JP6426569B2 - Sample inspection system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sample inspection system.

  In hospitals and laboratories, samples such as blood and urine are analyzed for clinical examination. A sample collected from a patient or the like is not always subjected to the analysis process as it is, and is often pretreated for analysis. The sample inspection system is a system that automates such pretreatment and analysis processing.

  In recent years, with the diversification of sample tests, a plurality of tests such as a hematology test, a biochemistry test, an immune test, a blood sugar test, and a coagulation test are performed only by a test called a so-called blood test. The above-described sample inspection system is developed for the purpose of automatically performing a plurality of these inspection items in a short time and in a large amount.

  In a general sample inspection system, a bar code label is attached to a sample container that contains a sample collected from a patient, and the label is inserted into the input part of the sample inspection system. For this reason, the barcode label attached to the sample container is read at the input unit. The sample container is transported to a unit necessary for the sample container among the plurality of preprocessing units based on the read information.

  The above-mentioned preprocessing unit performs preprocessing on the sample container. Thereafter, the sample for which the pretreatment has been completed is transported to the optimum analyzer according to each examination item. The analyzer may be connected to multiple pretreatment systems to rapidly measure large quantities of analytes. As another example, the analyzer may be connected only to a specific pretreatment unit to measure a specific measurement item.

JP, 2006-189311, A

  The sample processing apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes an online mode (first mode) for receiving and transporting a sample container, and an off-line mode (second mode) for transporting a sample container independently from a transport line. However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the analysis is not performed when congestion occurs in the transport line in the first mode. For example, when the sample container is transported to the analyzer in the second mode and then switched to the first mode, a new sample container is transported from the transport line to the analyzer in the first mode and congestion occurs on the transport line Can occur. In addition, when multiple analyzers are connected to a common transport line, if congestion occurs in the transport line to one analyzer, even if another analyzer can analyze, another analyzer Can not transport the sample container to the

  As one of the causes of the above problems, the difference in processing capacity between the transfer line and the analyzer can be considered. Generally, when the processing capacity of the downstream apparatus (analytical apparatus) is higher than that of the upstream apparatus (conveyor line), the above problem does not occur. However, low throughput of downstream analyzers may lead to congestion on the transport line.

  Generally, a buffering mechanism capable of buffering the sample container is provided at the front stage of the analyzer, because the difference in the processing capacity of the transport line and the analyzer may cause congestion of the sample container. However, this buffering mechanism only causes the sample container to temporarily stand by and is not effective for preventing the congestion of the sample container. In particular, in practice, in the analysis apparatus, it is also actually performed during steady operation time, such as replenishment of consumables such as reagents for each measurement item, measurement of quality control samples for stability of measurement items, etc. In many cases, it is necessary to interrupt the measurement of Therefore, there is a need for a technique for preventing the congestion of sample containers on the transport line while considering the state of the analyzer.

  Thus, the present invention provides a technology capable of preventing the congestion of sample containers on the transport line.

  For example, in order to solve the above-mentioned subject, composition indicated in a claim is adopted. The present application includes a plurality of means for solving the above-mentioned problems, and an example thereof is a buffering mechanism which is disposed between the pretreatment system and the plurality of analyzers and can accommodate a plurality of sample containers, A transport line mechanism capable of connecting the buffering mechanism to the plurality of analyzers and transporting the sample container, traffic information acquired from the transport line mechanism, and a carry-in acquired from the plurality of analyzers There is provided a sample inspection system comprising: a control device that controls transport of the sample container using the availability information.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent congestion of sample containers on the transport line. Further features related to the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings. The problems, configurations and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the description of the following embodiments.

It is a block diagram of the sample inspection system in one example of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the sample transfer unit in one Example of this invention, and a buffering mechanism. It is a figure which shows the route congestion information in one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the carrying-in availability information in one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the conveyance line in one Example of this invention, and a conveyance direction change mechanism. It is a figure which shows the carrier accommodation information in one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the queue information created from the carrier accommodation information of FIG. 5A. 5 is a flowchart for determining the transport order of carriers to the analyzer 1. 5 is a flowchart for determining the transport order of carriers to the analyzer 2. 10 is a flowchart for determining the transport order of carriers to the analyzer 3. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the sample transfer unit in one Example of this invention, and is a figure explaining extraction operation | movement of the sample container from the carrier for pre-processing systems. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the sample transfer unit in one Example of this invention, and is a figure explaining installation operation | movement of a sample container to the carrier for analysis systems. It is an example of the setting screen displayed on the display part of the computer for control.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate specific embodiments consistent with the principles of the invention, but are for the purpose of understanding the invention and are by no means intended to be construed as limiting the invention. .

  The following example relates to a sample testing system suitable for automatically performing a sample test in the field of clinical testing, and in particular to a system for transporting a sample.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a sample inspection system. The sample inspection system includes a pretreatment system and an analysis system, and the pretreatment system and the analysis system are connected via a buffering mechanism. In this example, in the pretreatment system, the carrier on which one sample container is placed is transported, and in the analysis system, the carrier on which five sample containers are placed is transported. That is, it is assumed that the sample container for which the pretreatment has been completed is extracted from the carrier for the pretreatment system and then transferred to the carrier for the analysis system.

  The preprocessing system comprises a plurality of preprocessing functional units 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. Here, the carrier on which one sample container is placed is transported, and the necessary pretreatment is performed on the sample in the sample container. Specific examples of pretreatment include centrifugation for separating serum and blood clot, an opening operation for removing a stopper of a sample container, and a dispensing operation for transferring a serum portion to another container.

  A sample transfer unit 19 is provided at the end of the preprocessing function unit groups 11 to 18. The sample transfer unit 19 performs a transfer operation from a carrier for transporting one sample container to a carrier for transporting five sample containers.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sample transfer unit 19 and the buffering mechanism 1. The carrier for the pretreatment system is transported by the pretreatment transport line 191 to the sample extraction position 192.

  FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the operation of the sample transfer unit 19 and a view for explaining the extraction operation of the sample container. The sample transfer unit 19 includes a sample transfer mechanism 111 having a sample transfer chuck mechanism 112. The sample transfer chuck mechanism 112 may include a plurality of arms for gripping a sample container. When the sample container 131 mounted and transported on the carrier 121 for the pretreatment system arrives at the sample extraction position 192 (see FIG. 2), the sample transfer mechanism 111 moves above the head of the sample container 131.

  Next, the sample transfer chuck mechanism 112 is opened, and the sample transfer mechanism 111 is lowered. When the lowering of the sample transfer mechanism 111 is completed, the sample transfer chuck mechanism 112 holds the sample container 131. Thereafter, the sample transfer mechanism 111 is raised. By this operation, the sample container 131 is extracted from the carrier 121 for the pretreatment system.

  FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the operation of the sample transfer unit 19, and is a view for explaining the installation operation of the sample container on the carrier for the analysis system. Carriers 141 for the analysis system are constantly aligned and stand by, for example, along the plurality of carrier installation rows 144a, 144b, 144c, 144d.

  The sample transfer mechanism 111 holding the sample container 131 moves above a specific carrier 141 in the carrier installation rows 144a, 144b, 144c, and 144d. The sample transfer mechanism 111 descends at that position, and places the sample container 131 in one of the five installation positions in the carrier 141. Thereafter, the sample transfer chuck mechanism 112 is opened, and the sample transfer mechanism 111 is lifted. By this operation, the sample container 131 is placed on the carrier 141 for the analysis system.

  Next, returning to FIG. 2, the buffering mechanism 1 will be described. The buffering mechanism 1 is disposed between the pretreatment system and the analysis system, and has a structure capable of accommodating a plurality of carriers 141. The carrier 141 on which the five sample containers 131 are installed is transported to the buffering mechanism 1 from a position in the carrier installation rows 144a, 144b, 144c, and 144d. Although not shown, for transfer to the buffering mechanism 1, a known transfer mechanism (for example, an arm or the like) may be used.

  The buffering mechanism 1 comprises a buffer rotor 102. Here, the buffer rotor 102 has a disk-like shape, and has a structure that rotates about the center of a circle. The buffer rotor 102 also comprises a plurality of slots 103 for receiving a carrier 141 for the analysis system. Therefore, the buffering mechanism 1 can accommodate the carrier 141 on which the plurality of sample containers 131 are mounted, and can carry out the carrier 141 in an arbitrary order different from the order of accommodation. The plurality of slots 103 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the buffer rotor 102. The carrier 141 for the analysis system is transported from a position in the carrier installation row 144a, 144b, 144c, 144d to the slot 103 of the buffering mechanism 1.

  In the buffer rotor 102 of FIG. 2, twenty slots 103 are arranged at equal intervals every 18 degrees. In the example of FIG. 2, a structure having 20 slots 103 is shown, but the number of slots 103 is not limited to this. For example, if a plurality of slots 103 are arranged at predetermined intervals, the number of slots 103 may be less than 20 or more than 20.

  In addition, the buffering mechanism 1 moves the carrier in the direction orthogonal to the carrying-in direction of the carrier 141 (in FIG. 2, it is transported from the carrier installation rows 144a, 144b, 144c, and 144d, and hence the direction from left to right in the drawing). An outlet 101 is provided. As a matter of course, the carrier outlet 101 does not necessarily have to be disposed orthogonal to the loading direction, and any position may be used as long as the carrier 141 can be taken out on the circumferential trajectory of the buffer rotor 102.

  When the carrier 141 is taken out of the buffer rotor 102, the buffer rotor 102 is rotated so that the carrier 141 to be taken out moves to a predetermined take-out position, and then the carrier 141 moved to the take-out position is It is loaded on the transport line 2a.

  Next, the analysis system and the transport mechanism to the analysis system will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the analysis system comprises a plurality of analyzers 20a, 20b, 20c. The transport mechanism of FIG. 1 includes a mechanism capable of transporting the carrier 141 by connecting the buffering mechanism 1 to the plurality of analyzers 20 a, 20 b and 20. In detail, conveyance lines 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f and conveyance direction change mechanisms 3a, 3b, 3c are provided between the buffering mechanism 1 and the plurality of analyzers 20a, 20b, 20c. It is done. The transport direction changing mechanisms 3a, 3b, 3c have a structure in which a belt line is disposed on a disk having a rotation axis. With this structure, the transport direction changing mechanisms 3a, 3b and 3c can transport the carrier 141 placed on the belt line to the transport lines 2b, 2d and 2f while changing the transport direction of the carrier 141 by 90 degrees.

  FIG. 4 is a view showing the configuration of the transport lines 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, and the transport direction changing mechanisms 3a, 3b, 3c. Here, the buffering mechanism 1 and the analyzer 20a are connected by the transport lines 2a and 2b and the transport direction changing mechanism 3a. The carrier 141 for the analysis system is conveyed to the analyzer 20a through the beltline 2a1 on the conveyance line 2a, the beltline 3a1 on the conveyance direction changing mechanism 3a, and the beltline 2b1 on the conveyance line 2b. Become.

  Similarly, the buffering mechanism 1 and the analyzer 20b are connected by the transport lines 2a, 2c, 2d and the transport direction changing mechanisms 3a, 3b. Carrier 141 for the analysis system includes belt line 2a1 on conveyance line 2a, belt line 3a1 on conveyance direction changing mechanism 3a, belt line 2c1 on conveyance line 2c, belt line 3b1 on conveyance direction changing mechanism 3b, and conveyance line It is conveyed to the analyzer 20b through the beltline 2d1 on 2d.

  Similarly, the buffering mechanism 1 and the analyzer 20c are connected by the transport lines 2a, 2c, 2e, 2f, and the transport direction changing mechanisms 3a, 3b, 3c. Carrier 141 for the analysis system includes belt line 2a1 on conveyance line 2a, belt line 3a1 on conveyance direction changing mechanism 3a, belt line 2c1 on conveyance line 2c, belt line 3b1 on conveyance direction changing mechanism 3b, and conveyance line It is conveyed to the analyzer 20c through the belt line 2e1 on 2e, the belt line 3c1 on the conveyance direction changing mechanism 3c, and the belt line 2f1 on the conveyance line 2f.

  Therefore, the transport line 2a and the transport direction changing mechanism 3a are shared paths in all the analyzers 20a, 20b and 20c. Generally, when the shared route is congested, congestion of all the routes occurs, so it is preferable to control to avoid this. In the present embodiment, the congestion means that the carrier stagnates on the shared route and the subsequent carriers can not overtake.

  In the present embodiment, the carrier lines 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f and the carrier direction changing mechanisms 3a, 3b, 3c are provided with a carrier detection unit for detecting whether the carrier 141 is being transported. For example, the sensors 51 and 52 are disposed along the belt line 2a1 of the transport line 2a. As an example, the sensors 51 and 52 are disposed at the start point and the end point of the belt line 2a1. Information detected by the sensors 51 and 52 is transmitted to the control computer 10. The control computer 10 can use the information from the sensors 51 and 52 to determine whether the carrier 141 is present on the transport line 2a. Although FIG. 4 illustrates the carrier detection unit only for the conveyance line 2a, the same carrier detection unit is also used for the conveyance lines 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, and 2f, and the conveyance direction changing mechanisms 3a, 3b, and 3c. Is provided.

  The control computer 10 controls the components of the sample inspection system. The control target of the control computer 10 is the range shown by 10a in FIG. The control computer 10 may include a central processing unit, an auxiliary storage unit, and a main storage unit. For example, the central processing unit is configured of a processor (or also referred to as an operation unit) such as a central processing unit (CPU). For example, the auxiliary storage device is a hard disk, and the main storage device is a memory. The control processing performed by the control computer 10 may be realized by storing program codes corresponding to the processing in a storage device such as a memory, and the processor executing each program code.

  The control computer 10 may include a display unit and an input unit. The input unit is a keyboard, a pointing device (such as a mouse), and the like. The display unit is a display, a printer or the like. The operator may perform various settings of the sample inspection system using the input unit. Further, the operator may confirm the setting contents of the sample inspection system by the display unit.

  Hereinafter, in the processing of the control computer 10, control when transporting the carrier 141 to the analyzers 20a, 20b, and 20c will be described. The control computer 10 is acquired from the route congestion information acquired from the transport lines 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f and the transport direction changing mechanisms 3a, 3b, 3c and the plurality of analyzers 20a, 20b, 20c. The transport of the sample container is controlled using the carry-in availability information.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram showing route congestion information in one embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing carry-in availability information in one embodiment. A storage device (for example, a hard disk or the like) of the control computer 10 stores route congestion information and carry-in availability information.

  The route congestion information is information on congestion on the transport route to each of the analysis devices 20a, 20b, and 20c. This route congestion information is defined as the sum of the number of carriers on the transport route to each of the analysis devices 20a, 20b, 20c. This route congestion information can monitor the presence or absence of congestion. In the following description, in order to simplify the description, the analyzers 20a, 20b and 20c will be expressed as analyzers 1, 2 and 3, respectively.

  The route congestion information 211 is information on congestion on the transport route to the analysis device 1. The route congestion information 211 indicates the sum of the carrier lines 2a and 2b and the carrier 141 on the carrier direction changing mechanism 3a.

  The route congestion information 212 is information on congestion on the transport route to the analysis device 2. The route congestion information 212 indicates the total of the carrier lines 2a, 2c, 2d and the carriers 141 on the carrier direction changing mechanisms 3a, 3b.

  The route congestion information 213 is information on congestion on the transport route to the analysis device 3. The route congestion information 213 indicates the total of the carrier lines 2a, 2c, 2e, 2f and the carriers 141 on the carrier direction changing mechanisms 3a, 3b, 3c.

  The route congestion information 211, 212, and 213 indicates the number of carriers 141 when the carriers 141 exist on the target transport route, and becomes 0 when the carriers 141 do not exist on the target transport route.

  For example, when the carrier 141 is transported on the transport line 2a at a certain point in time, the route congestion information 211, 212, and 213 become one or more numerical values. As another example, when the carrier 141 is present only on the transport direction changing mechanism 3b at a certain point in time, the route congestion information 211, 212, and 213 become 0, 1, 1, respectively. That is, when the route congestion information 211, 212, 213 is a number of 1 or more, it means that congestion occurs on the route.

  The transport path of each of the analyzers 1, 2, and 3 can be realized by a combination of the dedicated path and the shared path of each of the analyzers 1, 2, and 3. For example, in the case of the transport path of the analyzer 1, the transport line 2b is a dedicated path, and the transport line 2a and the transport direction changing mechanism 3a are shared paths. Even if congestion occurs on the dedicated route, if the congestion on the shared route does not occur, transportation of the subsequent carrier 141 can be realized. In other words, controlling the carrier 141 not to stagnate on the shared route leads to suppression of the overall traffic congestion.

  The analyzers 1, 2, and 3 assume automatic analyzers capable of measuring biochemical test items and immunological test items. When receiving the carrier 141, these automatic analyzers read the sample barcode 132 attached to the sample container 131 on the carrier 141 to determine items to be analyzed. The automatic analyzer performs processing such as dispensing and measurement based on the read information.

  However, in the case of a general analyzer, in order to measure an item, analysis may not be possible due to an insufficient amount of remaining reagent to be added. Besides that, there are cases where the analyzer is not ready for analysis for any reason. For this reason, the analyzers 1, 2 and 3 are provided with a communication unit for reporting that the analyzer is in an analysis enabled state. In detail, the analyzers 1, 2, 3 report to the transport lines 2b, 2d, 2f whether analysis is possible via the signal cables 20a1, 20b1, 20c1 for carrying in / out report information. The information as to whether or not the data can be transferred to the analyzers 1, 2, 3 is reported to the control computer 10 via the transfer lines 2b, 2d, 2f.

  The loading possibility information in FIG. 3B is information indicating whether the carrier can be loaded into each of the analyzers 1, 2, 3 (that is, is each of the analyzers 1, 2, 3 in a state where analysis is possible) is there.

  The loading possibility information 221 is information indicating whether loading into the analyzer 1 is possible. The loading possibility information 222 is information indicating whether loading into the analyzer 2 is possible. The loading / unloading information 223 is information indicating whether loading into the analyzer 3 is possible.

  The control computer 10 controls the transport of the carrier 141 using two pieces of information (path congestion information, carry-in availability information). When there is no congestion in the route to the analyzers 1, 2, 3 and when the carrier 141 can be carried into the analyzers 1, 2, 3, the control computer 10 makes the analyzer the transport destination Transport of the carrier 141 is started. Conventionally, management of traffic jams of carriers is not performed, and carriers may be transported in traffic congestion, which may cause unnecessary traffic congestion. In the past, this congestion could have hindered the path to other analyzers. In this embodiment, by carrying the carrier 141 using the route congestion information and the carry-in availability information, the carrier can be carried to the analyzer without congestion, and it is possible to carry out a quick inspection.

  Next, control for selecting a carrier to be transported from the buffering mechanism 1 will be described. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing carrier accommodation information in one embodiment. A storage device (for example, a hard disk or the like) of the control computer 10 manages the carrier accommodation information of FIG. 5A.

  The carrier accommodation information is information indicating what type of carrier 141 is stored in each slot 103 of the buffer rotor 102 and how much time has elapsed. As the carrier accommodation information, the storage position 31, the storage queue type 32, and the elapsed time 33 are recorded in association with each other in the storage device.

  The storage position 31 indicates the position of the carrier 141 on the buffer rotor 102. For example, numbers are assigned to the twenty slots 103 on the buffer rotor 102, and the storage position 31 indicates the number of the slot 103 in which the carrier 141 is stored.

  The storage queue type 32 is information indicating which of the analyzers 1, 2, and 3 should transport the sample container 131 of the carrier 141 stored in the slot 103 corresponding to the storage position 31. The storage queue type 32 can be acquired from request information included in the sample barcode 132 of the sample container 131. For example, the sample barcode 132 of the sample container 131 is read by a predetermined reading device at a stage prior to the pretreatment (for example, the input part of the sample container 131). The read information is sent to the control computer 10. When the control computer 10 accommodates the carrier 141 in the slot 103 disposed on the buffer rotor 102, the control computer 10 determines, from the request information, information as to which analyzer the carrier 141 should be transported. Depending on the request information, there may be a case where analysis can be performed only by a specific analyzer, or there is one which may be analyzed by any analyzer. Therefore, in the storage queue type 32, information “shared” is managed. "Shared" indicates that the corresponding carrier 141 may be transported to any of the analyzers 1, 2 and 3. Further, in the storage queue type 32, “urgent” indicates that the corresponding carrier 141 should be transported to the analyzers 1, 2 and 3 preferentially to “general”. As described above, with regard to the samples, general ones and urgent ones exist, and the transport order of the carrier 141 is determined according to the priority of the samples on the mounted sample container 131.

  The elapsed time 33 indicates the elapsed time since the carrier 141 was accommodated in the slot 103. Regarding the elapsed time 33, the time when the carrier 141 is accommodated in the slot 103 is defined as zero. Thereafter, the control computer 10 updates the elapsed time 33 as time passes. Thereby, the control computer 10 can manage the standby time after the carrier 141 is accommodated in the slot 103.

  FIG. 5B shows queue information created from the carrier accommodation information of FIG. 5A. The control computer 10 can define logical transfer destination queue information 34 from the carrier accommodation information. In the transfer destination queue information 34, queues are managed for each storage queue type 32 in FIG. 5A. The numbers in FIG. 5B correspond to the numbers in storage location 31 of FIG. 5A. For example, in the case of “analyzer 1 general”, the carrier 141 is transported in the order of the storage positions 1, 7 and 14. The transport order is determined by the size of the elapsed time 33 in FIG. 5A. The control computer 10 may start conveyance from the carrier 141 having the longest elapsed time from the time when the carrier 141 is accommodated in the buffering mechanism 1.

  FIG. 6A is a flowchart for determining the transport order of the carrier 141 to the analysis device 1. First, the control computer 10 checks the carry-in availability information 221 of the analyzer 1. (Step 600). If the information of the loading / unloading information 221 is "impossible", the control computer 10 does not carry the carrier.

  If the information of the importability information 221 is “OK”, the control computer 10 checks the route congestion information 211 of the analyzer 1 (step 601). When the route congestion information 211 is one or more, the control computer 10 does not carry the carrier.

  If the route congestion information 211 is 0, the control computer 10 confirms whether a carrier exists in the shared emergency queue 34h (step 602). If there is a carrier in the shared emergency queue 34h, the process proceeds to step 603. On the other hand, if there is no carrier in the shared emergency queue 34h, the process proceeds to step 607.

  Here, first, the case where the process proceeds to step 603 will be described. If a carrier is present in the shared emergency queue 34h, the control computer 10 checks whether a carrier is present in the analyzer 1 emergency queue 34d (step 603). If there is no carrier in the analyzer 1 emergency queue 34d, the control computer 10 controls to transport the leading carrier of the shared emergency queue 34h to the analyzer 1 (Step 606).

  When a carrier is present in the analysis device 1 emergency queue 34d, the control computer 10 compares the elapsed time 33 of the leading carrier of the shared emergency queue 34h with the elapsed time 33 of the leading carrier of the analysis device 1 emergency queue 34d. (Step 604). If the elapsed time 33 of the leading carrier of the analyzer 1 emergency queue 34d is longer, the control computer 10 controls the carrier of the leading carrier of the analyzer 1 emergency queue 34d to be transported to the analyzer 1 (step 605) ). On the other hand, when the elapsed time 33 of the leading carrier of the shared emergency queue 34h is longer, the control computer 10 controls to convey the leading carrier of the shared emergency queue 34h to the analysis device 1 (step 606).

  Next, the case where the process proceeds to step 607 will be described. The control computer 10 confirms whether a carrier exists in the analyzer 1 emergency queue 34d (step 607). When a carrier is present in the analyzer 1 emergency queue 34d, the control computer 10 controls to transport the leading carrier of the analyzer 1 emergency queue 34d to the analyzer 1 (step 608). If no carrier exists in the analyzer 1 emergency queue 34 d, the process proceeds to step 609.

  If there is no carrier in the analyzer 1 emergency queue 34d, the control computer 10 checks if there is a carrier in the shared general queue 34g (step 609). If there is a carrier in the shared general queue 34g, the process proceeds to step 610. On the other hand, if no carrier exists in the shared general queue 34g, the process proceeds to step 614.

  If there is a carrier in the shared general queue 34g, the control computer 10 checks if there is a carrier in the analyzer 1 general queue 34a (step 610). If there is no carrier in the analyzer 1 general queue 34a, the control computer 10 controls to transport the leading carrier of the shared general queue 34g to the analyzer 1 (step 613).

  On the other hand, when there is a carrier in the analysis device 1 general queue 34a, the control computer 10 determines the elapsed time 33 of the leading carrier of the shared general queue 34g and the elapsed time 33 of the top carrier of the analysis device 1 general queue 34a. Are compared (step 611). If the elapsed time 33 of the leading carrier of the analyzer 1 general queue 34 a is longer, the control computer 10 controls the carrier of the leading carrier of the analyzer 1 general queue 34 a to be transported to the analyzer 1 (step 612) ). On the other hand, when the elapsed time 33 of the leading carrier of the shared general queue 34g is longer, the control computer 10 controls to convey the leading carrier of the shared general queue 34g to the analysis device 1 (step 613).

  Next, the case where the process proceeds to step 614 will be described. The control computer 10 confirms whether a carrier exists in the analyzer 1 general queue 34a (step 614). When a carrier is present in the analyzer 1 general queue 34a, the control computer 10 controls to transport the leading carrier of the analyzer 1 general queue 34a to the analyzer 1 (step 615). On the other hand, when there is no carrier in the analyzer 1 general queue 34a, the control computer 10 does not carry the carrier.

  In the above-described example, first, it is determined using the importability information 221 and the route congestion information 211 whether transport to the analyzer 1 is possible. When the carrier can be transported, the transport is started from the higher priority (urgent) carrier. When carriers exist in both the shared emergency queue 34h and the analysis apparatus 1 emergency queue 34d (when carriers with the same priority exist), the longer one of the elapsed times 33, that is, the one stored earlier in the buffering mechanism 1 Start transportation from things. In addition, even when carriers are present in both the shared general queue 34g and the analyzer 1 general queue 34a, transportation is started from the longer one of the elapsed time 33, that is, the one stored earlier in the buffering mechanism 1. As described above, in the case where the priority is the same, since the carrier having a long elapsed time is transported, it is effective in the case of a sample that causes a problem when the elapsed time is long.

  FIG. 6B is a flowchart for determining the transport order of the carriers 141 to the analyzer 2, and FIG. 6C is a flowchart for determining the transport order of the carriers 141 to the analyzer 3. The same processing as in FIG. 6A is also performed on the analyzer 2 and the analyzer 3. Steps 620 to 635 in FIG. 6B and steps 640 to 655 in FIG. 6C are the same as steps 600 to 615 in FIG. 6A, except that the transport destination of the carrier 141 is the analyzers 2 and 3. Processing is shown. Therefore, the detailed description of FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C is omitted.

  As described above, since the control computer 10 randomly takes out the plurality of carriers accommodated in the buffer rotor 102 based on the transfer destination queue information 34 and sends them to the transfer line, 102 is preferably in the shape of a disc as described above. It is sufficient to rotate the buffer rotor 102 so as to move the carrier 141 to be removed to a predetermined removal position, and the removal of the carrier 141 from the buffer rotor 102 can be efficiently performed.

  FIG. 9 is an example of a setting screen displayed on the display unit of the control computer 10. When the carrier 141 is on standby in the buffer rotor 102, in some cases, the analyzers 1, 2 and 3 may become unusable. In the analyzer off-line setting screen 60, the corresponding analyzer can be set in an unusable state.

  When taking the analyzers 1, 2, 3 offline, the operator checks the check box 61. At this time, among the carriers 141 waiting in the buffer rotor 102, there are those which can be measured only by the analyzer set to the offline, and those which can be measured by other analyzer.

  In the former case, the operator may enable the carrier removal option 62. In this case, the control computer 10 controls so as to sequentially carry out the corresponding carrier 141 from the carrier outlet 101.

  Also, in the latter case, the operator may enable the assignment option 63 to another analyzer. When the allocation option 63 is enabled, the control computer 10 updates the carrier accommodation information of FIG. 5A and the transfer destination queue information 34 of FIG. 5B. For example, it is assumed that there is a carrier that may be allocated to another analyzer in the analyzer 1 general queue 34a. In this case, the control computer 10 changes the transport destination of the corresponding carrier to the analyzer 2 general queue 34 b or the analyzer 3 general queue 34 c. At this time, since the information on the elapsed time 33 can be used as it is, control can be performed without the order in which the carriers 141 are accommodated in the slots 103 being out of order. According to the above-described configuration, analysis is possible by another analyzer as a substitute for the unusable analyzer.

  In the present embodiment, the conveyance line 2a is connected to the right side of the buffering mechanism 1, but a plurality of conveyance lines are arranged radially from the buffer rotor 102, and the buffering mechanism 1 and the analyzer 1 are provided. , 2, 3 may be connected. That is, a star-shaped arrangement centering on the buffer rotor 102 may be configured so as not to impede the conveyance by the carrier to which the subsequent carrier is conveyed in advance. Even in the case of this structure, it is possible to use the control method of queue management described above, so that it is also possible to realize a change in the path due to a failure of the analyzers 1, 2 and 3. Furthermore, since the buffer rotor 102 only needs to have a structure capable of randomly controlling the loading order and the unloading order, the form of the disk-shaped buffer rotor 102 is not necessarily required.

  As mentioned above, although one Example of this invention was described, the characteristic structure of the Example mentioned above is as follows. The buffering mechanism 1 is disposed at the end of the pretreatment system, and the buffering mechanism 1 and the plurality of analyzers 1, 2, 3 are connected by the transport lines 2a to 2f and the transport direction changing mechanisms 3a to 3c. The buffering mechanism 1 has a structure capable of accommodating the carrier 141 on which the plurality of sample containers 131 are mounted, and capable of unloading the carrier 141 in an arbitrary order different from the order of accommodation. Specifically, the buffering mechanism 1 has a structure capable of overtaking the general sample container 131 in which the sample container 131 for emergency is stored first.

  The carrier 141 once accommodated in the buffering mechanism 1 is transported when the paths to the analyzers 1, 2, 3 are not congested, and when the analyzers 1, 2, 3 can be analyzed. . This control is performed by the control computer 10.

  When the carrier 141 is accommodated in the buffering mechanism 1, the control computer 10 determines the analyzers 1, 2, and 3 to be transported from the sample request information. The control computer 10 distinguishes between a sample which can be measured by a plurality of analyzers 1, 2 and 3 and a sample which can be measured only by a specific analyzer 1, 2 and 3, and further prioritizes the samples. Accordingly, the order of transport of the carrier 141 is determined. If the control computer 10 detects that the carrier 141 is not present in the path to the analyzers 1, 2 and 3 and that the analyzers 1, 2, 3 have transitioned to the analysis enabled state, the control computer 10 described above. The carrier 141 is transported to the analyzers 1, 2 and 3 in accordance with the transport order. In addition, it is possible to set the transport destination analyzers 1, 2 and 3 off-line by the input of the operator. When the offline is set for the specific analyzers 1, 2 and 3, the control computer 10 recreates the transport order described above and creates a transport order of only valid analyzers.

  The effects of the above-described embodiment will be described. Conventionally, a buffering mechanism capable of buffering a sample container has been provided in the front stage of the analyzer in order to solve the problem that congestion of the sample container occurs due to the difference in processing capacity between the transport line and the analyzer. However, in reality, in the analyzer, it is also practical during steady operation time, such as replenishment of consumables such as reagents for each measurement item, measurement of quality control samples for stability of measurement items, etc. In many cases, it is necessary to interrupt the measurement of Of course, even in such a time zone, the buffering mechanism works and can buffer the sample container only while analysis is impossible, but the analysis device may not be ready for analysis. In this case, it is troublesome to once remove the sample container from the buffering mechanism and manually transport it to another analyzer that can be analyzed. Of course, although it is possible to construct a mechanism for automatically transporting these sample containers to another analyzer, if this is to be realized, the sample containers on the transport line connecting between the plurality of analyzers will A configuration that can be transported in both directions is required. Therefore, a very complicated mechanism is required to avoid collision between the sample container to be supplied and the sample container to be diverted.

  In addition, when multiple analyzers are connected, it is desirable to supply samples to analyzers that are not busy in view of the measurement conditions because you want to obtain a rapid measurement result, but you should use the sample container in the buffering mechanism in front of the analyzers. It is difficult to say that the optimum route has been selected, and it does not lead to shortening of the final processing time. In addition, since the sample to be transported is collected from a patient, there is a degree of urgency. Of course there are some specimens that should be prioritized, and some specimens that do not have any problem over time. Therefore, in the sample inspection system, it is desirable to preferentially transport a highly urgent sample using some means, and promptly supply the sample to the analyzer.

  To solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the present embodiment, the sample container can be supplied according to the operating condition of the analyzer while considering the traffic congestion on the route to the analyzer, and the idle time of the analyzer is minimized. It is possible to continue the analysis while limiting it. That is, since it is possible to supply the sample container timely when the analyzer needs, analysis can be continued without causing a decrease in TAT (Turn Around Time). As a result, it is possible to shorten the time for completing the processing of all the samples.

  In addition, it is possible to select a detour path by dynamically disconnecting the non-operating analyzer, and it is possible to realize a sample transport system with high flexibility. In addition, it is possible to quickly launch samples with high priority, leading to an improvement in the quality of the inspection work.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes various modifications. The above embodiments are described in detail in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Also, part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Also, the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, with respect to a part of the configuration of each embodiment, another configuration can be added, deleted, or replaced.

  Further, each of the configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. described above may be realized by hardware, for example, by designing part or all of them with an integrated circuit. Further, each configuration, function, etc. described above may be realized by software by the processor interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function. Information such as a program, a table, and a file for realizing each function can be placed in a memory, a hard disk, a recording device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, an SD card, or a DVD.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control lines and the information lines indicate what is considered necessary for the description, and not all the control lines and the information lines in the product are necessarily shown. All configurations may be connected to each other.

1 ... Buffering mechanism 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2f ... Conveying line 3a, 3b, 3c ... Conveying direction changing mechanism 2a1, 2b1, 2c1, 2d1, 2e1, 2f1 ... Belt line 3a1, 3b1 on conveying line , 3c1 ... belt line 10 on transport direction changing mechanism ... ... control computer 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 ... pretreatment function unit 19 ... sample transfer unit 20a, 20b, 20c ... analyzer 101 ... Carrier extraction port 102 ... Buffer rotor 103 ... Slot 111 ... Specimen transfer mechanism 112 ... Specimen transfer chuck mechanism 121 ... Carrier for pretreatment system 131 ... Specimen container 132 ... Specimen bar code 141 ... Carrier for analysis system 144a, 144b, 144c, 144d ... Carrier installation row 19 1 ... Transport line for pretreatment 192 ... Sample extraction position

Claims (9)

A buffering mechanism disposed between the pretreatment system and the plurality of analyzers and capable of containing a plurality of sample containers;
A transport line mechanism capable of connecting the buffering mechanism to the plurality of analyzers and transporting the sample container;
A control device that controls the transport of the sample container using the traffic congestion information acquired from the transport line mechanism and the carry-in availability information acquired from the plurality of analyzers;
A sample inspection system comprising: In the sample inspection system according to claim 1,
The controller determines the analyzer to which the sample container is to be transported, when the sample container is accommodated in the buffering mechanism.
The sample inspection system, wherein the control device includes a storage device for recording an elapsed time from the time when the sample container is accommodated in the buffering mechanism. In the sample inspection system according to claim 2,
The control device is configured to: first information indicating the position of the sample container in the buffering mechanism; second information indicating the analysis device to which the sample container is to be transported; and third information indicating the elapsed time The sample inspection system, wherein the information is associated with the information in the storage device. In the sample inspection system according to claim 1,
The controller is
When the traffic jam information indicates that the sample container does not exist in the route to the analyzer, and the carry-in availability information indicates that the analyzer is in a state where analysis is possible. A sample inspection system characterized in that the analyzer starts transporting the sample container which is a transport destination. In the sample inspection system according to claim 4,
The sample inspection system, wherein the control device starts transportation from the sample container having the longest elapsed time from the time when the sample container is accommodated in the buffering mechanism. In the sample inspection system according to claim 4,
The sample inspection system, wherein the control device starts transportation from the sample container with high priority. In the sample inspection system according to claim 6,
The sample is characterized in that, when there is a sample container with the same priority, the control device starts transportation from the sample container with the longer elapsed time from the time when the sample container is stored in the buffering mechanism. Inspection system. In the sample inspection system according to claim 1,
The sample inspection system, wherein the control device changes the transfer destination of the sample container to another analysis device when the analysis device to which the sample container should be transported is in an unusable state. In the sample inspection system according to claim 3,
The buffering mechanism has a disk-like structure capable of arranging the plurality of sample containers along the circumference thereof and carrying out the sample containers in an arbitrary order different from the order in which they are stored. Sample testing system characterized by

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