JPH0943249A - Specimen conveying system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a specimen conveying system that the flexibility of conveying control and system construction is enhanced by accelerating inspection and reinspection processes and dispersing the processes. SOLUTION: The specimen conveying system comprises a specimen 101, a rack 102, a conveying line 103, various analyzers 111a-1, a connecting units 112a-1 and a line buffer 117. Further, the system comprises unification control means 121 for unifying the request data of inspection items of the specimen 101 and the rack 102 and analyzed result data to control the conveying of the rack 102. The buffer has buffer control means 118 for selectively fetching the rack on the line and controlling the delivering direction of the rack based on the analyzed result already obtained for the specimen included in the rack to be delivered to the line. The means 118 is connected to the means 121 via data communicating means 161 for delivering and receiving the data to and from the means 121.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sample transport system for transporting a sample of blood, urine or the like to various analyzers installed in a distributed manner and automatically inspecting and retesting the sample. In addition to labor saving and rationalization, accurate and reliable inspection and re-inspection can be performed, and the optimum transport path that the system can perform can be selected according to the sample to be inspected and the inspection processing and re-inspection performed. The present invention relates to a sample transport system in which processing speed is increased, and further, processing is distributed to enhance flexibility in transport control and system construction.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional sample transport system, for example, there is a sample test automation line system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-52061. FIG. 15 is a block diagram of this conventional example.

In this automated sample inspection line system,
The placed sample storage rack is loaded into the main transport path by the automatic sorting machine, and the number and destination of the loaded sample storage rack are read by the reading device and stored in the storage unit. In addition, the control device selects an appropriate rack from the sample storage racks waiting on the automatic sorting machine based on the status signals from various analyzers and the read data in the storage unit, and inserts it into the main transport path. . The loaded sample storage rack automatically reaches the various analyzers to be inspected via the branch line conveyance path, and the inspection is automatically performed.

Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-172252, as a sample inspection system improved from the first conventional example, information on the urgency of the test is stored for each inspection item of the sample, and the sample is stored in various analyzers. At the time of sending, it is decided based on this urgency information which of the various analyzers should be loaded with the sample, and a return transport path from the various analyzers to the automatic sorting machine is provided so that the sample can be collected multiple times. It is disclosed that it can be transported to various analyzers, the queuing of specimens can be minimized, and the specimens can be efficiently distributed.

Generally, in a sample inspection system, re-inspection may be required due to range over or previous value check. Here, the range over means that, for example, when the sample is from a seriously ill patient, the measurement value as a test result exceeds the measurement range in the normal analysis process of various analyzers. In such a case, Requires re-measurement, that is, re-inspection.

Further, in the case of the same subject and the same inspection item, when the measured value of this time is largely different from the measured value of the previous time, a measurement error or an error of various analyzers may be considered. Therefore, re-inspection is necessary to perform an accurate inspection.

[0007]

However, in the above-described first conventional sample transport system, the rack transport control is only in one direction, and the rack is automatically returned to the original loading position and re-loaded. It is impossible to have them inspected. Also,
As in the above-mentioned second conventional sample transport system, it is possible to provide a return transport path from various analyzers to the automatic sorter, or to configure the transport path in a loop shape so that it can be loaded into various analyzers again. Even if it is done, the racks that need re-inspection and the racks that do not need to be re-inspected are mixed and the transfer control becomes complicated, and it takes a considerable amount of time before re-inspection. In addition, there is a problem that the speed of the reinspection process cannot be increased.

Further, the above-mentioned first and second conventional sample transport systems are essentially based on sequential routine processing, and the types of samples are diversified and the inspection items to be inspected are also diversified. In the conventional sample transport system that can only incorporate routines today, it is necessary to add or change sub routine routines each time.
There were problems that we could not deal flexibly and that the system became complicated.

For example, when a large number of samples are to be inspected for limited inspection items, the sample storage racks are concentrated in some of the various analyzers, and transport using the various analyzers occurs. The route became a bottleneck, and the problem was that the processing capacity of the sample transport system originally provided could not be fully exerted.

In the second conventional sample transport system, in order to deal with various test items, it is necessary to repeatedly insert the loop route formed by the transport path and the return transport path many times. In a large-scale system in which multiple analyzers are installed, it takes a considerable amount of time to carry the loop path only once, and as a result, high-speed processing cannot be realized and urgent requests cannot be answered. There were dots.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and a sample for automatically inspecting a sample of blood, urine or the like by transporting it to various analyzers installed in a dispersed manner. In the transport system, it is possible to realize high-speed processing even for irregular special processing such as reinspection and emergency processing, and as a result, it is an object to provide a sample transportation system that can achieve highly labor-saving and rationalization. .

Another object of the present invention is to flexibly cope with various kinds of specimens and various kinds of test items, and to carry out an accurate and reliable test for irregular special processing without manual labor. The object of the present invention is to provide a sample transport system capable of performing.

Another object of the present invention is to select an optimal transport route that can be achieved by the system according to the type of sample to be loaded, test item, urgency, etc., and to create a bottleneck in the transport route. An object of the present invention is to provide a sample transport system that can speed up the inspection process without causing any problems.

Another object of the present invention is to introduce the concept of a distributed processing system so as to set a processing priority even for irregular special processing and to cope with it by only a slight change in system design. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a sample transport system with enhanced flexibility in transport control.

Still another object of the present invention is to introduce the concept of a distributed processing system to add a connection unit and to add a system specification such as a database to a new addition / change of various analyzers. It is to provide a sample transport system that can deal with additions and changes of the embodied parts and that has increased flexibility in system construction.

[0016]

In order to solve the above problems, a sample transport system according to claim 1 of the present invention collects a sample with a readable sample identification code and a predetermined number of the samples. And a readable rack identification code is attached to the rack, a transport line for transporting the rack in a predetermined direction, and predetermined items among the inspection items given in correspondence with the sample identification code are analyzed. Various analyzers, a connection unit for selectively fetching racks on the transport line and supplying them to various analyzers to be connected, a rack buffer for selectively fetching and holding racks on the transport line, and transporting the sample Controls the transport of the rack by supervising request data and analysis result data such as inspection items of the sample and / or the rack supplied to the system. ; And a general control unit, the connection unit comprises a connection control means for controlling the supply of the rack of the selective uptake of the rack on the transport line, as well as to various analyzers for connecting said rack buffer,
The connection control is provided with a buffer control means for selectively taking in the racks on the transfer line and controlling the unloading direction of the racks based on the analysis results already obtained for the samples contained in the racks to be carried out on the transfer line. The means is connected via a signal transmission means for exchanging signals with various analyzers to be connected, and the connection control means and the buffer control means perform data communication for exchanging data with the general control means. The various analyzers are connected to each other via data communication means for exchanging data with the general control means.

The sample transport system according to claim 2 is the sample transport system according to claim 1, wherein the transport line is capable of transporting the rack in both front and rear directions.

The sample transport system according to claim 3 is the sample transport system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sample transport system includes a first code reading means for reading the sample identification code and the rack identification code. And a start stocker for holding a plurality of the racks to be loaded into the sample transport system, wherein the first code reading means is a rack of a predetermined number among the racks held by the start stocker. (Referred to as "selection target rack group"), the sample identification code and the rack identification code are sequentially read and notified to the integrated control means, and the integrated control means is configured to request data of the selected insertion target rack group and the various analyzers. Based on the load information of the selected loading target racks to the loading line It is intended to select a click.

A sample transport system according to a fourth aspect is the sample transport system according to the first, second or third aspect, wherein the overall control means uses the rack identification code as a key and stores at least the sample contained in the rack. A rack information database holding a sample identification code and position information in the rack of the sample, a sample information database holding at least information of inspection items to be performed on the sample using the sample identification code as a key, and the sample identification code An analysis result information database that holds analysis result information for each inspection item is provided as a key.

The sample transport system according to claim 5 is the sample transport system according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the connection unit reads the rack identification code of the rack supplied from the transport line. The second code reading unit and the buffer unit for holding the rack up to the number set by the integrated control unit or the connection control unit are provided.

Further, the sample transport system according to claim 6 is the sample transport system according to claim 5, wherein the second code reading means is configured to read the second code reading means when reading the rack identification code of the rack. , The rack on the transfer line is temporarily stopped,
The connection control means refers to the rack information database based on the read rack identification code, determines whether or not to supply the rack to the various analyzers connected to the connection unit, and supplies the rack. In some cases, the rack is taken into the last part of the buffer section, and when the rack should not be supplied, the second code reading means is moved to the original position to return the rack to the transport line.

The sample transport system according to claim 7 is the sample transport system according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the rack buffer reads a rack identification code of a rack supplied from the transport line. The third code reading means includes a code reading means, and when the rack identification code of the rack is read, the third code reading means moves to temporarily stop the rack on the transfer line and control the buffer. The means refers to the rack information database and the sample information database based on the read rack identification code and sample identification code, and determines whether or not the rack contains a sample that may require reinspection. , If it is included, the rack is fetched at the end of the rack buffer, and if not included, the rack By the movement to the original position of the code reading means, it is intended to return the rack on the conveying line.

Further, in the sample transport system according to claim 8, in the sample transport system according to claim 4, 5, 6 or 7, the buffer control means sets a rack to be carried out to the transport line to the rack. Based on the sample identification code of the contained sample, the analysis result information database is referred to, the necessity of reinspection of the sample is determined, and the carrying-out direction of the rack is controlled.

The sample transport system according to claim 9 is the sample transport system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, wherein the transport line is transported by rotation of a predetermined angle. It is equipped with a turntable that changes direction.

The sample transport system according to claim 10 is the sample transport system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the rack buffer is connected to the transport line. , Is connected via a turntable that changes the transport direction by rotating at a predetermined angle.

Further, the sample transport system according to claim 11 is the sample transport system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, wherein the buffer section is the transport. It is connected to the line via a turntable that changes the transport direction by rotating at a predetermined angle.

The sample transport system according to claim 12 is the sample transport system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
Alternatively, in the sample transport system according to item 11, the connection unit performs various types of analysis on the buffer unit that holds racks up to the number set by the integrated control unit or the connection control unit, and the racks supplied from the buffer unit. A first feed means for moving the apparatus in synchronism with the operation of the apparatus; and a second feed means for returning the rack, which has been analyzed by the various analyzers, to the transport line, and a carry-in port to the buffer section, The transfer line is connected to the transfer line via a first turntable that changes the transfer direction by rotation of a first angle, and the outlet of the second feed means is
The transfer line is connected to the transfer line via a second turntable that changes the transfer direction by rotating a second angle.

A sample transport system according to a thirteenth aspect is the sample transport system according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the connection unit uses a part of the second feed means as a carry-in port and a carry-in port of the buffer section. The rack buffer having a part of the outlet is provided.

The sample transport system according to claim 14 is the sample transport system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1.
In the sample transport system of 0, 11, 12 or 13, the carry-in port to the rack buffer is connected to the transport line via a second turntable that changes the transport direction by rotation of a second angle, The carry-out port of the buffer is connected to the carrying line through a first turntable that changes the carrying direction by rotation of a first angle.

The sample transport system according to claim 15 is the sample transport system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1.
In the sample transport system according to 0, 11, 12, 13 or 14, the buffer unit or the rack buffer has a side surface in the sample alignment direction of the rack previously loaded,
The rack is held so that the side faces of the next taken-in rack in the sample arrangement direction are in contact with each other.

Further, the sample transport system according to claim 16 is the sample transport system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1.
In the sample transport system according to 0, 11, 12, 13 or 14, the buffer unit or the rack buffer has a side surface perpendicular to a sample alignment direction of a rack previously loaded and a sample alignment of a rack next loaded. It holds the rack so that the side faces perpendicular to the direction contact.

[0032]

In the sample transport system according to the first aspect of the present invention, in order to transport a sample with a readable sample identification code, a predetermined number of the sample is placed in a rack with a readable rack identification code. A rack system is adopted in which the pieces are placed in a batch. In addition, the integrated control means
The sample data and / or rack inspection items and other request data and analysis result data supplied to the sample transport system are integrated, and rack transport control is performed, while connecting as a connecting means between the transport line and various analyzers. The connection unit selectively captures racks on the transfer line and supplies them to various analyzers to be connected. Further, the rack buffer selectively captures racks on the transfer line to provide a temporal buffer. I try to do the ring.

Further, the connection unit has a connection control means for controlling the selective intake of the rack on the transfer line and the supply of the rack to various analyzers to be connected, and the rack buffer has a rack on the transfer line. Selective uptake of
And a buffer control means for controlling the carrying-out direction of the rack based on the analysis result already obtained for the sample contained in the rack to be carried out to the transport line,
The connection control means is connected via a signal transmission means such as RS232C for exchanging signals with various connected analyzers, and the connection control means and the buffer control means mutually exchange data with the general control means. Is connected via a data communication means such as Ethernet, and the various analyzers are connected via a data communication means such as Ethernet for exchanging data with the overall control means.

With respect to the analysis process, by installing various analyzers for analyzing the predetermined items among the inspection items given in correspondence with the sample identification code with the above-mentioned configuration, in each place of the sample transport system. The distributed processing system is realized, and at the same time, the connection unit connected to various analyzers controls the selective supply of racks to various analyzers or the transfer control at that point, thereby decentralizing the transfer control. It also realizes a processing system.

As described above, the overall rack transport control of the entire sample transport system is performed by the integrated control means, while at the point where various analyzers are connected to the transport line,
Since the finer rack transport control is performed by the connection control means, the processing load on the overall control means is reduced, and for example, various analyzers are newly added or various analyzers are changed. In this case, a connecting unit may be added or changed to the various analyzers to connect to the transfer line, and in the overall control means, addition or change of a portion such as a database that embodies system specifications, etc. This makes it possible to realize a sample transport system with increased flexibility in system construction.

Further, since the transport control of the fine rack is locally performed by the connection control means of the connection unit and the buffer control means of the rack buffer, the general control means is provided even for irregular special processing such as reinspection and emergency processing. Since the connection control means and the buffer control means can individually and flexibly and accurately process the sample transport system without causing a contradiction, as a result, high-speed test processing and retesting can be performed. Processing can be realized, and
Highly labor-saving and rationalization can be achieved without annoying human labor.

Further, in the sample transport system according to the second aspect, it is desirable that the transport line is constructed so as to control the transport of the rack bidirectionally. For example, if it is possible to control transport in only one direction, it is necessary to separately equip the rack buffer with various analyzers for reinspection processing, but by enabling transport control in both front and back directions. , It becomes possible to perform retesting using various analyzers in the previous stage of the rack buffer, and the sample transport system can be configured more efficiently and functionally.

Further, in the sample transport system according to the third aspect, the first code reading means is configured to sample a predetermined number of racks (hereinafter, referred to as a selective loading target rack group) among the racks held in the start stocker. The identification code and the rack identification code are sequentially read and notified to the integrated control means, and the integrated control means selects a rack from the selected input target rack group based on the request data of the selected input target rack group and the load information of various analyzers. Then, they are sequentially put into the transfer line.

Therefore, even if the samples or racks having biased request information are concentrated at one time, the racks to be loaded into the transfer line are selected based on the request data and the load information of various analyzers. As a result, it is possible to speed up the sample processing without causing traffic congestion.

Further, in the sample transport system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the central control means uses the rack identification code as a key, and rack information holding at least the sample identification code of the sample contained in the rack and the in-rack position information of the sample. A database, a sample information database that holds at least information on test items to be performed on the sample using the sample identification code as a key, and an analysis result information database that holds analysis result information for each test item using the sample identification code as a key It has a configuration with.

The rack information database, the sample information database, and the analysis result information database make it possible to centrally manage the information about the racks and the samples held by the sample transport system, and to manage them with other databases of the sample transport system. System scalability is assured by cooperation through networks.

In addition, in order to cope with the irregular period processing, for example, to deal with the emergency processing, if the rack information database is in a table format, new items are added and the connection control unit is connected. This can be dealt with by adding a new determination process to the control sequence performed by the control means, and a sample transport system with enhanced transport control flexibility can be realized.

Further, in the sample transport system according to the fifth aspect, in the connection unit, the rack identification code of the rack supplied from the transport line is read by the second code reading means and set by the general control means or the connection control means. The rack is held in the buffer section up to the maximum number.

For example, by setting the maximum number of buffers in accordance with the processing capacity of various analyzers and the loading condition of racks by the integrated control means, it is possible to carry out smooth transfer control without the racks remaining on the transfer line. Become. Further, the maximum number of buffers may be treated as a parameter set in the integrated control means, and may be set by the user through an input means such as a console.

Further, for example, if the connection control means independently resets the maximum number of buffers according to the processing status of the connection unit, the number of buffers can be arbitrarily set in response to emergency processing or manual input. This makes it possible to flexibly deal with irregular special processing, reduce the influence on other parts of the sample transport system, and maintain the overall processing capacity of the sample transport system while performing irregular Special processing can be performed.

In the sample transport system according to the sixth aspect, the second code reading means temporarily stops the rack on the transport line by moving the second code reading means when reading the rack identification code of the rack. Then, the connection control means refers to the rack information database based on the read rack identification code to determine whether or not to supply the rack to various analyzers connected to the connection unit. The rack at the end of the buffer section, and if it should not be supplied, the second rack
By moving the code reading means to the original position, the rack is returned to the transport line.

The determination as to whether or not the supply should be performed by the connection control means is performed by, for example, calculating the number of specimens in the rack to be analyzed for the analysis items performed by the various analyzers, and If the number is equal to or larger than the specific number, the supply is performed, and if the number is less than the specific number, the supply is not performed. As a result, racks that do not require measurement by various analyzers can be passed through the transport line as they are, and a bypass function for racks that do not require measurement can be realized. The transport control can be performed without imposing an unnecessary load on various analyzers, and as a result, the processing efficiency of the entire sample transport system can be improved.

Further, in the sample transport system according to the seventh aspect, the third code reading means temporarily stops the rack on the transport line by moving the third code reading means when reading the rack identification code of the rack. Then, the buffer control means refers to the rack information database and the sample information database based on the read rack identification code and sample identification code to determine whether or not the rack contains a sample that may require reinspection. Judge, if it contains, take the rack to the end of the rack buffer,
If not included, the rack is returned to the transport line by moving the third code reading means to the original position.

As described above, only the rack containing the sample that may require re-inspection is taken into the rack buffer, and the transfer control thereafter is mainly entrusted to the buffer control means, and the possibility of re-inspection is increased. For racks that do not exist, they pass through the transport line as they are, and subsequent transport control is mainly entrusted to the connection control means of the connection unit of the various analyzers that follow the next stage. Since the inspection process is performed under the transport control based on the local distributed control, as a result, the inspection process and the reinspection process can be speeded up.

Further, in the sample transport system according to the eighth aspect, the buffer control means refers to the analysis result information database for the rack to be carried out to the transport line based on the sample identification code of the sample contained in the rack, The necessity of reinspection of the sample is determined based on the analysis results performed by the various analyzers, and the unloading direction of the rack is controlled.

That is, racks that do not require re-inspection are transported in the downstream direction with the terminal stocker, and racks that require re-inspection are directed to various analyzers in the preceding stage of the rack buffer that control the inspection items. Will be controlled. If there are various analyzers that perform the same inspection items as the downstream analyzers in the downstream direction, control of the transport direction is delegated to the overall control means,
Based on the load status of various analyzers, the integrated control means
It may be possible to determine to which of the various analyzers the rack is distributed.

In this way, both the racks that require re-inspection and the racks that do not require re-inspection are clearly classified, and the inspection process and the re-inspection process are performed under transport control based on local distributed control. As a result, the inspection processing and re-inspection processing can be speeded up.

Further, in the sample transport system according to the ninth aspect, the transport line is provided with a turntable, and the transport direction is changed by rotating the turntable at a predetermined angle. As a result, more flexible transport control can be realized, and a sample transport system capable of more flexibly arranging various devices can be constructed.

In the sample transport system according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the rack buffer and the transport line are connected via a turntable, and the transport direction is changed by rotation of the turntable at a predetermined angle so that the rack buffer can be loaded into the rack buffer. It is designed to be carried out to the transfer line. Depending on the presence or absence of this turntable, various modifications can be made to the shape of the rack buffer, and it becomes possible to construct a sample transport system that allows more flexible arrangement of various devices.

Further, in the sample transport system according to the eleventh aspect, the connection between the buffer section and the transport line is performed via the turntable, and the transport direction is changed by rotation of the turntable at a predetermined angle, so that the buffer section in the connection unit. It is designed to be taken into and out of the conveyor line. Depending on the presence or absence of this turntable, the shape of the connection unit can be modified in various ways, and it becomes possible to construct a sample transport system that allows more flexible arrangement of various devices.

Further, in the sample transport system according to the twelfth aspect, the connection unit is transported via the buffer unit connected to the transport line via the first turntable, the first feed means, and the second turntable. The second feed means connected to the line is provided, and first, with respect to the rack on the transfer line, the transfer direction is changed by rotation of the first turntable at the first angle, and the rack is transferred from the transfer line to the buffer section. Then, the rack supplied from the buffer unit is moved by the first feed means in synchronism with the operation of the various analyzers, the various analyzers sequentially analyze each sample, and the racks after the analysis are completed. Is moved to the second turntable by the second feed means, and the conveying direction is changed by rotating the second turntable by the second angle. And then returned to the rack conveying line. It should be noted that racks that are not distributed to the various analyzers are directly passed through the transport line via the first and second turntables.

By incorporating the connection unit having such a structure according to the structure and system layout of various analyzers included in the sample transport system, more flexible system design is possible.

Further, in the sample transport system according to claim 13, in the connection unit of the sample transport system according to claim 12, a part of the second feed means is used as a carry-in port and a part of the carry-in port of the buffer part is carried. A rack buffer serving as an outlet is provided, and the rack for which analysis has been completed is moved by the second feed means, and the buffer control means takes in something that may require re-inspection into the rack buffer. Those that do not exist are moved to the second turntable, the transport direction is changed by the rotation of the second turntable at the second angle, and the rack is returned to the transport line.

By the time the rack is unloaded from the rack buffer, the analysis result information is written in the analysis result information database, and the buffer control means stores the information,
That is, based on the results of the analysis performed by the various analyzers in the preceding stage, it is determined whether or not the sample contained in the rack needs retesting, and the unloading direction of the rack is controlled. That is,
Racks that do not require reinspection are moved to the first turntable and then returned to the transfer line via the second turntable. For racks that require re-inspection,
It is moved to the carry-in port of the buffer unit, taken into the last part of the buffer unit, and waits for re-inspection by various analyzers.

By incorporating the combination of the connection unit and the rack buffer having such a configuration into the system according to the structure and system layout of various analyzers provided in the sample transport system, a more flexible system design is possible.

Further, in the sample transport system according to the fourteenth aspect, the carry-in port to the rack buffer and the transport line are connected by the second turntable which changes the transport direction by rotating the second angle, and the carry-out port of the rack buffer. It is desirable that the and the transfer line are connected by a first turntable that changes the transfer direction by rotating the first angle.

For example, in the case of combining with the connection unit of the sample transport system according to claim 12, the rack which has been analyzed by various analyzers is moved onto the second turntable, and at this time, by the buffer control means, If there is a possibility that re-inspection is necessary, take it into the rack buffer, and if there is no possibility, change the transport direction by rotating the second turntable at the second angle and return the rack to the transport line. ing.

By the time the rack is carried out from the rack buffer to the first turntable, the analysis result information is written in the analysis result information database, and the buffer control means stores the information, that is, the various analyzes in the previous stage. Based on the analysis result performed by the device, it is determined whether or not the sample contained in the rack needs reinspection, and the unloading direction of the rack is controlled. That is, for a rack that does not require reinspection, the transport direction is changed by rotating the first turntable at the first angle, and the rack is returned to the transport line via the second turntable. Also, for racks that require re-inspection, they are moved to the carry-in port of the buffer section via the first turntable, and taken into the last section of the buffer section,
It will be waiting for re-inspection by various analyzers.

According to the structure and system layout of various analyzers included in the sample transport system, by incorporating the combination of the connection unit and the rack buffer having such a configuration into the system, a more flexible system design is possible.

In the sample transport system according to the fifteenth aspect, the buffer section or the rack buffer is brought into contact with the side surface of the rack that has been loaded first in the sample alignment direction and the side surface of the rack that has been loaded next in the sample alignment direction. As such, it should be configured to hold the rack.

Further, in the sample transport system according to the sixteenth aspect, the buffer section or the rack buffer is provided on the side surface perpendicular to the sample arrangement direction of the rack previously taken in, and perpendicular to the sample arrangement direction of the rack taken next. The racks should be configured to hold the sides of the rack in contact.
By combining with the sample transport system according to the fifteenth aspect, more flexible system design becomes possible according to the structure and system layout of various analyzers included in the system.

[0067]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the sample transport system of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a sample transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Overall Configuration of the Embodiment] The sample transport system of this example transports the sample 101 to which the sample identification barcode (readable sample identification code) is attached.
For example, a rack system is adopted in which, for example, 10 samples are collectively placed on a rack 102 having a rack identification barcode (readable rack identification code).

In FIG. 1, the sample transport system of the present embodiment comprises a transport line 103, a start stocker 104,
Console 105 (input means), various analyzers 111a
-1 to 111a-n and 111b, connection unit 112
a-1 to 112a-n and 112b, rack buffer 1
17, turntable 114, terminal stocker 1
16, and a host computer 121 (overall control means in the claims).

It is desirable that the start stocker 104 is provided with a plurality of FIFO type stockers, and the rack 102 is loaded into each stocker according to the inspection item handled by the sample transport system. still,
When the correspondence between the inspection items and the stocker is not one-to-one correspondence, the inspection items may be grouped in advance based on a concept higher than the inspection items and input in correspondence with the group. Further, as a method for sorting inspection items or groups, a manual method or a start stocker 10
There is a method using an automatic sorting machine (not shown) installed in the preceding stage of No. 4.

The turntable 114 is used for the transfer line 10
The turntable 11 is installed at a branching point or a turning point on the No. 3 and based on a control instruction of the host computer 121.
The rack mounted on 4 is rotated to change the transport direction. The rack 102 to be placed is identified by reading the rack identification code of the rack 102 with a bar code reader 134 installed on the transfer line 103 immediately before the inlet of the turntable 114.

The terminal stocker 116 is the rack 1
This is a stocker that sequentially accumulates racks for which analysis of all inspection items to be performed on all samples in 02 has been completed.

The console 105 is an input means of the sample transport system and is used when inputting auxiliary information such as urgency (priority level) when the rack 102 is loaded into the start stocker 104. Is.
The console 105 may be configured as an input unit for data, control commands, etc. for each component (various analyzers, dispensers, etc.) of the sample transport system.

The host computer 121 controls request data such as inspection items of the sample 101 and rack 102 and analysis result data supplied to the sample transport system, and also controls transport of the rack 102 in the sample transport system. Is. For example, DECpcXL PC
I (UNIX operating system) CPU12
2 and is realized by a configuration including a hard disk and an optical disk. The host computer 121 manages various databases such as a sample information database 123, a rack information database 124, and an analysis result information database 125, which will be described later, and communication control of a LAN configured with the data communication unit 161 as a communication medium. It also functions.

Various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-n
Reference numerals 111b and 111b are for analyzing predetermined items among the test items given corresponding to the specimen identification code. For example, for analyzing serum, plasma, urine, etc., glucose, electrolytes, biochemical items, etc. Is. Various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-n and 11
1b is a device alone or a connection unit 11 described later.
It is connected to the transfer line 103 via 2a-1 to 112a-n and 112b. Various analyzers 111a-
1 to 111a-n and 111b are host computers 121
In order to exchange data with each other, they are connected via a LAN (data communication means 161) such as Ethernet.

Connection units 112a-1 to 112a-n
Reference numerals 112 and 112b denote connection means for connecting the transport line 103 and various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-n and 111b, respectively, and are used for the rack 1 on the transport line 103.
02 is selectively taken in, and various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-1
The rack 103 is supplied to various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-n and 111b according to the processing status of 111a-n and 111b.

Further, the connection units 112a-1 to 112a
-N and 112b are racks 10 on the transfer line 103.
Selective capture of 2 and various analyzers 111 to be connected
Connection control means 113a-1 to 113a- for controlling the supply of the rack 102 to the a-1 to 111a-n and 111b.
n and 113b.

The connection control means 113a-1 to 113a
-N and 113b are various analyzers 111a to be connected-
1-111a-n and 111b, for transmitting and receiving signals to and from each other, signal transmission means 162a such as RS232C
-1 to 162a-n (not shown) and 162b, and is also connected via a LAN (data communication means 161) such as Ethernet to exchange data with the host computer 121. ing. Therefore,
Connection control means 113a-1 to 113a-n and 113b
In addition to a control mechanism that realizes a buffer function and a moving function of the rack 102, which will be described later, the LAN interface and the RS232C interface are provided.

The rack buffer 117 stores at least the analysis results obtained by the various analyzers in the preceding stage for the racks that may require re-inspection.
It has a role of a so-called time buffer, which holds until the time of writing to 25.

The rack buffer 117 is used for the transfer line 10
3 is provided with a buffer control means 118 for selectively taking in the racks 102 on the third rack and controlling the carrying-out direction of the racks 102 based on the analysis results already obtained for the samples 101 contained in the racks 102 to be carried out to the transport line 103. There is. This buffer control means 118 is used for the host computer 12
1 is connected via a LAN (data communication means 161) such as Ethernet to exchange data with each other.

The transfer line 103 of this embodiment is configured to transfer the rack 102 bidirectionally.
For example, the transport line 103 is configured by combining transport line units divided into predetermined lengths. This can be realized by configuring each of the transfer line units with a motor capable of controlling forward and reverse rotations, a transfer belt, control means for controlling the rotation of the motor, and the like. Further, the control means is connected to the host computer 121 via the data communication means 161, receives an instruction from the host computer 121, and
Control means and RS of the transport line unit connected to the front and rear
It is configured to be connected by signal transmission means such as 232C and the like so that the status information of the transport line unit can be received from the control means.

The sample transport system of the present embodiment realizes a distributed processing system for analytical processing with the above-described configuration, and at the same time, various analytical devices 111a-1 to 111a-1.
Connection unit 1 connected to 111a-n and 111b
12a-1 to 112a-n and 112b selectively control the supply of racks to the various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-n and 111b, or carry control at that point, thereby performing a distributed process for carrying control. The system is also realized.

[Specific Example of Each Component of the Embodiment] Next, a specific example of each component of the sample transport system of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, as shown in FIG. 2A, the sample 101 is a test tube 201 containing serum, plasma, urine or the like, and a label attribute 203 and a bar code 204 are written in the test tube 201. The sample label 202 is attached. The bar code 204 is a sample identification code,
The contents are, for example, date (2 digits), reception number (4
It is a 9-digit code composed of a digit), a container type (2 digits), and a container sequence (1 digit). Also, the label attribute 20
As 3, an ID, a name, a reception number, a sample type, an emergency mark, a special note, etc. are described.

The rack 102 is, for example, a SYSMEX rack 210 manufactured by Toa Medical Electronics as shown in FIG. 2 (b).
To use. Up to 10 test tubes 201 can be mounted, and a rack label 211 is attached to a side surface perpendicular to the transport direction of the rack.

Next, the sample information database 123 and the rack information database 12 provided in the host computer 121.
4 and the analysis result information database 125, FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

The sample information database 123 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), using the sample identification code as a key, at least the type of the sample, the inspection item to be performed, and the priority level information are held. The sample identification code corresponds to the bar code 204 written on the sample label 202. The priority level is set by an input means such as the console 105.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the rack information database 124 uses the rack identification code as a key, and at least the in-rack position information of the sample contained in the rack is the sample identification code corresponding to the positions 1 to 10. Hold as. The rack identification code corresponds to the bar code written on the rack label 211. Regarding the priority level, here, the sample information database 123
Although it is configured as an item added for each sample identification code within the rack information database, a configuration is added for each rack identification code within the rack information database 124, or both databases 123.
It may be configured to be held by 124 and 124.

Further, the analysis result information database 125 is
As shown in FIG. 3C, the analysis result information for each test item is held using the sample identification code as a key.

The specimen information database 123,
With the configurations of the rack information database 124 and the analysis result information database 125, it is possible to centrally manage the information regarding the sample 101 and the rack 102 handled by the sample transport system of this embodiment. Further, the system expandability can be guaranteed by linking with other databases configured in the sample transport system via a network or the like, or by constructing a relational database system.

For irregular period processing, for example, emergency processing, when the sample information database 123 and the rack information database 124 are in the table format as in this embodiment, the item "priority level" is used. This can be dealt with by adopting a configuration in which is added. Rack transfer control and distribution control in consideration of the priority level will be described later.

Next, the start stocker 104 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the start stocker 104 used in this embodiment.

In FIG. 4, the start stocker 104 of this embodiment includes an emergency input port 104-1, FIFO type stockers 104-2 and 104-3, and an emergency input port 10.
4-1 and the rack identification codes of the racks in the front row of the stockers 104-2 and 104-3 are 131a-1 to 131a-1.
A bar code reader 131a (first code reading means in the claims) which is moved to a position 31a-3 and read.
It is configured to include a bar code reader 131b installed at a loading port of the transfer line 103, and an evacuation stocker 104-4 for stocking a rack in which a reading error has occurred in the bar code readers 131a and 131b.

In the start stocker 104 of this embodiment, the emergency insertion port 104-1 and each stocker 104-
It is premised that the rack 102 is loaded into 2 and 104-3 manually, but each stocker 1
It is desirable that the division of 04-2 and 104-3 is performed according to the inspection item or the type of sample handled by the sample transport system.

For example, the stocker 104-2 is used for electrolyte analysis, and the stocker 10 is used for glucose analysis.
4-3 or stocker 1 for blood samples
04-2, Stocker 104 for analysis of urine samples
-3, and so on. If the test items handled by the sample transport system and the stocker do not have a one-to-one correspondence, they may be grouped in advance according to the concept of a higher order of the test items, and may be input in correspondence with the group.

The rack 102 to be put into the transfer line 103
Since the method of selecting (1) is related to the structure of various analyzers 111a and the like and the connection unit 112a and the like, it will be described together with a method of setting and resetting the number of buffers of the buffer unit 141 of the connection unit 112a and the like.

Next, the terminal stocker 116 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the terminal stocker 116 used in this embodiment.

In FIG. 5, the terminal stocker 116 of this embodiment includes a bar code reader 534, and
It is configured to include stockers 116a and 116b. The rack 10 is installed in the stockers 116a and 116b.
For all the samples in 2, the racks for which the analysis of all the inspection items to be performed by the sample transport system have been completed are sequentially accumulated.

The bar code reader 534 is located at the position 53.
Rack 10 which is transported by moving to 4 '
It also has the function of a stopper to stop 2 and reads the rack identification code of the rack 102 at the position 534 ′ and sorts the stocker 116a or 116b based on a predetermined classification method under the control of the host computer 121. . Note that the predetermined classification method includes classification based on test items, types of specimens, and the like.

Next, the connection unit will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows a connection unit 1 according to the first specific example.
12a (112a-1 to 112a-n) is a configuration diagram of a bar code reader 132 (second code reading unit in claims), a buffer unit 141, a first feeder unit 642, a second feeder unit 643, and connection control. Means 113
a is provided.

A characteristic part of the connection unit 112a of the first specific example is the shape of the buffer section 141. That is, the rack is configured so that the side of the rack that is first loaded in the sample alignment direction and the side of the rack that is next loaded are in contact with the sample alignment direction. Is the buffer.

The connection control means 113a is used for the transfer line 10
3 on the rack 102, the buffer unit 141 is selectively taken in.
Control and setting of the maximum number of buffers, and the supply of the rack 102 to various analyzers 111a to be connected. Further, the connection control means 113a exchanges signals with various analyzers 111a to be connected.
It is connected via a C signal transmission means 162a, and is also connected via an Ethernet LAN (data communication means 161) for exchanging data with the host computer 121. Therefore, the connection control means 113a is
It also has an interface with the AN and an RS232C interface.

Based on the above configuration, first, regarding the method of selecting the rack 102 to be loaded into the transfer line 103,
This will be described with reference to FIG. First, the emergency inlet 104-1
The rack identification code of the rack 102 installed in the rack is read by the bar code reader 131a and is notified to the host computer 121. In the host computer 121, the request data of the rack, the number of buffers or the number of racks of various analyzers 111a that can process the request data or the number of racks that can be processed, the maximum value of the number of samples or the number of analyzes, and the buffer unit 141 are currently available. Based on the rack identification code of the held rack and the like, various analyzers at the transfer destination are determined and the rack is loaded into the transfer line 103.

Also, stockers 104-2 and 104-
For the rack installed in No. 3, the bar code reader 131a is moved to the positions of 131a-2 and 131a-3, and the rack identification codes of the racks in the front row of the stockers 104-2 and 104-3 are read, The host computer 121 is notified. In the host computer 121, the request data of the rack group, the number of buffers or the number of racks that can be processed by various analyzers 111a that can process the request data, the number of racks that can be processed, the maximum value of the number of samples or the number of analyzes, and the buffer unit 141 are currently set. On the basis of the rack identification code of the rack held in, the rack to be loaded into the transport line 103 is selected from the rack group, and various analyzers at the transport destination are determined.

As described above, the selection of the input rack and the determination of the various analyzers to which the rack is transported are performed by the host computer 121 according to the operation / operation status of the sample transport system. As a result, it is possible to operate according to the load status of various analyzers included in the sample transport system and the load status of the entire system, avoid bottlenecks, and speed up the inspection process of the entire sample transport system. .

Further, for example, the following method is used to determine the load status of various analyzers 111a and the like. That is,
In FIG. 6, the buffer unit 14 in the connection unit 112a is connected to the connection control means 113a of the various analyzers 111a.
1 is a method in which the rack identification code of the rack currently held is notified to the host computer 121, and the host computer 121 predicts the analysis required time of various analyzers 111a.

As a method of predicting the analysis required time, the rack information database 124 for the rack group held by the buffer unit 141 is based on the rack identification code.
By referring to the sample information database 123 for the samples contained in the rack, the number of samples or the number of analyzes for each inspection item to be processed by the various analyzers 111a is calculated, and is preset for each inspection item. There is a method in which the unit processing time is multiplied and the sum of these times is used as the analysis required time.

As described above, when the host computer 121 calculates the number of samples to be analyzed for each inspection item in the various analyzers 111a and the like, and when a rack is loaded on the transfer line, the number of samples in the various analyzers 111a is increased. It is possible to predict the inspection end time of a rack, and insert any rack from the selected insertion target rack group according to, for example, the type of sample owned by the rack, the inspection item, or the urgency imposed on the rack. Since it is possible to properly judge whether or not to do so, it is possible to speed up the inspection process.

Next, a method of setting or resetting the number of buffers of the buffer section 141 in the connection unit 112a will be described. In FIG. 6, the maximum number of buffers of the buffer unit 141 is set by the host computer 121 according to the operation / operation status of the sample transport system. Further, the host computer 121 resets the maximum number of buffers according to the processing capacity of various analyzers and the loading status of the rack 102. As a result, smooth transfer control can be performed without the rack 102 remaining on the transfer line 103. Further, the maximum number of buffers may be treated as a parameter set in the host computer 121 and set by the user through the console 105.

Further, the maximum number of buffers in the buffer unit 141 can be reset by the connection control means 113a independently according to the processing status of the connection unit 112a. For example, if it is possible to locally reset the maximum number of buffers in response to emergency processing or manual loading described later, it is possible to flexibly handle irregular special processing and It is possible to reduce the influence on the part of the sample, and to perform an irregular special process without lowering the overall processing capacity of the sample transport system.

The resetting of the maximum number of buffers by the connection control means 113a alone should be performed under the control of the host computer 121. In other words, it is desirable to provide an allow / prohibit flag or the like so that the connection control means 113a can perform resetting only when the host computer 121 permits it.

As a method of resetting the maximum number of buffers performed by the connection control means 113a, the various analyzers 11 connected to the rack group held by the buffer unit 141 are connected.
There is also a method of predicting the analysis required time of 1a and setting the number of buffers based on the analysis required time.

As a method of predicting the analysis required time, the rack information database 124 is referred to based on the rack identification code for the rack group held by the buffer unit 141 as in the case of selecting the input rack, and the rack is stored in the rack. Sample information database 12
3, the number of samples or the number of analyzes for each test item to be processed by each analyzer 111a is calculated, the unit processing time set in advance for each test item is multiplied, and the sum of these is calculated. There is a method in which the obtained time is used as the analysis required time.

Based on the prediction of the analysis required time, for example, when it is determined that the various analyzers 111a are in an overloaded state, the connection control means 113a reduces the number of buffers 141 of the connection unit 112a. If it is reset to the number, the subsequent racks will be sent to other various analyzers that analyze the same inspection item, and various analyzers 1
It can be avoided that the rack is stuck on 11a and becomes a bottleneck.

As another method of resetting the maximum number of buffers, the connection control means 113a notifies the host computer 121 of the rack identification code of the rack group held in the buffer section 141 via the data communication means 161. It may be reset by the host computer 121. That is, the host computer 121 predicts the analysis required time in the various analyzers 111a based on the notified rack identification code, and based on the analyzed required time, the connection unit 11
Reset the maximum number of buffers in 2a.

As described above, if the connection control means 113a informs the host computer 121 of the rack identification code of the rack group held in the buffer unit 141 for each of various analyzers, the host computer 121 analyzes the various analyzers. By predicting the required time, it becomes possible to accurately grasp the load state for each analyzer, and for example, when it is determined that a certain analyzer is overloaded, the number of buffers of the connected unit is By resetting to a small number, it is possible to prevent the various analyzers from becoming a bottleneck in the transport path of the sample transport system.

Further, if the estimated analysis required time is taken into consideration in the rack local distribution processing which will be described later in detail, it is possible to speed up the inspection processing of the entire sample transport system. Since the sample transport system of this embodiment is based on the distributed processing system, the rack 102
It is desirable that the local transfer control of 1) be shared as much as possible by the connection control means 113a such as the connection unit 112a so that the host computer 121 controls only the overall control of the entire system.

Next, how the connection control means 113a in the connection unit 112a controls the movement, storage and supply of the rack 102 will be described.

First, the bar code reader 132 is at position 1.
The rack 102 on the transfer line 103 is once stopped by moving to 32 ′, and the rack identification code of the rack 102 is read. When the various analyzers 111a connected to the connection unit 112a form a group with other various analyzers, the determination as to whether or not to take the rack 102 into the buffer unit 141 will be described later. When it is entrusted to the distribution processing of the host computer 121 and a group is not formed, the connection control means 113a determines whether or not to take the rack 102 into the buffer unit 141.

Rack 102 performed by connection control means 113a
To determine whether to load the rack 102, first, the rack identification database 124 and the sample information database 123 are accessed using the rack identification code of the rack 102 as a key,
It is determined whether or not a sample to be tested is included in each of the analyzers 111a, and then the buffer unit 141 reaches the maximum number of buffers set or reset by the host computer 121 or the connection control unit 113a. It is performed by determining whether or not there is.

That is, when the sample to be examined is contained and the maximum number of buffers has not been reached, the rack 102 is loaded into the buffer section 141. On the other hand, if not, the bar code reader is moved from the position 132 ′ to the original position 132, so that the rack 102 is moved on the transfer line 103 as it is.

As a result, for racks that do not require inspection of the various analyzers 111a, the transfer line 103
By passing through the top as it is, a "measurement-free rack bypass function" can be realized, and transport control can be performed without prolonging the processing time of the rack due to unnecessary detouring and without imposing unnecessary load on various analyzers. In addition, it is possible to perform load distribution parallel operation by connecting a plurality of units for the same inspection item, and at the same time, it is possible to mutually perform backup operation and improve the processing efficiency of the entire sample transport system.

Further, the determination as to whether or not the supply should be performed by the connection control means 113a is not made by the presence / absence of samples to be inspected by the various analyzers 111a, but may be made by the number of samples in the rack unique to the devices. good. In other words, the connection control means 113a calculates the number of samples in the rack that is to be analyzed for the analysis items performed by the various analyzers 111a, and supplies the sample if the number is equal to or more than the predetermined number specific to the analyzers 111a. No, and if less than a predetermined number, it will be supplied and entrusted to other various analyzers. Thereby, for example, various analyzers 113a
By setting the specific number according to the processing capacity of, it is possible to appropriately distribute the load in the entire sample transport system and improve the processing efficiency.

Next, racks are sequentially accumulated in the buffer unit 141 in this way, and at the same time, the buffer unit 141 pushes out the racks 102 to the first feeder unit 642 in the order of loading, that is, in the order of FIFO, The rack 102 is supplied.

In the first feeder section 642, the rack 102
Are sequentially moved in synchronization with the analysis operation of various analyzers 111a. At this time, the connection control means 111a refers to the rack information database 124 and the sample information database 123 based on the rack identification code of the rack 102 on the first feeder unit 642, and refers to the rack 102 to be analyzed by the various analyzers 111a. It is determined whether or not each sample in the sample needs analysis, and movement of the rack 102 is performed so as not to stop at a predetermined analysis position for samples that do not require analysis. As a result, it is possible to realize a "jump function of measurement-unnecessary sample" that skips samples that do not need to be measured, and to speed up the analysis processing in the various analyzers.

The rack 1 on the first feeder unit 642
When another bar code reader for reading the sample identification code of the sample 101 included in 02 is provided (not shown), the rack 102 on the first feeder unit 642 is moved in synchronization with the operation of various analyzers 111a. At the same time,
The sample identification code is sequentially read by another barcode reader, and the connection control unit 113a refers to the sample information database 123 using the read sample identification code as a key to determine whether or not each sample in the rack 102 needs to be analyzed. Even when determining whether or not it is possible to realize the “jump function of measurement unnecessary sample”, it is possible to speed up the analysis processing in the various analyzers.

Further, when another bar code reader is provided, an emergency (emergency) mode in which the moving operation of the first feeder section 642 can be separated from the rack transportation by other component parts and separated can be provided. Is also good. Unforeseen circumstances inevitably occur, such as when processing is required with an extremely high degree of urgency, and even if any automation is realized, it may not be possible to deal with this. By providing an emergency mode for each rack, which is different from the normal operation mode, it is possible to appropriately deal with such an unexpected situation.

When a space for one rack is created on the first feeder section 642, the buffer section 141 immediately pushes out the rack 102 to the first feeder section 842, and the specimens in the rack 102 are mutually exchanged. Since the rack 102 is formed so that the interval and the interval between the sample located at the end of the rack and the sample located at the leading end of the subsequent rack are equal, the racks are supplied to the first feeder unit 642 in a beaded manner. As long as there is no interruption, various analyzers 111
a can perform processing and can improve processing efficiency.

Further, the rack 102 which has been analyzed by the various analyzers 111a is pushed back onto the transfer line 103 by the second feeder section 643 and moved to the next various analyzers or the terminal stocker 116.

Further, in the configuration diagram of the specific example shown in FIG. 6, in the connection unit 112a, the buffer unit 141 and the second unit
A manual input section is provided on the wall section separating the feeder section 643, and the range of the manual input section is also various analyzers 11.
It has a structure that can be used as a sampling point of 1a. That is, a rack or a sample is manually placed on the manual loading section, and manual interrupt measurement is possible independently or in parallel with the sample measurement by the transport control of the system.

When performing the manual interrupt measurement independently of the transport line sample measurement, the changeover switch or the like is used, and the rack on the first feeder section 642 is analyzed independently of the first mode for analyzing the rack. The operations of various analyzers are transited to the second mode in which the rack is analyzed, and the analysis independent of the sample measurement by the transport control of the system is performed.

As described above, by providing the second mode in which the rack or the sample can be manually input independently of the first mode in which the normal operation is performed, the above-mentioned unexpected situation is appropriately dealt with. It becomes possible. Also, S
TAT (emergency interrupt measurement by manual operation), re-examination processing (re-measurement of the sample for which measurement has been completed in the sample transport system), control measurement (not patient sample, but performed for quality control of analyzer) Value sample measurement), offline measurement (measurement of a sample not registered in a computer outside the system management), etc., and a more flexible sample transport system can be realized.

While the various analyzers are in the second mode, the overall control means regards the various analyzers as being in the inactive state and regards the other analyzers that can analyze the same inspection item. The analysis is entrusted, the connection control means prohibits the rack from being taken into the buffer section, controls the rack to bypass, and restarts the various analyzers from the original state after returning to the first mode. It is also possible to

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the connection unit 112b according to the second specific example.
(Second code reading means in claims), turntable 115, buffer section 151, first feeder section 75
2, the second feeder unit 753 and the connection control means 113b.

The characteristic feature of the connection unit 112b of the second specific example is the shape of the buffer section 151. That is, the rack is held so that the side surface of the rack that is first taken in is perpendicular to the sample arrangement direction and the side surface of the rack that is taken in next is perpendicular to the sample arrangement direction. Is a FIFO format buffer.

Connection unit 1 of the first specific example described above
12a and the connection unit 112b of the second specific example are selectively used according to the structure of various analyzers to be included in the sample transport system, restrictions on the system layout, and the like, and more flexible system design is possible by combining the two. Becomes

A method for setting and resetting the maximum number of buffers in the buffer section 151 in the connection unit 112b of the second specific example, a bypass function for racks not requiring measurement, a jump function for specimens not requiring measurement, an emergency mode for each rack, etc. Is similar to the connection unit 112a of the first specific example.

In the connection unit 112b of the second specific example,
First, the bar code reader 133 is moved to the position 133 ′ to read the rack identification code of the rack 102,
Next, the rack 102 is taken in via the turntable 115 or moved on the transfer line 103. According to the same take-in determination as the connection unit 112a of the first specific example, when taking in the turn table 115,
[Degree] Rotate to rotate the buffer unit 1 of the connection unit 112b
The direction of movement is changed to the direction of 51. Further, when it is not taken in, the turntable 115 is left as it is and moved on the transfer line 103.

Also in the connection unit 112b of the second specific example, the wall portion separating the buffer section 151 and the first feeder section 752 has a thickness, and like the first specific example,
It is also possible to provide a second mode in which a manual loading unit is provided and the manual loading can be performed in rack or sample units independently of the first mode in which normal operation is performed.

Next, the rack buffer 117 is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a first specific example of the rack buffer used in the present embodiment, which includes a bar code reader 135 (third code reading means in claims), a rack buffer 117, and a buffer control means 11.
8 is provided. In FIG. 8, the rack buffer is configured according to the configuration according to the first specific example of the connection unit (see FIG. 6). However, depending on the installation location of the rack buffer, the second specific example of the connection unit may be used. It is also conceivable to adopt a configuration according to the configuration (see FIG. 7) according to the above.

The buffer control means 118 is used for the transfer line 1
The pick-up direction of the rack 102 is controlled based on the selective taking-in of the rack 102 on the 03 and the analysis result already obtained for the sample 101 contained in the rack 102 to be taken out to the transfer line 103. Further, the buffer control means 118 is
In order to exchange data with the host computer 121,
It is connected via an Ethernet LAN (data communication means 161). Therefore, the connection control means 113a
It also has an interface with a LAN.

The bar code reader 135 reads the rack identification code of the rack 102 supplied from the transport line 103. The barcode reader 135 is used for the rack 10.
When the rack identification code No. 2 is read, it also serves as a so-called rack stopper, which temporarily stops the rack 102 on the transfer line 103 by moving the barcode reader 135.

The buffer control means 118 refers to the rack information database 124 and the sample information database 123 on the basis of the read rack identification code and sample identification code, and finds the sample that the rack 102 may require reinspection. It is determined whether or not it is included, and if it is included, the rack 102 is taken into the last portion of the rack buffer 117,
If it is not included, the rack 102 is moved to the original position by moving the barcode reader 135 to the original position.
Return to top.

As described above, the rack buffer 11 is used only for the rack containing the sample that may need retesting.
7 and the subsequent transfer control is mainly entrusted to the buffer control means 118. Further, for racks having no possibility of re-inspection, the rack is directly passed through the transfer line 103, and the subsequent transfer control is mainly performed in the next stage. Since it is entrusted to the connection control means of the connection unit of the subsequent various analyzers, both are clearly classified, and the inspection process and the reinspection process are performed under the transport control based on the local decentralized control. The speed of inspection processing and re-inspection processing can be increased.

Further, the buffer control means 118 refers to the analysis result information database 125 for the rack 102 to be carried out to the transfer line 103 based on the sample identification code of the sample 101 contained in the rack 102, and various analyzers in the preceding stage. Based on the results of the analysis performed in 111a-1 to 111a-n, the necessity of reinspection of the sample is determined, and the carry-out direction of the rack 102 is controlled.

That is, for racks that do not require reinspection, they are transported in the downstream direction where the terminal stocker 116 is located, and for racks that require reinspection, various analyzers in the preceding stage of the rack buffer 117 are in charge of the inspection items. The conveyance is controlled toward 111a-1 to 111a-n. In addition, in the downstream direction, various analyzers 11 in the previous stage
When there are various analyzers 111b etc. that perform the same inspection items as 1a-1 to 111a-n, the control of the transport direction is entrusted to the overall control means, and the host computer 121 causes the various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-. It is also possible to determine to which of the various analyzers the rack is to be distributed, based on the load status of n and 111b.

In this way, both the racks that need re-inspection and the racks that do not need to be re-classified are clearly classified, and the inspection process and the re-inspection process are performed under transport control based on local distributed control. As a result, the inspection processing and re-inspection processing can be speeded up.

Next, the turntable 114 is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a turntable 114 having a loading and unloading port in four directions, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the turntable. In FIG. 9, the turntable includes a bar code reader 134.

Although the carrying line 103 of the present embodiment is capable of carrying in both directions, the bar code reader 134 serves as a carrying port for the turntable 114.
It is equipped on the 3rd side. Also, the barcode reader 134
Is not installed on the transfer line 103, and the turntable 1
It may be installed on a rotating rack mounting tool in 14.

The rotation control of the turntable 114 is performed as follows. First, when the rack identification code of the rack 102 is read by the bar code reader 134, the host computer 121 is read via the data communication unit 161.
Will be notified. The host computer 121 recognizes the transport destination of the rack 102 by referring to various databases, and gives a turn angle instruction to the turntable 114. Then, the turntable 114 rotates the rack mounting tool based on the instruction of the rotation angle from the host computer 121 to move the rack 102 to a desired transfer line.

[Local Rack Distribution Processing in the Embodiment] Next, the local distribution processing of the racks 102 performed by the host computer 121 will be described. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of local distribution processing of racks performed by the host computer 121 for three various analyzers regarded as one group (one group).

In this case, it is assumed that the host computer 121 regards the three various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-3 as one group (one group) for analyzing any common inspection item.

The first rack distribution processing method is a method of distribution based on the number of samples to be analyzed by each of the various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-3. First, each of the connection control means 111a-1 to 111a-3 includes the connection unit 11
2a-1 to 112a-3 include buffer units 114a-1 to 114a-1.
The host computer 121 is notified of the rack identification code of the rack held by 114a-3. Next, the host computer 121 uses the various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-3.
The number of samples to be analyzed for each inspection item in the various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-3 is calculated based on the rack identification code notified for each.

The second rack distribution processing method is a method of distribution based on the number of times of analysis of each of the various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-3. First, each of the connection control means 113a-1 to 113a-3 includes the connection unit 112a.
-1 to 112a-3 buffer sections 114a-1 to 11a-3
The rack identification code of the rack held by 4a-3 is
Notify the host computer 121. Next, the host computer 1
Reference numeral 21 calculates the number of times of analysis for each inspection item in the various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-3 based on the rack identification code notified to each of the various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-3 and the specifications of the various analyzers. To do.

The above notification and the calculation process of the number of samples or the number of analyzes are performed, for example, by the connection control means 113a-1 to 113a-11.
3a-3 or a timer held by the host computer 121 holds a timer interrupt or the like at predetermined intervals. When recognizing the rack 102 that needs analysis for the common inspection items of the various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-3 that are regarded as one group, the host computer 121 determines that the various analyzers 111 at that point in time.
Based on the number of samples to be analyzed or the number of times of analysis of each of a-1 to 111a-3, the destination of the rack 102 is determined and distributed.

The second rack distribution processing method is a method of distribution based on the analysis required time predicted in each of the various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-3. First, each connection control means 111a-1 to 111a-3
Is similar to the first method, the buffer units 114a-1 to 114a-1.
The rack identification code of the rack held by 14a-3 is notified to the host computer 121. Next, the host computer 1
The reference numeral 21 indicates various analyzers 1 based on the rack identification code notified for each of the analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-3.
The analysis required time in 11a-1 to 111a-3 is predicted.

It is assumed that the above-described notification and analysis required time prediction processing is performed at predetermined time intervals by, for example, a timer interruption by a timer held by the connection control means 113a-1 to 113a-3 or the host computer 121. . Various analyzers 1 regarded as one group
When recognizing the rack 102 that needs to be analyzed for the common inspection items 11a-1 to 111a-3, the host computer 121 at that point in time analyzes the various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-3.
Based on the analysis required time estimated in 1a-3,
The destination of the rack 102 is determined and distributed.

In the first and second rack distribution methods, when the connection units 112a-1 to 112a-3 take in the racks 102, the judgment processing described above is involved, but the constructed sample transport system is constructed. Either the distribution or the determination process may be prioritized in accordance with the characteristics of.

As described above, the buffer units 114a-1 to 114-1
By notifying the host computer 121 of the rack identification code of the rack held by 14a-3, the host computer 1
Reference numeral 21 calculates the number of samples to be analyzed or the number of times of analysis for each inspection item in each of the various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-3, or predicts the analysis required time, and the transfer line 103
The rack 102 on the top is connected to various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-1.
The inspection end time of the rack 102 when loaded in 11a-3 can be predicted. For example, according to the type of the sample 101 owned by the rack 102, the inspection item, and the like, any one of the various analysis devices of the one group can be selected. Since it can be determined whether or not the sample should be supplied to the analyzer, it is possible to select the optimum transport path that the sample transport system can adopt and speed up the inspection process without causing a bottleneck in the transport path. Become.

In the case where the rack information database 124 holds the processing priority information according to the rack identification code, the rack processing priority information is taken into consideration in the rack distribution processing by the host computer 121.

For example, regarding the processing time such as “urgent”, “by what time do you want to obtain the analysis result”, or “normal processing is possible” of the rack 102 by the input means 105 such as a console at the time of loading the rack. If you enter information, priority information will be automatically registered accordingly. For example, in the case of a rack 102 that holds priority order information according to emergency processing, the host computer 121 causes the request data held by the rack 102 and various analyzers 111a downstream of the rack 102 on the transfer line 103. -1 to 111a-3, the number of samples calculated for each
Based on the number of times of analysis or the estimated time required for analysis, it is possible to select the transport path capable of the fastest processing and perform transport control.

[Rack Re-Inspection Processing in the Embodiment] Next, the rack 102 re-inspection processing performed by the host computer 121 will be described. Three various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-1
The rack re-examination process in the configuration in which 111a-3 and the rack buffer 117 of the first specific example described with reference to FIG. 8 are combined will be described with reference to FIG.

Various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-3
The racks 102 having been analyzed for the predetermined inspection items are sequentially transported to the right on the transport line 103 and stopped by the stop function of the barcode reader 135 in the rack buffer 117. Here, the barcode reader 135 reads the rack identification code of the rack 102.

The buffer control means 118, based on the read rack identification code and sample identification code, the rack information database 124 and the sample information database 123.
It is determined whether or not the rack 102 contains a sample that may require retest, and if it does, the rack 102 is taken into the last part of the rack buffer 117. Moves the rack 102 to the original position by moving the bar code reader 135 to the original position.
03 Return to top.

A part of the racks for which analysis has been completed is sequentially loaded into the rack buffer 117, and a certain rack is pushed out from the rack buffer 117 to the transfer line 103, for example, in the FIFO format. At this time, the buffer control unit 118, for the rack 102 to be carried out to the transfer line 103, the sample 101 included in the rack 102.
Analysis result information database 1 based on the sample identification code
25, various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-
The necessity of reinspection of the sample is determined based on the analysis result performed in 3, and the carrying-out direction of the rack 102 is controlled.

That is, for racks that need reinspection due to range over or previous value check, the racks are controlled to be transported leftward on the transport line 103 toward the various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-3. Become. still,
The redistribution of the racks to the various analyzers 111a-1 to 111a-3 may be performed according to the distribution method described above. Further, when the control is simplified, the analysis is performed first. It may be redistributed to various analyzers.

[Rack Re-Inspection Process (Part 2)] Next, a rack re-inspection process in another configuration example of various analyzers and rack buffers shown in FIG. 12 will be described. FIG.
The second configuration is a configuration in which various analyzers and connection units (see FIG. 7) according to the second specific example and the rack buffer (see FIG. 8) according to the first specific example are connected.

In FIG. 12, 1203a to 1203c
Is a transport line, 1217 is a rack buffer, 1218 is buffer control means, 1233a is a bar code reader,
Reference numeral 1251 is a buffer portion of the rack buffer, 1252 is a first feed portion, and 1253 is a second feed portion.

The racks 102, which have been analyzed for predetermined inspection items in the various analyzers 111b, are sequentially transported rightward on the transport line 1203b via the turntable 115, and the racks 1217 of the bar code reader 135. Stop by the stop function. Here, the barcode reader 135 reads the rack identification code of the rack 102.

The buffer control means 1218 determines the rack information database 124 and the sample information database 12 based on the read rack identification code and sample identification code.
3, it is determined whether or not the rack 102 contains a sample that may require retesting, and if it does, the rack 102 is loaded with the buffer unit 1 of the rack buffer 1217.
The rack 102 is returned to the transport line 1203c by fetching it at the end of 251 and moving the barcode reader 135 to the original position if it is not included.

A part of the racks for which analysis has been completed is sequentially loaded into the rack buffer 1217, and the first rack in the FIFO format is used.
The rack is moved by the feeder section 1252 and the second feeder section 1253, and a certain rack is pushed out from the rack buffer 1217 to the transfer line 1203c. At this time, the buffer control means 1218 causes the transfer line 1203
The rack 102 to be carried out to c
Based on the sample identification code of the sample 101 included in the analysis result information database 125, the various analyzers 11
Based on the analysis result performed in 1b, it is determined whether or not the sample needs to be re-examined, and the carrying-out direction of the rack 102 is controlled.

That is, for racks that need re-inspection due to range over or previous value check, conveyance is controlled to the left on the conveyance line 1203b toward various analyzers 111b, and the connection unit is connected via the turntable 115. It is supplied to the buffer unit 151 of 112b. Further, a rack that does not require re-inspection is transported on the transport line 1203c in the downstream direction where the terminal stocker 116 is located.

[Rack Re-Inspection Process (Part 3)] Next, a rack re-inspection process in another configuration example of various analyzers and rack buffers shown in FIG. 13 will be described. FIG.
The configuration of 3 includes various analyzers and connection units, and
The rack buffer is connected to the transfer line via two turntables.

In FIG. 13, reference numerals 1303a to 1303c.
Is a transfer line, 1311c is various analyzers, 1312c
Is a connection unit, 1313c is connection control means, 1314
a and 1314b are first and second turntables respectively, 1317 is a rack buffer, 1318 is buffer control means, 1333a to 1333d are bar code readers, 1341 is a buffer unit of the connection unit 1312c,
1342 is a first feed unit, 1343 is a second feed unit, 1351 is a buffer unit of the rack buffer 1317,
1352 is a first feed section, and 1353 is a second feed section.

First, the rack 1 on the transfer line 1303a
02 selected (distributed to various analyzers 1311c) are supplied to the buffer unit 1341 via the first turntable 1314a and the first feeder unit 1342, and various analyzers of the second feeder unit 1343. 131
The analysis is performed for each sample by the movement synchronized with 1c.

The rack 102 for which the analysis of a predetermined inspection item has been completed by the various analyzers 1311c is stopped by the stop function of the bar code reader 1333b. Here, after the rack identification code of the rack 102 is read by the barcode reader 1333b, the rack 102 moves to the second turntable 1314b.

The buffer control means 1318 determines the rack information database 124 and the sample information database 12 based on the read rack identification code and sample identification code.
3, it is determined whether or not the rack 102 contains a sample that may require re-inspection.
The second turntable 1314b is rotationally controlled and taken into the first feed unit 1352 of the rack buffer 1317,
Further, it is fetched in the last part of the buffer part 1351. If it is not included, the second turntable 1314b is controlled to rotate and the rack 102 is returned to the transport line 1303c.

A part of the rack that has been analyzed is sequentially loaded into the buffer section 1351 of the rack buffer 1317 and moved by the second feeder section 1353 in the FIFO format, and a rack moves from the rack buffer 1317 to the first turntable 1314a. Will be pushed to. At this time, the rack identification code of the rack is read by the bar code reader 1333c, and the buffer control means 13
Reference numeral 18 refers to the analysis result information database 125 based on the sample identification code of the sample 101 contained in the rack 102, and judges the necessity of reinspection of the sample based on the analysis results performed by various analyzers 1311c. The rotation of the first turntable 1314a controls the rack 102.
Control the unloading direction of.

In other words, for a rack that needs reinspection due to range over or previous value check, the rotation is controlled toward the connection unit 1312c of various analyzers 1311c, and the buffer of the connection unit 1312c is connected via the first feed unit 1342. It is supplied to the unit 1341. In addition, racks that do not require reinspection are carried out onto the transfer line 1303b, and the second turntable 1
It will be conveyed in the downstream direction where the terminal stocker 116 is located via 314b.

[Rack Re-Inspection Process (Part 4)] Next, the rack re-inspection process in another configuration example of various analyzers and rack buffers shown in FIG. 14 will be described. FIG.
The configuration of 4 is a configuration in which various analyzers and connection units are connected to a rack buffer, and is further connected to a transfer line via two turntables.

In FIG. 14, 1403a to 1403c
Is a transfer line, 1411c is various analyzers, 1412c
Is a connection unit, 1413c is connection control means, 1414
a and 1414b are first and second turntables, 1418 is buffer control means, and 1433a to 143.
3d is a barcode reader, 1441 is a connection unit 1
412c buffer unit, 1442 is the first feed unit, 1
Reference numeral 443 is a second feed unit, and 1451 is a buffer unit of a rack buffer.

First, the rack 1 on the transfer line 1403a
02 selected (distributed to various analyzers 1411c) are supplied to the buffer unit 1441 via the first turntable 1414a and the first feeder unit 1442, and various analyzers of the second feeder unit 1443. 141
The analysis is performed for each sample by the movement synchronized with 1c.

The rack 102 for which the analysis of a predetermined inspection item has been completed by the various analyzers 1411c is stopped by the stop function of the bar code reader 1433b. Here, the rack identification code of the rack 102 is read by the barcode reader 1433b.

The buffer control means 1418 determines the rack information database 124 and the sample information database 12 based on the read rack identification code and sample identification code.
3, it is determined whether or not the rack 102 contains a sample that may require re-inspection.
It is fetched at the end of the buffer unit 1451 of the rack buffer. If not included, the second turntable 141
The rack 102 is returned to the transport line 1403c via the rotation control of 4b.

The buffer section 14 of the rack buffer is sequentially
A part of the rack that has been analyzed is put in 51 and the FIF
By moving in the O format, a certain rack is pushed out from the buffer section 1451 to the first feed section 1442.
At this time, the buffer control means 1418 causes the rack 102
Based on the sample identification code of the sample 101 included in the analysis result information database 125, the various analyzers 14
Based on the result of the analysis performed in 11c, the necessity of re-inspection of the sample is judged, and the carry-out direction of the rack 102 is controlled.

That is, a rack that needs reinspection due to a range over or a previous value check is supplied to the buffer unit 1441 of the connection unit 1412c. A rack that does not require reinspection is unloaded onto the transfer line 1403b via the rotation control of the first turntable 1414a, and further transferred to the downstream side where the terminal stocker 116 is located via the second turntable 1314b. The Rukoto.

[Effects of Sample Transport System of Example]
As described above, regarding the sample transport system of the present embodiment, the respective effects have been described along with the characteristic description of the components and the like.
The sample transport system as a whole has the following effects. In other words, rough rack 1 of the entire sample transport system
The transport control of No. 02 is performed by the host computer 121, while at the point where various analyzers 111a-1 and the like are connected to the transport line 103, finer transport control of the rack 102 is performed by the connection control unit 113a-1 and the like. Therefore, the processing load on the host computer 121 is reduced, and for example, various analysis devices are newly added,
Alternatively, when various analyzers are changed, a connection unit may be added or changed to the various analyzers to connect to the transfer line 103, and the host computer 121
In this case, it is possible to deal with this by adding or changing a part that embodies the system specifications such as a database, and it is possible to realize a sample transport system with increased flexibility in system construction.

In addition, the transfer control of the fine rack 102 is performed by the connection control means 113a-1 such as the connection unit 112a-1.
Etc., the connection control means 113a-1 can individually and flexibly and accurately process the host computer 121 without imposing a burden on the irregular special processing such as emergency processing. Since the sample transport system as a whole does not cause any inconsistency, as a result, high-speed processing can be realized, and highly labor-saving and rationalization can be achieved without manpower.

[0189]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
According to the sample transport system of the present invention, the rack system is adopted, and the overall control means supervises the request data and the analysis result data such as the inspection items of the sample and / or rack supplied to the sample transport system, and While carrying control is performed, a connecting unit is provided as a connecting means between the carrying line and various analyzers, and the connecting unit selectively takes in racks on the carrying line and supplies them to various analyzers to be connected. Further, in the rack buffer, racks on the transfer line are selectively taken in to perform temporal buffering, and the connection unit is selectively taken in the racks on the transfer line and connected to various analyzers to be connected. A connection control means for controlling the supply of racks is provided, and the rack buffer is provided with a selective intake of racks on the transfer line and a transfer line. A distributed processing system for analysis processing and a distributed processing system for transport control, each of which is equipped with a buffer control means for controlling the carrying-out direction of the rack based on the analysis result already obtained for the sample contained in the rack to be carried out. In addition, the overall control of the rack of the entire sample transport system is performed by the integrated control means, while at the point where various analyzers are connected to the transport line, the finer rack transport control is performed by the connection control means. Therefore, the processing load on the integrated control means is reduced. For example, in the case of newly adding various analyzers or changing various analyzers, the connecting unit is connected to the various analyzers. It may be added or changed and connected to the transfer line. Also, in the integrated control means, a system such as a database is used. Arm specification can deal with addition or change of parts which embodies, it is possible to provide a specimen transport system with increased flexibility in system construction.

Further, since the transport control of the fine rack is locally performed by the connection control means of the connection unit and the buffer control means of the rack buffer, the general control means is provided even for irregular special processing such as reinspection and emergency processing. Since the connection control means and the buffer control means can individually and flexibly and accurately process the sample transport system without causing a contradiction, as a result, high-speed test processing and retesting can be performed. Processing can be realized, and
Highly labor-saving and rationalization can be achieved without annoying human labor.

Further, according to the sample transport system of the second aspect, since the transport line is configured to control the transport of the rack bidirectionally, it is possible to re-inspect by using various analyzers at the front stage of the rack buffer. Therefore, the sample transport system can be configured more efficiently and functionally.

Further, according to the sample transport system of the third aspect, the first code reading means sequentially reads the sample identification code and the rack identification code for the selected loading target rack group held in the start stocker and controls them. The control means is notified, and the integrated control means selects the racks from the selected loading target rack group based on the request data of the selective loading target rack group and the load information of various analyzers, and sequentially loads them into the transfer line. Therefore, even if samples or racks with biased request information are concentrated at one time, the racks to be loaded into the transfer line are selected based on the request data and the load information of various analyzers. As a result, without causing congestion
It is possible to provide a sample transport system that can speed up sample processing.

Further, according to the sample transport system of the fourth aspect, since the overall control means is provided with the rack information database, the sample information database, and the analysis result information database, the rack held by the sample transport system. Also, it becomes possible to centrally manage the information regarding the sample, and the sample transfer that guarantees the system expandability by linking other database of the sample transfer system with the network etc. and further enhances the transfer control flexibility. A system can be provided.

Further, according to the sample transport system of the fifth aspect, in the connection unit, the rack identification code of the rack supplied from the transport line is read by the second code reading means and set by the overall control means or the connection control means. The racks are held in the buffer unit up to the specified number, and if the maximum number of buffers is set according to the processing capacity of various analyzers and the loading condition of the racks, for example, by the integrated control means, the racks can be placed on the transport line. Smooth transfer control is possible without delaying
If the connection control means independently resets the maximum number of buffers according to the processing status of the connection unit, it becomes possible to set the number of buffers arbitrarily in response to emergency processing or manual input, and irregular times are possible. It is possible to flexibly deal with special processing, reduce the influence on other parts of the sample transport system, and perform irregular special processing while maintaining the overall processing capacity of the sample transport system. An obtained sample transport system can be provided.

According to the sample transport system of claim 6, the second code reading means moves the rack on the transport line by moving the second code reading means when reading the rack identification code of the rack. After temporarily stopping, the connection control means refers to the rack information database based on the read rack identification code, determines whether or not to supply the rack to various analyzers connected to the connection unit, and supplies the rack. If it should be, the rack is taken into the last part of the buffer section, and if it is not to be supplied, the second code reading means is moved to the original position to return the rack to the transport line, and the connection control means. The sample in the rack, which is to be analyzed by the various analyzers, is analyzed to determine whether or not it should be supplied. Is calculated, and if the number is equal to or more than a predetermined number specific to the various analyzers and is not supplied if the number is less than the predetermined number, a rack that does not need to be measured by the various analyzers has a transport line. A bypass function for a rack that does not require measurement can be realized by passing it through as it is, and transport control can be performed without prolonging the processing time of the rack due to useless detouring and without imposing an unnecessary load on various analyzers. As a result, it is possible to provide a sample transport system that can improve the processing efficiency of the entire sample transport system.

According to the sample transport system of claim 7, the third code reading means moves the rack on the transport line by moving the third code reading means when reading the rack identification code of the rack. Once stopped, the buffer control means refers to the rack information database and the sample information database based on the read rack identification code and sample identification code to determine whether the rack contains a sample that may require reinspection. Judge whether
If it is included, the rack is taken into the last part of the rack buffer, and if it is not included, the rack is returned to the transport line by moving the third code reading means to the original position. Only racks containing samples that may be needed are taken into the rack buffer, and racks that have no possibility of re-inspection pass through the transport line as they are. Therefore, both are clearly classified, and inspection processing and re-inspection are performed. Since the inspection processing is performed under the transport control based on the local decentralized control, as a result,
It is possible to provide a sample transport system capable of speeding up the inspection process and the reinspection process.

According to the sample transport system of the eighth aspect, the buffer control means refers to the analysis result information database for the rack to be carried out to the transport line based on the sample identification code of the sample contained in the rack. The necessity of reinspection of the sample is determined based on the analysis results performed by the various analyzers in the previous stage, and the carrying-out direction of the rack is controlled, so that the rack that does not require reinspection is unnecessary. Both the rack and the rack are clearly classified, and the inspection process and the re-inspection process are performed under the transport control based on the local distributed control, respectively, and as a result, the inspection process and the re-inspection process can be speeded up. A sample transport system can be provided.

Further, according to the sample transport system of the ninth aspect, since the transport line is provided with the turntable and the transport direction is changed by rotating the turntable by a predetermined angle, more flexible transport control can be realized. With
It is possible to construct a sample transport system that allows more flexible placement of various devices.

According to the sample transport system of the tenth aspect, the rack buffer and the transport line are connected via the turntable, and the transport direction is changed by rotating the turntable at a predetermined angle to the rack buffer. Since it was decided to take in and carry out to the transfer line, it is possible to make various modifications in the shape of the rack buffer depending on the presence of the turntable, and to construct a sample transfer system that allows more flexible arrangement of various devices. It will be possible.

According to the sample transport system of the eleventh aspect, the connection between the buffer unit and the transport line is performed via the turntable, and the transport direction is changed by rotation of the turntable at a predetermined angle, whereby the connection unit is connected. Since the sample is taken in to the buffer section and carried out to the transfer line, it is possible to give various modifications to the shape of the connection unit depending on the presence or absence of a turntable, and it is possible to arrange various devices more flexibly. The system can be constructed.

According to the sample transport system of the twelfth aspect, the connection unit includes the buffer unit connected to the transport line via the first turntable, the first feed means, and the second turntable. And a second feed means connected to the transfer line. First, with respect to the rack on the transfer line, the transfer direction is changed by rotation of the first turntable at the first angle, and the rack is transferred from the transfer line to the buffer section. The rack is taken in, and then the rack supplied from the buffer section is moved by the first feed means in synchronism with the operation of the various analyzers, the various analyzers sequentially analyze each sample, and the analysis ends. The rack is moved to the second turntable by the second feed means, and the conveyance direction is changed by rotating the second turntable at the second angle. Since the rack is returned to the transport line, more flexible system design is possible by incorporating the connection unit with such a configuration according to the structure and system layout of various analyzers included in the sample transport system. Becomes

According to the sample transport system of the thirteenth aspect, in the connection unit of the sample transport system of the twelfth aspect, a part of the second feed means is used as a carry-in port and a part of the carry-in port of the buffer section is used. A rack buffer having an outlet as a transport port is provided, and the rack for which analysis has been completed is moved by the second feed means, and the buffer control means can take in the rack buffer if there is a possibility of requiring re-inspection. If there is no property, the sample is moved to the second turntable, the transport direction is changed by rotating the second turntable at the second angle, and the rack is returned to the transport line. A combination of the connection unit and rack buffer with such a configuration is incorporated into the system according to the structure of the device and the system layout. And enables a more flexible system design.

Further, according to the sample transport system of the fourteenth aspect, the loading port to the rack buffer and the transport line are connected by the second turntable which changes the transport direction by the rotation of the second angle, and the rack buffer is connected. Since the carry-out port and the transport line are connected by the first turntable that changes the transport direction by rotating the first angle, such a configuration is adopted according to the structure and system layout of various analyzers included in the sample transport system. A more flexible system design is possible by incorporating a combination of the connection unit and rack buffer of the configuration into the system.

Further, according to the sample transport system of the fifteenth aspect, the buffer section or the rack buffer is provided with a side surface of the rack that has been loaded first and a side surface of the rack that has been loaded next. According to the sample transport system of claim 16, the buffer unit or the rack buffer is perpendicular to the sample alignment direction of the rack previously loaded. Since the rack is configured so that the side and the side perpendicular to the sample arrangement direction of the next rack to be brought into contact with each other, the rack is configured to be held according to the structure and system layout of various analyzers included in the system. A more flexible system design is possible by combining the sample transport system according to claim 15 and the sample transport system according to claim 16. To become.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a sample transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 (a) is an external view of a sample, and FIG. 2 (b)
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rack.

FIG. 3 (a) is a structural explanatory diagram of a sample information database, FIG. 3 (b) is a structural explanatory diagram of a rack information database, and FIG. 3 (c) is a structural explanatory diagram of an analysis result information database. Is.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a start stocker used in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a terminal stocker used in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a connection unit according to a first specific example.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a connection unit according to a second specific example.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a rack buffer according to a first specific example.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a turntable used in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a turntable.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a rack distribution process and a rack re-examination process performed on three various analyzers that the host computer regards as one group (one group).

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a rack re-inspection process in a configuration in which various analyzers and connection units according to the second specific example are connected to a rack buffer according to the first specific example.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a rack re-inspection process in a configuration in which various analyzers, a connection unit, and a rack buffer are connected to a transport line via two turntables.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a rack re-inspection process in a configuration in which various analyzers and connection units are connected to a rack buffer and are connected to each other via a transport line and two turntables.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a conventional sample transport system.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 Sample 102 Rack 103 Transport Line 104 Start Stocker 105 Console (Input Means) 111a-1 to 111a-n, 111b Various Analytical Devices 112a-1 to 112a-n, 112b Connection Unit 113a-1 to 113a-n, 113b Connection Control Means 114a-1 to 114a-n Buffer section 115a-1 to 115a-n First feeder section 116a-1 to 116a-n Second feeder section 114,115 Turntable 116 Terminal stocker 117,1117 Rack buffer 118,1118 Buffer control Means 121 Host computer (overall control means) 122 CPU 123 Sample information database 124 Rack information database 125 Analysis result information database 131a, 131b, 132-1 to 132-n, 133
-135,534 Bar code reader (code reading means) 141, 151 Buffer section 161 Data communication means 162a, 162b Signal transmission means 201 Test tube 202 Sample label 203 Label attribute 204 Bar code 210 SYSMEX rack 211 Rack label 104a Emergency insertion slot 104 -1 to 104-4 Stocker 642,752 First feeder section 643,753 Second feeder section 1151 Rack buffer buffer section 1152 Rack buffer first feed section 1153 Rack buffer second feed section 1203a to 1203c Conveying line 1217 Rack Buffer 1218 Buffer control means 1233a Bar code reader 1251 Rack buffer buffer section 1252 First feed section 1253 Second feed section 1 03a to 1303c, 1403a to 1403c Conveying line 1311c, 1411c Various analyzers 1312c, 1412c Connection unit 1313c, 1412c Connection control means 1314a, 1414a First turntable 1314b, 1414b Second turntable 1317 Rack buffer 1318, 1418 Buffer control means 1333a -1333d, 1433a-1433d Bar code reader 1341, 1441 Connection unit buffer part 1342, 1442 1st feed part 1343, 1443 2nd feed part 1351, 1451 Rack buffer 1317 buffer part 1352 1st feed part 1353 2nd feed part

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A sample having a readable sample identification code and a predetermined number of the samples are collectively included,
A rack with a readable rack identification code,
A transport line that transports the rack in a predetermined direction, various analyzers that analyze predetermined items among inspection items given corresponding to the sample identification code, and a rack on the transport line are selectively taken in, A connection unit that supplies various analyzers to be connected, a rack buffer that selectively captures and holds a rack on the transfer line, and a request for the sample to be supplied to the sample transfer system and / or inspection items of the rack And a control unit that controls the transfer of the rack by controlling the data and the analysis result data, the connection unit selectively taking in the rack on the transfer line, and connecting the rack to various analyzers to be connected. Connection control means for controlling the supply of the racks, the rack buffer selectively capturing racks on the transfer line, and It has buffer control means for controlling the carrying-out direction of the rack based on the analysis result already obtained for the sample contained in the rack to be carried out to the line, and the connection control means mutually exchanges signals with various analyzers to be connected. The connection control means and the buffer control means are connected via a data communication means for exchanging data with the integrated control means, and the various analyzers are connected to each other. A sample transport system, which is connected to a central control means via a data communication means for exchanging data with each other. 2. The sample transport system according to claim 1, wherein the transport line is capable of transporting the rack bi-directionally. 3. The sample transport system comprises a first code reading means for reading the sample identification code and the rack identification code, and a start stocker for holding a plurality of the racks to be loaded into the sample transport system. The first code reading means sequentially reads the sample identification code and the rack identification code for a predetermined number of racks (hereinafter, referred to as a selective loading target rack group) among the racks held in the start stocker. Notifying the overall control means, the overall control means,
The rack to be loaded into the transport line is selected from the group of racks subject to selective loading based on the request data of the group of racks subject to selective loading and the load information of the various analyzers. Sample transport system. 4. The overall control means uses the rack identification code as a key, a rack information database that holds at least a sample identification code of a sample contained in the rack and in-rack position information of the sample, and the sample identification code. And a sample information database that holds at least information on test items to be performed on the sample, and an analysis result information database that holds analysis result information for each test item, using the sample identification code as a key. The sample transport system according to claim 1, 2, or 3. 5. The second connecting unit reads a rack identification code of a rack supplied from the transport line.
3. A code reading unit and a buffer unit for holding racks up to the number set by the integrated control unit or the connection control unit.
The sample transport system according to 3 or 4. 6. The second code reading means, when reading the rack identification code of the rack, temporarily stops the rack on the transfer line by the movement of the second code reading means, and the connection control means The rack information database is referred to based on the read rack identification code to determine whether the rack should be supplied to the various analyzers connected to the connection unit. 6. The rack is returned to the transport line by taking in the last portion of the buffer portion and moving the second code reading means to the original position when it should not be supplied. Sample transport system. 7. The rack buffer has third code reading means for reading the rack identification code of the rack supplied from the transport line, and the third code reading means is for reading the rack identification code of the rack. Then, by moving the third code reading means, the rack on the transport line is temporarily stopped, and the buffer control means stores the rack information database and the sample information database based on the read rack identification code and sample identification code. With reference to this, it is determined whether or not the rack contains a sample that may require retesting. If it does, the rack is taken into the end of the rack buffer. 3 The rack is returned to the transfer line by moving the code reading means to the original position. The sample transport system according to claim 4, 5 or 6. 8. The buffer control means refers to the analysis result information database based on the sample identification code of the sample contained in the rack for the rack to be carried out to the transfer line, and the necessity of reinspection of the sample. 5. The judgment as to whether or not to carry out the rack is controlled, and the carrying-out direction of the rack is controlled.
The sample transport system according to 5, 6, or 7. 9. The sample transport system according to claim 1, wherein the transport line has a turntable that changes the transport direction by rotating a predetermined angle. . 10. The rack buffer is connected to the transfer line via a turntable that changes the transfer direction by rotation of a predetermined angle. , 7, 8 or 9 sample transport system. 11. The buffer unit is connected to the transfer line via a turntable that changes the transfer direction by rotating at a predetermined angle.
The sample transport system according to 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10. 12. The connection unit includes a buffer unit for holding racks up to the number set by the general control unit or the connection control unit and a rack supplied from the buffer unit for operation of the various analyzers. It has a first feed means for moving in synchronism and a second feed means for returning the rack, which has been analyzed by the various analyzers, to the transport line, and the carry-in port to the buffer section is the transport line. Is connected via a first turntable that changes the conveying direction by rotating the first angle, and the carry-out port of the second feed means is the second turn that changes the conveying direction by the conveying line and the second angle. The connection is made via a table.
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 sample transport system. 13. The connection unit has the rack buffer having a part of the second feed means as a carry-in port and a part of a carry-in port of the buffer part as a carry-out port. The sample transport system described. 14. The carry-in entrance to the rack buffer is connected to the carrying line through a second turntable that changes the carrying direction by rotation of a second angle, and the carry-out exit of the rack buffer is the carrying line. And a first turntable that changes the conveying direction by rotation of the first angle, are connected.
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13 sample transport system. 15. The buffer section or the rack buffer holds a rack such that a side surface of a rack that has been previously taken in is in a sample alignment direction and a side surface of a rack that is next taken in is in a sample alignment direction. Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 11
The sample transport system according to 2, 13, or 14. 16. The rack unit or the rack buffer is configured such that a side surface of a rack previously taken in is perpendicular to a sample arrangement direction and a side surface of a rack next taken is perpendicular to a sample arrangement direction. 3. The method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1
The sample transport system according to 0, 11, 12, 13 or 14.