WO2023157836A1

WO2023157836A1 - Inspection system

Info

Publication number: WO2023157836A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/004984
Authority: WO
Inventors: 友希男岩▲崎▼; 尚吾久保田; 佳祐宮下; 昴大塩谷
Original assignee: 川崎重工業株式会社
Priority date: 2022-02-16
Filing date: 2023-02-14
Publication date: 2023-08-24
Also published as: JP2023119397A

Abstract

An inspection system (200) comprises a sample container arrangement part (110), a sample conveyance part (40), and a control unit (140). The control unit (140) controls the sample conveyance part (40) so as to convey, at every preset conveyance interval, a sample container (240) to a processing unit (80) in which a specimen is processed.

Description

inspection system

This disclosure relates to an inspection system.

Conventionally, inspection systems are known. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-13759 discloses a PCR test pretreatment automation apparatus equipped with a robot. In the PCR test pretreatment automation apparatus, a sample collection container containing a sample collected from a subject is transported to the vicinity of the robot. A syringe is attached to the robot, and the sample is aspirated from the sample collection container by the syringe. After that, the sample sucked into the syringe is discharged into the test container.

JP 2022-13759 A

Although not specified in JP-A-2022-13759, in the conventional PCR test as described in JP-A-2022-13759, in order to maintain the test accuracy of the test system, Quality control samples are measured as well as the specimens tested. Specifically, a positive control and a negative control are prepared as samples for quality control. A user carries a sample for quality control to the preprocessing section of the inspection system at a desired time, and the sample for quality control is inspected by the inspection system. The test system measures the positive control and determines it as positive, and the test system measures the negative control and determines it as negative, thereby confirming the correctness of the test accuracy of the test system. However, when samples for quality control are inspected as described above, it is necessary for the user to know when to check the inspection accuracy, and for the user to manually check the accuracy up to the preprocessing section of the inspection system. It is necessary to carry samples for management. Therefore, there is a problem that the user's burden for confirming the inspection accuracy of the inspection system increases.

The present disclosure provides an inspection system that can reduce the user's burden for checking the inspection accuracy of the inspection system.

An inspection system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a sample container placement section in which a sample container containing a sample for quality control of sample measurement is placed, a sample transport section that transports the sample container, and a control section. In addition, the control unit controls the sample transport unit so as to transport the sample container to the processing unit where the sample is processed at each transport interval set in advance.

In the inspection system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the control unit controls the sample transport unit so as to transport the sample container to the processing unit where the sample is processed at each transport interval set in advance. do. As a result, the quality control sample is automatically transported to the processing section and processed in the processing section at each transport interval set in advance. Therefore, the user does not need to know when to check the inspection accuracy, and the user does not need to manually carry the sample for accuracy control to the processing section. Therefore, the user's burden for checking the inspection accuracy of the inspection system can be reduced.

According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the user's burden for checking the inspection accuracy of the inspection system.

1 is a plan view showing the configuration of an inspection system according to one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the uncapped dispensing unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a sample supply section according to one embodiment; Figure 400 is a cross-sectional view along line 400-400 of Figure 3; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first hand according to one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a first hand and sensors according to one embodiment; FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a second hand according to one embodiment; 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a reagent supply unit according to one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the procedure for inspecting a sample container in the inspection system according to one embodiment; FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the sample container inspection procedure of the inspection system according to one embodiment.

The configuration of an inspection system 200 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the specification of the present application, the vertical direction is defined as the Z direction. The upper side is the Z1 side, and the lower side is the Z2 side. The direction orthogonal to the Z direction is defined as the X direction. One side in the X direction is the X1 side, and the other side is the X2 side. A direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction is defined as the Y direction. One side in the Y direction is the Y1 side, and the other side is the Y2 side.

As shown in FIG. 1, the inspection system 200 includes an uncapped pipetting unit 1, a nucleic acid extraction unit 2, a reagent adjustment unit 3, a PCR measurement unit 4, and an overall control panel 5. In the uncapped dispensing unit 1, pretreatment for measurement is performed on the sample. In the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, nucleic acid is extracted from the specimen as pretreatment of the specimen. The reagent adjustment unit 3 adjusts the reagent. In the PCR measurement unit 4, a process of measuring whether or not the sample contains an infectious virus is performed by RT-PCR test. A control panel, a switchboard, a PC (Personal Computer), and the like are arranged on the overall control panel 5 . The uncapped dispensing unit 1 is an example of an inspection unit. The general control panel 5 is an example of a reception section.

(Opening dispensing unit)
A specific configuration of the uncapped dispensing unit 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2 , the uncapped dispensing unit 1 includes a specimen supply section 10 , a DWP supply section 20 and a tip supply section 30 . DWP means deep well plate. The uncapped dispensing unit 1 also includes a robot 40 , a first hand 50 , a second hand 60 , and a sensor 51 . The uncapped dispensing unit 1 also includes a sample capper section 70 , a barcode reader 71 , a dispensing workbench 80 , a reagent supply section 90 , a chip table 100 , a PC/NC table 110 , a sensor 111 , and a chip discarding section 120 . Prepare. PC and NC denote positive and negative controls, respectively. The uncapped dispensing unit 1 also includes a delivery table 130 . The uncapped dispensing unit 1 also includes a control section 140 . Robot 40 is an example of a sample transporter. The sensor 111 is an example of a sample container detector.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the specimen supply section 10 includes a tray 11 and a transport section 15 . A sample container 210 is placed on the tray 11 by the user. The tray 11 is placed on the transport section 15 by the user. The tray 11 is detachable from the transport section 15 . For example, two trays 11 and two conveying units 15 are arranged.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tray 11 includes a first plate portion 12 and a second plate portion 13. The first plate portion 12 is provided with a plurality of first holes 12a into which the plurality of sample containers 210 are respectively inserted. The second plate portion 13 is arranged vertically separated from the first plate portion 12 . The second plate portion 13 is provided with a plurality of second holes 13a into which the plurality of sample containers 210 are respectively inserted. The specimen container 210 is inserted into the first hole 12a and the second hole 13a. The first hole portion 12a has a circular shape when viewed from the Z direction. The first holes 12a are arranged in a houndstooth pattern. The first hole portion 12a is a through hole. The second hole 13a has a circular shape when viewed from the Z direction. The second holes 13a are arranged in a houndstooth pattern. The second hole portion 13a has a concave shape. The first hole portion 12a is arranged directly above the second hole portion 13a. The first plate portion 12 and the second plate portion 13 are connected by a column portion 14 .

The edge 12b of the upper opening of the first hole 12a and the edge 13b of the upper opening of the second hole 13a are chamfered. That is, the radii of the first hole portion 12a and the second hole portion 13a gradually increase toward the Z1 direction side.

As shown in FIG. 3, the tray 11 includes a grip portion 12c. The grip portion 12c is gripped by the user. The gripping portions 12c are arranged at both ends of the first plate portion 12 in the X direction. The grip portion 12c is an elongated through hole.

As shown in FIG. 2, the transport unit 15 reciprocates the tray 11 between the robot 40 and the position P1 where the user places the tray 11 on which the plurality of sample containers 210 are arranged on the transport unit 15 . The position P1 is located at the end of the uncapped dispensing unit 1 on the X2 direction side. As shown in FIG. 3, the transport section 15 includes a linear actuator 15a for linearly moving the tray 11, and a sensor 15b. The tray 11 is placed on the linear actuator 15a. Linear actuator 15 a linearly moves tray 11 between position P1 and robot 40 . The transport unit 15 detects the position of the tray 11 on the linear actuator 15a. The sensor 15b detects whether or not the tray 11 is present. For example, two trays 11 and two conveying units 15 are arranged.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the DWP supply section 20 includes a transport section 21 . The transport unit 21 reciprocates the DWP 220 between the robot 40 and the position P2 where the user places the DWP 220 on the transport unit 21 . The position P2 is located at the end of the uncapped dispensing unit 1 on the X2 direction side. Conveying unit 21 includes linear actuator 22 and sensor 23 . The linear motion actuator 22 linearly moves the DWP 220 placed on the tray 24 . The transport section 21 detects the position of the DWP 220 on the transport section 21 . Sensor 23 detects the presence or absence of DWP 220 and the height of DWP 220 . For example, two trays 24 and two conveying units 21 are arranged.

The chip supply section 30 includes a transport section 31 . The transport unit 31 reciprocates the chip 230 between a position P3 where the user places the chip 230 on the transport unit 31 and the robot 40 . The position P3 is located at the end of the uncapped dispensing unit 1 on the X1 direction side. The transport section 31 includes a direct acting actuator 32 and a sensor 33 . The linear motion actuator 32 linearly moves the plurality of chips 230 placed on the tray 34 . The transport section 31 detects the position of the chip 230 on the transport section 31 . A sensor 33 detects the presence or absence of the chip 230 . For example, two trays 34 and two conveying units 31 are arranged.

In this embodiment, the robot 40 is arranged inside the uncapped dispensing unit 1, as shown in FIG. Robot 40 includes a robot arm 41 . The robot arm 41 is, for example, a vertical articulated robot arm. The robot 40 transports the sample container 210 and a sample container 240, which will be described later, to the dispensing workbench 80 that processes the sample. The sample container 240 includes a body portion 241 and a lid portion 242 .

As shown in FIG. 5, the first hand 50 is attached to the tip of the robot arm 41. As shown in FIG. 6, the sample container 210 includes a body portion 211 and a lid portion 212 in which the sample is stored. The first hand 50 grips the body portion 211 of the sample container 210 arranged on the tray 11 . Specifically, the first hand 50 includes a chuck 52 . The body portion 211 of the sample container 210 is gripped by the chuck 52 . The first hand 50 is an example of a hand.

The sensor 51 is arranged on the first hand 50 . The sensor 51 detects whether or not the sample container 210 is placed on the tray 11 . The sensor 51 detects the presence or absence of the sample container 210 from the Z1 direction side. The robot 40 grips the sample container 210 placed on the tray 11 with the first hand 50 based on the detection that the sample container 210 is placed on the tray 11 of the sample supply unit 10 . Then, the sample container 210 is transported to the sample capper section 70 . Also, the robot 40 grips the sample container 210 after the dispensing process with the first hand 50 . Further, the presence or absence of foreign matter on the tray 11 is confirmed by the sensor 51 . After the sensor 51 confirms that there is no foreign matter on the tray 11 , the robot 40 returns the sample container 210 after the dispensing process to the tray 11 .

Upon detecting that the sample container 240 is placed on the PC/NC table 110, the robot 40 grips the sample container 240 placed on the PC/NC table 110 with the first hand 50, The gripped sample container 240 is transported to the specimen capper section 70 . Also, the robot 40 grips the sample container 240 after the dispensing process with the first hand 50 . Further, the sensor 51 confirms whether or not there is a foreign object on the PC/NC table 110 . After the sensor 51 confirms that there is no foreign matter on the PC/NC table 110 , the robot 40 returns the sample container 240 after the dispensing process to the C/NC table 110 .

In this embodiment, the second hand 60 is attached to the tip of the robot arm 41, as shown in FIG. The second hand 60 holds at least one of a tip 230 that sucks liquid and a DWP 220 that ejects the liquid from the tip 230 . Specifically, the second hand 60 holds both the chip 230 and the DWP 220 . The second hand 60 includes a plurality of tip attachment portions 61 to which tips 230 are attached. An air cylinder is arranged in the tip attachment portion 61, and the tip 230 is attached to the tip attachment portion 61 by the suction force of the air cylinder. Also, the second hand 60 includes a chuck 62 that grips the DWP 220 .

In this embodiment, the first hand 50 and the second hand 60 are detachable from the robot arm 41. As shown in FIG. 5, the first hand 50 is provided with an automatic tool changer 53 . As shown in FIG. 7, the second hand 60 is provided with an automatic tool changer 63 . The automatic tool changer 53 automatically attaches the first hand 50 to the robot arm 41 . The automatic tool changer 63 automatically attaches the second hand 60 to the robot arm 41 . The robot arm 41 is arranged in common with the first hand 50 and the second hand 60 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the specimen capper section 70 opens and closes the lid section 212 of the specimen container 210 transported by the robot 40 . The barcode reader 71 reads the barcode attached to the sample container 210 transported by the robot 40 . A sensor 70 a for detecting the presence or absence of the sample container 210 is arranged in the sample capper section 70 .

In this embodiment, on the dispensing workbench 80, pre-measurement processing is performed on the collected sample. Also, the dispensing workbench 80 measures the amount of dispensing to the DWP 220 . A barcode reader 81 for reading a barcode attached to the DWP 220 is arranged on the dispensing workbench 80 . A sensor 82 for detecting the presence or absence of the DWP 220 is arranged on the dispensing workbench 80 . The dispensing workbench 80 is an example of a processing section and a preprocessing section.

As shown in FIG. 8, the reagent supply section 90 includes a solubilizing liquid supply section 91, a magnetic particle supply section 92, and a ProK supply section 93. A user supplies a reservoir containing a solubilizing solution to the solubilizing solution supply unit 91 . The user supplies DWP 220 containing magnetic particles to the magnetic particle supply unit 92 . The user supplies the DWP 220 containing ProK to the ProK supply unit 93 . A sensor 91a for detecting the presence or absence of a reservoir is arranged in the solubilizing liquid supply unit 91 . A sensor 92 a for detecting the presence or absence of the DWP 220 containing magnetic particles is arranged in the magnetic particle supply unit 92 . The ProK supply unit 93 is provided with a sensor 93a for detecting the presence or absence of the DWP 220 containing ProK.

As shown in FIG. 8 , a chip 230 transported by the chip supply section 30 is placed on the chip table 100 by the robot 40 . Note that the chips 230 are transported in a state in which a plurality of chips 230 are mounted on the adapter. A sensor 101 for detecting the presence or absence of a chip 230 is arranged on the chip table 100 .

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the PC/NC table 110 is provided with a sample container 240 containing a sample for quality control of specimen measurement. Samples for accuracy control of specimen measurement are positive controls and negative controls for confirming test accuracy. Two positive control sample containers 240p and two negative control sample containers 240n are arranged on the PC/NC table 110 . The PC/NC table 110 is an example of a sample container placement section.

In this embodiment, the sensor 111 detects whether the sample container 240 is placed on the PC/NC table 110 or not. A sensor 111 is arranged for each sample container 240 . For example, four sensors 111 are arranged to correspond to four sample containers 240 . Further, when the sensor 111 detects that the sample container 240 is not placed on the PC/NC table 110, the touch panel 5a of the general control panel 5 may notify that the sample container 240 is not placed. .

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the PC/NC table 110 and the robot 40 are arranged in the same uncapped dispensing unit 1 . The sample container 210 and the first hand 50 removed from the robot arm 41 are arranged on the same side with respect to the robot 40 . The PC/NC table 110 is arranged on the opposite side of the robot 40 from the specimen container 210 and the detached first hand 50 . Specifically, the sample container 210 and the first hand 50 removed from the robot arm 41 are arranged on the Y2 side of the robot 40 . Also, the sample container 210 and the second hand 60 detached from the robot arm 41 are arranged on the Y2 side of the robot 40 . Also, while the robot arm 41 is positioned on the Y2 side with respect to the base 42 of the robot 40 , the first hand 50 and the second hand 60 are positioned on the Z2 side of the robot arm 41 . The PC/NC table 110 is arranged on the Y1 side with respect to the robot 40 . Also, the reagent supply unit 90, the chip stand 100, and the PC/NC stand 110 are arranged in this order from the X1 side to the X2 side.

Also, the sample supply unit 10 and the DWP supply unit 20 are arranged on the X2 side of the robot 40 . On the X1 side of the robot 40, a chip supply section 30, a sample capper section 70, a dispensing workbench 80, a reagent supply section 90, a chip table 100, and a chip disposal section 120 are arranged.

As shown in FIG. 2, the chip discarding unit 120 discards used chips 230 . A sensor 121 for detecting whether or not the used chips 230 are full is arranged in the chip disposal section 120 .

The control unit 140 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The control section 140 controls the devices arranged in the uncapped dispensing unit 1 by executing the control program stored in the storage section.

Here, in the present embodiment, the control unit 140 controls the robot 40 to transport the sample container 240 to the dispensing workbench 80 that processes the sample at each preset transport interval. A specific operation of the control unit 140 will be described later. Also, the transport interval may be a time interval or the number of sample containers 210 to be pretreated.

(Overall control panel)
As shown in FIG. 1, the general control panel 5 accepts setting of the transport interval by the user. Specifically, a touch panel 5 a is arranged on the general control panel 5 . The user operates the touch panel 5a to set the transport interval. The set transport interval is stored in the storage section of the uncapped dispensing unit 1 . The control unit 140 of the uncapped dispensing unit 1 controls the robot 40 to transport the sample container 240 to the dispensing workbench 80 at each transportation interval accepted by the general control panel 5 and stored in the storage unit. .

In this embodiment, the general control panel 5 is arranged outside the uncapped dispensing unit 1 . Specifically, the general control panel 5 is arranged at a position separated from the uncapped dispensing unit 1 . For example, the general control panel 5 is arranged at a position separated by the partition 6 from the opening/dispensing unit 1 , the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 , the reagent adjustment unit 3 and the PCR measurement unit 4 .

The user sets, for example, a period during which all of the plurality of sample containers 210 placed on the tray 11 are transported as the transport period. Specifically, the user sets the number of the plurality of sample containers 210 or the time during which all of the plurality of sample containers 210 are transported as the transport period. Thereby, the controller 140 causes the robot 40 to transport the sample container 240 to the dispensing work table 80 every time all of the plurality of sample containers 210 arranged on the tray 11 are transported to the dispensing work table 80 . to control.

(Inspection procedure of inspection system)
The inspection procedure of the inspection system 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. In the inspection system 200, the robot 40 performs preprocessing, which is processing before measurement, on the collected sample. Note that the following step S1 is a procedure performed by the user. Other steps are controlled by the control unit 140 .

As shown in FIG. 9, in step S1, the user places the sample container 210 in the sample supply section 10. As shown in FIG. The user places DWP 220 in DWP supply 20 . The user places the chip 230 on the chip supply section 30 . The user supplies the reagent supply unit 90 with the lysate, magnetic particles and ProK.

In step S2, the robot 40 mounts the second hand 60.

In step S3 , the sample supply unit 10 transports the sample container 210 to the vicinity of the robot 40 . The DWP supply section 20 conveys the DWP 220 to the vicinity of the robot 40 . The tip supply section 30 conveys the tip 230 to the vicinity of the robot 40 .

In step S4 , the robot 40 grips the DWP 220 with the second hand 60 and transports the gripped DWP 220 to the dispensing workbench 80 . Sensor 82 detects the presence or absence of DWP 220 . A barcode reader 81 reads the barcode attached to the DWP 220 .

In step S5 , the robot 40 attaches the chip 230 placed on the chip table 100 to the second hand 60 . The robot 40 sucks the solubilized liquid placed in the solubilized liquid supply unit 91 with the tip 230 and dispenses the sucked solubilized liquid to the DWP 220 placed on the dispensing workbench 80 . After dispensing, the robot 40 discards the tip 230 in the tip discarding unit 120 .

In step S6 , the robot 40 attaches the chip 230 placed on the chip table 100 to the second hand 60 . The robot 40 attracts the magnetic particles arranged in the magnetic particle supply unit 92 with the tip 230 and dispenses the attracted magnetic particles to the DWP 220 placed on the dispensing workbench 80 . After dispensing, the robot 40 discards the tip 230 in the tip discarding unit 120 .

In step S7, the robot 40 attaches the chip 230 placed on the chip table 100 to the second hand 60. The robot 40 aspirates the ProK placed in the ProK supply section 93 with the chip 230 and dispenses the aspirated ProK to the DWP 220 placed on the dispensing workbench 80 . After dispensing, the robot 40 discards the tip 230 in the tip discarding unit 120 .

In step S8, the robot 40 attaches the first hand 50 after removing the second hand 60.

In step S9 , the sensor 51 arranged on the first hand 50 detects whether or not the sample container 210 is arranged on the tray 11 of the sample supply section 10 .

When the sensor 51 detects the sample container 210, the robot 40 grips the sample container 210 with the first hand 50 and transports the sample container 210 to the sample capper section 70 in step S10. The barcode reader 71 of the sample capper section 70 reads the barcode attached to the sample container 210 . The specimen capper section 70 opens the lid section 212 of the specimen container 210 .

In step S11, the robot 40 attaches the second hand 60 after removing the first hand 50.

In step S12 , the robot 40 attaches the chip 230 placed on the chip table 100 to the second hand 60 . The robot 40 aspirates the specimen contained in the specimen container 210 with the chip 230 and dispenses the aspirated specimen to the DWP 220 placed on the dispensing workbench 80 . After dispensing, the specimen capper section 70 closes the lid section 212 of the specimen container 210 . Also, after the dispensing, the robot 40 discards the tip 230 in the tip disposal section 120 .

In step S13 , the robot 40 attaches the first hand 50 after removing the second hand 60 .

In step S14, the sensor 51 arranged on the first hand 50 detects whether the sample container 210 is arranged on the sample capper section 70 or not. Further, the presence or absence of foreign matter on the tray 11 is confirmed by the sensor 51 .

When the sample container 210 is detected by the sensor 51 and it is confirmed that there is no foreign matter on the tray 11, in step S15, the robot 40 grips the sample container 210 with the first hand 50, and moves the sample supply unit. The specimen container 210 is transported to the ten trays 11 .

Here, in step S15a, the control unit 140 determines whether or not a preset transportation interval has elapsed. For example, it is determined whether or not the operations from steps S9 to S15 have been performed for the number of sample containers 210 arranged on one tray 11 . If yes in step S15a, the process proceeds to step S109. If no in step S15a, the process returns to step S9.

As shown in FIG. 10, in step S109, the sensor 51 arranged on the first hand 50 detects whether or not the sample container 240 is arranged on the PC/NC table 110. When the sample container 240 is detected by the sensor 51, the robot 40 grips the body portion 241 of the sample container 240 with the first hand 50 and transports the sample container 240 to the specimen capper portion 70 in step S110. The barcode reader 71 of the specimen capper section 70 reads the barcode attached to the sample container 240 . The specimen capper section 70 opens the lid section 242 of the sample container 240 . In step S111 , the robot 40 attaches the second hand 60 after removing the first hand 50 . In step S112 , the robot 40 attaches the tip 230 to the second hand 60 . The robot 40 aspirates the sample contained in the sample container 240 with the tip 230 and dispenses the aspirated sample to the DWP 220 placed on the dispensing workbench 80 . After dispensing, the sample capper section 70 closes the lid section 242 of the sample container 240 . Also, after the dispensing, the robot 40 discards the tip 230 in the tip disposal section 120 .

In step S113 , the robot 40 attaches the first hand 50 after removing the second hand 60 . In step S114 , the sensor 51 detects whether or not the sample container 240 is placed in the specimen capper section 70 . Further, the sensor 51 confirms whether or not there is a foreign object on the PC/NC table 110 . In step S115 , the robot 40 grips the sample container 240 with the first hand 50 and transports the sample container 240 to the PC/NC table 110 .

In step S16 , the robot 40 attaches the second hand 60 after removing the first hand 50 .

In step S17 , the robot 40 uses the second hand 60 to transport the DWP 220 dispensed with the specimen and sample to the transfer table 130 for transfer to the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 .

In the above description, an example in which the sample pretreatment operation is interposed between the sample pretreatment operations is shown. may be separated. That is, after performing the operations of steps S9 to S15, steps S16 and 17 on the specimen, the operations of steps S109 to S115, steps S16 and 17 may be performed on the sample.

The DWP 220 placed on the transfer table 130 and dispensed with the specimen and sample is transported into the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 . In the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, nucleic acids are extracted from each of the specimen and sample dispensed to the DWP220. The extracted nucleic acid is dispensed into the DWP220. Nucleic acids dispensed into the DWP 220 are transported to the PCR measurement unit 4 . In the PCR measurement unit 4, the nucleic acid extracted from the specimen is measured by the PCR measurement device. In the PCR measurement unit 4, the nucleic acid extracted from the sample is measured by the PCR measurement device in order to create a calibration curve for testing.

[Effect of this embodiment]
The control unit 140 controls the robot 40 to transport the sample container 240 to the dispensing workbench 80 where the sample is processed at each transport interval set in advance. As a result, the sample for quality control is automatically transported to the dispensing workbench 80 and processed on the dispensing workbench 80 at each transport interval set in advance. Therefore, the user does not need to know when to check the inspection accuracy, and the user does not need to manually carry the sample for accuracy control to the dispensing workbench 80 . Therefore, the user's burden for checking the inspection accuracy of the inspection system 200 can be reduced.

The control unit 140 controls the robot 40 to transport the sample container 240 to the dispensing workbench 80 at each transport interval accepted by the general control panel 5 . Thereby, the user can easily set the transport interval according to the user's intention. Also, the user can easily change the transport interval.

The PC/NC table 110 and the robot 40 are arranged in the same uncapped dispensing unit 1, and the general control panel 5 is arranged outside the uncapped dispensing unit 1. As a result, the PC/NC table 110 and the robot 40 are arranged in the same opening/dispensing unit 1, so the distance between the PC/NC table 110 and the robot 40 is relatively small. Therefore, the sample container 240 can be easily transported to the dispensing workbench 80 in a short time. In addition, since the general control panel 5 is arranged outside the uncapped dispensing unit 1 , the user can set the transport interval from a location away from the uncapped dispensing unit 1 . This can reduce the chance of contact between the user and the specimen.

A sensor 111 is arranged to detect whether or not the sample container 240 is arranged on the PC/NC table 110 . Since the presence or absence of the sample container 240 is thereby detected, it is possible to prevent the robot 40 from performing the transport operation when the sample container 240 is not present. Also, by informing the user that there is no sample container 240 , the user can replenish the sample container 240 .

On the dispensing workbench 80, pre-measurement processing is performed on the collected sample. As a result, it is possible to reduce the user's burden for checking the inspection accuracy of the inspection system 200 in which preprocessing is performed.

The robot 40 transports the sample container 210 to the dispensing workbench 80. As a result, the sample container 210 can be transported even if the transport route of the sample container 210 is relatively complicated compared to the case where the sample container 210 is transported to the dispensing workbench 80 by a conveyor or the like that moves linearly. .

The sample container 210 and the first hand 50 removed from the robot arm 41 are arranged on the same side with respect to the robot 40 , and the PC/NC table 110 is positioned with respect to the robot 40 with the sample container 210 and the removed first hand 40 . 1 hand 50 is arranged on the opposite side. As a result, the first hand 50 is arranged on the same side as the sample container 210 with respect to the robot 40, so the distance between the sample container 210 and the first hand 50 becomes relatively small. Therefore, the first hand 50 can be attached and the sample container 210 can be quickly gripped, so that the time required for processing the entire plurality of sample containers 210 can be shortened. Since the sample container 240 is arranged on the opposite side of the robot 40 from the position where the first hand 50 was arranged, the distance between the sample container 240 and the first hand 50 becomes relatively large. Therefore, it takes a long time to grip the sample container 240 with the first hand 50 . However, since the sample container 240 is transported by the first hand 50 only at preset transport intervals, it takes a long time until the sample container 240 is gripped by the first hand 50. The effect on the overall processing time of container 210 is small.

The control unit 140 controls the robot 40 to transport the sample container 240 to the dispensing workbench 80 each time all of the plurality of sample containers 210 arranged on the tray 11 are transported to the dispensing workbench 80. . As a result, the sample container 240 is transported to the dispensing workbench 80 before the multiple sample containers 210 placed on the new tray 11 are transported, so that the multiple sample containers placed on the new tray 11 are transported. Prior to processing at 210, verification of the inspection accuracy of inspection system 200 may be performed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the inspection accuracy from being different for each tray 11 .

[Modification]
The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the scope of claims rather than the above description of the embodiments, and further includes all changes (modifications) within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the present disclosure is applied to the robot 40 and the PC/NC table 110 on which the sample container 240 is placed in the uncapped dispensing unit 1 is shown, but the present disclosure is limited to this. do not have. For example, the present disclosure may be applied to the PC/NC table 110 on which the robot 40 and the sample container 240 arranged in an inspection unit other than the uncapped dispensing unit 1 are arranged.

In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the setting of the transport interval by the user was accepted by the general control panel 5, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, robot 40 may transfer sample container 240 to robot 40 based on a preset fixed transfer interval.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the receiving unit of the present disclosure is the general control panel 5 is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the reception section of the present disclosure may be arranged in the uncapped dispensing unit 1 .

Although the PC/NC table 110 and the robot 40 are arranged in the same uncapped dispensing unit 1 in the above embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the PC/NC table 110 may be arranged outside the uncapped dispensing unit 1 .

In the above embodiment, an example in which the present disclosure is applied to a sample for quality control of PCR measurement is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the present disclosure may be applied to quality control samples for measurements other than PCR measurements.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the sample container 240 is transported by the robot 40 is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, sample container 240 may be transported by a conveyor or the like. Also, although an example in which the sample container 240 is transported by the robot 40 that transports the specimen has been shown, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the robot 40 that transports the sample container 240 and the robot 40 that transports the specimen may be arranged separately.

In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which a period during which all of the plurality of sample containers 210 arranged on the tray 11 are transported to the dispensing workbench 80 is set as a transportation period, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the present disclosure, it is possible to set various transportation periods according to the user's intentions.

The functionality of the elements disclosed herein may be extended to general purpose processors, special purpose processors, integrated circuits, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), conventional circuits, and/or those configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. can be implemented using a circuit or processing circuit that includes a combination of A processor is considered a processing circuit or circuit because it includes transistors and other circuits. In this disclosure, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs or is programmed to perform the recited functions. The hardware may be the hardware disclosed herein, or other known hardware programmed or configured to perform the recited functions. A circuit, means or unit is a combination of hardware and software where the hardware is a processor which is considered a type of circuit, the software being used to configure the hardware and/or the processor.

[Aspect]
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are specific examples of the following aspects.

(Item 1)
a sample container placement unit in which a sample container containing a sample for quality control of specimen measurement is placed;
a sample transport unit that transports the sample container;
a control unit;
The inspection system, wherein the control unit controls the sample transport unit so as to transport the sample container to a processing unit where the sample is processed at each transport interval set in advance.

(Item 2)
further comprising a reception unit that receives setting of the transportation interval by a user;
The inspection system according to item 1, wherein the control unit controls the sample transport unit to transport the sample container to the processing unit at each transport interval accepted by the reception unit.

(Item 3)
The sample container arrangement section and the sample transport section are arranged in the same inspection unit,
The inspection system according to item 2, wherein the reception section is arranged outside the inspection unit.

(Item 4)
The inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 3, further comprising a sample container detection unit that detects whether or not the sample container is placed in the sample container placement unit.

(Item 5)
5. The inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the processing unit includes a preprocessing unit that performs processing prior to measurement on the collected sample.

(Item 6)
6. The inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the sample transport unit includes a robot that transports the sample container to the processing unit.

(Item 7)
the robot includes a robotic arm;
further comprising a detachable hand attached to the tip of the robot arm,
The sample container and the hand removed from the robot arm are arranged on the same side with respect to the robot,
7. An inspection system according to item 6, wherein the sample container placement unit is placed on the opposite side of the robot from the sample container and the detached hand.

(Item 8)
further comprising a tray on which a plurality of sample containers are arranged;
wherein the control unit controls the sample transport unit to transport the sample container to the processing unit each time all of the plurality of sample containers arranged on the tray are transported to the processing unit; The inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 7.

Claims

a sample container placement unit in which a sample container containing a sample for quality control of specimen measurement is placed;
a sample transport unit that transports the sample container;
a control unit;
The inspection system, wherein the control unit controls the sample transport unit so as to transport the sample container to a processing unit where the sample is processed at each transport interval set in advance.
further comprising a reception unit that receives setting of the transportation interval by a user;
The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the control section controls the sample transport section to transport the sample container to the processing section at each of the transport intervals accepted by the reception section.
The sample container arrangement section and the sample transport section are arranged in the same inspection unit,
3. The inspection system according to claim 2, wherein said reception section is arranged outside said inspection unit.
The inspection system according to claim 1, further comprising a sample container detection unit that detects whether or not the sample container is placed in the sample container placement unit.
The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit includes a preprocessing unit that performs processing prior to measurement on the collected sample.
The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the sample transport unit includes a robot that transports sample containers to the processing unit.
the robot includes a robotic arm;
further comprising a detachable hand attached to the tip of the robot arm,
The sample container and the hand removed from the robot arm are arranged on the same side with respect to the robot,
7. The inspection system according to claim 6, wherein said sample container placement section is placed on the opposite side of said robot from said sample container and said detached hand.
further comprising a tray on which a plurality of sample containers are arranged;
wherein the control unit controls the sample transport unit to transport the sample container to the processing unit each time all of the plurality of sample containers arranged on the tray are transported to the processing unit; Item 1. The inspection system according to Item 1.