JP2006138654A - Tangible component analyzer and tangible component analysis method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To acquire clear static picture image by rapidly and accurately focusing on a tangible component at an imaging position to perform efficient analysis processing. <P>SOLUTION: This tangible component analyzer is equipped with: a unified plate 122 comprising an imaging base surface for thereon spreading a supplied test liquid in order to image the test liquid; an imaging stage 121 for thereon holding the unified plate 122; an imaging part 131 for imaging the tangible component of the test liquid spread in a static state on the base surface of the unified plate 122; a control part 171 for previously detecting a height correction value for focusing the imaging part 131 on the tangible component of the test liquid to relatively move/control the imaging part 131 or imaging stage 121 in the height direction by using the correction value when imaging the test liquid by the imaging part 131; an XY stage 142; and a Z stage 143. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a component analysis apparatus and a component analysis method for analyzing a component in a test liquid.

  Conventionally, analysis of a solid component in a test liquid, for example, analysis of urinary sediment components, is performed by centrifuging a urine sample, removing the supernatant using an aspirator or pipette, or by decantation, and removing residual components. A certain amount is applied to a slide glass, a cover glass is placed on it as a specimen, set on a microscope, and then the formed portion is classified visually.

  In recent years, as an automated analyzer that automates these inspection tasks, a sample solution is not prepared but a staining solution is mixed with the sample solution, and then suspended and flowed through a flow cell to obtain a physical statistical method or optical method. There is an apparatus using a flow cytometry method for analysis by a method or the like (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3 below).

  In addition, it is equipped with an automatic focusing device that can automatically focus the specimen image, and the components included in the captured still image are identified and counted to automatically analyze the components. An analyzer is also known (for example, refer to Patent Documents 4 to 6 below).

JP-A-4-337460 JP-A-5-296915 JP-A-5-322885 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-185803 JP 2000-28514 A JP 2001-255260 A

  However, manually performing the inspection work is a burden on the inspection engineer, and there is a problem that the variation of the specimen is large and the individual difference is caused in the judgment. According to the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, although the inspection work can be performed automatically and the burden on the inspection engineer can be reduced, the analysis is performed while always flowing the test liquid through the flow cell. Since the formation always moved, it was difficult to obtain a clear still image with focus.

  In addition, as in the techniques described in Patent Documents 4 to 6, even when the dust is floating in the test solution, even if the configuration includes the automatic focusing device, the dust is focused. There was a risk that the target formed component that settled and existed in the test solution could not be focused. Furthermore, since it is necessary to perform the focusing operation at each of a plurality of imaging positions, there is a problem that accumulation of the focusing operation time due to repetition of the focusing operation occurs and the overall processing speed is reduced.

  Furthermore, since the plate for developing the test solution is a disposable type, the cost for the plate is increased, and a configuration for inserting the plate into the apparatus and discharging the used plate is required.

  In order to eliminate the above-mentioned problems caused by the conventional technology, the present invention can obtain a sharp still image by focusing on the formed component quickly and accurately at the imaging position, and can perform efficient analysis processing. An object of the present invention is to provide a formation analysis apparatus and a formation analysis method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the formed-component analyzer according to the invention of claim 1 has an imaging base surface on which the test liquid is developed in order to image the supplied test liquid. A plate, an imaging stage that holds the plate, an imaging unit that is developed on the imaging base surface of the plate and captures the formed portion of the test solution in a stationary state, and the formed portion of the test solution A height correction value detecting means for detecting in advance a height correction value for focusing the image pickup means, and using the height correction value when the test solution is imaged by the image pickup means. An imaging height control unit that relatively moves and controls the imaging unit or the imaging stage in a height direction is provided.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the height correction value for focusing the image pickup means is detected in advance, and the height correction value recorded in advance is read during analysis to control the height. To do. Thereby, it becomes possible to always focus quickly on the target formed component. At this time, the imaging unit does not need to perform focusing again.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the component analysis apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the height correction value detecting means applies the component to the component for each of a plurality of imaging positions on the imaging base surface. A height correction value for focusing the imaging unit is detected in advance, and the imaging height control unit is configured to detect the plurality of imaging positions on the imaging base surface when imaging the test liquid by the imaging unit. Further, the image pickup means or the image pickup stage is relatively moved in the height direction using the height correction value.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, even when there are a plurality of imaging positions, the height correction value for each imaging position can be read and the height correction can be performed. You will be able to focus on.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the component analyzing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the imaging position driving unit freely moves the imaging unit on the plate held by the imaging stage. A probe for supplying the test liquid to the plate, a supply means for freely moving the probe relative to the plate, and a cleaning liquid for cleaning the plate to the plate A cleaning means for freely moving the probe with respect to the plate; and a waste liquid means for receiving the waste liquid supplied from the cleaning means and discharged from the plate. .

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the supply of the test liquid, the cleaning of the plate, and the imaging of the test liquid developed on the plate can be repeatedly performed on the plate held on the imaging stage. Therefore, the analysis process of the test liquid can be performed efficiently.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the component analysis apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, wherein the probe of the supply means and the cleaning means is a single probe or a plurality of probes. Either the test liquid or the cleaning liquid is supplied by being moved freely with respect to the plate.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the component analysis apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the plate has a hollow shape in which a cover is provided on the imaging base surface, and the imaging base is provided. A supply port provided at one end of the surface, to which the test liquid or the cleaning liquid is supplied, and a discharge port provided at the other end of the imaging base surface for discharging the test liquid and the cleaning liquid from the plate; It is provided with.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the test liquid supplied from the supply port is developed in the hollow interior of the plate, and the work of coating the test liquid on a slide glass or the like can be eliminated. Further, the cleaning liquid can be supplied from the supply port and the test liquid and the cleaning liquid can be discharged from the discharge port, so that the plate can be used repeatedly.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the component analysis apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the supply means and the cleaning means generate a suction force at the discharge port so that the supply port has a suction force. The supplied test liquid or the cleaning liquid is guided into the plate.

  According to the invention of claim 6, it is possible to generate a suction force from the discharge port to take in the test liquid, stop the suction force, stop the taken-in test liquid, and let the formed component settle. It can be in the state. As a result, it is possible to perform imaging with a focus on the target formed component.

  In addition, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the material component analyzer according to the invention of claim 7 is based on the image of the test liquid imaged by the imaging means. The image analysis means for analyzing the component contained in the test solution is provided.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the image picked up by the image pickup means is in a state of being focused on the formed portion of the test liquid by the height correction, and the image can be analyzed with high accuracy. And accurate analysis results can be output.

  An apparatus for analyzing a formed component according to the invention of claim 8 is characterized in that, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the test solution is urine.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to accurately and efficiently perform an analysis process for a formed component using urine as a test liquid.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for analyzing a formed component, the test liquid supplying step for supplying the test liquid to the imaging base surface of the plate held on the imaging stage, and the imaging base surface of the plate. An imaging process for imaging the test liquid in a stationary state, and an image analysis process for analyzing the formed component contained in the test liquid based on the image of the test liquid imaged by the imaging process And a washing step of washing the plate after imaging of the test liquid in the imaging step.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the supply of the test liquid, the cleaning of the plate, and the imaging of the test liquid developed on the plate can be repeatedly performed on the plate held on the imaging stage. Therefore, the analysis process of the test liquid can be performed efficiently. Moreover, the taken-in test liquid can be made still and the formed component can be settled, and imaging focused on the desired formed component can be performed, and accurate analysis can be performed.

  Further, in the invention of claim 9, the method for analyzing a formed component according to claim 10 is to focus on the test solution developed on the imaging base surface of the plate at the time of imaging. A height correction value detecting step for detecting in advance a height correction value for imaging, and an imaging means or the plate for performing the imaging using the height correction value when the test liquid is imaged by the imaging step. And an imaging height control step of relatively moving and controlling the imaging stage to be held in the height direction.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the height correction value for focusing the image pickup means is detected in advance, and the height is controlled using the detected height correction value during the analysis. Thereby, it becomes possible to always focus quickly on the target formed component. At this time, the imaging unit does not need to perform focusing again.

  According to the component analysis apparatus and the component analysis method according to the present invention, the height correction is performed using the fixed plate, and the height correction value is stored, so that the component can be quickly formed at the imaging position. It is possible to focus and obtain a clear still image, and at the same time, the processing speed can be dramatically improved. In addition, the risk of focusing other than the desired formed component that has settled in the test solution is extremely low, and more accurate and reliable imaging is possible. Furthermore, the plate can be automatically washed, and the same plate can be used repeatedly.

  Exemplary embodiments of a component analysis apparatus and a component analysis method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Overall configuration of the component analyzer)
First, the contents of the formed component analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a formed component analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The formation analysis apparatus 100 includes a sample supply unit 101, a plate fixing unit 102, an image capturing unit 103, an imaging position driving unit 104, a cleaning unit 105, a waste liquid unit 106, and a data processing unit 107. Have.

  The sample supply unit 101 includes a sample table 111, a sample container 112, a probe arm 113, a probe 114, and a reagent bottle 115. The sample table 111 can be rotated, and a plurality of sample containers 112 can be set. A test solution is injected into the sample container 112. Examples of the test fluid include body fluids such as urine, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid. Note that the body fluid is not limited to the above as long as the body fluid may contain a formed component. The shape of the sample container 112 is not particularly limited as long as the probe 114 can be inserted and the test liquid can be stored.

  By rotating the sample table 111, the sample container 112 can move to a position immediately below the probe 114 of the probe arm 113. If the sample table 111 is not used, a sample rack or the like can be used. The sample rack in which the sample container 112 is set moves using one of the vertical and horizontal axes, or two axes combining the vertical and horizontal directions, and the probe 114 of the probe arm 113 is positioned directly above the sample container 112. It is also possible to operate.

  The probe arm 113 can rotate and move up and down, and has a probe 114 at the end. The probe arm 113 can be moved directly above the sample container 112 into which the target test solution is injected, and the probe 114 can be lowered to the sample container 112 to suck the target test solution. Thereafter, the probe 114 of the probe arm 113 is rotationally moved onto the integrated plate 122, whereby the sucked test liquid can be dispensed into the integrated plate 122. Note that the supply of the test liquid to the integrated plate 122 and the supply of the cleaning liquid described later can be performed using a single probe 114, and the configuration can be simplified.

  Further, the reagent bottle 115 is arranged on the circumference on which the probe 114 draws a locus by the rotation of the probe arm 113. This reagent is intended to improve the ability to discriminate the components contained in the test liquid. For example, when urine is used as a test solution, a staining solution is used. Representative urine staining solutions include Sternheimer staining, Sternheimer-Marvin staining, Sudan III staining, Berlin blue staining, Lugor staining, P-B staining, Hansel staining, and the like. The shape of the reagent bottle 115 is not particularly limited as long as the probe 114 can be inserted and the reagent can be stored.

  Next, the configuration of the plate fixing portion 102 will be described. The plate fixing unit 102 includes an imaging stage 121 and an integrated plate 122 placed on the imaging stage 121.

  The imaging stage 121 is provided between the imaging unit 131 and the light source 133, and holds and fixes the mounted integrated plate 122 horizontally. The imaging stage 121 transmits the light projected from the light source 133 to the imaging unit 131 without interfering with the light. The shape of the imaging stage 121 is not particularly limited as long as such a condition is satisfied. However, the material is preferably a material that hardly changes its shape and can suppress reflection of transmitted light as much as possible.

  The integrated plate 122 is formed of a transparent material and glass, and the test liquid sucked by the probe 114 is dispensed. The dispensed test solution is developed inside the integrated plate 122 and can be imaged by the imaging unit 131. Details of the integrated plate 122 will be described later.

  Next, the configuration of the image capturing unit 103 will be described. The image capturing unit 103 includes an imaging unit 131, an enlargement unit 132, a light source 133, and a memory 134. The imaging unit 131 captures a formed specimen image included in the test solution developed on the integrated plate 122. Examples of the imaging unit 131 include a CCD camera, a CMOS camera, a digital camera, a digital video camera, and the like. The enlargement unit 132 enlarges the formed specimen image included in the developed test solution. The enlargement unit 132 may be one that optically enlarges the specimen image, or one that digitally processes the captured image and enlarges it. Specific examples include an objective lens and a zoom lens that can be attached to the camera.

  The light source 133 emits transmitted light necessary for imaging. The light source 133 is not particularly limited as long as it can irradiate transmitted light necessary for imaging. Typical examples include a halogen lamp and LED illumination. The memory 134 records and holds image data captured by the imaging unit 131 and enlarged by the enlargement unit 132. The memory 134 may be a memory 173 built in a control unit 171 described later.

  Next, the configuration of the imaging position driving unit 104 will be described. The imaging position driving unit 104 includes an arm 141, an XY stage 142, and a Z stage 143. The arm 141 holds the imaging unit 131 of the image capturing unit 103 at the tip. Further, the XY stage 142 moves the arm 141 back and forth (Y-axis direction) left and right (X-axis direction), and changes the imaging position by the imaging unit 131 attached to the tip of the arm 141 in the front-and-rear and left-right direction. Can be determined.

  A Z stage 143 is provided below the XY stage 142. The Z stage 143 moves the arm 141 (imaging unit 131) in the height direction (Z-axis direction). A drive control unit 311 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, obtains a height correction value so as to be focused on the imaging base surface during imaging by the imaging unit 131, and together with the XY coordinates of each imaging position, the height in the Z-axis direction. The correction value is output to the memory 173 described later. The Z stage 143 moves the arm 141 in the height direction based on the height correction value. These XY stage 142 and Z stage 143 use a pulse motor, a servo motor, a stepping motor, a linear motor, or the like as a drive source.

  Such an imaging position driving unit 104 may be configured to be able to move the imaging position of the imaging unit 131 freely back and forth and left and right. Therefore, instead of moving the imaging unit 131, the imaging stage 121 can be moved back and forth and right and left. Further, the Z stage 143 is not necessarily integrated with the imaging position driving unit 104, and the imaging stage 121 may move in the height direction (Z-axis direction).

  Next, the configuration of the cleaning unit 105 will be described. The cleaning unit 105 supplies a cleaning liquid to the integrated plate 122. The cleaning unit 105 includes a tube 151, a solenoid valve 152, a pump 153, a bottle tube 154, and a cleaning liquid bottle 155. One end of the tube 151 is connected to the probe 114 of the probe arm 113, and the other end is connected to the electromagnetic valve 152 and the pump 153. By switching the electromagnetic valve 152, the flow path can be switched to the bottle tube 154 side. A cleaning liquid bottle 155 is installed at the end of the bottle tube 154, and the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle 155 can be sucked. The cleaning liquid is preferably capable of more strongly cleaning the formed component adhering to the integrated plate 122, and the type of the cleaning liquid is determined according to the type of the test liquid and the type of the adhered component. For example, alkaline cleaning liquid, acidic cleaning liquid, strong alkaline electrolyzed water, strong acidic electrolyzed water, hypochlorous acid, ozone water, hydrogen water and the like can be mentioned. The cleaning liquid bottle 155 only needs to be able to insert the bottle tube 154 and store the cleaning liquid.

  Next, the configuration of the waste liquid unit 106 will be described. The waste liquid unit 106 includes a tube 161, a solenoid valve 162, a pump 163, a bottle tube 164, and a waste liquid bottle 165. The waste liquid part 106 processes the waste liquid discharged from the integrated plate 122.

  The tube 161 has one end connected to the integrated plate 122 and the other end connected to the electromagnetic valve 162 and the pump 163. When the test solution is dispensed into the integrated plate 122, the test solution can be developed in the integrated plate 122 when the pump 163 is operated. A waste liquid bottle 165 is installed at the end of the tube 164 via the electromagnetic valve 162. By switching the electromagnetic valve 162, the flow path can be switched to the bottle tube 164 side, and the waste liquid discharged from the integrated plate 122 can be discharged to the waste liquid bottle 165. Here, the waste liquid is a test liquid or a cleaning liquid that is discharged when the integrated plate 122 is cleaned. In addition, the waste liquid bottle 165 should just be what can insert the bottle tube 164 and can receive the said waste liquid.

  Next, the configuration of the data processing unit 107 will be described. The data processing unit 107 includes a control unit 171, a display 175, a printer 176, and the like. The control unit 171 can be configured using a general-purpose computer device. The control unit 171 includes a CPU 172, a memory 173, a hard disk (HDD) 174, and the like.

  The control unit 171 controls the XY stage 142 to move the imaging unit 131 of the image capturing unit 103 to the upper position (imaging position) of the integrated plate 122. Then, the height correction value recorded in the memory 173 is read, and the Z stage 143 is moved up and down in the height direction to determine the imaging height. These controls are performed by executing a control program stored in advance in the memory 173 or the like.

  Here, the integrated plate 122 can be repeatedly used by washing, and a cover glass is provided on the upper part of the imaging base surface, and these are integrated. When imaging the test solution, the imaging unit 131 focuses on the formed component contained in the test solution that is transmitted through the upper cover glass and developed on the imaging base surface. The integrated plate 122 is not disposable and is used while being fixedly held on the imaging stage 121, and the thickness of the imaging base surface is always constant. As a result, as will be described later, the height correction value is stored in the control unit 171 in advance, and the height correction can be accurately performed using the height correction value during actual measurement.

  The control unit 171 analyzes an image captured by the image capturing unit 103 (imaging unit 131), and classifies and identifies the component included in the image based on the form and the like. Built in. Further, the control unit 171 has a function of calculating an analysis result from all the identification results for a predetermined field of view, and accumulates the analysis result and captured image data in the hard disk 174 or outputs the display result on the display 175. Or can be printed out from the printer 176. As the display 175, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or the like can be used. For recording and storage, in addition to the hard disk 174, a storage device such as an MO disk or a CD-R can be used. The “preliminary field of view” is the number of fields (images) to be captured. Further, as means for identifying the formed portion, the operator may visually determine the image output to the display 175, the printer 176, or the like.

(About integrated plate)
Next, the integrated plate 122 will be described. FIG. 2-1 is a perspective view showing an integrated plate of the component analyzer, and FIG. 2-2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the integrated plate.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the integrated plate 122 is formed in a hollow shape in which the cover glass 201 and the imaging base surface 202 are integrated, and a test solution is developed on the upper surface of the imaging base surface 202. The integrated plate 122 is provided with a dispensing pot 203. A target test solution (test solution and reagent) is dispensed into the dispensing pot 203 by the probe 114 of the probe arm 113. The dispensing pot 203 can also be used as a reaction tank for the test liquid and the reagent. The sample of the test solution dispensed in the dispensing pot 203 (test solution and reagent) is stored in the dispensing pot 203 due to the influence of surface tension unless a force is applied from the outside. It does not flow into the integrated plate 122. The sample (reacted test solution and reagent) in the dispensing pot 203 is sucked by the pump 163 so that the sample is developed in the integrated plate 122. The portion where the test solution is developed and the waste liquid port 204 inside the integrated plate 122 may be formed in an open shape. Moreover, the dispensing pot 203 may not be provided directly on the integrated plate 122 but may be provided at another location.

  FIG. 2-3 is a side sectional view showing the integrated plate. In the illustrated configuration example, a development surface 202 a on which the test liquid 210 is developed is formed on the imaging base surface 202 of the integrated plate 122. When the convex portion 202b is not formed on the imaging base surface 202, the entire upper surface of the imaging base surface 202 becomes the development surface 202a.

  The development surface 202 a is the upper surface of the convex portion 202 b formed at the center of the imaging base surface 202. When the test liquid 210 in the dispensing pot 203 is developed by the pump 163, the target formed component contained in the test liquid 210 is settled on the development surface 202a. The imaging base surface 202 is formed of a material that has translucency and is difficult to adhere to a formed component in the test solution. In this embodiment, glass with high chemical resistance corresponding to the type of cleaning liquid is used as the material of the imaging base surface 202. Furthermore, when aiming at the improvement of the liquid spreadability, a coating for ensuring long-term hydrophilicity may be applied to the spread surface 202a. In addition, the integrated plate 122 can be formed of plastic (synthetic resin), but in this case, hydrophilic treatment is essential for the development surface as well as chemical resistance.

  As shown in FIG. 2C, the integrated plate 122 can be configured by providing a flat cover glass 201 on the imaging base surface 202 and bonding it. And the clearance gap (thickness) h between the expansion | deployment surface 202a and the back surface 201b of the cover glass 201 can be made constant, and the test liquid 210 is expand | deployed to this part. The test liquid 210 can be held with a surface tension in the gap h between the developed surface 202a and the back surface 201b of the cover glass 201. According to the shape of FIG. 2-3, since the wall (side surface of the imaging base surface 202) is not located at the side of the test liquid 210, the integrated plate 122 has an advantage that it is difficult to get dirty.

  This integrated plate 122 is fixed on the imaging stage 121 so as not to move.

(Hardware configuration)
Next, a hardware configuration of the formed component analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the formed component analyzer.

  Image data captured by the imaging unit 131 is input to the control unit 171. The image data picked up by the image pickup unit 131 can be input after being stored in the memory 134. The control unit 171 includes an image analysis program for analyzing input image data, a CPU 172 for executing a program such as a drive control program for each stage, a memory 173, a drive control program, an image analysis program, and a sample A hard disk 174 for storing image data and the like is provided (see FIG. 1).

  The control unit 171 controls the sample table 111, the probe arm 113, the electromagnetic valves 152 and 162, the pumps 153 and 163, the imaging unit 131, the XY stage 142, and the Z stage 143 by a drive control program. The control unit 171 is connected to a display 175 and a printer 176, and can display and print analysis results and captured image data.

(Functional configuration of control unit)
Next, the functional configuration of the control unit of the component analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the material component analyzer. The functions executed by the CPU 172 (see FIG. 3) of the control unit 171 are described.

  The control unit 171 includes an image analysis unit 301, a processing procedure control unit 310, and a drive control unit 311. The processing procedure control unit 310 performs overall control of the overall operation of the component analyzer 100, and controls the image analysis processing by the image analysis unit 301 and the driving procedure and timing for each mechanism by the drive control unit 311. To do. The CPU 172 causes the image analysis unit 301 to function by executing the image analysis program, and causes the drive control unit 311 to function by executing the drive control program.

  Image data of the test liquid 210 imaged by the imaging unit 131 is input to the input unit 302 of the image analysis unit 301. The image analysis unit 301 performs image analysis on the image data input to the input unit 302 by the image processing unit 303, and outputs the image data and the analysis result from the output unit 304. Data output from the output unit 304 can be stored in the hard disk (HDD) 174, displayed on the display 175, or printed out from the printer 176. Data can also be output to other analytical instruments. The imaging unit 131 captures an image while focusing on the formed portion of the test liquid 210 and outputs image data. This focusing may be performed once for the integrated plate 122, as will be described later.

  The drive control unit 311 is based on a procedure instruction from the processing procedure control unit 310, the sample table 111, which is a mechanism unit, a probe arm 113, an arm 141, an XY stage 142, a Z stage 143, and a solenoid valve 152. 162 and the pumps 153 and 163 are respectively driven and controlled at necessary timings. The drive control unit 311 includes a height correction value detection unit 311a and an imaging height control unit 311b. The height correction value detection unit 311a detects a height correction value used when the imaging unit 131 performs focusing before imaging the test liquid 210. The imaging height control unit 311b drives and controls the XY stage 142 and the Z stage 143 of the arm 141 using the height correction value when imaging the test liquid 210, and performs focusing. When the imaging stage 121 is movable in the height direction, the imaging stage 121 can be moved in the height direction to focus.

(Analysis operation of the component analyzer)
Next, the analysis operation of the formed component analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  First, the detection and setting operation of the height correction value before the measurement of the test liquid is started will be described with reference to FIG. When starting up the formed component analyzer 100, a control sample or the like is developed on the integrated plate 122. As this control sample, an immobilized red blood cell or the like having a size close to the formed portion of the test liquid to be actually imaged is used. In addition to this, there is a method in which a mark (a line or the like) is provided on the plate development surface 202a to replace the formed component of the control sample. In this case, urine (which may be water) that does not include the formed component in advance. Need to be deployed.

  Next, the XY stage 142 is driven to move the imaging unit 131 at the tip of the arm 141 to the imaging position on the integrated plate 122. Further, the Z stage 143 is controlled in the height direction to settle on the imaging base surface 202 (the development surface 202a shown in FIG. 2-3) of the integrated plate 122, and manually focus on the existing component. Match. Thereafter, the height (height correction value) of the Z stage 143 is recorded in the memory 173 together with the position of the XY stage (XY coordinates). The height correction value recorded here is the imaging height at the imaging position. Thereby, when the test solution is actually analyzed later, the height correction value recorded in advance is read from the memory 173. Therefore, even if there are a plurality of image pickup positions, it is possible to move to the height position of the image pickup base surface 202 pinpointly without performing the focusing operation for each of the plurality of image pickup positions. Can be improved.

  The height correction values detected at a plurality of imaging positions on the development surface 202a (see FIG. 2-3) can be recorded in the memory 173. In this case, the height of the image pickup unit 131 or the Z stage 143 is moved using the height correction value (Z-axis height correction value) corresponding to each image pickup position (X, Y axis position) simultaneously with moving to each image pickup position. Can be adjusted.

  In this way, the height correction value is stored in advance, and this height correction value can be used in later analysis, as described with reference to FIGS. Since the cover glass 201 and the imaging base surface 202 of the integrated plate 122 are integrated, the thickness of the cover glass 201 and the imaging base surface 202 is constant, and the single integrated plate 122 can be repeatedly used by cleaning. It is. In addition, since the imaging height can be detected in advance, the risk of focusing other than the target formed component that has settled in the test solution can be extremely low, and the target formed object that is settled on the imaging base surface 202 is present. Minute images can be obtained more accurately.

  Next, the analysis operation of the component automatic analysis after setting the height correction value will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 4, FIG. 5 (FIGS. 5-1 to 5-6), and FIG. FIG. 5 (FIGS. 5-1 to 5-6) is a process diagram showing an analysis operation of the formed component analyzer. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the analysis operation of the formed component analyzer.

  First, as shown in FIG. 5A, the sample container 112 containing the test liquid 210 is set on the sample table 111. In some cases, a plurality of sample containers 112 may be set on the sample table 111. When the sample container 112 is set (step S601: No loop) and the setting is completed (step S601: Yes), a process for dispensing the test liquid is performed. First, the sample table 111 is rotated, and the sample container 112 is moved to a position on the circumference around which the probe arm 113 rotates. Then, the probe arm 113 is rotated to move the probe 114 to the upper part of the sample container 112. Further, by moving the probe arm 113 up and down, the probe 114 is lowered into the sample container 112 and the test liquid 210 is sucked. Thereafter, the probe 114 is moved to the upper part of the dispensing pot 203, and the test liquid 210 is dispensed (step S602).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, the probe arm 113 is rotated to move the probe 114 to the upper part of the reagent bottle 115. Further, by moving the probe arm 113 up and down, the probe 114 is lowered into the reagent bottle 115 and the reagent is aspirated. Thereafter, the probe 114 is moved to the upper part of the dispensing pot 203 of the integrated plate 122, the reagent is dispensed, and the test liquid 210 and the reagent are reacted (step S603).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5C, the test liquid (test liquid and reagent after reaction) 210 in the dispensing pot 203 is sucked by the pump 163 and developed in the integrated plate 122 (step S604). At this time, the electromagnetic valve 162 switches the flow path so that the suction force of the pump 163 is connected to the integrated plate 122.

  After the test solution is developed, the imaging unit 131 of the image capturing unit 103 is moved to the imaging position by the XY stage 142 (step S605). In addition, the Z stage 143 reads the height correction value of the imaging position from the memory 173 and sets the height correction (step S606).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5-4, the imaging unit 131 of the image capturing unit 103 captures the formed sample image included in the test liquid 210 on the imaging base surface 202, and the memory of the control unit 171 The image is stored in 173 (step S607). At this time, the imaging unit 131 can eliminate the need for focusing control to focus on the formed component. That is, the imaging unit 131 can focus on the formed component contained in the test liquid 210 without having the function of the autofocus mechanism.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5-5, the control unit 171 reads the captured image data from the memory 173, performs image analysis processing (classification and identification processing), and forms the formed portion included in the image. Based on the above, classification and identification are performed (step S608). This classification, identification result, and image data are stored in the hard disk 174 (step S609).

  Until the imaging for the set visual field on the development surface 202a of the integrated plate 122 is completed (step S610: No), the imaging processing in steps S605 to S609 is repeated.

  When imaging for the set visual field on the development surface 202a of the integrated plate 122 is completed (step S610: Yes), the control unit 171 performs image analysis processing (analysis processing) as illustrated in FIG. In the analysis process, for example, after performing pre-processing such as noise removal, binarization, and labeling on the image data from all the identification results, the characteristics (area, circularity, perimeter, Color etc.) are extracted, compared with the feature quantities of each formed fraction stored in advance, and an analysis result is calculated by a method of selecting and classifying matching ones (step S611). The analysis result is accumulated in the hard disk 174 (step S612). The analysis result and the image data are output and displayed on the display 175. Further, printing can be performed from the printer 176 as necessary. After the analysis is completed, the inside of the integrated plate 122 is washed (step S613). Details of the cleaning operation will be described later.

  By the above operation, the test liquid 210 can be developed on the integrated plate 122 and one analysis process can be executed. Then, it is determined whether or not the analysis for all the samples (test liquids) set in the sample table 111 has been completed (step S614). When the processing for the remaining samples is continued (step S614: No), the steps after step S602 are performed. The process is executed as described above. When the processing for all the samples is completed (step S614: Yes), the above series of analysis processing ends.

(Cleaning operation of the component analyzer)
Next, an automatic cleaning procedure for the integrated plate of the formed component analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 (FIGS. 7-1 and 7-2) is a process diagram showing the cleaning operation of the formation analyzer. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for cleaning the integrated plate of the component analyzer.

  First, it is determined whether or not the analysis result of the sample developed on the integrated plate 122 has been output (the process in step S611 in FIG. 6) (step S801). Then, waiting for the analysis result to be output (step S801: No loop), and when the analysis result is output (step S801: Yes), the probe 114 is moved to the upper part of the dispensing pot 203 of the integrated plate 122. (Step S802).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7A, the electromagnetic valve 152 is switched, and the flow path is switched to the cleaning liquid bottle 155 side (step S803). Then, the pump 153 sucks the cleaning liquid (sample and cleaning liquid) in the cleaning liquid bottle 155 through the bottle tube 154 (step S804). Thereafter, the solenoid valve 152 is switched again, and the flow path is switched to the tube 151 side (step S805). Then, the sucked cleaning liquid is dispensed into the dispensing pot 203 (step S806).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7-2, the pump 163 sucks the cleaning liquid in the dispensing pot 203 and the test liquid 210 in the integrated plate 122 (step S807). Thereby, the inside of the integrated plate 122 is washed. Next, it is determined whether the preset number of times of cleaning has been performed (step S808). When the number of times of cleaning has not reached the preset number (step S808: No), the processes after step S802 are repeated. On the other hand, when the preset number of times of cleaning has been performed (step S808: Yes), the cleaning process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the formed component analyzer, the test liquid is developed, imaged, and analyzed repeatedly in a single integrated plate. Then, the height correction value for the integrated plate is stored in advance, and the height correction value is used to quickly focus on the formed portion at the time of imaging so that a clear still image can be obtained. As a result, the processing time required for the analysis process can be shortened and the efficiency of the process can be improved. In addition, since the imaging height is known in advance at the time of imaging, there is very little risk of focusing other than the desired formed component that has settled in the test solution, so that more accurate and reliable imaging and analysis can be performed. become. Moreover, the same integrated plate can be used repeatedly by washing the integrated plate for each output of the analysis result, and the cost for the plate can be suppressed.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change and deformation | transformation are possible within the range of the matter described in the claim. For example, in the above embodiment, when the probe arm 113 is moved from the position just above the sample container 112 to the dispensing pot 203 on the integrated plate 122, the probe arm 113 moves by rotating and lifting operation. A mechanism may be adopted in which the probe arm 113 is linearly moved to a position at which dispensing can be performed directly above the dispensing pot 203. In this case, the reagent bottle 115 is arranged on a straight line on which the probe 114 draws a locus.

  Further, in the above embodiment, in the cleaning operation of the component analyzer 100, the sucked cleaning liquid is dispensed into the dispensing pot 203 via the tube 151, the probe arm 113, and the probe 114. Alternatively, the cleaning solution may be dispensed via the tube 151 from another probe fixed directly above the dispensing pot 203. Therefore, the probe 114 used in the formed component analyzer 100 is not a single probe, and a plurality of probes may be used for the operation of supplying the test liquid and washing.

  Further, the imaging stage 121 may have a rectangular shape or a circular shape. That is, when processing a large amount of test solution or for the purpose of improving the processing speed, a multi-continuous plate in which the integrated plate 122 is laterally continuous is arranged on the imaging stage 121, or a circular imaging stage. A plurality of integrated plates 122 can be arranged on 121.

  In the above embodiment, the tube 161 is always connected to the integrated plate 122. However, the tube 161 is connected to the integrated plate 122 only during waste liquid, and the tube 161 is separated from the integrated plate 122 during imaging. It is good.

  Note that the method according to the present embodiment for analyzing the formed component can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  As described above, the tangible component analyzing apparatus and the tangible component analyzing method according to the present invention are useful for an analytical instrument that captures and analyzes an image focusing on the tangible component contained in the test liquid, Since the plate can be used repeatedly, it is suitable for an analytical instrument that needs to output the analysis result quickly in a short time while preventing the waste of the disposable plate.

1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a formed component analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the integrated plate of a formation part analyzer. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows an integrated plate. It is a sectional side view which shows an integrated plate. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of formation component analyzer. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of a formation component analyzer. It is process drawing which shows the analysis operation | movement of a formed-parts analyzer (the 1). It is process drawing which shows the analysis operation | movement of a formed-parts analyzer (the 2). It is process drawing which shows the analysis operation | movement of a formed-parts analyzer (the 3). It is process drawing which shows the analysis operation | movement of a formed-parts analyzer (the 4). It is process drawing which shows the analysis operation | movement of a formed-parts analyzer (the 5). It is process drawing which shows the analysis operation | movement of a formed-parts analyzer (the 6). It is a flowchart which shows the analysis operation | movement of a formation part analyzer. It is process drawing which shows the washing | cleaning operation | movement of a formation analyzer (the 1). It is process drawing which shows the washing | cleaning operation | movement of a formed-part analysis apparatus (the 2). It is a flowchart which shows the washing | cleaning procedure of the integrated plate of a formation part analyzer.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Formation analysis apparatus 101 Sample supply part 102 Plate fixing part 103 Image taking-in part 104 Imaging position drive part 105 Washing part 106 Waste liquid part 107 Data processing part 111 Sample table 112 Sample container 113 Probe arm 114 Probe 115 Reagent bottle 121 Imaging Stage 122 Integrated plate 131 Imaging unit 132 Enlargement unit 133 Light source 141 Arm 142 XY stage 143 Z stage 151, 161 Tube 152, 162 Solenoid valve 153, 163 Pump 154, 164 Bottle tube 155 Cleaning liquid bottle 165 Waste liquid bottle 171 Control unit 172 CPU
173 Memory 174 Hard disk (HDD)
175 Display 176 Printer 201 Cover glass 202 Imaging base surface 202a Development surface 203 Dispensing pot

Claims (10)

A plate having an imaging base surface for developing the test liquid in order to image the supplied test liquid;
An imaging stage for holding the plate;
An imaging means that is developed on the imaging base surface of the plate and images the formed portion of the test liquid in a stationary state;
A height correction value detecting means for detecting in advance a height correction value for focusing the imaging means on the formed portion of the test liquid;
An imaging height control means for controlling the relative movement of the imaging means or the imaging stage in the height direction using the height correction value when imaging the test liquid by the imaging means;
A formed component analyzer characterized by comprising: The height correction value detection means detects in advance a height correction value for focusing the imaging means on the formed portion for each of a plurality of imaging positions on the imaging base surface,
The imaging height control means raises the imaging means or the imaging stage by using the height correction value for each of a plurality of imaging positions on the imaging base surface when imaging the test liquid by the imaging means. 2. The formed component analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the analyzer is moved relatively in the vertical direction. Imaging position driving means for freely moving the imaging means on the plate held by the imaging stage;
A probe for supplying the test liquid to the plate, and a supply means for freely moving the probe relative to the plate;
A cleaning unit for supplying a cleaning solution for cleaning the plate to the plate, and a probe that freely moves the probe with respect to the plate;
Waste liquid means supplied by the cleaning means and receiving waste liquid discharged from the plate;
The material analysis apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:   The probe of the supply means and the cleaning means is a single probe or a plurality of probes, and the probe is freely moved with respect to the plate to supply either the test liquid or the cleaning liquid. The formed component analyzer according to claim 3. The plate has a hollow shape provided with a cover on the imaging base surface,
A supply port provided at one end of the imaging base surface, to which the test liquid or the cleaning liquid is supplied;
Provided at the other end of the imaging base surface, and a discharge port for discharging the test liquid and the cleaning liquid from the plate;
The formed component analyzer according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by comprising:   The said supply means and the said washing | cleaning means lead the said test liquid or the said washing | cleaning liquid supplied to the said supply port to the inside of the said plate by producing | generating a suction | attraction force to the said discharge port. Described component analyzer.   7. The image analysis device according to claim 1, further comprising: an image analysis unit that analyzes a formed component contained in the test solution based on an image of the test solution imaged by the imaging unit. The formed component analyzer described in 1.   The formed component analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the test solution is urine. A test liquid supply step for supplying the test liquid to the imaging base surface of the plate held by the imaging stage;
An imaging step of imaging the test solution that is developed on the imaging base surface of the plate and is in a stationary state;
Based on the image of the test liquid imaged by the imaging process, an image analysis process for analyzing the formed component contained in the test liquid;
A washing step of washing the plate after imaging of the test liquid by the imaging step;
A method for analyzing a formed component, comprising: A height correction value detection step of detecting in advance a height correction value for focusing on the test solution developed on the imaging base surface of the plate during the imaging;
When imaging the test solution in the imaging step, an imaging height that relatively moves and controls an imaging unit that performs the imaging using the height correction value or an imaging stage that holds the plate Control process;
The method for analyzing a formed component according to claim 9, comprising:

Images