JP2023127333A - Automatic analysis device, program, storage medium, and method - Google Patents

Abstract

To cope with various specimen vessels in an automatic analysis device.SOLUTION: Provided is an automatic analysis device 1 having a holding mechanism 12 for holding a specimen vessel 11 for housing specimens, a probe 161 that extends in a vertical direction, and sucks a specimen housed in the specimen vessel 11 held by the holding mechanism 12 and discharges it to a reaction vessel 18, an information acquisition device 16 for acquiring liquid level position predictable information that can be used for predicting a position of a liquid level of the specimen when the specimen vessel 11 for housing the specimen is held by the holding mechanism 12 by accessing the specimen vessel 11 held by the holding mechanism 12, and a control device 21 for controlling lowering operation of the probe 161 for sucking the specimen housed in the specimen vessel 11 on the basis of the acquired liquid level position predictable information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer, a program therefor, a storage medium, and a method.

2. Description of the Related Art Automated analyzers are known that automatically analyze components of a sample, such as blood or urine, contained in a sample container. Generally, in an automatic analyzer, the operations of each part constituting the automatic analyzer are predefined so that a sample can be automatically analyzed accurately and quickly. Therefore, the sample container introduced into the automatic analyzer needs to satisfy certain conditions so as not to interfere with the operation of each of the above-mentioned parts.

Under such circumstances, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic analyzer that images a sample container, inputs the image of the sample container obtained by the imaging into a learning model, and performs error prediction. The error prediction is a prediction of an error caused by the state of the sample container, such as, for example, the lid of the sample container is not removed or the sample container is placed at an angle on the rack.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-139915

On the other hand, in the medical field, so-called testing institutions are operated that accept samples from multiple medical institutions, perform contract analysis, and report the analysis results to the medical institutions. In recent years, specimen containers have become increasingly diverse, and specimens delivered from medical institutions to testing institutions are collected in various types of specimen containers.

Some specimen containers sent from medical institutions to testing institutions may not be compatible with the operation of each part of the automated analyzer and may output an error if they are directly inserted into the automatic analyzer installed at the testing institution. There may be a mix of sample containers that may be contaminated.

Examples of sample containers for which an error may be output include non-standard sample containers that are different from pre-registered sample containers. For such non-standard sample containers, users such as clinical laboratory technicians have to take complicated steps such as removing the sample container or transferring the sample to a specified sample container that can be processed by the automatic analyzer. Work needs to be done.

Due to the above-mentioned circumstances, it is desired to provide a technology that can handle non-standard sample containers in automatic analyzers.

A typical embodiment of the present application includes a holding mechanism that holds a sample container in which a sample is stored, and a holding mechanism that extends in a vertical direction and aspirates the sample contained in the sample container held by the holding mechanism. By accessing the probe discharging into the reaction container and the sample container held by the holding mechanism, it is possible to determine the liquid level of the sample when the sample container containing the sample is held by the holding mechanism. an information acquisition device that acquires liquid level position predictable information that can be used to predict the position of the sample, and aspirates the specimen contained in the specimen container based on the acquired liquid level position predictable information. and a control device that controls the descending operation of the probe at the time of the analysis.

According to a typical embodiment of the present application, it is possible to provide a technique that allows an automatic analyzer to handle non-standard sample containers.

1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a sample dispensing device. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer. 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks realized by a computer in the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of sample containers held in a rack. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for calibrating a sample container. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for calibrating a sample container. 3 is a flowchart of automatic analysis processing by the automatic analysis device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a sample container registration screen. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a sample container selection screen. It is a flowchart of calibration processing. It is a flowchart of sample dispensing processing. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of main parts of an automatic analyzer according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an automatic analysis system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an automatic analysis system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks realized by a computer in Embodiment 4; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an automatic analysis system according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks realized by a computer in Embodiment 6; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sample container list screen classified by usage environmental conditions.

Embodiments will now be described. Note that each embodiment described below is an example for implementing the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, in each embodiment below, components having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation thereof will be omitted unless particularly necessary.

(Embodiment 1)
An automatic analyzer that is an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Example of configuration of automatic analyzer>
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment includes a transport device 13, a reagent disk rotation device 15, a specimen dispensing device 16, a reagent dispensing device 17, a reaction disk rotation device 19, a measuring section 20, It has an A/D converter 28 and a cleaning device 29.

The transport device 13 transports the rack 12 holding the sample container 11 based on the received control signal. The specimen container 11 is an elongated container in which a collected specimen is accommodated. The specimen is a sample to be analyzed, such as blood or urine. The sample container 11 is, for example, generally cylindrical, with an open top end and a bottom bottom shaped like a flat shape, a U-shape, a V-shape, or the like. The rack 12 is a container that holds a plurality of sample containers 11, for example, five sample containers 11.

The transport device 13 transports the rack 12 so that the specified sample container 11 is moved to the sample suction position of the sample container. The sample suction position of the sample container is a specified position of the sample container 11 when the sample dispensing device 16, which will be described later, aspirates the sample from the sample container 11.

The reagent disk rotation device 15 includes a reagent disk 151 and a reagent disk rotation control section 152. The reagent disk 151 has a generally disk shape, and is configured to house a plurality of reagent containers 14 side by side in the circumferential direction. The reagent container 14 is a container containing a reagent.

The reagent disk 151 is rotatably supported around the central axis of the reagent disk 151 as a rotation axis. The reagent disk rotation control unit 152 controls the rotational position of the reagent disk 151 so that the designated reagent container 14 moves to the reagent suction position. The reagent suction position is a specified position of the reagent container 14 when the reagent dispensing device 17, which will be described later, aspirates a reagent from the reagent container 14.

The reaction disk rotation device 19 includes a reaction disk 191, a reaction disk rotation control section 192, and a constant temperature bath 27. The reaction disk 191 has a generally disk shape, and a plurality of reaction vessels 18 are provided so as to be lined up in the circumferential direction. The reaction container 18 is a container in which a sample and a reagent are mixed and reacted. The constant temperature bath 27 maintains the reaction container 18, that is, the mixed liquid of the specimen and reagent contained in the reaction container 18, at a specified temperature.

The reaction disk 191 is rotatably supported around the central axis of the reaction disk 191 as a rotation axis. The reaction disk rotation control unit 192 controls the rotational position of the reaction disk 191 so that the designated reaction container 18 moves to the sample discharge position or the reagent discharge position. The sample discharge position is a specified position of the reaction container 18 when the sample dispensing device 16 described later discharges the sample aspirated into the reaction container 18. The reagent discharge position is a specified position of the reaction container 18 when the reagent dispensing device 17 discharges the aspirated reagent into the reaction container 18.

The specimen dispensing device 16 is a device that performs so-called specimen dispensing, which aspirates the specimen contained in the specimen container 11 and discharges the aspirated specimen into the reaction container 18 . The configuration of the sample dispensing device 16 will be explained.

<Configuration example of sample dispensing device>
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a sample dispensing device. As shown in FIG. 2, the sample dispensing device 16 includes a sample dispensing probe 161, a horizontal support section 162, a vertical column section 163, a sample dispensing drive section 164, a pump 165, a tube 166, a first contact sensor 167a, It has a second contact sensor 167b, a position sensor 168, and a sample dispensing control section 169.

The sample dispensing probe 161 has, for example, an elongated cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction B1.

The horizontal support section 162 has a shape extending in the horizontal direction A1, and supports the sample dispensing probe 161 at one end in the extending direction. The vertical column portion 163 has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction B1, and its upper end portion is connected to and fixed to the other end portion of the horizontal support portion 162 in the extending direction. Note that the horizontal support portion 162 may be a link mechanism.

The sample dispensing drive section 164 drives a drive motor (not shown) to rotate the vertical column section 163 about the central axis of the vertical column section 163 as a rotation axis, or to move it up and down in the vertical direction B1. That is, the sample dispensing drive section 164 controls the position of the sample dispensing probe 161 in the horizontal direction A1 and the height position in the vertical direction B1 by rotating and raising and lowering the vertical column section 163 based on the received control signal. do.

The pump 165 is connected to the opening at the upper end of the sample dispensing probe 161 via a tube 166. The pump 165 aspirates or discharges the sample from the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 by changing the air pressure within the tube 166 based on the received control signal. The tube 166 is arranged, for example, to pass inside the horizontal support section 162 and the vertical column section 163.

The first contact sensor 167a is a sensor that detects whether or not the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 is in contact with a liquid, and outputs a signal indicating whether or not it is in contact with the liquid. The first contact sensor 167a is, for example, a capacitive or optical sensor. The first contact sensor 167a is arranged inside the horizontal support section 162, for example.

The second contact sensor 167b is a sensor that detects whether or not the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 is in contact with an object harder than the liquid, and outputs a signal indicating whether or not the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 is in contact with an object harder than the liquid. Output. The second contact sensor 167b is, for example, a piezoelectric element type sensor or a switch type sensor. The second contact sensor 167b is arranged inside the horizontal support section 162, for example.

The position sensor 168 is a sensor that detects the spatial position of the sample dispensing probe 161, that is, its tip 161a, and outputs a signal that specifies the spatial position. As the position sensor 168, for example, a rotary encoder, a linear encoder (linear scale), etc. are used.

The sample dispensing control section 169 is connected to the sample dispensing drive section 164, the pump 165, the first contact sensor 167a, the second contact sensor 167b, and the position sensor 168. The sample dispensing control unit 169 detects whether the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 is in contact with the liquid based on the output signal of the first contact sensor 167a. The sample dispensing control unit 169 detects whether the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 is in contact with a solid based on the output signal of the second contact sensor 167b. Further, the sample dispensing control unit 169 detects the spatial position of the sample dispensing probe 161, that is, the tip 161a, based on the output signal of the position sensor 168.

The sample dispensing control unit 169 controls to perform prescribed operations based on a control signal received from the computer 21, which will be described later. That is, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the sample dispensing drive unit 164 to move the sample dispensing probe 161 in the horizontal direction A1 while maintaining the height position of the sample dispensing probe 161 at the upper limit position. position at the specimen aspiration position. The sample suction position of the probe is a specified position of the sample dispensing probe 161 when aspirating a sample from the sample container 11.

Next, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the sample dispensing drive unit 164 and the pump 165 so that the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 reaches a position below the liquid level of the sample in the sample container 11. and aspirate a predetermined amount of the specimen. Thereafter, the sample dispensing control section 169 controls the sample dispensing drive section 164 to raise the height position of the sample dispensing probe 161 to the upper limit position.

In addition, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the sample dispensing drive unit 164 to discharge the sample in the horizontal direction while maintaining the height position of the sample dispensing probe 161 at the upper limit position. position. The sample discharge position is a specified position of the sample dispensing probe 161 when discharging the aspirated sample into the reaction container 18.

Next, the sample dispensing control unit 169 lowers the sample dispensing probe 161 by controlling the sample dispensing drive unit 164 and the pump 165 until its tip 161a reaches a specified height position within the reaction vessel 18. and discharge a predetermined amount of the sample. Thereafter, the sample dispensing control section 169 controls the sample dispensing drive section 164 to raise the height position of the sample dispensing probe 161 to the upper limit position.

The sample dispensing control unit 169 transmits the output signals of the first contact sensor 167a, the second contact sensor 167b, and the position sensor 168 to an interface 25, which will be described later, as necessary or based on the received control signal. Output.

The reagent dispensing device 17 is a so-called reagent dispensing device that sucks the reagent contained in the reagent container 14 and discharges the sucked reagent into the reaction container 18. The reagent dispensing device 17 has a reagent dispensing probe 171. The reagent dispensing device 17 causes the reagent dispensing probe 171 to aspirate a designated reagent from the reagent container 14 or to discharge the aspirated reagent into the reaction container 18 , based on the received control signal. Note that the reagent dispensing device 17 has substantially the same configuration as the sample dispensing device 16. Therefore, detailed explanation of the configuration of the reagent dispensing device 17 will be omitted here.

The measurement unit 20 quantitatively measures the reaction result of the mixed solution of the specimen and reagent contained in the reaction container 18 based on the received control signal. The measurement section 20 includes, for example, a light source 201 and a photometry section 202. The light source 201 irradiates the mixed liquid in the reaction container 18 with light for measurement. The photometry unit 202 receives the light that has passed through the liquid mixture in the reaction container 18, and outputs an analog signal corresponding to the amount of the received light. The analog signal is a signal corresponding to the absorbance or light scattering of the liquid mixture in the reaction container 18.

The A/D converter 28 converts the analog signal output from the measuring section 20 into a digital signal.

The cleaning device 29 cleans the waste liquid in the reaction container 18 after the measurement by the measurement unit 20 and the reaction container 18 based on the received control signal.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 includes a specimen identification information reading device 24, a reagent identification information reading device 26, a computer 21, an operation section 22, a display section 23, and an interface 25.

The sample identification information reading device 24 reads the sample identification information attached to the sample container 11 based on the received control signal. The specimen identification information is, for example, information that specifies the specimen provider, the analysis requester, and the like. The specimen identification information is, for example, a barcode, a two-dimensional barcode (QR), or the like. The sample identification information is attached to the sample container 11 in the form of, for example, pasting a label sticker on which a barcode or the like is printed, and the sample identification information reading device 24 reads the code optically to read the sample identification information. Read. The read specimen identification information is associated with the analysis result of the target specimen and used to generate analysis report data.

The reagent identification information reading device 26 is a device that reads reagent identification information attached to the reagent container 14 based on the received control signal. The reagent identification information is, for example, information that specifies the type of reagent and the provider of the reagent. The reagent identification information is, for example, a barcode, a two-dimensional barcode (QR), or the like. The reagent identification information is attached to the reagent container 14 in the form of, for example, pasting a label sticker on which a barcode or the like is printed, and the reagent identification information reading device 26 reads the code optically to read the reagent identification information. Read.

The interface 25 includes a transport device 13, a reagent disk rotating device 15, a sample dispensing device 16, a reagent dispensing device 17, a reaction disk rotating device 19, a measuring section 20, an A/D converter 28, a cleaning device 29, and a sample identification information reader. It is connected to the device 24, the reagent identification information reading device 26, and the computer 21.

The computer 21 communicates with each device connected to the interface 25, and transmits control signals to each device and receives signals from each device as necessary.

The computer 21 is connected to an operation section 22 and a display section 23. The operation unit 22 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and the display unit 23 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, etc. The operation section 22 and the display section 23 may be a touch panel in which the operation section 22 and the display section 23 are integrally formed. For example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) is used to input and output information.

The configuration of the computer 21 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer. As shown in FIG. 3, the computer 21 includes a processor 211, a memory 212, a storage 213, and a bus 214. The processor 211 , memory 212 , and storage 213 are connected to a bus 214 and exchange information or signals with each other via the bus 214 .

The processor 211 is, for example, an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), or the like. The memory 212 is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a RAM. The storage 213 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

The storage 213 stores a program PG. The processor 211 reads the program PG stored in the storage 213, loads the read program PG in the memory 212, and executes it. By executing this program PG, the computer 21 functions as each functional block described below.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing functional blocks realized by the computer in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the computer includes a control section 31, a sample container information generation section 32, a sample container information registration section 33, a sample container information storage section 34, and a sample container selection reception section 35 as functional blocks. There is. Note that the sample container information registration unit 33 is an example of a "registration device" in the present application.

The control unit 31 includes a transport device 13, a reagent disk rotation device 15, a sample dispensing device 16, a reagent dispensing device 17, a reaction disk rotation device 19, a measuring section 20, an A/D converter 28, a cleaning device 29, and sample identification information. It communicates with the reading device 24 and the reagent identification information reading device 26.

The control unit 31 executes sample analysis processing. In executing the sample analysis process, the control unit 31 transmits control signals to each of the above devices, receives signals from each device, and performs various calculations based on the received signals.

For example, the control unit 31 transmits a control signal to the transport device 13, the sample dispensing device 16, the reaction disk rotation device 19, etc., and causes the specified sample to be dispensed into the specified reaction container 18. Further, the control unit 31 transmits control signals to the reagent disk rotating device 15, the reagent dispensing device 17, the reaction disk rotating device 19, etc., and causes the specified reagent to be dispensed into the specified reaction container 18. Further, the control unit 31 transmits a control signal to the measurement unit 20, the reaction disk rotation device 19, etc., and causes the measurement unit 20, the reaction disk rotating device 19, etc. to measure the absorbance or light scattering of the liquid mixture in the designated reaction container 18.

A/D converter 28 outputs the signal from measurement section 20 to interface 25. The interface 25 transmits the input signal from the measurement section 20 to the control section 31. The control unit 31 analyzes the target sample based on the received signal from the measurement unit 20.

In this embodiment, the control unit 31 receives a request to perform calibration of the sample container 11, direct input of sample container-related information, etc. in response to a user's operation.

Calibration of the sample container 11 is a process of acquiring liquid level position predictability information as information necessary for the descending operation of the sample dispensing probe 161 when dispensing a sample. The liquid level position predictability information is information specific to each type of sample container, and is information that can be used to predict the height position of the liquid level of the sample when the sample is contained in the sample container 11. . Here, the liquid level position predictability information in this embodiment will be explained.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of sample containers held in a rack. As shown in FIG. 5, the rack 12 includes a bottom member 121 on which the sample container 11 is placed and extends in the horizontal direction A1, and a support member 122 that supports the sample container 11 in an upright position in the vertical direction B1. are doing. When analyzing a sample, the sample container 11 is held in the rack 12 with the sample 111 accommodated therein.

In this embodiment, the information representing the height position of the lower limit point k1 of the inner bottom of the sample container 11 (this is an example of the lower limit point position information in the present application, hereinafter also referred to as the lower limit point height position inside the sample container) PK is Obtained as liquid level position predictable information. The sample container inner lower limit height position PK is, for example, a height position based on a predetermined position of the rack 12 in which the sample container 11 is held. The lower limit height position PK inside the sample container may be a height position based on a predetermined position of the transport device 13 or the sample dispensing device 16, or may be a height position from the lower limit point of the outer bottom of the sample container 11. It may be at a height of

Further, the calibration of the sample container 11 is performed by accessing the sample container 11 using a physical method including an optical method. Calibration of the sample container 11 is performed using, for example, a method of bringing a substance into contact, a method of optically capturing an image and analyzing the obtained image, and a method of detecting the position of the substance using ultrasonic waves.

In this embodiment, by bringing the sample dispensing probe 161 into contact with the sample container 11 in the sample dispensing device 16, information representing the lower limit height position PK inside the sample container is acquired. Details of the calibration of the sample container 11 and the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe 161 in this embodiment will be described later.

When the control unit 31 receives a calibration execution request by a user's operation, it transmits a control signal to the sample dispensing device 16 to execute a process of measuring the lower limit height position PK inside the sample container. The sample dispensing device 16 transmits information representing the measured sample container inner lower limit point height position PK to the sample container information generation unit 32 as liquid level position predictable information. Further, the control unit 31 receives input of sample container identification information that can identify the sample container 11, such as the manufacturer and identification number of the sample container 11, and sends the input information to the sample container information generation unit 32. Send.

The sample container information generation unit 32 generates a sample container based on the received information representing the lower limit height position PK inside the sample container and the sample container related information, which is other information related to the sample container 11 acquired separately. Generate information. The sample container related information includes, for example, the inner diameter of the sample container, the shape of the bottom of the sample container, and the like.

The sample container information registration unit 33 registers sample containers. Registration of the sample container is performed by storing the sample container information generated by the sample container information generation section 32 in the sample container information storage section 34.

<Downward movement of sample dispensing probe>
Here, the descending operation of the sample dispensing probe 161 when aspirating the sample 111 from the sample container 11 will be described.

6A to 6D are diagrams for explaining the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe. The specimen dispensing device 16 operates by lowering the specimen dispensing probe 161 when aspirating the specimen 111 from the specimen container 11 so that the specimen 111 contained in the specimen container 11 can be dispensed accurately and at high speed. This is done in two stages.

Before the specimen dispensing probe 161 starts its downward movement, the central axis of the specimen dispensing probe 161 and the central axis of the specimen container 11 held in the rack 12 are aligned in the horizontal direction A1, as shown in FIG. 6A. It is located in such a position that it almost coincides with the Further, the sample dispensing probe 161 is positioned such that the height position P of the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 (hereinafter also referred to as the probe tip height position) is the upper limit height position P0. ing.

In the first-stage descending operation, the sample dispensing probe 161 starts descending at a relatively fast first speed V1, as shown in FIG. 6A. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6B, the probe tip height position P is lower than the height position PS corresponding to the liquid level of the specimen 111 contained in the specimen container 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the specimen liquid level height position). The sample dispensing probe 161 is lowered at a first speed V1 until it reaches a first probe height position P1 (an example of a first height position in the present application) which is a distance d1 above.

In the second step of the descending operation, as shown in FIG. 6C, the sample dispensing probe 161 is moved at a relatively slow second speed V2 until the probe tip height position P reaches the sample liquid level height position PS. and lower it.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6D, the probe tip height position P is located at a second probe height position (second height position in the present application) where the probe tip height position P is a second distance d2 below the sample liquid level height position PS. Example) The sample dispensing probe 161 is lowered at the second speed V2 until reaching P2.

By the way, the first probe height position P1 can be determined in advance if the sample liquid level height position PS can be predicted. On the other hand, the sample liquid level height position PS is determined by the shape and dimensions of the sample container 11 and the amount KA of the sample 111 accommodated in the sample container 11 (hereinafter also referred to as sample amount).

The sample container 11 generally includes a cylindrical portion and a bottom portion that closes an opening at the lower end of the portion. Therefore, the shape and dimensions of the sample container 11 may be, for example, the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion (hereinafter also referred to as the inner diameter of the sample container) DM and the shape of the bottom portion (hereinafter also referred to as the bottom shape of the sample container) SH. can. The sample container bottom shape SH can also be called the sample container tip shape. The sample container bottom shape SH can be roughly classified into, for example, a flat shape, a U-shape, and a V-shape.

The sample container inner diameter DM and the sample container bottom shape SH can be specified based on input by the user or the like. Further, the sample amount KA is approximately defined depending on the type of sample or the type of analysis of the sample. The type of specimen, the type of analysis of the specimen, etc. are set by the user or the like. That is, the sample amount KA can be specified in advance based on the set type of sample or type of analysis.

Therefore, if the sample container inner lower limit height position PK is known, the sample liquid level height position PS can be predicted in conjunction with information input or set by the user. That is, the first probe height position P1 is the sample liquid level height position PS predicted based on the sample container inner diameter DM, the sample container bottom shape SH, the sample container inner lower limit height position PK, and the sample amount KA. , the height position can be determined to be a first distance d1 (for example, 10 mm) above.

The second probe height position P2 is determined according to the sample liquid level height position PS. The second probe height position P2 is a position where the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 is inserted from the sample liquid level height position PS to a depth considered necessary for aspirating the sample 111.

The sample dispensing device 16 repeatedly detects whether or not the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 is in contact with the liquid surface of the sample 111 based on the output signal of the first contact sensor 167a. is lowered from the first probe height position P1. When the sample dispensing device 16 detects that the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 has touched the liquid surface of the sample 111, the sample dispensing device 16 moves a second distance d2 (for example, 10 mm) from the probe tip height position P at that time. The lower height position is determined as the second probe height position P2.

<Sample container calibration>
Next, calibration of the sample container in Embodiment 1 will be explained. As mentioned above, the calibration of the sample container in this embodiment refers to the height position of the lower limit point k1 of the inner bottom of the sample container 11 loaded into the automatic analyzer 1 (for example, from a predetermined reference point of the rack 12). height) to obtain information representing PK.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining an example of a method for calibrating a sample container.

Before starting calibration, the specimen dispensing probe 161 is aligned with the central axis of the specimen dispensing probe 161 and the central axis of the specimen container 11 held in the rack 12 in the horizontal direction A1, as shown in FIG. 7A. are located so that they almost match. Further, the sample dispensing probe 161 is positioned such that the probe tip height position P is the upper limit height position P0 in the vertical direction B1.

The sample dispensing probe 161 starts descending at a predetermined speed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7B, the sample dispensing probe 161 is lowered until the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 contacts the lower limit point k1 at the inner bottom of the sample container 11.

When the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 contacts the lower limit point k1 at the inner bottom of the sample container 11, the height position P of the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 at that time is changed to the lower limit point height position PK inside the sample container. Detected as.

<Processing flow of automatic analyzer>
The processing flow of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of automatic analysis processing by the automatic analysis device according to the first embodiment. In this example, it is assumed that the type of specimen and the type of analysis of the specimen are set in advance, and the amount of specimen contained in the specimen container can already be predicted.

As shown in FIG. 8, in step S1, input of sample container related information is accepted. Specifically, the control unit 31 controls the display unit 23 in response to the user's operation of the operation unit 22 to display the sample container registration screen on the display surface of the display unit 23.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a sample container registration screen. As shown in FIG. 9, the sample container registration screen 50 includes, for example, an input field 51 for "sample container manufacturer", an input field 52 for "sample container identification number (model number)", and an input field 53 for "sample container inner diameter". , an input field 54 for "sample container bottom shape", and an input field 55 for "sample container inner lower limit height position".

The input fields 51 to 55 allow the user to directly input information. Further, in the input field 54 for "sample container bottom shape", for example, a pull-down list 54a is displayed, allowing selection from among the options of flat shape, U-shape, and V-shape. .

As shown in FIG. 9, the sample container registration screen 50 further includes, for example, a "calibration execution" button 56, a "register" button 57, and a "CLOSE" button 58 for the sample container 11. When the "calibration execution" button 56 is pressed, a calibration execution request for the sample container 11 is input, and the calibration is executed.

When the sample container inner lower limit height position PK is detected by executing the calibration, the detected sample container inner lower limit point height position PK is automatically input into the input field 55. When the "Register" button 57 is pressed, the target sample container 11 is registered based on the information entered in each of the input fields 51 to 55. When the "CLOSE" button 58 is pressed, the sample container registration screen 50 is closed.

In this embodiment, the user inputs the sample container manufacturer, sample container identification number, sample container inner diameter DM, and sample container bottom shape SH as sample container related information in each of the input fields 51 to 54. do. The control unit 31 receives input of these sample container related information.

In step S2, a sample container calibration execution request is input. Specifically, the user presses the "calibration execution" button 56, and the control unit 31 accepts the calibration execution request.

In step S3, the rack is transported. Specifically, the control unit 31 controls the transport device 13 to transport the rack 12 holding the sample container 11 to be calibrated to a position where the sample container 11 can be calibrated.

In step S4, a sample container calibration process is performed. Specifically, the control unit 31 controls the sample dispensing device 16 and uses the sample dispensing probe 161 to perform a calibration process on the sample containers 11 held in the rack 12. By executing the calibration process, the lower limit height position PK inside the sample container is detected. Note that details of the calibration process for the sample container 11 will be described later.

In step S5, a determination is made as to whether the calibration is successful or unsuccessful. Specifically, the control unit 31 determines whether the calibration of the sample container 11 was successful in step S4. For example, if the sample container inner lower limit height position PK is detected and the detected height position is within the expected range, it is determined that the calibration of the sample container 11 has been successful. Further, for example, in a situation where the sample container 11 is not held in the rack 12 or the detected sample container inner lower limit height position PK exceeds the expected range, the calibration of the sample container 11 may fail. It is determined that

In the above determination, if it is determined that the calibration has failed (step S5: failure), the control unit 31 notifies that fact and ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the calibration has been successful (step S5: success), the control unit 31 changes the height position of the detected sample container inner lower limit point to the "detection container inner lower limit" position on the sample container registration screen 50. Point height” input field 55. Thereafter, the process of step S6 is performed.

In step S6, sample container information is generated. Specifically, the user presses the "Register" button 57 on the sample container registration screen 50. When the "Register" button 57 is pressed, the specimen container information generation unit 32 generates the specimen container-related information input by the user and the specimen container inner lower limit height position PK obtained by performing the calibration of the specimen container 11. The sample container information is generated based on the information representing the sample container information.

In step S7, sample container information is registered. Specifically, the sample container information registration section 33 registers the target sample container 11 by storing the generated sample container information in the sample container information storage section 34 .

In step S8, a sample container is selected. Specifically, the control unit 31 receives a request to select the sample container 11 in response to a user's operation. Upon receiving the sample container selection request, the control section 31 controls the display section 23 to display a sample container selection screen on the display surface of the display section 23 .

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sample container selection screen. As shown in FIG. 10, the sample container selection screen 60 includes, for example, a list 61 of registered sample containers, an "execute selection" button 62, and a "CLOSE" button 63. On the sample container selection screen 60, the user performs an operation to select a sample container to be used in the automatic analyzer 1 from the displayed list 61.

The control unit 31 accepts the selection of a sample container to be used in response to a selection operation by the user, and reads out sample container information corresponding to the selected sample container from the sample container information storage unit 34 . The control unit 31 determines the first probe height position P1 used to control the lowering operation of the sample dispensing probe 161 in the sample dispensing device 16 based on the read sample container information.

In step S9, sample dispensing and analysis are started. Specifically, the control unit 31 controls each device and each part to start dispensing and analyzing the sample 111 contained in the sample container 11.

That is, the transport device 13 transports the rack 12 holding the specimen container 11 containing the specimen 111 to a position where the specimen 111 is dispensed.

The sample dispensing device 16 aspirates the sample from the sample container 11 held in the rack 12 using the sample dispensing probe 161 and discharges the sample 111 into the reaction container 18 housed in the reaction disk 191.

In the downward movement of the sample dispensing probe 161 when aspirating the sample 111, the sample dispensing device 16 moves the sample dispensing probe 161 so that its tip 161a is at the previously determined first probe height position P1. It is lowered at a relatively fast first speed V1 until it reaches the position.

Thereafter, the sample dispensing device 16 lowers the sample dispensing probe 161 at a relatively slow second speed V2 until its tip 161a is located at the second probe height position P2. That is, the sample dispensing device 16 descends at high speed until the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 approaches the liquid surface of the sample 111, and decelerates when the tip 161a is inserted into the liquid surface of the sample 111. The sample dispensing probe 161 is controlled so as to descend.

The above-described downward movement of the sample dispensing probe 161 reduces the risk of the sample 111 splashing and contaminating the sample dispensing probe 161 when the tip 161a is inserted into the sample 111, and the sample is reliably and time-efficiently collected. 111 can be aspirated. Note that details of the sample dispensing process will be described later.

The reagent dispensing device 17 uses a reagent dispensing probe 171 to dispense a designated reagent from the reagent container 14 stored in the reagent disk 151 based on the reagent identification information read by the reagent identification information reading device 26. The sample 111 is aspirated and the reagent is discharged into the reaction container 18 into which the sample 111 has been dispensed.

In addition, when performing multiple types of analysis on the specimen 111 contained in the same specimen container 11, the suction and discharge of the specimen 111 into the reaction container 18 and the suction and discharge of the reagent into the reaction container 18 are performed at the same time as the analysis. It is repeated as many times as there are types.

The measurement unit 20 irradiates the mixture of the sample 111 and the reagent contained in the reaction container 18 with measurement light and detects the transmitted light, thereby obtaining measurement results related to the analysis of the sample 111. . Furthermore, the measurement unit 20 outputs measurement result information in which the specimen identification information read by the specimen identification information reading device 24 and the acquired measurement results are associated with each other to the control unit 31.

The cleaning device 29 drains the mixed liquid after the measurement and cleans the reaction container 18.

In step S10, analysis result information is generated. Specifically, the control unit 31 generates analysis result information of the sample 111 based on the sample identification information of the sample 111 and the measurement result information of the sample 111. The control unit 31 ends the automatic analysis process after generating the analysis result information.

<Calibration processing>
Here, the details of the calibration process will be explained. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the calibration process.

As shown in FIG. 11, in step S31, the sample dispensing probe is aligned. Specifically, the sample dispensing control section 169 controls the sample dispensing drive section 164 to move the sample dispensing probe 161 to the initial calibration position. The initial calibration position means that the center axis of the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 and the center axis of the sample container 11 to be calibrated match, and the height position of the sample dispensing probe 161 is at the upper limit position. It is a position where

In step S32, the specimen dispensing probe starts to descend. Specifically, the sample dispensing control section 169 controls the sample dispensing drive section 164 to lower the sample dispensing probe 161.

In step S33, an error determination is performed. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 determines whether an error has occurred based on whether the first contact sensor 167a, the second contact sensor 167b, and the position sensor 168 are outputting unexpected signals. Determine whether or not. In this determination, if it is determined that an error has occurred (S33: Yes), the process proceeds to step S37, and if it is determined that no error has occurred (S33: No), the process proceeds to step S34. move on.

In step S34, it is determined whether the tip of the sample dispensing probe is in contact with the lower limit point of the inner bottom of the sample container. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 determines whether the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 is in contact with the lower limit point k1 of the sample container 11, based on the output signal of the second contact sensor 167b. Determine. In this determination, if it is determined that the tip 161a is in contact with the lower limit point k1 (S34: Yes), the process advances to step S35. If it is determined that the tip 161a is not in contact with the lower limit point k1 (S34: No), the process advances to step S32, and the specimen dispensing probe 161 continues to descend.

In step S35, the position of the sample dispensing probe 161 is detected. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 detects the height position P of the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 based on the output signal of the position sensor 168.

In step S36, the height position of the lower limit point of the inner bottom of the sample container is specified. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 specifies the probe tip height position P detected in step S35 as the height position PK of the lower limit point k1 of the inner bottom of the sample container 11.

In step S37, the sample dispensing probe is returned to the initial calibration position. With this, the calibration process ends.

In this embodiment, the sample dispensing probe 161 is an example of a "probe" in the present application, the sample dispensing device 16 is an example of an "information acquisition device" in the present application, and the control unit 31 is an example of a "probe" in the present application. This is an example of a "control device."

<Sample dispensing process>
Next, details of the sample dispensing process will be explained.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the sample dispensing process. As shown in FIG. 12, in step S91, sample container information is read. Specifically, the control unit 31 selects, from the sample container information storage unit 34, the sample container inner diameter DM, the sample container bottom shape SH, and the lower internal limit of the sample container from among the sample container information of the sample container 11 selected by the user. The information representing the point height position PK is read out, and the read information on the lower limit height position PK inside the specimen container is transmitted to the specimen dispensing control unit 169.

In step S92, a first probe height position is determined. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 performs the first The probe height position P1 is determined.

In this embodiment, the first probe height position P1 is determined based on the read specimen container information. However, the first probe height position P1 is determined in advance based on the sample container inner diameter DM, the sample container bottom shape SH, and the lower limit height position PK inside the sample container, and the determined first probe height position P1 may be registered as part of the sample container information, and the first probe height position P1 may be specified by reading the sample container information.

In step S93, the rack is transported and the sample dispensing probe is moved. The sample dispensing probe 161 is moved to the initial dispensing position. Specifically, the transport device 13 transports the rack 12 so that the sample container 11 into which the sample is to be dispensed is located at a specified sample dispensing position. Further, the sample dispensing control section 169 controls the sample dispensing drive section 164 to move the sample dispensing probe 161 to the initial dispensing position.

In step S94, the sample dispensing probe is lowered to the first probe height position. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the sample dispensing drive unit 164 to move the sample dispensing probe 161 until the probe tip height position P reaches the first probe height position P1. It is lowered at a relatively fast first speed V1.

In step S95, the sample dispensing probe is lowered to the second probe height position. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the sample dispensing drive unit 164 to start lowering the sample dispensing probe 161 at a relatively slow second speed V2.

In step S96, it is determined whether the tip of the sample dispensing probe is in contact with the liquid surface of the sample. Specifically, while the sample dispensing probe 161 is descending, the sample dispensing control unit 169 causes the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 to reach the liquid level of the sample 111 based on the output signal of the first contact sensor 167a. Detects and determines whether or not there is contact. In this determination, if it is determined that the tip 161a is in contact with the liquid surface of the specimen 111 (S96: Yes), the process advances to step S97. On the other hand, if it is determined that the tip 161a is not in contact with the liquid surface of the sample 111 (S96: No), the process returns to step S95 and the sample dispensing probe 161 continues to descend.

In step S97, the sample dispensing probe is lowered a second distance. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the sample dispensing drive unit 164, and after the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 comes into contact with the liquid surface of the sample, the sample dispensing probe 161 is moved to the first position. 2 by a distance d2. Due to this lowering, the probe tip height position P becomes the second probe height position P2.

In step S98, the sample is aspirated. Specifically, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the pump 165 to aspirate the amount of sample 111 necessary for analysis from the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161.

In step S99, the sample is discharged into the reaction container. Specifically, the reaction disk rotation control unit 192 of the reaction disk rotation device 19 controls the rotational position of the reaction disk 191 so that the specified reaction container 18 is positioned at a position where the sample 111 is discharged. Further, the sample dispensing control unit 169 controls the sample dispensing drive unit 164 and the pump 165 to move the sample dispensing probe 161 to the sample discharging position and discharging the sample 111 into the designated reaction container 18. . When dispensing the specimen 111 into a plurality of reaction containers 18, control of suction of the specimen 111, control of the rotational position of the reaction disk 191 (positioning control of the reaction container 18), and control of discharge of the specimen 111 are performed. It is done repeatedly.

The automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment has been described above. Generally, in automatic analyzers, the usable sample containers are limited to one or a few prescribed sample containers with predetermined dimensions and shapes. When a prescribed sample container is used, the position of the liquid level of the sample contained in the sample container can be predicted based on its size and shape. If the position of the sample liquid level can be predicted, the descending movement of the sample dispensing probe required for dispensing the sample can be accurately and quickly controlled, and the sample can be analyzed at high speed.

Therefore, in general, in an automatic analyzer, sample container information related to the specified dimensions and shape of the sample container is stored in advance. When the sample container to be used is specified, based on the sample container information of the specified sample container, the parameters related to the control of the descending operation of the sample dispensing probe when dispensing the sample, for example, the first The probe height position is configured to be determined.

On the other hand, in automatic analyzers, the dimensions and shape of non-standard sample containers are unknown, so parameters related to the control of the descending movement of the sample dispensing probe cannot be determined, and the corresponding I can't. Therefore, before starting sample analysis, the automatic analyzer checks the type of the input sample container, and outputs an error if the input sample container is determined to be a non-standard sample container. and is configured to stop analysis processing.

In addition, if an error is output due to a non-specified sample container, or if you want to prevent the occurrence of such an error, the user should transfer the sample to a specified sample container and then input it into the automatic analyzer. This requires complicated work.

Under such circumstances, the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment performs calibration for a non-standard sample container and detects the lower limit height position inside the sample container. Then, based on information such as the detected lower limit height position inside the sample container, the entered inner diameter of the sample container, the bottom (tip) shape, and the expected amount of sample in the sample container, Parameters related to control of the descending operation of the sample dispensing probe when dispensing the sample can be determined.

That is, according to the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment, it is possible to cope with the case where a non-standard sample container is inserted, and the descending operation of the sample dispensing probe when dispensing the sample can be It can be controlled accurately and at high speed.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, in calibrating the sample container, the automatic analyzer detects the height position of the lower limit point k1 by bringing the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 into contact with the lower limit point k1 at the inner bottom of the sample container 11. are doing. Then, the automatic analyzer acquires information representing the lower limit height position PK inside the specimen container as liquid level position predictable information. On the other hand, in Embodiment 2, the automatic analyzer analyzes the image of the sample container 11 captured by the imaging device to obtain information representing the lower limit height position of the inner side of the sample container, the inner diameter of the sample container, the shape of the bottom of the sample container, etc. is obtained as liquid level position predictable information.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of main parts of an automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the automatic analyzer 1 includes an imaging device 303 that images the sample container 11 held in the rack 12. The imaging device 303 images the sample container 11 to obtain an image of the sample container 11 .

The control unit 31 analyzes the image of the sample container 11 obtained by imaging. Through the analysis, the control unit 31 detects the lower limit height position PK inside the specimen container, and acquires information representing the lower limit height position PK inside the specimen container as liquid level position predictable information.

In addition, the control unit 31 further detects the sample container inner diameter DM or the sample container bottom shape SH by analyzing the image, and provides information representing the sample container inner diameter DM, information representing the sample container bottom shape SH, etc. It may also be acquired as liquid level position predictable information.

For example, the control unit 31 inputs the above-mentioned acquired information into each input field of the sample container registration screen as shown in FIG.

The imaging device 303 may be provided exclusively to detect the specimen container inner lower limit height position PK, the specimen container inner diameter DM, the specimen container bottom shape SH, etc., but it may be provided for another purpose. The imaging device may also be used. For example, the imaging device 303 may also be used to detect abnormalities in the specimen 111 contained in the specimen container 11.

Note that in this embodiment, the imaging device 303 and the control unit 31 are an example of an "information acquisition device" in the present application.

According to the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the lower limit height position PK inside the sample container is detected for an unregistered sample container such as a sample container with non-standard dimensions. be able to. Then, the automatic analyzer determines a parameter used to control the descending operation of the sample dispensing probe 161, that is, the first probe height position P1, based on the detected sample container inner lower limit point height position PK. I can do it.

Further, according to the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment, it is possible to detect the inner diameter DM of the sample container or the bottom shape SH of the sample container with respect to an unregistered sample container such as a sample container with non-standard dimensions. Then, the automatic analyzer determines the parameter used to control the descending operation of the sample dispensing probe 161, that is, the first probe height position P1, based on the detected sample container inner diameter DM or the sample container bottom shape SH. can be determined.

(Embodiment 3)
The automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment acquires liquid level position predictability information by accessing the sample container 11 containing the sample 111.

Specifically, for example, the sample dispensing probe 161 is lowered until the tip 161a of the sample dispensing probe 161 touches the liquid surface of the sample 111. The control unit 31 detects the probe tip height position P at that time as the sample liquid level height position PS. The control unit 31 acquires information representing the detected sample liquid level height position PS (liquid level position information) as liquid level position predictable information.

The detected sample liquid level height position PS is the height position of the liquid level of the sample 111 actually contained in the sample container 11. Therefore, based on the detected sample liquid level height position PS, the height position obtained by adding the error of the expected sample amount is set as the height position of the liquid level of the sample 111 contained in the sample container 11. Can be predicted.

Further, for example, the automatic analyzer includes an imaging device (for example, an imaging device 303 as shown in FIG. 13) that images the specimen container 11 containing the specimen 111. The control unit 31 detects the sample liquid level height position PS by analyzing the image obtained by imaging the sample container 11 with the imaging device, and generates information representing the sample liquid level height position PS (liquid level position information). ) is acquired as liquid level position predictable information.

According to the automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, for unregistered sample containers such as sample containers with non-standard dimensions, the height of the liquid level of the sample contained in the sample container is determined. By detecting the sample liquid level height position PS, which is the lower position, it is possible to determine the parameter used to control the descending operation of the sample dispensing probe 161, that is, the first probe height position P1.

(Embodiment 4)
The sample container information generated and registered in the automatic analyzer 1 may be shared with other automatic analyzers.

14A and 14B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analysis system according to the fourth embodiment. Further, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks realized by the computer in the fourth embodiment.

The automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 4 is, for example, an automatic analysis system 2a having a configuration in which an automatic analyzer 1 and other automatic analyzers 1a and 1b are communicably connected to each other, as shown in FIG. 14A. . Alternatively, in the automatic analysis system according to Embodiment 4, for example, as shown in FIG. This is an automatic analysis system 2b having the following configuration.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the computer 21 of the automatic analyzer 1 in the fourth embodiment includes a control section 31, a sample container information generation section 32, a sample container information registration section 33, and a sample container information storage section 34 as functional blocks. , and a sample container selection receiving section 35, as well as a sample container information transmitting/receiving section 36. The sample container information transmitting/receiving unit 36 is an example of a "transmitting device" in the present application.

The sample container information transmitting/receiving section 36 transmits the sample container information generated and registered in the automatic analyzer 1 to the other automatic analyzers 1a, 1b or the external computer 81. Further, the sample container information transmitting/receiving section 36 receives sample container information generated and registered in the other automatic analyzers 1a and 1b. The sample container information registration section 33 newly registers the sample container information received by the sample container information transmitting/receiving section 36. The external computer 81 may only mediate the transmission and reception of sample container information, or may store and manage sample container information and transmit it to the automatic analyzer 1 and other automatic analyzers 1a and 1b as necessary. You can do it like this.

According to the automatic analysis systems 2a and 2b according to the fourth embodiment, sample container information about unregistered sample containers, such as sample containers with non-standard dimensions, can be shared among a plurality of automatic analyzers. That is, for a sample container that has been calibrated in one of the automatic analyzers, the sample container information can also be used in other automatic analyzers. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the calibration of unregistered sample containers from being performed redundantly in a plurality of automatic analyzers, and to save the effort and time associated with extra calibration.

(Embodiment 5)
In the first embodiment, the case where the generation, registration, and storage of sample container information is performed using the computer 21 included in the automatic analyzer 1 is exemplified, but it may be performed using an external computer.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analysis system according to the fifth embodiment. The automatic analysis system 3 according to the fifth embodiment has a configuration in which the automatic analysis device 1 and other automatic analysis devices 1a and 1b are connected to an external computer 81, as shown in FIG. 16, for example. The external computer may be a higher-level computer that controls or manages a plurality of automatic analyzers, or may be a so-called cloud-type computer.

As shown in FIG. 16, the external computer 81 includes a sample container information generation section 32, a sample container information registration section 33, and a sample container information storage section 34. That is, functions such as generation, registration, and storage of sample container information are separated from the automatic analyzer and provided to an external computer.

According to the automatic analysis system according to the fifth embodiment, functions such as generation, registration, and storage of sample container information are provided in an external computer, so there is no need to burden each automatic analyzer with the processing burden for these functions. disappears.

(Embodiment 6)
The sample containers used may be determined by country, region, or facility. In such a case, the automatic analyzer 1 is required to provide information on the correspondence between the usage environment conditions (sample container usage conditions) of the country, region, or facility, and the types of sample containers used under those usage environment conditions. A conceivable method is to store information representing the sample container and specify the type of the corresponding sample container according to the specified usage environment conditions.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks realized by a computer in the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the computer 21 of the automatic analyzer 1 in the sixth embodiment includes, as functional blocks, a control section 31, a sample container information generation section 32, a sample container information registration section 33, a sample container information storage section 34, and In addition to the sample container selection receiving section 35, it has a sample container usage environment storage section 37. Note that the sample container usage environment storage unit 37 is an example of a "storage device" in the present application.

The sample container use environment storage unit 37 stores a table in which use environment conditions and types of sample containers used under the use environment conditions are associated with each other for each use environment condition. The control unit 31 receives an input request for usage environment conditions. When the control unit 31 receives the input request for the usage environment conditions, the control unit 31 controls the display unit 23 to display a sample container list screen classified by usage environment conditions.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a sample container list screen classified by usage environmental conditions. As shown in FIG. 18, the sample container list screen 70 by usage environment condition includes, for example, a country specification column 71, a region specification column 72, a facility specification column 73, a sample container list display column 74, and an "execute selection" button 75. , and a “CLOSE” button 76.

The user can specify the country in the country specification column 71, the region in the region specification column 72, the facility in the facility specification column 73, and the usage environment conditions. When the use environment condition is specified, the control unit 31 refers to the table stored in the sample container use environment storage unit 37 and selects the sample container used under the specified use environment condition and its sample container. A list of information is displayed in the sample container list display column 74.

The user can select a sample container to be actually used from among the sample containers displayed in the sample container list display column 74. When the user selects a sample container and presses the "execute selection" button 75, the sample container selection reception unit 35 accepts the selection of the sample container. The control unit 31 determines a parameter related to the lowering operation control of the sample dispensing probe 161, that is, the first probe height position P1, based on the sample container information of the selected sample container.

According to the automatic analyzer according to the sixth embodiment, parameters related to the descending operation control of the sample dispensing probe can be determined by simply inputting the operating environment conditions, and calibration of the sample container is omitted. be able to.

(Embodiment 7)
In this embodiment, an example of a configuration is shown in which the transport device 13 transports the rack 12 to a position where the sample container 11 can be calibrated, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

For example, the automatic analyzer 1 has a rotatable sample disk that holds a plurality of sample containers 11, and the control unit 31 controls the sample disk to transfer the sample disk holding the sample containers 11 to the sample container 11. It may be configured to rotate and move to a rotational position where calibration is possible.

For example, the automatic analyzer 1 may have a sample container holding mechanism used exclusively when calibrating the sample container 11, and may have a configuration in which the user can cause the sample container 11 to be held by the sample container holding mechanism.

(Embodiment 8)
A program PG for causing the computer 21 included in the automatic analyzer 1 to function as the control unit 31 and a computer-readable storage medium that stores the program PG are also an embodiment of the present application.

Even when the processor 211 executes the program PG according to the eighth embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Embodiment 9)
The automatic analysis method described below is also an embodiment of the present application. The automatic analysis method according to the present embodiment includes a holding mechanism that holds a sample container in which a sample is stored, and a holding mechanism that extends in the vertical direction and aspirates the sample contained in the sample container that is held by the holding mechanism. An automatic analysis method in an automatic analyzer comprising: a probe for discharging into a reaction container; the information acquisition device accesses the specimen container held by the holding mechanism or the specimen contained in the specimen container; a step of acquiring liquid level position predictability information that can be used to predict the position of the liquid level of the sample when the sample container containing the sample is held in the holding mechanism; and a control device. is an automatic analysis method comprising the step of controlling the descending operation of the probe when aspirating the specimen contained in the specimen container, based on the acquired liquid level position predictable information. .

Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications. Further, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. All of these belong to the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the numerical values included in the text and figures are merely examples, and the effects of the present invention will not be impaired even if different values are used.

For example, in the embodiment described above, the height position PK of the lower limit point k1 of the inner bottom of the sample container 11 is detected, and information representing the height position PK is acquired as liquid level position predictable information. However, the information is not limited to the above as long as the height position of the liquid level contained in the sample container 11 can be predicted. For example, by analyzing an image obtained by capturing an image of the sample container 11, Information representing the inner and outer contour shapes and respective dimensions or scales of the liquid 11 may be acquired as liquid level position predictable information.

1 Automatic analyzer 1a Other automatic analyzer 1b Other automatic analyzer 11 Sample container 12 Rack (holding mechanism)
13 Conveyance device (holding mechanism)
14 Reagent container 15 Reagent disk rotation device 16 Sample dispensing device (information acquisition device)
17 Reagent dispensing device 18 Reaction container 19 Reaction disk rotation device 20 Measuring section 21 Computer (control device)
22 Operation section 23 Display section 24 Sample identification information reading device 25 Interface 26 Reagent identification information reading device 27 Thermostatic chamber 28 A/D converter 29 Cleaning device 31 Control section (information acquisition device, control device)
32 Sample container information generation unit 33 Sample container information registration unit (registration device)
34 Sample container information storage section 35 Sample container selection reception section 36 Sample container information transmission/reception section (transmission device)
37 Sample container usage environment storage unit (storage device)
81 External computer 121 Bottom member 122 Support member 151 Reagent disk 152 Reagent disk rotation control section 161 Sample dispensing probe (probe)
161a Sample dispensing probe tip 162 Horizontal support section 163 Vertical column section 164 Sample dispensing drive section 165 Pump 166 Tube 167a First contact sensor 167b Second contact sensor 168 Position sensor 169 Sample dispensing control section 171 Reagent dispensing Probe 191 Reaction disk 192 Reaction disk rotation control section 201 Light source 202 Photometry section 211 Processor 212 Memory 213 Storage 214 Bus 303 Imaging device (information acquisition device)
A1 Horizontal direction B1 Vertical direction d1 First distance d2 Second distance DM Sample container inner diameter (sample container inner diameter information)
k1 Lower limit point KA at the inner bottom of the sample container Sample amount (sample amount information)
P Probe tip height position P0 Upper limit height position P1 First probe height position P2 Second probe height position PG Program PK Lower limit point height position inside sample container (lower limit point position information)
PR Sample container outer lower limit height position PS Sample liquid level height position SH Sample container bottom shape (sample container bottom shape information)
V1 First speed V2 Second speed

Claims (19)

a holding mechanism that holds a sample container in which a sample is stored;
a probe that extends in the vertical direction and aspirates the specimen contained in the specimen container held by the holding mechanism and discharges it into the reaction container;
By accessing the sample container held by the holding mechanism or the sample contained in the sample container, the sample container containing the sample is held by the holding mechanism. an information acquisition device that acquires liquid level position predictability information that can be used to predict the position of the liquid level;
a control device that controls a descending operation of the probe when aspirating the specimen contained in the specimen container, based on the acquired liquid level position predictable information;
An automatic analyzer equipped with The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The liquid level position predictability information includes lower limit point position information representing the height position of the lower limit point of the inner bottom of the sample container.
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The information acquisition device acquires the lower limit point position information by detecting the position of the probe when the tip of the probe descending in the sample container contacts the inner bottom of the sample container.
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
an imaging device configured to image the sample container held by the holding mechanism;
The information acquisition device acquires the lower limit point position information by analyzing an image obtained by capturing the sample container with the imaging device.
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The control device includes sample container inner diameter information indicating the inner diameter of the sample container, sample container bottom shape information indicating the shape of the bottom of the sample container, and sample amount information indicating the amount of the sample contained in the sample container. controlling the descending movement of the probe based on the
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 5,
The liquid level position predictable information includes the sample container inner diameter information,
an imaging device configured to image the sample container held by the holding mechanism;
The information acquisition device acquires the specimen container inner diameter information by analyzing an image obtained by imaging the specimen container with the imaging device.
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 5,
The liquid level position predictability information includes the sample container bottom shape information,
an imaging device configured to image the sample container held by the holding mechanism;
The information acquisition device acquires the specimen container bottom shape information by analyzing an image obtained by imaging the specimen container with the imaging device.
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 5,
The information acquisition device acquires the specimen container inner diameter information and the specimen container bottom shape information based on input by a user.
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
comprising a storage device that stores information representing a correspondence relationship between the specimen container usage environmental conditions and the liquid level position predictable information;
The information acquisition device reads from the storage device the liquid level position predictability information corresponding to the environmental conditions for use of the specimen container specified by the user.
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 9,
The specimen container use environmental conditions include the country, region, or facility where the specimen container is used;
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The liquid level position predictable information includes liquid level position information obtained by detecting the position of the liquid level of the sample contained in the sample container.
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 11,
The information acquisition device detects the position of the probe when the tip of the probe descending in the sample container comes into contact with the liquid surface of the sample contained in the sample container. obtain location information,
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 11,
an imaging device configured to image the sample container in which the sample is stored;
The information acquisition device acquires the liquid level position information by analyzing an image obtained by imaging the sample container held by the holding mechanism with the imaging device.
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
has a storage device,
comprising a registration device that causes the storage device to store sample container information obtained by associating the acquired liquid level position predictability information with sample container identification information;
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 14,
comprising a transmitting device that transmits the registered sample container information to another automatic analyzer or a computer connected to the other automatic analyzer;
Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
In the lowering operation of the probe, the control device includes:
Lower the probe at a relatively high first speed until the tip of the probe is located at a first height position above the liquid level of the sample contained in the sample container, and lower the tip of the probe. lowering the probe at a relatively slow second speed until the probe is located at a second height position below the liquid level of the sample;
Automatic analyzer. A program for causing a computer to function as the information acquisition device and the control device in the automatic analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 16. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 17. a holding mechanism that holds a sample container in which a sample is stored;
An automatic analysis method in an automatic analyzer comprising: a probe extending in the vertical direction and sucking a specimen contained in the specimen container held by the holding mechanism and discharging it into a reaction container,
The information acquisition device accesses the sample container held by the holding mechanism or the sample contained in the sample container, so that the sample container containing the sample is held by the holding mechanism. obtaining liquid level position predictability information that can be used to predict the position of the liquid level of the sample in the case;
a step in which the control device controls a descending operation of the probe when aspirating the specimen contained in the specimen container, based on the acquired liquid level position predictable information;
Automatic analysis method.

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