JPH0277651A - Automatic chemical analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To efficiently utilize analysis results by a method wherein an error code corresponding to an error cause and the analysis results of a sample in a sample vessel where the error occurred are correspondingly output in case an error has occurred. CONSTITUTION:Samples are stored in a plurality of sample vessels 1 with ID bar codes of samples attached and carried by a carrier unit 20. A reaction line 40 analyzes samples in the vessels 1 and outputs analysis results. A bar code reader 60 detects sample ID bar codes of the vessels 1 being carried and issues an error code corresponding to the cause of an error when an error occurs at the time of detecting said sample ID bar codes. When a control unit 50 receives the sample ID code, it makes the analysis line 40 analyze the sample and outputs the ID code and the analysis results correspondingly, while it makes the line 40 analyze the sample in the vessel 1 where the error occurred to have the analysis results output corresponded with the error code when it receives a specified error code.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Objective of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) This invention provides a sample container to which a sample ID barcode is attached, and a method for identifying the sample container based on the ID barcode. The present invention relates to an automatic chemical analyzer having a control unit that supplies a control signal to an analysis unit to analyze a sample in a container.

(Prior Art) A sample container containing a sample is sometimes attached with an ID barcode for the sample. When sample containers are being transported one by one to the analysis unit, or when sample containers are stored in racks and transported to the analysis unit one by one, the sample ID barcode is read by the barcode reader, A sample ID code (ie, identification information) is provided to the control unit. As a result, even when the sample containers are being transported randomly, the control unit identifies the sample container and provides control signals to the analysis unit to analyze the sample in this container for a predetermined item.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) Incidentally, this ID barcode may not be accurately attached to the sample container. For example, if the barcode is stained, or if there is no barcode attached at all,
If the barcode is placed in a position that the reader cannot read,
Sample containers may not be set in the rack. In such cases, the barcode is not accurately read by the reader, and the sample container is therefore not accurately identified.

Therefore, conventionally, in such cases, the control unit controls the analysis unit so as not to analyze the sample in the unidentified sample container.

However, if the sample container is not identified in this way, some users say that it is not necessary to analyze the sample, while others prefer to analyze the sample in the sample container that was not identified and obtain the analysis results for this sample. ,
There are users who want to prevent analysis efficiency from decreasing.

Conventional analyzers have not been able to satisfy the latter user's needs.

An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic chemical analyzer that, when an error occurs when reading a sample ID barcode, analyzes the sample in the sample container in which the error occurred, thereby preventing a decrease in analysis efficiency. It is in.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to output an error code corresponding to the cause of the error in correspondence with an analysis result of the sample in the sample container in which the error occurred when an error occurs when reading a sample ID barcode. As a result, it is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic chemical analyzer that can effectively utilize analysis results.

[Structure] (Means for Achieving the Object) The automatic chemical analyzer of the present invention includes a plurality of sample containers containing samples and to which ID barcodes of the samples are attached, and at least one plurality of sample containers. A conveyance means for conveying along a conveyance line, an analysis means for analyzing a sample in a sample container and outputting an analysis result, and a means for detecting a sample ID barcode of the sample container being conveyed and issuing a sample ID code. , if an error occurs when detecting the sample ID barcode, a detection means that issues an error code corresponding to the cause of the error instead of the sample ID code, and when the sample ID code is received, the sample in the sample container is analyzed by analytical means and ID
While the code and its analysis result are output in correspondence, when a predetermined error code is received, the sample in the sample container in which the error occurred is analyzed by the analysis means, and the error code and the analysis result are made to correspond. and control means for outputting the output.

(Function) Therefore, if an error occurs when reading a sample ID barcode, the sample in the sample container in which the error occurred is analyzed, thereby preventing a decrease in analysis efficiency. At the same time, since the error code and the analysis result are output in correspondence, the analysis result can be used effectively.

Furthermore, in the present invention, when the sample containers are stored in each storage section of the rack and transported, the sample ID
When an error occurs when reading a barcode, the operator can recognize the reason why the barcode of the sample container in which rack could not be read, and also display the analysis results of the sample in this sample container. Obtainable. Therefore, the operator searches for the sample container in which the error occurred based on the location information, and then the operator refers to the error code and determines which test subject and what type of sample container the error occurred in. It is possible to identify whether a sample was stored and match the identified sample with analysis results. Therefore, even if an error occurs when reading the sample ID barcode, the analysis results are reported in the same way as if no error occurred. Therefore, even if an error occurs, analysis efficiency is prevented from decreasing.

(Example) FIG. 1 shows an automatic chemical analyzer based on the present invention. This analyzer mainly consists of a sample container 1
a sampler section 10 in which are arranged, a transport unit (transport means) 20 for transporting the rack 5, a dilution unit 30 for diluting the sample, and four reaction lines (analysis means) 40 for analyzing the sample. and a control unit (control means) 50 for identifying the sample container and controlling the reaction line 40.

As shown in FIG. 2, a sample container 1 containing a sample is attached with an ID barcode 2 for identifying the sample. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a predetermined number (5) of sample containers 1 are stored in each storage section 6 of the rack 5. This rack is attached with an ID barcode 7 for identifying the rack. Furthermore, each storage section 6 is provided with a cutout 8 for exposing the sample ID to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sampler section 10 includes:
It includes a hopper unit 11, a feeder unit 12, and a stacker unit 13.

The racks 5 are transferred one by one from the hopper unit 11 to the feeder unit 12.

Furthermore, one rack 5 is transferred from the feeder unit 12 to the transport unit 20 disposed within the sampler section 10.
will be migrated one by one. The transport unit 20 intermittently transports the racks 5 one by one to the dilution unit 30.

The dilution unit 30 comprises a suction/injection arm 31 and a dilution container 33 which is moved in an annular manner by a conveyor 32 . The suction/injection arm 31 aspirates the sample from each sample container 1 of the rack 5 that has been transported to a predetermined position, and injects the sample into the dilution container 33.

When the suction of the sample from each sample container is completed, the rack 5 is transported to the changer 21 by the transport unit 20. The changer 21 transfers the rack 5 containing the sample containers to be retested to the return unit 22. This rack 5 is further transferred from the return unit 22 to the stacker unit 13 by the changer 14 and stored in this stacker unit 13. Rack 5 containing sample containers that do not require retesting is moved to a stock section (not shown).

The diluted sample in the dilution vessel 33 is distributed by a sample aspiration/injection arm 41 to a reaction vessel 42 in, for example, a reaction line 40 in the upper right corner of FIG. This reaction container 42 is a turntable.

43 in the clockwise direction, and is maintained at a predetermined temperature by a constant temperature bath (not shown).

When the reaction container 42 is moved to the reagent injection unit 44, the reagent injection unit 44 injects an appropriate reagent into the reaction container 42. Thereby, the reagent and sample are reacted, and a reaction solution is generated. The reaction container 42 is moved to the stirring unit 45, and the reaction liquid is stirred by the stirring unit 45. Thereafter, the reaction container 42 is moved to the measurement unit 46. A light beam emitted from the light source (path shown) of the measurement unit 46 passes through the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel 42, and as a result, the intensity of this transmitted light beam is measured by a photometer (path shown). After that, the reaction vessel 42
is moved to a washing/drying unit 47 and washed/dried by this unit 47. This completes the analysis of the sample for the predetermined measurement items.

The other three reaction lines 40 are also constructed in the same way as the reaction line in the upper right corner of FIG. Incidentally, reference numeral 48 is an electrode system for measuring electrolytes of a sample by an electrode method.

Furthermore, in the present invention, a barcode reader (ID reader) is arranged along the transport unit 20. This ID reader 60 reads the rack ID barcode of the rack and the sample ID barcode of the sample container.

As shown in FIG. 4, this reader 60 includes a light source 61 that irradiates a light beam onto the sample ID barcode 2 of the sample container 1 at a predetermined angle. This light beam is reflected by the sample ID barcode 2. This reflected light beam is focused by the lens 62 and is incident on the image sensor 63. As a result, the image sensor 63 converts the optical signal corresponding to the barcode into an electrical detection signal. .

Note that the light beam detected by the sensor is a light beam other than the totally reflected light beam. This is because the totally internally reflected light beam does not have an optical signal corresponding to the barcode.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the light beam scans sample ID barcode 2 along line 64.

As a result, a detection signal (sample ID code) as shown in FIG. 5B is obtained.

Further, the reader 60 reads the rack barcode 7 and supplies a detection signal (rack ID code) to the control unit 50. This allows recognition of which rack is being transported.

Further, the storage portions 6 of the racks 5 are set, for example, at the first position, the second position, the fifth position, etc. in the order in which the racks are transported. The rack 10 is transported intermittently and is temporarily stopped each time each storage section faces the sample ID reader.

For example, when the first storage section stops facing the elevator, the sample ID of the sample container in the first storage section
Barcode 2 is read by the reader. As a result, 1
It is detected that a sample container with a predetermined sample ID code is stored in the th storage section.

Therefore, when the rack barcode 7 and the sample ID barcode 2 are read by the reader 60, the positional information of the sample container, which indicates in which storage section of which rack the sample container with the predetermined sample ID code is stored, is obtained. It will be done. This position information is supplied to the control unit 50°. On the other hand, measurement items for the sample with this sample ID code are input from the keyboard 51 to the control unit 50''.As a result, the control unit performs the predetermined measurement on the sample in the sample container in the predetermined storage section of the predetermined rack. Create a directive to analyze the item.

This command is supplied to reaction line 40. As a result, the reaction line 40 analyzes this sample for predetermined measurement items and outputs the analysis results of this sample. This analysis result is supplied to the control unit 50 and
2.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, after the rack barcode 7 and sample ID barcode 2 are read, the rack 5 moves by the length of this one rack. When the rack 5 is stopped in this position, the sample is aspirated from each sample container by the aspiration/injection arm 31.

Incidentally, an error may occur when reading a sample ID barcode. In such a case, reader 60 issues an error code corresponding to the cause of the error. The cause of this error and its error code will be explained below.

CI) Code mismatch (error code: Ol) No. 7A
As shown in the figure, a sample container may have a barcode of a system other than the designated barcode system. In this case, the reader reads the different barcodes of this system and issues a detection signal as shown in FIG. 7A. However, this detection signal does not represent the ID code of the sample. Therefore, the reader outputs this detection signal as error code 01.

(n) If the barcode is defective (error code = 0)
2) As shown in Figure 7B, a notch may be formed in the barcode. In this case, the detection signal is the seventh
As shown in Figure B, it does not represent a sample ID code because it is not established as a symbol code. Therefore, the reader outputs this detection signal as error code 02.

(m)/<-If there is no code (error code: The barcode may not be attached to the sample container, or the sample container may be placed in a position where the reader cannot read the barcode. In such a case, the barcode is of course not detected, but the presence of the sample container is detected as follows.

As shown in FIG. 8, the sample container has been moved, and the outer surface of the sample container is formed into an arc shape by a light reflecting material. Therefore, the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection change in response to the movement of the sample container. Therefore, when the sample container is moving, the light beam emitted from the light source 61 is totally reflected by the outer surface of the sample container with the angle of incidence minus the angle of reflection, and this totally reflected light beam is reflected by the sensor 63. It may be injected.

Therefore, when this totally reflected light beam is detected by the sensor 63, it is recognized that a sample container is present. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7C, the reader 6
0 outputs this totally reflected light beam as error code 03.

(IV) When there is no sample container (error code: There are cases where the sample container is not stored in the storage section of the rack. In this case, the error code is recognized because neither the barcode nor the reflected light beam is detected.

Therefore, the reader outputs the non-detection signal as error code 04, as shown in FIG. 7D.

In this way, even if an error occurs when reading a sample container, the position information of the sample container in which the error occurred is recognized. For example, when a storage unit containing a sample container with a defective barcode is stopped opposite the reader, the reader issues an error code instead of the sample ID code. Therefore, it is recognized in what storage section the sample container in which the error occurred is stored. Also, the rack is identified by reading the rack barcode.

Therefore, the location information of the sample container where the error occurred,
You will get an error code. These position information and error codes are supplied to the control unit 50. As a result, the control unit recognizes the reason why the barcode of the sample container stored in which storage section of which rack was not read.

By the way, if the error code is 04, the sample cannot be analyzed because there is no sample container. However, in the case of error codes 01-03, the sample container is set in the rack. It is therefore possible for the sample in this sample container to be analyzed.

In the latter case, many users would like the sample in the sample container to be analyzed so that analysis efficiency is not reduced. Therefore, in the present invention, when the control unit receives error codes 01 to 03, the control unit supplies a command to the reaction line to analyze the sample in the sample container in which the error has occurred.

In this case, the measurement items of the sample are unknown.

Therefore, it is set in advance whether the sample is analyzed for all measurement items of the spectrometer or only for predetermined measurement items. This is because the analysis results for the necessary measurement items need only be extracted after the analysis is completed.

The reaction line analyzes this sample for preset items and outputs the analysis results. This analysis result is supplied to the control unit.

The control unit outputs the position information of the sample container in which the error occurred, the error code, and the analysis result.

As a result, the operator can recognize the reason why the barcode of the sample container in which storage section of which rack was not read and can obtain the analysis results of the sample in this sample container. Therefore, the operator searches for the sample container in which the error has occurred based on the location information, and then the operator refers to the error code and locates the sample container in which the error has occurred.
It is possible to identify what kind of sample was stored for which subject. Thereafter, the operator matches the identified sample with the analysis results.

Therefore, in the present invention, even if an error occurs when reading the sample ID barcode, the sample is analyzed, thereby preventing the analysis efficiency from decreasing. Furthermore, the position information of the sample container in which the error occurred, the error code, and the analysis results are output.

Therefore, even if the sample is not identified by a barcode, it is possible to identify the sample and match the sample with analysis results.

Additionally, the user may desire that the sample not be analyzed, depending on the cause of the error. In this invention, an error code can be output.

Therefore, for example, in the case of error code 01, the sample can be set to be analyzed, and in the case of error code 02, the sample can be set not to be analyzed. In this way, whether or not to analyze is selected depending on the user's wishes.

In addition, if the sample container in which the error occurred is not analyzed, this sample container is used as the sample aspiration/injection arm 3.
1, the suction arm 31 does not suction the sample container, or the sample container is set to pass without stopping at the suction arm 31.

Next, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

At step 101, the rack ID barcode and sample ID barcode are read. As a result, position information of the sample container is obtained (step 102).

In step 103, it is determined whether an error occurred when reading the sample ID barcode. That is, it is determined whether an error code has been output.

If no error code is output (ie, normal routine), a sample ID code is read and the sample ID code is analyzed for predetermined items (steps 104-106). As a result, sample position information, sample ID code, and analysis results are output (step 107).

If an error code is output, step 11
1, it is determined what the error code is.

In the case of error code 04, no sample container exists, so no analysis operation is performed. Error code is 01
-03, it is determined in step 112 whether the user desires analysis. If the user desires analysis, the sample is analyzed for preset measurement items (step 113).

As a result, position information of the sample container, error code, and analysis results are output. If the user does not wish to analyze, the step is transferred to termination.

Although the causes of errors and error codes are classified into four categories, it goes without saying that these causes and codes may be classified in any manner.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, even if an error occurs when reading the sample ID barcode, the sample is analyzed, so that the analysis efficiency is reduced.

is prevented. At the same time, since the error code and the analysis result are output in correspondence, the analysis result can be used effectively.

Furthermore, in this invention, when an error occurs when reading a sample ID barcode when sample containers are stored and transported in each storage section of a rack, the operator can check the number of the sample container in which rack. It is possible to recognize the reason why the barcode was not read, and also to obtain the analysis results of the sample in the sample container. Therefore, the operator can identify which sample of which subject was stored in the sample container in which the error occurred, and can compare the identified sample with the analysis results. Therefore, even if an error occurs when reading the sample ID barcode, the analysis result is reported in the same way as when no error occurs, and analysis efficiency is prevented from decreasing.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an automatic chemical analyzer based on the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sample container, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rack, and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a barcode reader. Fifth
Figure A is a front view of a sample container with a barcode attached;
FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the barcode detection signal, FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams showing the conveyance state of the rack, and FIG.
Figures A to 7D are diagrams each showing a sample container and an error code, and Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the barcode reader when a reflected light beam that is totally reflected on the outer peripheral surface of the sample container is detected. , FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic chemical analyzer based on the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Sample container, 2...Sample ID barcode, 20...Transportation unit (transportation means), 40...
Reaction line (analysis means), 50... control unit (control means), 60... barcode reader (detection means),
5...Lack, 7...Lack ID0 applicant's agent
Patent Attorney Takehiko Suzue Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 6A Figure 68 Ward Ku no To w & Sub Ku Ku Q O f'++ To immersion taste

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A plurality of sample containers containing samples and to which ID barcodes of the samples are attached, a transport means for transporting the plurality of sample containers along at least one transport line, and a sample container. An analysis means that analyzes the sample in the sample container and outputs the analysis result, and a sample ID barcode that detects the sample ID barcode of the sample container being transported and issues a sample ID code. In this case, there is a detection means that emits an error code corresponding to the cause of the error instead of the sample ID code, and when the sample ID code is received, the sample in the sample container is analyzed by the analysis means and the ID is detected.
While the code and its analysis result are output in correspondence, when a predetermined error code is received, the sample in the sample container in which the error occurred is analyzed by the analysis means, and the error code and the analysis result are made to correspond. An automatic chemical analyzer comprising a control means for outputting. 2. Claim 1, wherein the control means is configured to, when receiving another predetermined error code, supply a command to the analysis means to stop analyzing the sample in the sample container in which the error has occurred. Automatic chemical analyzer described in . 3. A plurality of racks each having a plurality of storage sections each accommodating a plurality of sample containers are provided, each rack is attached with a rack ID barcode for identifying the rack, and the transport means is configured to carry a rack means. conveying along at least one conveyance line, the detection means detecting a rack ID barcode of the rack being conveyed and emitting a rack ID code, and the control means receiving the rack ID code and the sample ID code. In some cases, the position information indicating which storage section of which rack the sample container with this sample ID code is placed is output, and when the rack ID code and a predetermined error code are received, the sample container in which the error occurred is located in which rack. The automatic chemical analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the automatic chemical analyzer is configured to output positional information indicating which storage section the device is placed in. 4. When the conveyance means intermittently conveys the rack means and temporarily stops each storage section facing the detection means, the detection means is configured to detect the sample ID barcode; 4. The automatic chemical analyzer according to claim 3, wherein the position of each storage section is recognized. 5. The detection means includes: a light source that emits a light beam toward the sample ID barcode; and an image sensor means that receives the light beam reflected by the sample ID barcode and emits the sample ID code. The automatic chemical analyzer according to claim 1. 6. If the sample ID barcode is not present, the image sensor means receives a light beam totally reflected from the outer circumferential surface of the sample container instead of the reflected light beam from the sample ID barcode, and the first error occurs. and when the image sensor means does not receive this totally reflected light beam, a second error code is emitted, and when the control means receives this first error code, the control means causes the sample container to be placed in a predetermined storage position in the rack. 6. The automated chemistry system according to claim 5, wherein the automated chemistry system is configured to determine that the sample container does not exist in a predetermined storage section of the rack when the sample container is determined to be present in the predetermined storage section of the rack and the second error code is received. Analysis equipment. 7. The control means is configured to, when determining that the sample container is not present in a predetermined storage section of the rack, supply the analysis means with a command to stop the analysis operation for this storage section; The automatic chemical analyzer according to claim 6. 8. The automatic chemical analyzer according to claim 6, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the sampler container has an arcuate portion made of a light-reflecting material. 9. A plurality of racks each having a plurality of sample containers that store samples and have ID barcodes for the samples attached thereto, and a plurality of storage sections that respectively store the plurality of sample containers; a rack ID barcode for identifying the means; a transport means for transporting the plurality of racks along at least one transport line; an analysis means for analyzing the sample in the sample container and outputting an analysis result; detecting rack ID barcodes and sample ID barcodes of racks and sample containers that are being stored, and issuing rack ID codes and sample ID codes;
If an error occurs when detecting this sample ID barcode, there is a detection means that emits a predetermined detection signal in place of the sample ID code, and when a rack ID code and a sample ID code are received, a sample container with this sample ID code is provided. Outputs positional information indicating which rack and which storage section the sample container is placed in, and when it receives the rack ID code and a predetermined detection signal, it determines in which rack and in which storage section the sample container in which the error occurred is placed. An automatic chemical analyzer comprising: a control means for outputting position information of the apparatus. 10. When the conveyance means intermittently conveys the rack means and temporarily stops each storage section facing the detection means, the detection means is configured to detect the sample ID barcode, and as a result 10. The automatic chemical analyzer according to claim 9, wherein the position of each storage section is recognized. 11. If an error occurs when detecting this sample ID barcode, the detection means issues an error code corresponding to the cause of the error instead of the sample ID code, and when the control means receives the sample ID code, The sample in the sample container is analyzed by the analysis means, and the ID code and the analysis result are output in correspondence with each other. When a predetermined error code is received, the sample in the sample container in which the error occurred is analyzed by the analysis means. The automatic chemical analyzer according to claim 9, which analyzes and outputs an error code and the analysis result in correspondence with each other. 12. The control means is configured to, when receiving another predetermined error code, supply the analysis means with a command to stop analyzing the sample in the sample container in which the error has occurred. Automatic chemical analyzer described in . 13. The detection means includes: a light source that irradiates a light beam toward the sample ID barcode; and an image sensor means that receives the light beam reflected by the sample ID barcode and emits a sample ID code. The automatic chemical analyzer according to claim 11. 14. If the sample ID barcode is not present, the image sensor means receives a light beam totally reflected from the outer circumferential surface of the sample container instead of the reflected light beam from the sample ID barcode, and the first error occurs. and when the image sensor means does not receive this totally reflected light beam, it emits a second error code, and when the control means receives this first error code, the control means determines that the sample container is in a predetermined position in the rack. Claim 13: The sample container is configured to determine that the sample container does not exist in a predetermined storage section of the rack when the sample container is determined to be present in the storage section and a second error code is received.
Automatic chemical analyzer described in . 15. When the control means determines that the sample container is not present in a predetermined storage section of the rack, the control means is configured to supply a command to the analysis means to stop the analysis operation for this storage section; The automatic chemical analyzer according to claim 14. 16. The automatic chemical analyzer according to claim 14, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the sampler container has an arcuate portion made of a light-reflecting material.