WO2011011075A2 - Appareil automatique de diagnostic médical avec caméra de surveillance - Google Patents

Appareil automatique de diagnostic médical avec caméra de surveillance Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011011075A2
WO2011011075A2 PCT/US2010/002066 US2010002066W WO2011011075A2 WO 2011011075 A2 WO2011011075 A2 WO 2011011075A2 US 2010002066 W US2010002066 W US 2010002066W WO 2011011075 A2 WO2011011075 A2 WO 2011011075A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
camera
housing
analyzer
coupled
moving arm
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2010/002066
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2011011075A3 (fr
Inventor
Peter Van Praet
Original Assignee
Gold Standard Diagnostics Corp.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gold Standard Diagnostics Corp. filed Critical Gold Standard Diagnostics Corp.
Publication of WO2011011075A2 publication Critical patent/WO2011011075A2/fr
Publication of WO2011011075A3 publication Critical patent/WO2011011075A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/00584—Control arrangements for automatic analysers
    • G01N35/00722—Communications; Identification
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/00584—Control arrangements for automatic analysers
    • G01N35/00722—Communications; Identification
    • G01N2035/00891—Displaying information to the operator

Definitions

  • the following invention relates to automaticsampling apparatuses which perform tests or other processes relating to samples or other substances, such as in medical diagnostic laboratory environments. More particularly, this invention relates to automatic sample handling analyzers which include a camera therein to visually monitor the current status and operational state of the analyzer.
  • hoods are beneficial in that they control the light environment within the analyzer, thus tending to eliminate any impacts that changes in ambient light or excessive light might have on the procedures implemented by the analyzer or other machinery.
  • the hood With the hood closed, the interior can either be kept dark or kept in a state of constant controlled light at a sufficiently low level that light sensitive processes operating within an interior of the enclosure are not disrupted.
  • this hood has the negative effect of making it harder for an operator to visually monitor the analyzer or other related machinery, because visual inspection is blocked by the hood.
  • monitoring sounds made by the analyzer can be misleading as to whether the machinery is operating properly or not, or whatthe actual status of operation is in an interior of the analyzer or other machinery.
  • various conditions and circumstances surrounding use of medical diagnostic apparatuses such as analyzers, or other such related machinery, can lead to questions as to whether or not the analyzer was functioning properly when a test had previously been made or other process or analysis conducted.
  • various data sets automatically collected by the analyzer might not be enough to provide certainty that the analyzer was functioning properly, or provide the clues required to determine what may have gone wrong with a particular process. With the analyzer operating with the hood down, the operator is less likely to be able to certify reliably that the analyzer or other machinery was operating properly.
  • Such automatic apparatuses typically support a plurality of test tubes, also called specimen tubes, with each tube containing a specimen therein. These test tubes are held within a rack which supports multiple test tubes therein in a substantially vertical orientation.
  • a robotic conveyance manipulates either the test tubes, reactant dispensing equipment, or both, as well as sensory equipment, to implement a variety of different processes on the specimen within the test tube so that a particular laboratory test or other process can be effectively conducted.
  • Such automation such tests or other processes can be precisely controlled and reliably repeated.
  • Such equipment needs servicing and technical support to maintain optimal performance.
  • Such servicecalls in person, can be time consuming. Thus, a need exists to allow service calls to occur without a site visit when possible.
  • a small camera which is mounted on the automatic apparatus in such a way that the operator gets a good image of the area of the apparatus that the operator wishes to check now and then.
  • the camera can be mounted on an existing moving arm of the apparatus, whereby the camera moves with it and an even better inspection can be obtained.
  • the advantageof a small camera is that it an be mounted on places where the operator normally cannot reach or can reach only with difficulty.
  • the camera can nonetheless give images which would otherwise not be visibleto the operator. So as not to disturb, or minimally disturb, tests which are light-sensitive, the camera can transmit images taken with adjusted exposure times or in which a light source is used that has a wavelength whereby the tests are not disturbed but for which the camera is nonetheless sufficiently sensitive to produce useful images.
  • An example of this is mounting a camera on a moving arm on a pipetting apparatus.
  • the placement of the camera can be chosen such that the camera is set up just above the pipetting probe.
  • This camera can be a video camera or still camera. It can be coupled to a computer screen or other display to provide a real time image to an operator.
  • At least portions of videoor still images obtained by the camera can be stored, preferably in a manner time stamped or otherwise correlated with various different processes executed by the equipment. This video or still image data can then be later consulted if desired to watch the process taking place and verify that the process so recorded visually was accurately conducted.
  • the images can be sent to a remote location, suchas by internet connection, for instance using the TCP/IP protocols, to allow remote real time or delayed viewing.
  • Such remote viewing frees the operator to monitor the equipmentfrom various locations and allows servicerand repair personnel to view equipment performance to determine if a site visitis needed or otherwise communicate equipment adjustments to the user.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an automatic specimen processing apparatus including a plurality of racks placed therein and with a camera mounted therein for use according to this invention.
  • Figure 2 is a detail of a portion of that which is shown in Figure 1 revealingone position for a camera according to this invention mounted near a moving arm and pipetting apparatus of the specimen processing apparatus of Figure 1 . Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention
  • reference numeral 10 is directed to a camera ( Figures 1 and 2) attachable to an analyzer2 or other sample processing apparatus, to record and generate for real time display
  • a video or still image signal correlating to details of operation of processes occurring within the analyzer 2, such as when conducting medical diagnostic tests or other procedures.
  • the analyzer 2 generally includes a housing 20 which is substantially enclosed except for portions of an upper and front side thereof.
  • a hood 30 is provided which can close or substantially close the upper and front sides in the housing 20.
  • a moving arm 40 is provided which operates automatically and robotically to move pipetting apparatus 50, and associated needles 52, as well as other equipment within the housing 20.
  • This pipetting apparatus 50 and other structures that move within the housing 20 interact with samples within specimen tubes contained upon racks within the housing 20.
  • Reagents are also typically stored within the housing 20 for implementing portions of particular processes requiring such reagents.
  • Lighting can also optionally be provided within the housing 20. With the hood 30 down, light within the housing 20 can either be eliminated or substantially controlled at a level which does not interfere with tests being conducted within the analyzer 2.
  • the camera 10 is mounted to the moving arm 40 which supports the pipetting apparatus 50.
  • the camera 10 can be mounted directly to the pipetting apparatus 50.
  • the camera 10 has a lens which is typically oriented facing substantially downward. The camera 10 thus provides an image which shows the pipetting apparatus 50, and associated structures such as needles 52, or other fluid interacting elements extending into various different reagent vials and specimen tubes or other containers while processes programmed into the analyzer 2 are being implemented.
  • the camera 10 can be configured to be exceptionally sensitive to low amounts of light so that adequate images can still be provided.
  • Alternatively-light frequencies which do not interfere with processes occurring withinthe housing 20 can be utilizedand the camera 10 can be optimized for viewingin such light frequencies, with an appropriate light frequency illuminationsource provided within the housing 20.
  • an ultraviolet(UV) or infrared (I R) light can be provided inside the housing 20 and the camera 10 can be configured to be sensitive to UV or IR light.
  • the camera 10 is preferably coupled to a video screen, either associated with a computer or otherwise,in a preferred form of this invention.
  • An operator thus needn't peek under the hood 30 to observe the status of operation of the analyzer 2 (which disturbing of the hood 30 and interior lighting and other ambient conditions could have a negative effect upon the implementation of the process taking place within the analyzer 2).
  • the user monitors the video screen to see what the camera 10 sees, and obtain confidence that the analyzer 2 is functioning properly, or an indication that the analyzer 2 is not operating properly and requires operator intervention.
  • the camera 10 can optionally also send this signal to a data storage device, such as a data storage device already storing information relating to processes conducted by the analyzer 2.
  • a data storage device such as a data storage device already storing information relating to processes conducted by the analyzer 2.
  • video or still images can be associated with data files associated with processes that have been conducted, such as test results for various processes.
  • Such a video(or still images) file would provide an additional source of verificationthat tests called for were properly run. If anomalies are detected, but a mystery remains as to exactly what anomaly took place, video images can be reviewed to best determine what corrective nature is required to restore the analyzer 2 to a properly functioning state and whether or not test results are still reliable.
  • This image signal could also be sent to a remote location by dedicated data line or over the internet, such as using TCP/IP or some other effective protocol for real time video streaming or delayed download of image files from a remote location.
  • the camera 10 can be mounted on an adjustable mount and/or with an adjustable lens that can also be adjusted remotely. In this way, the camera can be moved (translation and/or rotation) or zoom in or out both to best view processes inside the housing 20, but also to viewthe equipment itself for inspection, trouble shooting, etc.
  • the camera 10 is shown preferably mounted to the movingarm 40 or pipetting apparatus 50, it is conceivablethat the camera 10 could be mounted elsewhere within the housing 20 of the analyzer 2 for monitoring of the function of the moving arm 40 and pipetting apparatus 50 within the housing 20 (for instance mounted to a fixed interior structure within the housing 20). As another altemative,multiple cameras 10 can be mounted in different locations within the housing 20, including static locations and locations moving with the moving arm 40 and/or pipetting apparatus 50.
  • This invention exhibits industrial applicability in that it provides an automatic apparatus for implementing procedures on samples or other materials such as laboratory tests on medical specimens, which includes a camera associated therewith for visual information collection relating to execution of the processes involved.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera for verifying the status of operation of automatic apparatus which performs functions in a location isolated from view by a user.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera for use with medical diagnostic laboratory equipment to store information about tests conducted with the equipment in a visual form.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera which can have its performance optimized for relatively low light locations to allow a user to have enhanced vision regarding function of machinery in such low light locations.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera mountable to a pi petting probe or other moving arm or other part of an apparatus to provide visual information as to the status of operation of the overall apparatus and record such information if desired, in either video or still image formats.

Abstract

L'invention concerne une caméra montée sur un bras mobile existant d'un appareil automatique de diagnostic médical ou d'un autre équipement automatique de mise en œuvre de procédés, laquelle caméra permet de transmettre des images à un opérateur qui, sur la base de celles-ci, peut faire une inspection immédiate du procédé en cours. La caméra est éventuellement supportée par un éclairage qui est tel (longueur d'onde, intensité, durée d'exposition) que son effet sur le procédé à inspecter est négligeable et la qualité d'image de la caméra est améliorée. Un signal d'image provenant de la caméra peut être affiché en temps réel et/ou enregistré pour être visionné plus tard et éventuellement corrélé à des données liées aux procédés effectués par l'appareil.
PCT/US2010/002066 2009-07-21 2010-07-21 Appareil automatique de diagnostic médical avec caméra de surveillance WO2011011075A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EPBE200900445 2009-07-21
BE2009/0445A BE1018834A3 (nl) 2009-07-21 2009-07-21 Inspectie camera gemonteerd op een medische diagnose automaat.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011011075A2 true WO2011011075A2 (fr) 2011-01-27
WO2011011075A3 WO2011011075A3 (fr) 2011-04-21

Family

ID=41795358

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2010/002066 WO2011011075A2 (fr) 2009-07-21 2010-07-21 Appareil automatique de diagnostic médical avec caméra de surveillance

Country Status (2)

Country Link
BE (1) BE1018834A3 (fr)
WO (1) WO2011011075A2 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0525273A1 (fr) * 1991-08-02 1993-02-03 Grupo Grifols, S.A. Procédé et dispositif pour déterminer le temps de coagulation du sang
US6555060B1 (en) * 1998-10-14 2003-04-29 Polaroid Corporation Apparatus for performing diagnostic testing
EP1338887A2 (fr) * 1994-09-21 2003-08-27 Burstein Technologies, Inc. Appareil et methode pour l'analyse d'echantillons
US6689319B1 (en) * 1999-10-29 2004-02-10 Agilent Technologies, Ind. Apparatus for deposition and inspection of chemical and biological fluids

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9515311D0 (en) * 1995-07-26 1995-09-20 3D Scanners Ltd Stripe scanners and methods of scanning
US5699794A (en) * 1995-12-19 1997-12-23 Neopath, Inc. Apparatus for automated urine sediment sample handling
IL131823A0 (en) * 1997-05-01 2001-03-19 Neurosearch As An automatic electrode positioning apparatus
US6621079B1 (en) * 1999-07-02 2003-09-16 University Of Virginia Patent Foundation Apparatus and method for a near field scanning optical microscope in aqueous solution

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0525273A1 (fr) * 1991-08-02 1993-02-03 Grupo Grifols, S.A. Procédé et dispositif pour déterminer le temps de coagulation du sang
EP1338887A2 (fr) * 1994-09-21 2003-08-27 Burstein Technologies, Inc. Appareil et methode pour l'analyse d'echantillons
US6555060B1 (en) * 1998-10-14 2003-04-29 Polaroid Corporation Apparatus for performing diagnostic testing
US6689319B1 (en) * 1999-10-29 2004-02-10 Agilent Technologies, Ind. Apparatus for deposition and inspection of chemical and biological fluids

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2011011075A3 (fr) 2011-04-21
BE1018834A3 (nl) 2011-09-06

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