JP5487143B2 - Sample rack transport control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a container transport control method for the purpose of processing efficiency in an automated system in specimen testing.

  In recent years, labor saving in inspection work has been promoted in the medical field due to the development of various automated devices. Hospitals and laboratories use many automated devices to test blood and urine. In general, sample testing involves pretreatment such as centrifugation, opening, and dispensing for test tubes containing samples, followed by tests such as biochemical tests, immunological tests, coagulation tests, and hematology tests. Is called. Automation is performed including the conveyance of specimens between processing devices, including the automation of each processing / analysis test. In a series of examinations, some of the samples are transported by hand between some devices, while others are all connected by a transport device.

  In the sample test automation system, there have been reported a plurality of configurations and methods of the sample rack input unit, and as an example, in Patent Document 1, in order to perform processing according to the sample type, a large number of sample tracks are used. Is set in advance in the apparatus. On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, in order to reduce the installation area of a large number of sample trucks, trays on which sample racks are arranged are arranged in multiple stages in both the sample rack supply unit and the collection unit, and sample racks are supplied and We are collecting. Patent Document 3 proposes a method in which an automatic inspection device is connected to an endless transfer line and a sample rack to be used is used. Patent Document 4 describes a system in which a plurality of transport lines are arranged in the vicinity of the input unit, sample racks are stocked on the transport lines, and sample racks are reused.

Japanese Patent No. 3618067 JP 2007-309675 A JP-A-8-122337 Japanese Patent No. 4336360 JP 2002-357612 A

  Patent Document 3 does not require a large number of sample racks because sample racks are reused while looping the sample rack transport line in the system. However, since the empty sample rack and the sample rack on which the sample is placed pass through the same transport line, congestion occurs in the transport line, and it is difficult to construct a system with a high processing speed. Further, it is inevitable that conveyance control is complicated, for example, it is necessary to identify an empty sample rack and a sample rack on which a sample is placed. In order to avoid this, a method of providing an empty sample rack dedicated line separately from the sample rack transport line on which the sample is placed is conceivable.

  Since Patent Document 4 arranges a plurality of transport lines and returns an empty sample rack, a large number of sample racks are not required. However, when there are a plurality of processing units that require sample racks, the number of empty sample rack stocks varies among the processing units, making it difficult to construct a system with a high processing speed.

  Further, as in Patent Document 5, it is necessary to take measures to prevent excessive conveyance between the processing apparatuses. However, in such a loop structure, when the performance of one processing unit is reduced, the performance is propagated, and as a whole The processing performance will be reduced. Therefore, it is necessary to keep pace with the delivery of each process.

  When a sample rack carrying a sample carried on a transport line or an empty sample rack is supplied to or discharged from a plurality of processing units, there are a plurality of processing units arranged on the transport line. Even if the processing capacity of one processing unit is high, the overall efficiency does not increase due to the dependency on other processing units. Therefore, it is possible that all processing units move synchronously within the allowable range. Leads to improvement of processing capacity.

  In addition, when transporting a sample, if an empty transport sample rack is placed under line control different from the sample transport, the processing performance in the sample transport line is not lowered in order to improve the performance of the entire processing apparatus. As described above, it is necessary to supply the empty sample rack so that the performance of the processing unit is not biased in the empty sample rack transport line. However, the amount of empty sample racks is not necessarily large, and the total amount of empty sample racks is limited due to the size of the apparatus and its configuration for controlling the transfer line. It is necessary that the processing performance does not deteriorate even in the limited total amount of empty sample racks.

  In a transport system that connects multiple processing devices with a sample rack transport line and performs processing on multiple samples, the processing efficiency of the processing units in charge of each processing can be leveled across the entire device. Will increase the processing efficiency. In a line where empty sample racks are managed by circular transport between devices, the supply amount from each processing unit and the discharge amount to each processing unit based on the sample processing schedule and its processing capacity Is calculated, the discharge amount to the empty sample rack to each processing apparatus is adjusted, the performance of each processing unit is leveled with variations within an allowable range, and the entire processing performance is stabilized. Further, by incorporating the state into the simulation, the minimum number of empty sample racks is predicted and calculated while maintaining the expected processing performance.

  According to the present invention, the empty sample rack discharge amount to each processing apparatus is determined based on the performance of each processing unit, the performance of each processing apparatus is leveled, and the performance of the entire sample processing apparatus is maximized. Adjusted to Further, by using this calculation process, the minimum number of empty sample racks can be determined based on the required processing efficiency in the configuration of the entire processing apparatus.

Overall configuration diagram Sample processing device internal schematic diagram Overall adjustment flow Calculation flow for excess and deficiency of empty sample rack Empty sample flow adjustment flow Diagram showing the relationship between empty sample rack flow rate and processing unit performance (throughput) Empty sample flow adjustment flow Schematic diagram of empty sample rack acquisition and discharge in the processing unit in the sample processing device Example of values before and after adjustment Example of control unit Example of input / output screen Calculation flow for minimum number of empty racks Example of calculated value Example of P calculation value

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  1 and 2 show an example of the sample transport system. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to the following.

  An outline of a mechanism for controlling the sample processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. A main control unit 101 controls each device, collects the status of each device and sample transport information, and gives instructions to the processing device. Reference numerals 106 to 110 denote processing units for processing samples, and a plurality of apparatuses are connected by a sample rack transport line 105. 104 is a signal line connecting the processing units 106 to 110 and the main control unit 101. The main control unit 101 issues a sample processing instruction, the processing unit sends a request for information necessary for sample processing, and a sample processing. Reports, requests for empty sample racks, etc. are sent.

Reference numeral 105 denotes a transport line for transporting a sample rack that is a container for transporting samples and samples between the processing units 106 to 110 . There are two or more transfer lines 105, and there are at least one sample transfer line for transferring a sample and one empty sample rack transfer line for transferring an empty sample rack. The example shows one having one transfer line.

  These transport lines 105 are controlled by a transport line controller 103. Reference numeral 102 denotes a signal line connecting the transfer line controller 103 and the main control unit 101. The transfer line controller 103 transmits transfer state information, and the main control unit 101 transmits an instruction to transfer each sample and empty sample rack. To do.

  The main control unit 101 includes information on the sample processing obtained from each processing unit, the sample processing schedule (acquisition and recording of sample processing / empty sample rack acquisition and discharge) created from the information, and the empty data obtained by the transport line controller 103. Information on the sample rack is acquired, and the conveyance line controller 103 may be periodically adjusted.

  The flow of the sample rack in which the sample is placed between the processing units and the empty sample rack will be described with reference to FIG. First, each device will be described. First, as a transport line 105, a sample transport line 201 for transporting a sample and an empty sample rack transport line 202 for transporting an empty sample rack are shown. Lines 201 and 202 have supply and discharge lines 205 to 219 for the processing units 106 to 110, respectively. The sample rack 204 carrying the sample flowing on the sample transport line 201 and the empty sample rack 203 flowing on the empty sample rack transport line 202 are delivered to the processing unit through these supply and discharge lines. Here, it is assumed that the sample rack is transported from the processing unit to the transport line, and that the sample rack is transported from the transport line to the processing unit is discharged. Further, it is considered that the supply / discharge control in 205 to 219 can be performed by either the control unit 103 for controlling the transfer line or each processing unit. Below, the example performed from 103 is demonstrated. In such a configuration, the order before and after each of the processing units 106 to 110 is expressed as upstream and downstream with reference to the flow of the empty sample rack 203 in the empty sample rack transport line 202.

  In FIG. 2, since the empty sample rack 203 is conveyed clockwise, the upstream processing unit of the processing unit 107 indicates the processing unit 108, and the downstream processing unit indicates the processing unit 106. In the empty sample rack transport line 202 that circulates, it can be expressed only upstream and downstream, but an absolute start point may be set for convenience. For example, in FIG. 2, if the starting point is not provided, the uppermost stream of the processing unit 107 is the processing unit 106, but if the starting point is the processing unit 110, the uppermost stream is the processing unit 110.

  Next, the empty sample rack is transported to the processing unit 106, the sample is loaded from the processing unit 106 and supplied to the transport line, and subsequently transported to the processing unit 107, the empty sample rack is transferred to the transport line. On the other hand, an example of a flow in which the processed specimen is placed on the transport line and transported to the processing unit 110 is shown.

  The processing unit 106 transmits to the main control unit the required number of empty sample racks and the time limit for transporting samples via the signal line 104. The main control unit 101 accepts the request and periodically controls / instructs the number of empty sample racks supplied to all the processing units. The main controller 101 determines whether it is possible, and instructs the transfer line controller 103 of the number of transfers to the processing unit 106 within the time limit. The transport line controller 103 performs control to transport the designated number of empty sample racks 203 flowing on the transport line 202 to the processing unit 106 from the discharge port 205 of the transport line.

  At this time, if the number of empty sample racks transported within the time limit on the empty sample line 202 is greater than the instructed number, a plurality of methods of discharging from the transport line 202 to the processing unit 106 are conceivable. One is a method in which empty sample racks are continuously conveyed by the number of instructions. The other is a method of transporting empty sample racks at a constant rate. In the latter case, for example, when acquiring at 1 / N, the empty sample rack is acquired first, and then the Nth empty sample rack on the line is acquired in a discontinuous manner. In any method, the transport line controller 103 transmits to the main control unit 101 that the empty sample rack has been transported. Thereafter, the transport line controller 103 transmits a result to the main control unit 101 every time transport is performed.

  The processing unit 106 places the sample on the transported empty sample rack, delivers the sample 204 from the supply port 206 to the sample transport line 201, and transmits the sample information and transport information to the main control unit 101. The main control unit 101 determines the next transport destination from the sample information and transmits an instruction to the transport line controller 103. The sample transport line 201 receives an instruction from the transport line controller 103, passes the sample 204 to the discharge port 208, and transfers it to the processing unit 107 in order to transport the sample 204 to the processing unit 107. The processing unit 107 transmits that the sample has been received and information on the sample to the main control unit 101, and receives information necessary for sample processing. The processing unit 107 takes the sample main body from the sample 204 into the apparatus, and inputs an unnecessary empty sample rack to the empty sample line 202 from the supply port 209. The transport line controller 103 transmits to the main control unit 101 that the empty sample rack has been received.

  After processing the sample in the processing unit 107, an empty sample rack is acquired from the discharge port 207, the sample is loaded, and the sample 204 is loaded into the sample transport line 201 from the supply port 210, and the sample information and transport information are main. Send to control unit 101. The main control unit 101 determines the next transport destination from the sample information and transmits an instruction to the transport line controller 103. The sample transport line 201 passes the sample 204 to the discharge port 219 and delivers it to the processing unit 110 in order to transport the sample 204 to the processing unit 110. The processing unit 110 receives the sample, transmits the sample information to the main control unit 101, and receives information necessary for the sample processing. A sample is taken out from the sample 204 by the processing unit 110, and an empty sample rack that is no longer needed is transferred from the supply port 218 to the empty sample transport line 202. The transport line controller 103 transmits to the main control unit 101 that the empty sample rack has been received.

  Hereinafter, the terms “throughput” and “flow rate” are used, and “throughput” refers to the sample processing capacity per unit time of the processing unit, and “flow rate” refers to the transport capacity of the sample rack per unit time in the transport line.

  There are three types of throughput. One is the maximum execution throughput, which represents the number of samples that each processing unit can process per unit time. The second execution throughput represents the number of samples actually processed by the processing unit per unit time, and the execution prediction throughput indicates the predicted value. The third one is called “necessary throughput” and represents the number of empty sample racks acquired per unit time required for each processing unit to achieve a prescribed maximum execution throughput.

  3 to 7 show examples of the adjustment processing flow of the entire processing apparatus performed by the main control unit 101 based on the performance and schedule information of the processing unit and the supply amount of the empty sample rack. Details of the main control unit 101 are shown in FIG. FIG. 10 shows a system bus 1004, a CPU 1005 that realizes various functions through arithmetic processing, a RAM 1006 that is used as a work area for arithmetic processing, an I / O 1003 that is used for data input / output, and a processing that is used for processing. A storage area 1007 for storing a database group to be stored, and a storage area 1008 for storing a program group for executing various calculations. Here, information from each processing unit and information related to the transport of the sample rack are processed through the system bus 1004.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the adjustment process flow. 300 is a preprocessing, and is a numerical value that should be calculated once when the configuration and processing speed of the sample processing apparatus are determined. In 300, when each processing unit moves at the processing speed of the entire designated apparatus, the required amount of the empty sample rack of each processing unit is calculated (required throughput). This value may be obtained in advance by a simulation function 1008 or the like, or simply, the processing speed of the entire designated device unit may be obtained using a database 1007. If the processing speed is not specified, the processing speed may be calculated from the processing speed having the lowest processing speed in the entire apparatus. However, when there are a plurality of the same processing units and the output result can be handled equivalently (for example, a centrifuge), this is taken into consideration.

  301-306 is a flow that loops at regular intervals, and is a cycle in which adjustments are made periodically. In step 301, the amount of empty sample racks supplied to the empty sample rack transport line within the cycle time is acquired from the schedule of each processing unit. In step 302, the amount of empty sample racks necessary for processing within the cycle time is acquired from the schedule of each processing unit. In step 303, excess / deficiency calculation of empty sample racks is performed. Step 303 is performed in the description of FIG. If the result of 303 is determined in step 304 and there is no shortage of empty sample racks and there is no need to adjust the acquisition amount of each processing unit, the process proceeds to step 306, where there is a shortage of empty sample racks. If YES, go to step 305. In step 305, an acquisition amount adjustment process for the empty sample rack in each processing unit is performed. Details of step 305 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7 to be described later. In step 306, the process waits for a predetermined time and returns to step 301.

  In FIG. 4, the excess / deficiency of the flow rate of the empty sample rack is calculated. In step 401, the processing unit located at the uppermost stream in the flow of the empty sample rack transport line is selected. In step 402, the amount of empty sample racks flowing to the selected processing unit is acquired from the state information of the empty sample rack transport line and the schedule information of the upstream processing unit. In step 403, it is determined whether or not the amount of empty sample rack required by the selected processing unit is excessive. If it is insufficient, the process proceeds to step 404. If it is satisfied, the process proceeds to step 405. In step 404, the selection processing unit registers data as insufficient flow. In step 405, the number of empty sample racks after passing through the selection processing unit is calculated. If it becomes negative at this time, 0 is set. In step 406, the selection processing unit determines whether or not there is a schedule for discharging the empty sample rack. If there is a schedule, the process proceeds to step 407, and if not, the process proceeds to step 408. In step 407, the number of empty sample racks to be discharged is added to the predicted flow rate calculated in step 405. In step 408, it is determined whether there is a processing unit that has not been calculated downstream of the selected processing unit. If there is a processing unit, the process proceeds to step 409, and if not, the process ends. In step 409, the closest downstream sample processing unit is selected and selected as the next processing unit.

  The empty sample rack flow rate adjustment processing flow (corresponding to step 305 in FIG. 3) will be described based on the throughput of the processing unit when there is a shortage of empty sample racks in FIGS.

  5 and 7 are executed after the process of FIG. 4 is completed in order to adjust the rack flow rate based on the variation of the empty sample rack shortage sample processing unit in the entire apparatus. As defined above, actual throughput is execution throughput and is distinguished from required throughput. FIG. 5 shows a method that focuses on the minimum throughput, and FIG. 7 shows a method that predicts and uses the time of empty sample discharge in consideration of the overall balance.

  First, in step 501, it is determined whether the variation between the processing devices of the execution throughput / required throughput or the predicted execution throughput / required throughput of each processing unit is within the threshold value. If not, the process proceeds to step 502. The threshold value is previously stored in the storage device of the main control unit 101. The threshold used in this determination is set, for example, as a variation width of about 5-10%.

  In step 502, a target value (execution throughput /% of required throughput) for adjusting each processing unit to fall within the range in step 501 is calculated. This calculation can take several methods. For example, there are a method of using a median value for execution throughput values of all processing units and a method of calculating a deviation value of 50. In addition, a target throughput value is calculated for each processing unit.

  In step 503, the processing unit that received the lowest execution throughput evaluation in step 501 is selected. In step 504, a list of upstream processing units of the processing unit selected in step 503 is created.

  In step 505, the remaining number of calculation processes in the list of processing unit groups is determined. If there are remaining processing units, the process proceeds to step 506, and if not, the process proceeds to step 501.

  In step 506, the most upstream unit among the remaining processing units is selected. In step 507, the execution throughput of the processing unit selected in step 506 is compared with the target value set in step 502. If the execution throughput is larger, the process proceeds to step 508, and if smaller, the process proceeds to step 509.

  In step 508, the ratio at which the selection processing unit acquires empty sample racks from the empty sample rack line is reduced, and the value of execution throughput is reduced. In step 509, the ratio of acquiring the empty sample of the selected processing unit is increased, and an increase in the execution throughput value is aimed.

  In step 510, the execution throughput is predicted and calculated from the acquired amount of the empty sample rack, and the process returns to step 505.

  There can be a plurality of empty sample rack acquisition methods instructed in Step 508 and Step 509. First, obtain the permitted amount of sample racks from the empty sample rack line and flow the remainder downstream, or take a fixed rate every N and obtain the finally permitted amount of sample racks. Possible methods. The latter is a device for evenly flowing empty sample racks downstream, and the sample racks are evenly distributed when the empty sample rack uptake factor is (predicted acquired empty sample rack amount) / (predicted empty sample rack circulation amount). To go.

  Further, in step 508 and step 509, correlation data relating to the dependence of the execution throughput on the empty sample rack can be used as the range for increasing or decreasing the acquisition amount of the empty sample rack from the predicted execution throughput of the processing unit. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, as a processing unit characteristic, there is a method in which the dependence of the acquisition amount of the empty sample rack on the execution throughput is stored as data in 1007 in advance and approaches the target value of the throughput accordingly. Depending on the processing unit, the requested sample processing may not be uniform, and it is also possible to perform an empty sample rack dependency analysis of the execution throughput with increased parameters and to construct these relational expressions. .

  Finally, in step 511, the calculation result is set as a parameter for the actual machine. The ratio of the number of empty sample racks acquired from the empty sample rack line of each processing unit is transmitted through the signal 1002 to 103 or each processing unit 106-110.

  The specific example of FIG. 5 is shown using FIG. 2 and FIG. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 901 denotes a state parameter of each processing unit. Reference numeral 902 represents the state of each processing unit shown in FIG. 2 as a column. Reference numeral 903 denotes a state before adjustment in FIG. 5, and reference numeral 904 denotes a state after adjustment in FIG.

  The state parameters of the processing unit 901 include predicted execution throughput, required throughput, variation determination index, number of empty sample racks scheduled to be input per unit time, and predicted empty sample rack circulation amount. The variation determination index is an index of variation used in 501 in FIG. 5, and is a value of execution throughput / required throughput, and indicates the degree of performance of the processing capability of the processing unit.

  In the case of the entire apparatus that sequentially performs dependent processes, a decrease in the capacity of one processing apparatus directly leads to a decrease in the overall processing capacity. For example, if there is a dependency relationship between the processing units 106 and 107, if the processing unit 106 can only provide 50% processing capacity, even if the processing unit 107 can exhibit 100% processing capacity, the total is 50% Only the processing power of can be demonstrated. Therefore, the value of the variation determination index affects the processing capability of the entire processing apparatus.

  In this example, it is assumed that the whole has a dependency, and the minimum value of the variation determination index is set as the value of the overall ability. In addition, the average or variance of the variation determination index may be used. Further, the threshold value for variation determination is 5% in the description here. The number of empty sample racks to be supplied indicates the number of empty sample racks returned to the empty sample transport line 202 by the processing unit, and the predicted empty sample rack circulation amount indicates the number of empty sample racks flowing from upstream. Since this value also depends on the number of processed samples, it may vary.

  Further, in this example, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the relationship between the execution throughput T and the acquisition amount R of the empty sample rack is expressed by the equation T = R. Looking at the index 903 before adjustment, the variation determination index of each processing unit is 0.67,1.00,1.00,1.00, with a maximum of 0.33, that is, 33% variation, which exceeds 5%. It is judged that there is. Here, the processing unit 110 is a process that does not use an empty sample rack, and for example, a sample collection unit may be considered.

  In step 502 of FIG. 5, the target throughput is calculated. When the average of the variation determination indices is used, the target execution throughput value is 0.918, and the target execution throughput values of the processing units 106 to 109 are 27, 55, 28, 55, respectively.

  The processing units selected in step 503 are 106, and the processing units selected in step 504 are 107-109.

  In step 506, the processing unit 109 is selected. In step 507, since the current predicted execution throughput value 60 is larger than the target value 55, the process proceeds to step 508.

  In step 508, using the relationship T = R, an acquisition coefficient for reducing the number of acquisitions of the processing unit 109 to 55 is set, and the predicted execution throughput is set to 55.

  Proceeding to step 505, since there are processing unit groups 106 to 108, proceeding to step 506, the processing unit 108 is selected.

  In step 507, since the current predicted execution throughput value 30 is larger than the target value 28, the process proceeds to step 508. In step 508, using the relationship T = R, an acquisition coefficient for reducing the number of acquisitions of the processing unit 108 to 28 is set, and the predicted execution throughput is set to 28.

  Proceeding to step 505, since there are processing unit groups 106 and 107, the processing proceeds to step 506 and the processing unit 107 is selected. In step 507, since the current predicted execution throughput value 60 is larger than the target value 55, the process proceeds to step 508. In step 508, using the relationship T = R, an acquisition coefficient for reducing the number of acquisitions of the processing unit 107 to 55 is set, and the predicted execution throughput is set to 55.

  Proceeding to step 505, since there is the processing unit 106, the processing proceeds to step 506, and the processing unit 106 is selected. In step 507, since the current predicted execution throughput value 20 is lower than the target value 28, the process proceeds to step 509. In step 509, the acquisition amount is increased within the allowable range of the predicted empty sample rack circulation amount, and the processing unit 106 is set to acquire 27 empty sample racks. In step 510, the predicted execution throughput is recalculated to obtain 27. Since the remaining number is 0 in step 505, the process proceeds to step 501, where the dispersion determination is performed again, and the index value of each processing unit becomes 0.90, 0.92, 0.93, 0.92, from the minimum value 0.90 to the maximum 0.03, That is, the process ends because the variation is 3% and within 5%. As a result of the above calculation, when the processing capability of the entire apparatus using the final variation determination index is compared, it is improved from 0.67 before adjustment to 0.90 after adjustment.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the execution throughput / required throughput variation determination is performed when there is an empty sample rack as in FIG. 5, and when the variation does not fall within the threshold, the following (Equation 4) or (Equation 13) is performed. ), The optimal empty sample rack acquisition rate of each processing unit is calculated, and each processing unit acquires empty sample racks from the empty sample rack transport line at the obtained acquisition rate.

  The required throughput value in the j-th processing unit is written as Rj, the execution throughput is set as Xj, and the throughput amount (discharge throughput) of the empty sample rack discharged from the processing unit when it is no longer necessary is set as Ij. The discharge throughput is proportional to Ij = n × Xj, and the coefficient n varies depending on the processing content. If there is no discharge, Ij = 0.

  The flow rate of the transport line immediately downstream from the processing unit j is Fj, the number of the processing unit immediately after the portion to which the empty sample rack is supplied is 1, and the empty sample rack transport line before being supplied to the processing unit R1 Let the flow rate be F0. F0 = I0.

  The amount of empty sample racks that can be used in the entire system is now

The amount of empty sample rack used is

Therefore, the assumed average required throughput / discharge throughput ratio E is

The empty sample rack acquisition rate for processing unit i is E <1,

The flow rate in each transfer line is

It becomes.

If there is a region where Fi <E * R _{i + 1} , the upstream acquisition is performed prior to the discharge from the processing unit.
E * R _{i + 1} -Fi part is added to F0 and it flows, or the area is once divided by the maximum value “k” of i that satisfies Fi <E * R _{i + 1} .

Is the acquisition rate.

If Fi <E _1-k * R _{i + 1} again, the same operation is repeated.

The empty sample rack acquisition rate for k + 1 and later is calculated in the same manner with the values obtained by shifting the start number by k for Equations 1 to 4. (For example, the number 1 is not the sum from i = 0, but the sum from i = k)
FIG. 8 shows a specific example of FIG. Here, the processing units R1 to R5 (801, 802, 803, 804, 805) are connected to the transport line 810. The empty sample rack discharge unit 812 and the empty sample rack supply unit 811 are indicated by arrows. In the case of (A), when Pi = (Ri execution throughput) / (Ri required throughput) (%), P1 = 100%, P2 = P3 = P4 = 80%, and P5 = 60%. For simplicity, all processing units are the same, and R1 = R2 = R3 = R4 = R5. Based on Equations 1-3, the acquisition rate for R1 is lowered and the acquisition rate for R5 is increased. However, it takes a conveyance time for the change in R1 to propagate and reach R5. If the transport time is dT, it is more effective to set E * z (z = 0.90-0.95) during the dT period, taking into account the limit value of dispersion for the acquisition rate of R3, R3, which are closer to each other. Is. z is a safety factor, and is preferably set to about 0.90 to 0.95, for example.

  The number of empty sample racks required for discharge may change over time. At time t, Ij (t) and Rj (t). In FIG. 7 702, changes with time are taken into account.

  FIG. 8 shows a conceptual diagram. At (A) at time t in FIG. 8, there is no supply from the processing unit R3 to the transport line of the empty sample rack, but at time t + T, the state becomes (B) and supply is started.

  Now, let the monitoring interval of the transfer line be dt (306 in FIG. 3).

The amount of empty sample rack used is

Therefore, the expected average required throughput / discharge throughput ratio is

The empty sample rack acquisition rate in processing unit i is

The flow rate in each transfer line is

The handling of Fi (t) <E (t) * R _{i + 1} (t) is the same as in the case of equations 1-5.

  When dt is small, Equation 10-12 may take an average value of the values at times t and t + dt instead of the integral value.

  Using the above method that can determine the optimal empty sample rack acquisition rate, using the configuration of the entire device and the sample information of the sample, the operation of the device is simulated without actually moving the device, and the required processing performance is achieved. An example of calculating the minimum amount of empty sample racks within the range to be maintained will be described.

  Note that the I / O 1003 shown in FIG. 10 has a system input unit 1001 and inputs “expected processing performance”, “convergence threshold”, “sample information”, “apparatus configuration”, and the like as input values. Is done. Further, the I / O 1003 has a system output unit 1002 that outputs “minimum number of empty sample racks” and “predictive processing performance” as output values. The storage area 1007 stores the exemplified “apparatus configuration”, “sample pattern”, “processing performance”, “schedule”, and the like. The storage area 1008 stores a “sample transport device simulation function”, an “empty sample rack supply coefficient calculation function”, and an “empty sample rack number search function” as programs used for this calculation. Further, if the processing performance of each processing unit is measured and recorded in advance, it is possible to calculate the minimum number of empty sample racks by 101 in FIG. 1 by using the information of 1007 and 1008. . That is, the minimum number of empty sample racks can be predicted before actually constructing the entire apparatus.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the input / output screen. The input unit 1001 includes a column 1101 for inputting the type of target device configuration, a column 1102 for inputting an expected processing performance value, a column 1103 for inputting a sample data set to be used, and a column 1104 for inputting a convergence threshold in calculation. Have. The output unit 1002 displays a predicted processing performance value 1105 as a result of simulation and a minimum number of sample racks 1106.

  In the calculation of the optimal empty sample rack acquisition rate, the execution throughput / required throughput ratio is obtained by 501 or Formula 3 or Formula 12. If the processing performance is the number of specimen samples that can be processed per unit time, this value can also be used as an index of the processing performance of the apparatus. In the above calculation, as described in FIG. 3, it is obtained as an adjustment method per unit time. By using the sample input schedule for this, it is possible to simulate the operation status such as one day unit.

  Therefore, considering that the loop of FIG. 3 is executed a plurality of times, a calculation model can be constructed for each apparatus configuration, with the input sample data S and the total number H of empty sample racks as inputs and the processing performance P of the entire apparatus as an output. For example, for P, the average of the variation index group in the processing loop of FIG. 3 can be used. Specifically, in the simulation until all the samples S are processed, each time the loop of FIG. 3 is executed, the variation index of 905 in FIG. 9 is recorded, and finally the average value is recorded by the processing device. The processing performance is P. On the other hand, if the expected processing performance is Pm, it becomes an optimization problem using the relationship P ≧ Pm. Since S is fixed as an initial condition together with Pm, by varying H, the minimum number of empty sample racks necessary within the expected processing performance of the entire apparatus can be calculated.

An example of the optimum calculation will be described with reference to FIG. In step 1201, the large sample rack number H _l and the small sample rack number H _s are set as initial values. The initial large sample rack number _Hl is the maximum number of empty sample racks that can be physically arranged within the operable range in terms of the configuration of the entire apparatus. The initial small sample rack number H _s is the minimum number of empty sample racks necessary for the operation of the apparatus in principle. In step 1202, an intermediate value H _m between H _l and H _s is calculated, and P is calculated. In step 1203, P and Pm are compared. If P is equal or larger, the process proceeds to step 1204. If P is smaller, the process proceeds to step 1205. In step 1204, the value of H _m is set to H _l and the process proceeds to step 1206. In step 1205, the value of H _m is set to H _s and the process proceeds to step 1206. In step 1206, if the difference between H _l and H _s is within the allowable threshold, the process proceeds to step 1207, and if it is outside the allowable threshold, the process proceeds to step 1202. In step 1207, the value set in H _l is returned and the process ends.

FIG. 13 shows a specific calculation example. Pm is set to 1.0. First, items in the table of FIG. 13 will be described. 1301 represents the number of calculations in step 1202 of FIG. 1302 The H _m, 1303 is a P, 1304 is the H _l, 1305 respectively represent a H _s. Reference numeral 1306 denotes a difference between H _l and H _s and is used for the determination in step 1206. In this example, this determination threshold is set to 10. Next, we will follow the progress of the calculation.

Initial values are set in the first step 1201, H _l is set to 500, and H _s is set to 40. The value of H _m and P does not exist in the row where the calculation count is 0. In step 1202, H _m = 270 is calculated, and P = 0.72 is obtained based on the calculation. A calculation example of P = 0.72 will be described with reference to FIG. 14 shows the number of loop processes from 301 to 306 in FIG. 3 in 1401, the variation index after adjustment in the processing units from 1402 to 1406, and the entire apparatus using the minimum value of the dispersion index in 1407. Represents ability. The number of loops required to process the sample S is P, where P is the average of 1407 values at 6 and P = 0.72. Pm> P So, the process proceeds to step 1205, is substituted for H _m in H _s. In step 1206, the difference between H _l and H _s is 230, which is larger than 10, so the process proceeds to step 1202.

In the second step 1202, H _m = 385 is calculated, and P = 1.0 is obtained based on the calculation. Since P ≧ Pm, the process proceeds to step 1204, and H _m is substituted for H _l . In step 1206, the difference between H _l and H _s is 115, which is larger than 10, so the process proceeds to step 1202.

In the third step 1202, H _m = 328 is calculated, and P = 0.91 is obtained based on the calculation. Pm> P So, the process proceeds to step 1205, is substituted for H _m in H _s. In step 1206, the difference between H _l and H _s is 57, which is larger than 10, so the process proceeds to step 1202.

In the fourth step 1202, H _m = 357 is calculated, and P = 1.0 is obtained based on the calculation. Since P ≧ P, the process proceeds to step 1204, and H _m is substituted for H _l . In step 1206, the difference between H _l and H _s is 29, which is larger than 10, so the process proceeds to step 1202.

In the fifth step 1202, H _m = 343 is calculated, and P = 0.95 is obtained based on the calculation. Pm> P So, the process proceeds to step 1205, is substituted for H _m in H _s. In step 1206, the difference between H _l and H _s is 14 and is larger than 10, so the process proceeds to step 1202.

In the sixth step 1202, H _m = 350 is calculated, and P = 1.0 is obtained based on the calculation. Since P ≧ P, the process proceeds to step 1204, and H _m is substituted for H _l . In step 1206, the difference between H _l and H _s is 7, which is smaller than 10, so the process proceeds to step 1207. In Step 1207, since H _l is 350, a value is returned with 350 as the number of empty sample racks, and the calculation is terminated.

  The number of racks determined in this way can be displayed, for example, in the 1106 column of the output unit. Also, the predicted processing performance value at that time can be displayed together.

101: Main control unit
102: Communication line between main control unit and transfer line controller
103: Conveyance line controller
104: Communication line between main control unit and processing unit
105: Sample / empty sample rack transport line
106: Processing unit 1
107: Processing unit 2
108: Processing unit 3
109 : Processing unit 4
110 : Processing unit 5

201: Sample transport line
202: Empty sample rack transport line
203: Empty sample rack
204: Sample
205: Processing unit 106 Empty specimen acquisition line
206: Processing unit 106 Sample input line
207: Processing unit 107 Empty sample acquisition line
208: Processing unit 107 sample acquisition line
209: Processing unit 107 empty sample input line
210: Processing unit 107 sample input line
211: Processing unit 108 empty sample input line
212: Processing unit 108 sample acquisition line
213: Processing unit 108 Sample input line
214: Processing unit 1079 empty sample acquisition line
215: Processing unit 109 sample acquisition line
216: Processing unit 109 empty sample input line
217: Processing unit 109 sample input line
218: Processing unit 110 empty sample input line
219: Processing unit 110 sample acquisition line

300: Calculate the required amount of empty sample rack from each processing unit to the transfer line at the specified processing speed
301: Get the number of empty sample racks to be transferred from each processing unit to the transfer line
302: Calculate the number of empty sample rack requests for each processing unit
303: Calculation of excess / shortage of empty sample rack flow rate
304: Presence of empty sample rack flow shortage area
305: Empty sample rack flow rate adjustment
306: Wait for a certain time

401: Select the most upstream sample processing unit
402: Acquire empty sample rack flow rate from upstream
403: Judge whether the flow rate of empty sample rack is excessive or insufficient
404: Registered as a shortage processing unit
405: Estimated flow rate calculation
406: Determine whether empty sample rack is discharged
407: Expected discharge amount added to predicted flow rate
408: Presence of downstream processing unit
409: Select downstream sample processing unit

501: Judgment of device-to-device variation of execution (predicted) throughput / required throughput
502: Calculation of target throughput value
503: Select the processing unit with the lowest throughput
504: Acquire upstream processing unit group
505: Judgment of remaining number of processing units
506: Select the most upstream processing unit
507: Comparison with target value
508: Decrease empty sample rack acquisition factor for selected processing unit
509: Increase empty sample rack acquisition factor for selected processing units
510: Prediction calculation of throughput value of selected processing unit
511: Parameter setting for actual machine

701: Judgment of variation between devices in execution throughput / required throughput
702: Calculate the estimated discharge amount of the case processing unit in time
703: Obtain the selected amount of each processing unit from Equation 4
704: Obtain the selected amount of each processing unit from Equation 13

810 : Transfer line
811: Empty rack supply unit
812: Empty sample rack discharge section
801: Processing unit 1
802: Processing unit 2
803: Processing unit 3
804: Processing unit 4
805: Processing unit 5

901: Processing unit parameter item
902: Processing unit parameter data
903: Adjustment preprocessing unit parameter data
904: Parameter data after adjustment unit
905: Parameter data for the entire processing unit

1001: System input
1002: System output
1003: System I / O
1004: System bus
1005: CPU
1006: RAM
1007: Storage area (database group)
1008: Storage area (analysis program group)

1101: Device configuration
1102: Expected processing performance value
1103: Sample dataset
1104: convergence threshold
1105: Predictive processing performance value
1106: Number of sample racks

1201: Set the initial number of empty sample racks
1202: Calculate P of intermediate value H _m
1203: Judgment of P> Pm
1204: Judge whether P-Pm is within the education threshold
1205: Return the number of empty racks and exit
1206: H _m is set to H _l
1207: H _m is set to H _s

1301: Number of times of calculation
1302: Term H _m
1303: Item P
1304: Term H _l
1305: Term H _s
1306: Difference between terms H _l and H _s

1401: Item Figure 3 Number of loops
1402: Paragraph 106 variation index
1403: Paragraph 107 variation index
1404: Paragraph 108 variation index
1405: Item 109 variation index
1406: Paragraph 110 variation index
1407: Item Overall processing performance

Claims (8)

A plurality of processing units for processing a sample; a transport line connecting between the plurality of processing units; a sample rack on which a sample to be processed and an empty sample rack are transported; a sample rack on which the sample is loaded and an empty A sample rack transport control method for an analyzer, comprising: a control unit that controls transport of a sample rack; and a storage unit that stores information transmitted and received from the control unit to the transport line and the plurality of processing units.
The controller is
Obtaining the number of empty sample racks supplied to the transfer line from each of the plurality of processing units, and the required number of empty sample racks in each of the plurality of processing units;
Calculating the excess or deficiency of the flow rate in the transport line of the empty sample rack in each of the plurality of processing units from the number of empty sample racks supplied and the required number of empty sample racks;
Obtaining a flow rate for leveling the excess / deficiency between the plurality of processing units;
Determining a ratio of transporting the empty sample rack from the transport line to each of the plurality of processing units based on the flow rate to be leveled;
A method for controlling the transport of a sample rack, comprising the step of performing control based on the determined ratio. The sample rack transport control method according to claim 1,
The control unit includes a step of obtaining a minimum number of sample racks used for sample transport to the plurality of processing units;
After obtaining a flow rate at which the excess / deficiency is leveled between the plurality of processing units, an average value of the execution throughput values with respect to a required throughput at the flow rate in each of the plurality of processing units is obtained. The overall processing performance value,
Receiving an expected value of the processing performance value and a convergence threshold value of a step of obtaining the minimum number of sample racks;
The maximum number and the minimum number of empty sample racks that can be used by the plurality of processing units as a whole are determined based on a first intermediate number that is between the set first maximum number and first minimum number. A process for obtaining a processing performance value of 1;
When the first processing performance value is smaller than the expected value, the first intermediate number is the second minimum number, and the second number is the intermediate number between the first maximum number and the second minimum number. The second processing performance value is obtained based on the intermediate number of the first and the first processing performance value is equal to or higher than the expected value, the first intermediate value is set as the second maximum number, and the second maximum Determining a third processing performance value based on a third intermediate value that is an intermediate number between the number and the first minimum number;
Until the difference between the maximum number and the minimum number becomes smaller than the convergence threshold, the process of obtaining the second or third processing performance value is repeated, and the minimum number when the difference is smaller than the convergence threshold is output. A method for transporting a sample rack, comprising: The sample rack transport control method according to claim 1,
In the step of calculating the excess or deficiency of the flow rate, the control unit,
Obtaining the required number of empty sample racks in a first processing unit of the plurality of processing units and the number of empty sample racks transported from the upstream side of the transport line relative to the first processing unit;
An excess or deficiency of the first processing unit is calculated from the required number of empty sample racks and the number of empty sample racks conveyed from the upstream side. The sample rack transport control method according to claim 1,
In the step of obtaining a flow rate for leveling the excess / deficiency between the plurality of processing units, the control unit,
Execution throughput (number of samples processed per unit time) from each of the plurality of processing units with respect to the required throughput (number of empty sample racks acquired per unit time necessary to realize the number of samples that the processing unit can process per unit time) Obtaining a first value of
Determining a target throughput based on the first value that eliminates variations among the plurality of processing units;
Obtaining a target execution throughput in each of the plurality of processing units from the target throughput and the required throughput;
The second processing unit installed in the uppermost stream on the transfer line as viewed from the first processing unit with respect to the first processing unit having the smallest first value among the plurality of processing units. The step of comparing the target execution throughput and the size of the execution throughput,
When the target execution throughput is smaller than the execution throughput, the number of empty sample racks acquired by the second processing unit is reduced, and when it is larger, the number of empty sample racks acquired by the second processing unit is increased. The sample rack transport control method according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate to be leveled is obtained as described above.   The storage unit stores, for the first values of the plurality of processing units, a threshold value for a difference value between the maximum value and the minimum value of the first value, and a variation occurs when the threshold value is exceeded. 5. The sample rack transport control method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of obtaining a flow rate for leveling the excess / deficiency between the plurality of processing units.   5. The sample rack transport control method according to claim 4, wherein the target throughput is an average value of the first values of the plurality of processing units. The sample rack transport control method according to claim 1,
In the step of obtaining a flow rate for leveling the excess / deficiency between the plurality of processing units, the control unit,
From each of the plurality of processing units, the required throughput for the discharge throughput (the number of empty sample racks discharged by the processing unit per unit time) (the unit time required for the processing unit to realize the number of samples that can be processed per unit time) A first value of the number of empty sample racks obtained),
Determining the presence or absence of variation in each of the first values for the plurality of processing units;
If there is variation, the process of determining the transport delay time in the entire transport device,
When the transport delay time is not considered, the selection amount of each of the plurality of processing units is determined based on (Expression 4) stored in the storage unit, and when the transport delay time is considered, A sample rack transport control method, wherein a selection amount of each of the plurality of processing units is determined based on (Equation 13) stored in a storage unit.
Ri: Necessary throughput value in the i-th processing unit Ii: Throughput value discharged from the i-th processing unit E = Average required throughput value / Discharged throughput value t: Time   By using the sample rack transport control method according to claim 2, the operation of the processing unit is virtually simulated on a computer, and the minimum required for the entire apparatus is established in advance without constructing the entire apparatus. A calculation method characterized by predicting the number of empty sample racks.