader 104 are mounted to identify the rack and the container containing the sample.

  The analysis unit 106 is arranged along the transport line 103, and is a part that performs analysis by carrying in the rack transported from the transport line 103 and stirring the sample and the reagent. In some cases, a barcode reader 104 and a control unit that controls the barcode reader 104 are mounted to identify the rack and the container containing the sample. The analysis unit 106 shown in FIG. 1 is shown in a simplified manner, and a schematic configuration is shown in FIG.

  The number of the buffer units 105 and the analysis units 106 can be arbitrarily increased, and a plurality of the transfer lines 103 can be installed correspondingly. In this embodiment, one unit is installed, In addition, the case where the transfer line 103 is installed is shown.

  The sample rack storage unit 107 is a part that collects and stores the rack.

  The operation unit 108 includes a control unit, has functions such as operation, instruction, status monitoring, and maintenance of the automatic analyzer 101. The operation unit 108 has a display unit 406 that can be visually confirmed by the operator, such as Ethernet (registered trademark). Connected using communication means. Further, the operation unit 108 includes a conversion unit 405 described later. The operation unit and the control unit may be provided separately from the automatic analyzer 101 as illustrated in FIG. 1 or may be incorporated in the automatic analyzer 101. The control unit may be provided in the operation unit 108 or may be provided in each unit.

  The sampler unit 109 includes a sample rack input unit 102, a sample rack storage unit 107, and a barcode reader 104. The sampler unit 109 is a unit that performs identification of a sample by the barcode reader 104, and input and collection of the sample rack. The sampler unit 109 also includes a control unit 400 that controls the barcode reader 104. The control unit 400 includes a communication processing unit 401, an analysis processing unit 403, a determination processing unit 404, and a data storage unit 407, which will be described later. .

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the analysis unit 106. In FIG. 2, the analysis unit 106 includes a reaction disk 112 in which a plurality of reaction containers 113 are arranged, a reagent disk 114 in which a plurality of reagent containers 115 are arranged, and a sample in the reaction container 113 arranged in the reaction disk 112. And a detection unit 117 for analyzing the above.

  The analysis unit 106 includes a sample dispensing mechanism 111, a reagent dispensing mechanism 116, and a detection partial dispensing mechanism 118.

  The sample dispensing mechanism 111 sucks the sample in the sample container (sample container) 201 held in the sample rack 301 transported by the transport line 103 and discharges it into the reaction container 113 arranged on the reaction disk 112. The reaction disk 112 rotates to move the plurality of reaction vessels 113. The sample aspirated by the sample dispensing mechanism 111 in response to the movement of the reaction container 113 on the reaction disk 112 is discharged into the reaction container 113.

  In addition, the reagent dispensing mechanism 116 sucks the reagent in the reagent container 115 disposed on the reagent disk 114 and discharges the reagent into the reaction container 113 disposed on the reaction disk 112. The reagent disk 114 rotates to move the plurality of reagent containers 115. In response to the movement of the reagent container 115 on the reagent disk 114, the reagent dispensing mechanism 116 sucks the reagent and discharges the sucked reagent into the reaction container 113.

  The detection partial injection mechanism 118 sucks the reaction sample in the reaction vessel 113 on the reaction disk 112 and supplies it to the detection unit 117. The detection unit 117 measures (analyzes) the component concentration of a predetermined item of the sample by optical measurement of the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent.

  The sample measurement result (analysis result) analyzed by the detection unit 117 is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 406 of the operation unit 108.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic external view of a sample container 201 into which a sample (sample) is placed, and FIG. 4 is a partial schematic perspective view of a mounting position in the automatic analyzer of the barcode reader 104 according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a container identification bar code is usually affixed to a sample container 201 into which a sample is placed, and the transport line 103 transports a rack 301 on which the sample container 201 is placed. A rack identification barcode 302 is also attached to the rack 301. When the rack 301 is transported, the bar code reader 104 reads the rack identification bar code 302 and the container identification bar code and identifies them.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the automatic analyzer 101 changes the setting of the barcode reader 104 by executing the maintenance mode, and enters the mode for transmitting the bar image. Next, the inspection barcode 202 is used as the container identification barcode and is carried on the rack 301. The rack 301 is conveyed to the barcode reading position, and the inspection barcode 202 is read by the barcode reader 104. Other description will be omitted because it will be described in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a functional configuration diagram of the sampler unit 109 and the operation unit 108 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The sampler unit 109 includes a control unit 400, and the control unit 400 includes a communication processing unit 401, an analysis processing unit 403, a determination processing unit 404, and a data storage unit 407. The operation unit 108 includes a conversion unit 405 and a display unit 406. Note that the control unit 400 of the sampler unit 109 will be described as an example, but the same may be realized by the control unit of the operation unit 108 or a control unit of another unit.

  First, it is assumed that the sampler unit 109 of the automatic analyzer 101 has the determination reference data 402 registered in the data storage unit 407 in advance. The barcode that matches the determination reference data 402 is the inspection barcode 202.

  By executing the maintenance mode in the operation unit 108 of the automatic analyzer 101, the barcode reader 104 causes the barcode processing by the communication processing unit 401 of the sampler unit 109 when the rack 301 is transported to the barcode reading position. It is assumed that an instruction to start reading and end reading is received.

  The bar image is binary data, where 0 represents white (hereinafter referred to as a space) and 1 represents black (hereinafter referred to as a bar), and the thickness is represented by the respective consecutive numbers.

  An example of the bar image is shown in the upper left part of FIG. A place where nine consecutive zeros at the left end and nine consecutive zeros located at the right end represent a space called a quiet zone. In addition, a space where three consecutive zeros are arranged is a thin space (hereinafter referred to as a thin space), a portion where seven consecutive zeros are arranged is a thick space (hereinafter referred to as a thick space), and 1 is The three consecutive lines represent thin bars (hereinafter referred to as thin bars), and the seven consecutive lines 1 represent thick bars (hereinafter referred to as thick bars).

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In FIG. 5, the barcode reader 104 reads the inspection barcode 202 attached to the sample container 201 and transmits the bar image to the communication processing unit 401 of the sampler unit 109 of the automatic analyzer 101.

  The communication processing unit 401 determines a communication abnormality and transmits the determination result to the display unit 406 of the operation unit 108. In addition, the communication processing unit 401 transmits the bar image to the analysis processing unit 403, the data storage unit 407, and the conversion unit 405 of the operation unit 108.

  The analysis processing unit 403 extracts only the bar from the bar image sent from the communication processing unit 401, compares the number of bars and the ratio of the bar thickness with the determination reference data 402, and determines the comparison result. The data is transmitted to the processing unit 404.

  The determination processing unit 404 determines the collation result transmitted from the analysis processing unit 403, and transmits the determination result to the display processing unit 406 and the data storage unit 407.

  The conversion unit 405 converts the bar image transmitted from the communication processing unit 401 into a barcode image and transmits the barcode image to the display unit 406.

  The display unit 406 of the operation unit 108 displays on the screen a barcode image from the conversion unit 405, a determination result from the communication processing unit 401, a determination result from the determination processing unit 404, and a countermeasure method associated with the determination result.

  The data storage unit 407 stores the bar image from the communication processing unit 401 and the determination result from the determination processing unit 404. Note that the operation unit 108 of the automatic analyzer 101 can read information stored in the data storage unit 407 and display the information on the display unit 406 of the operation unit 108. In addition, stored information can be copied to a storage medium.

  FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, each step will be described.

  In step 501, the operation unit 108 of the automatic analyzer 101 starts the operation of the present invention by executing the maintenance mode.

  Next, in step 502, the control unit 400 of the sampler unit 109 of the automatic analyzer 101 changes the setting of the barcode reader 104 and sets a mode for transmitting a bar image.

  In step 503, the control unit 400 of the automatic analyzer 101 transports the rack 301 to the barcode reading position. Note that the container 201 with the inspection barcode 202 attached is placed on the rack 301.

  In step 504, the control unit 400 clears the temporary memory of the communication processing unit 401. This is to eliminate the possibility of erroneous determination if the data already exists in the temporary memory.

  In step 505, the control unit 400 instructs the barcode reader 104 to start reading barcodes.

  In step 506, the barcode reader 104 reads the inspection barcode 202, and the control unit 400 transmits the bar image data to the communication processing unit 401.

  In step 507, the control unit 400 stores the bar image data in the temporary memory of the communication processing unit 401.

  In step 508, the control unit 400 instructs the barcode reader 104 to finish reading the barcode.

  In step 509, the communication processing unit 401 confirms whether the data communication is normal. If Yes (normal data communication), Step 510 and Step 511 are performed. If No (data communication error), step 512 is performed.

  In step 510, the control unit 400 transmits the bar image stored in the temporary memory of the communication processing unit 401 to the conversion unit 405 of the operation unit 108, and the conversion unit 405 of the operation unit 108 converts the binary data of the bar image into the bar image data. Convert to code image.

  In step 511, the analysis processing unit 403 extracts only the bars from the binary data of the bar image, and counts the number of bars.

  In step 512, the communication processing unit 401 determines that the communication is abnormal as a result of checking whether the data communication is normal.

  In step 513, the analysis processing unit 403 compares the number of bars with the number of bars in the determination reference data 402 and confirms whether or not they match. If Yes (match), step 514 is performed. If No (does not match), step 515 is performed.

  In step 514, as shown in FIG. 8, the analysis processing unit 403 aggregates the bars by thickness (the number of consecutive 1s), groups the bars into thin bars and thick bars, and averages the thicknesses of the thin bars. Calculate the ratio to the average bar thickness. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the average thickness of the thin bars is (3 × 3 + 4 × 7 + 5 × 2) / (3 + 7 + 2) = 3.917, and the average thickness of the thick bars is (9 × 2 + 10 X4 + 11x1) / (2 + 4 + 1) = 9.857. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the ratio of the average thickness of thin bars to the average thickness of thick bars is 2.517.

  In step 515, the analysis processing unit 403 confirms whether the number of bars is larger than the number of bars in the determination reference data 402. If Yes (large), step 516 is performed. If No (less), step 517 is performed.

  In step 516, when the bar code reader 104 receives the specularly reflected light and converts it electrically, as shown in FIG. 9, even if there is a bar at the center of the strong irradiated light, it is recognized as a space. The boundary between the strong light portion and the weak light portion becomes unstable, and the number of bars after electrical conversion is larger than the actual number of bars before conversion. Therefore, when the number of bars is larger than the determination reference data 402, it is determined that the attachment position of the barcode reader 104 is an angle at which regular reflection light is received. In addition, regular reflection light is light which the light irradiated to the barcode reflected in the straight surface.

  If the attachment position of the barcode reader 104 is slightly shifted in the horizontal direction in step 517, the barcode cannot be recognized correctly as shown in FIG. 10, and the number of bars is reduced. Further, when the attachment position of the barcode reader 104 is greatly shifted in the horizontal direction, the barcode cannot be recognized at all, and the number of bars becomes zero. Therefore, when the number of bars is smaller than the determination reference data 402, it is determined that the attachment position of the barcode reader 104 is shifted laterally.

  In step 518, the analysis processing unit 403 determines that the ratio of the average thickness of thin bars to the average thickness of thick bars is the average of the thickness of thin bars and the thickness of thick bars in the reference data for determination 402. Check if it matches the average ratio. If yes (yes), step 519 is performed. If No (does not match), step 520 is performed. Note that the ratio of the reference data for determination 402 is set within a certain range, and if it is within this range, it is determined that the ratio is appropriate.

  In step 519, the determination processing unit 404 determines that the ratio is normal because the ratio matches the determination reference data 402.

  In step 520, the analysis processing unit 403 confirms whether or not the bar ratio is larger than the bar ratio of the reference data for determination 402 registered in advance. If Yes (large), step 521 is performed. If No (not large), step 522 is performed.

  In step 521, the focal length is the same, but if the reading window of the barcode reader 104 is cloudy or dirty, the bar looks dull and thin. When the ratio between the thin bar and the thick bar is calculated in this situation, the ratio becomes 3.037 as shown in FIG. 11, and the ratio becomes larger as compared with the example shown in FIG. Therefore, when the bar ratio is larger than the bar ratio of the determination reference data 402, it is determined that the window of the barcode reader 104 is cloudy or dirty.

  In step 522, if the focal length is deviated, the boundary between the bar and the space is blurred, and the bar looks thick. In this situation, when the ratio between the thin bar and the thick bar is calculated, it becomes 2.208 as shown in FIG. 12, and the ratio is smaller than that in the example of FIG. Therefore, when the bar ratio is smaller than the bar ratio of the determination reference data 402, it is determined that the attachment position of the barcode reader 104 is shifted in the focal length direction.

  In step 523, the barcode image of the reference data for determination 402, the barcode image converted in step 510, the determination results in step 512, step 516, step 517, step 519, step 521, and step 522, and the accompanying results. The countermeasure method is displayed on the display unit 406 of the operation unit 108. Note that display control on the display unit 406 may be performed by the operation unit 108 or the control unit 400. By checking the display unit 406, the attachment and adjustment of the barcode reader 104 can be efficiently performed in the production process of the automatic analyzer 101, and maintenance can be performed efficiently while the automatic analyzer 101 is in operation.

  In step 524, the bar image stored in the temporary memory of the communication processing unit 401 in step 507 and the determination results in step 512, step 516, step 517, step 519, step 521, and step 522 are stored in the data storage unit 407. The stored data can be read out and displayed on the display unit 406 of the operation unit 108.

  In addition, stored information can be copied to a storage medium. Accordingly, in maintenance of the automatic analyzer 101 in operation, data can be sent to a remote location and information can be shared, so that maintenance instructions can be given from a remote location.

  In step 525, the automatic analyzer 101 ends the maintenance mode by the operation unit 108.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the cause of reading inaccuracy of the barcode reader 104 can be identified at an early stage, the barcode reader 104 can be adjusted efficiently, and maintenance can be performed efficiently. An automatic analyzer can be realized.

  Further, it is possible to improve the productivity of the automatic analyzer by reducing the time for adjusting the attachment of the barcode reader and reducing the time for maintenance.

  In the first embodiment described above, an example in which the barcode reader 104 is determined to be defective in the attachment position of the barcode reader 104, fogging of the window, or dirt is shown, but the attachment position of the barcode reader 104 is determined based on the bar width. It is also possible to determine a defect or the like.

  Here, when another barcode is used without using the inspection barcode 202, or when there is no barcode, an erroneous determination is made.

(Example 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment of the present invention is a case where the bar in the first embodiment is replaced with a space.

  Therefore, about Example 2, only the changed part from Example 1 is described below.

  FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart according to the second embodiment. Steps 501-510, 512, 516, 517, 519, 523-525 are the same as the operation flowchart of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  In step 611, the analysis processing unit 403 counts the number of spaces from the binary data of the bar image.

  In step 613, the analysis processing unit 403 compares the number of spaces with the number of spaces in the determination reference data 402, and confirms whether or not they match. If Yes (match), step 614 is performed. If No (does not match), step 615 is performed.

  In step 614, the analysis processing unit 403 aggregates the spaces by thickness (the number of consecutive 0s), groups the spaces into thin spaces and thick spaces, and calculates the average thickness of the thin spaces and the average thickness of the thick spaces. The ratio is calculated. The average thickness is calculated in the same manner as when the bar in the example shown in FIG. 8 is replaced with a space.

  In step 615, the analysis processing unit 403 confirms whether or not the number of spaces is larger than the number of spaces in the determination reference data 402. If Yes (large), step 516 is performed. If No (less), step 517 is performed.

  In step 618, the analysis processing unit 403 determines that the ratio of the average thickness of the thin space to the average thickness of the thick space is the average of the thickness of the thin space of the determination reference data 402 and the thickness of the thick space. Check if it matches the average ratio. If yes (yes), step 519 is performed. If No (does not match), step 620 is performed.

  In step 620, the analysis processing unit 403 confirms whether the space ratio is larger than the space ratio of the registered determination reference data 402. If Yes (large), step 621 is performed. If No (not large), step 622 is performed.

  In step 621, as described in step 522 of FIG. 6, when the focal length is deviated, the boundary between the bar and the space is blurred and the bar looks thick. On the other hand, the space looks thin. Accordingly, the determination result is also opposite to the flow shown in FIG. Therefore, when the space ratio is larger than the space ratio of the determination reference data 402, it is determined that the attachment position of the barcode reader 104 is shifted in the focal length direction.

  In step 622, as described in step 521 of FIG. 6, the focal length is correct, but if the window is cloudy or dirty, the bar will appear hazy and thin. On the other hand, the space looks thick. Accordingly, the determination result is also opposite to the flow shown in FIG. Therefore, when the space ratio is smaller than the space ratio of the determination reference data 402, it is determined that the window of the barcode reader 104 is cloudy or dirty.

  As described above, by replacing the bar in the first embodiment with the space in the second embodiment, the determination results in step 520 (FIG. 6) and step 620 (FIG. 7) are reversed.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. It is also possible to determine whether the barcode reader 104 is attached in a bad position based on the width of the space.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, in step 523 of FIGS. 6 and 7, the barcode image of the reference data for determination 402, the barcode image converted in step 510, the determination result, and the countermeasure method associated therewith are as follows. It is displayed on the display unit 406 of the operation unit 108.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display unit 406 of the operation unit 108 that displays the barcode image of the reference data for determination, the barcode image converted in step 510, the determination result, and a countermeasure method associated therewith. is there.

  In FIG. 13, the display unit 406 of the operation unit 108 has a test barcode, that is, an actual barcode attached to the sample container, a barcode recognized by the barcode reader, a determination result, and a countermeasure method. And are displayed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 13, the determination result is “the angle at which the attachment position of the barcode reader receives regular reflection light”, and as a countermeasure, the attachment position of the barcode reader is changed to avoid the center portion. It is indicated that the angle should be adjusted.

  The worker can change the attachment position of the barcode reader 104 in accordance with the countermeasure method displayed on the display unit 406 of the operation unit 108, and can perform appropriate processing.

  In FIG. 13, it is possible to add and display that the angle should be adjusted in the countermeasure method.

  Further, when it is determined that the attachment position of the barcode reader 104 is shifted from the predetermined position in the horizontal direction, the attachment position of the barcode reader 104 is shifted in the horizontal direction on the display unit 406 of the operation unit 108. And that the attachment position of the barcode reader 104 is changed and the lateral position should be adjusted.

  If it is determined that the reading window of the bar code reader 104 is cloudy or dirty, the display unit 406 of the operation unit 108 displays that the reading window of the bar code reader 104 should be removed.

  If it is determined that the attachment position of the barcode reader 104 is shifted from the predetermined position in the focal distance direction, the attachment position of the barcode reader 104 is indicated in the focal distance direction on the display unit 406 of the operation unit 108. Information to be changed is displayed on the display unit 119.

  The present invention is not limited to an automatic analyzer, but can be applied to an apparatus equipped with a barcode reader. For example, the present invention can be applied to a barcode attached to a rack and a barcode reader for reading the barcode, and a barcode attached to a reagent container and a barcode reader for reading the barcode.

  In addition, the barcode has been described with respect to two types of bars, a thin bar and a thick bar. However, since there are four types of bars, the same is true for the four types of bars based on the number and thickness ratio. May be realized. The same applies to spaces.

  Note that a sample container (sample container) 201 for storing a sample, a sample rack (sample container rack) 301 for storing the sample container 201, and a reagent container 115 for storing a reagent are collectively referred to as containers.

  In the present invention, barcode labels are attached to the specimen container 201, the specimen rack 301, and the reagent container 115, the barcode information of the attached barcode labels is read by the barcode reader 1045, and the barcode of the barcode label thus read is read. And the reference data for determination, and based on the comparison result, the display unit 406 displays the cause of abnormal reading or the method for dealing with abnormal reading.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the number of bars of the barcode information is less than the reference data for determination, the horizontal position of the barcode reader 104 is shifted as the cause of the abnormality, or the horizontal direction of the barcode reader 104 is taken as a countermeasure. This includes a mode in which the display unit 406 displays that the position is adjusted.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the number of bars of the barcode information is larger than the reference data for determination, the attachment position of the barcode reader 104 is an angle at which regular reflection light is received as a cause of abnormality, or the barcode is used as a countermeasure. This includes a mode in which the display unit 406 displays that the light receiving angle of the reader 104 is adjusted.

  In addition, according to the present invention, when the ratio of the bar thickness of the bar code information is smaller than the reference data for determination, the focal length of the bar code reader 104 is deviated as a cause of abnormality, or the bar code reader 104 is used as a countermeasure. The display unit 406 displays the adjustment of the focal length.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the ratio of the bar thickness of the bar code information is larger than the reference data for determination, the bar code reader 104 may be clouded or dirty as a cause of abnormality, or the bar code reader 104 may be used as a countermeasure. This includes a mode in which the display unit 406 displays that the window is cloudy or dirty.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the number of bar code information spaces (between bars) is smaller than the reference data for determination, the horizontal position of the bar code reader 104 is shifted as a cause of abnormality, or a coping method As an example, the display unit 406 displays that the horizontal position of the barcode reader 104 is adjusted.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the number of barcode information spaces is larger than the reference data for determination, the attachment position of the barcode reader 104 is an angle at which regular reflected light is received as a cause of abnormality, or the barcode is used as a countermeasure. This includes a mode in which the display unit 406 displays that the light receiving angle of the reader 104 is adjusted.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the ratio of the thickness of the bar code information space is smaller than the determination reference data, the bar code reader 104 may be cloudy or dirty as a cause of abnormality, or the bar code reader 104 may be used as a countermeasure. This includes a mode in which the display unit 406 displays that the window is cloudy or dirty.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the ratio of the thickness of the bar code information space is larger than the reference data for determination, the focal length of the bar code reader 104 is shifted as a cause of abnormality, or the bar code reader 104 This includes a mode in which the display unit 406 displays that the focal length is adjusted.

  Further, according to the present invention, the barcode reader 104 is normal when the number of bars of the barcode information matches the determination reference data and the bar thickness ratio matches the determination reference data. This includes a mode in which this is displayed on the display unit 406.

  Further, according to the present invention, the barcode reader 104 is normal when the number of spaces in the bar code information matches the reference data for determination and the ratio of the thicknesses of the spaces matches the reference data for determination. This includes a mode in which this is displayed on the display unit 406.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Automatic analyzer, 102 ... Sample rack input part, 103 ... Conveyance line, 104 ... Bar code reader, 105 ... Buffer unit, 106 ... Analysis unit, 107 ... Sample rack storage unit 108... Operation unit 109 109 sampler unit 111 sample dispensing mechanism 112 reaction disk 113 reaction container 114 reagent disk 115 ... Reagent container, 116 ... Reagent dispensing mechanism, 117 ... Detector unit, 118 ... Detection partial injection mechanism, 201 ... Sample container, 202 ... Bar code for inspection, 301 ..Sample rack, 302... Rack identification barcode, 400... Control unit, 401 ..Communication processing unit, 402 .. Reference data for determination, 403 .. Analysis processing unit, 404 · Determining unit, 405 ... converter unit, 406 ... display unit, 407 ... data storage unit

Claims (15)

A container with a barcode label;
A sample analyzer for analyzing the sample;
A barcode reader that reads the barcode on the barcode label affixed to the container;
A display unit;
A control unit for controlling operations of the sample analysis unit, the barcode reader, and the display unit;
With
The control unit compares the barcode information of the barcode label read by the barcode reader with the reference data for determination, and based on the comparison result, the reading error of the barcode information of the barcode reader is detected. An automatic analyzer that displays a cause of an abnormality or a method for dealing with the reading abnormality on the display unit. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The bar code information that the control unit compares with the determination reference data is the number of bars or the number of spaces between bars, or the ratio of the thickness of the bars or the thickness of the spaces between the bars. An automatic analyzer characterized by being. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The bar code information that the control unit compares with the reference data for determination is the number of bars, and the control unit determines that the cause of the abnormality when the number of bars of the bar code information is less than the reference data for determination. An automatic analyzer that causes the display unit to display that the horizontal position of the barcode reader is shifted, or that the horizontal position of the barcode reader is adjusted as the countermeasure. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The bar code information that the control unit compares with the reference data for determination is the number of bars, and the control unit determines that the cause of the abnormality when the number of bars of the bar code information is greater than the reference data for determination. Automatic display, wherein the display unit displays that the mounting position of the bar code reader is an angle at which specular reflection light is received, or that the light receiving angle of the bar code reader is adjusted as the countermeasure. apparatus. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The barcode information that the control unit compares with the reference data for determination is the ratio of the thickness of the bar, and the control unit determines that the ratio of the thickness of the bar of the barcode information is greater than the reference data for determination. If small, automatic analysis characterized by causing the display unit to display that the focal length of the barcode reader is shifted as the cause of the abnormality, or that the focal length of the barcode reader is adjusted as the coping method apparatus. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The barcode information that the control unit compares with the reference data for determination is the ratio of the thickness of the bar, and the control unit determines that the ratio of the thickness of the bar of the barcode information is greater than the reference data for determination. If large, the display unit displays that the barcode reader window is cloudy or dirty as the cause of the abnormality, or the barcode reader window is clouded or dirty as the countermeasure. An automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The bar code information that the control unit compares with the reference data for determination is the number of spaces between bars, and the control unit has a smaller number of bar code information spaces than the reference data for determination. If the horizontal position of the barcode reader is shifted as the cause of the abnormality, or the horizontal position of the barcode reader is adjusted as the countermeasure, the display unit displays the automatic. Analysis equipment. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The bar code information that the control unit compares with the reference data for determination is the number of spaces between bars, and the control unit has a larger number of bar code information than the reference data for determination. The display unit displays the fact that the attachment position of the barcode reader is an angle at which specular reflection light is received as the cause of the abnormality, or the light reception angle of the barcode reader is adjusted as the countermeasure. An automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The bar code information that the control unit compares with the reference data for determination is a ratio of the thickness of the space between the bars, and the control unit has a ratio of the thickness of the bar code information space that is If the data is smaller than the reference data for determination, the display unit indicates that the barcode reader window is cloudy or dirty as the cause of the abnormality, or the barcode reader window is clouded or dirty as the countermeasure. An automatic analyzer characterized by displaying. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The bar code information that the control unit compares with the reference data for determination is a ratio of the thickness of the space between the bars, and the control unit has a ratio of the thickness of the bar code information space that is When larger than the reference data for determination, the focal length of the barcode reader is shifted as the cause of the abnormality, or the adjustment of the focal length of the barcode reader as the countermeasure is displayed on the display unit. A featured automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The control unit may cause the abnormality to be caused by a deviation in a lateral position of the barcode reader, an attachment position of the barcode reader being an angle at which regular reflection light is received, a focal length of the barcode reader An automatic analyzer that displays on the display section one of a misalignment and that the window of the barcode reader is cloudy or dirty. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The control unit adjusts a lateral position of the barcode reader, adjusts a light receiving angle of the barcode reader, adjusts a focal length of the barcode reader, and An automatic analyzer which displays on the display section one of removing cloudiness or dirt on the window of the code reader. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The bar code information that the control unit compares with the reference data for determination is the ratio of the number of bars and the thickness of the bars,
The control unit
When the number of bars of the bar code information matches the determination reference data, and the bar thickness ratio matches the determination reference data, the bar code reader is normal. An automatic analyzer characterized by being displayed on the display unit. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The information of the barcode that the control unit compares with the determination reference data is the number of spaces between bars or the ratio of the thickness of the space between bars.
The control unit
If the number of spaces in the bar code information matches the reference data for determination, and the ratio of the thicknesses of the spaces matches the reference data for determination, the bar code reader is normal. An automatic analyzer characterized by being displayed on the display unit. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the container is a sample container for storing a sample, a rack for a sample container for storing the sample container, or a reagent container for storing a reagent.

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