JP3444760B2 - Sample transport system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sample transport system used in a sample test automation system, an automatic analyzer, etc. and a sample container holder used therein, and in particular, it can autonomously transport a sample. The present invention relates to a sample transport system and a sample container holder used for the system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a sample test automation system, a large-scale automatic analyzer, etc., a sample is contained in a test tube such as a blood collection tube, a sample container such as a sample cup, and a plurality of sample containers containing the sample are The sample container holder is mounted on a rack and transported. Therefore, a transport mechanism for transporting the rack is installed by connecting a plurality of inspection devices.

By the way, normally, test tubes and sample cups are not always set at all positions of the rack. Therefore, it is checked whether or not a blood collection tube or sample cup is installed in each set position, and in the positions where it is not installed, the sampling operation such as dispensing is not performed and the operation time is skipped to reduce the time. ing. Further, for each rack, the information for identifying the sample container mounted therein and the information indicating the set position in the rack are collected and managed by the central control device or the like. That is, the central controller centrally manages the instruction of the transport destination of each rack, the analysis instruction for each sample in each rack, and the like.

[0004]

In order to perform such management, a bar code is attached to the rack itself or, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-287018, the rack being transported is identified. It has been proposed to perform a process of identifying a code by making a hole in the rack. However, in this case, it is necessary to install a code reader or the like for reading a code at each position of the transport line in order to detect passage of the rack in the transport process. However, since the code reader is expensive, installing the code reader in various places on the transport line leads to an increase in system cost. Therefore, this previous apparatus, the information in the rack is detected by using the code reader or the like before transport, the after starting the conveyance, detection by only the code reader installed in limited places within the transport system Just do. As a result, in the other areas, the rack is managed as being transported normally. However, in this case, if the rack is not being transported normally for some reason, or if the location of the rack is urgently needed, for example, if analysis of a specific sample is to be performed with the highest priority, When you want to add or change analysis items for a sample, it is possible that the response will be delayed.

On the other hand, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 62-226058,
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-45563, there is a system provided with a function of holding information on the side of a sample and a function of notifying the central control device of the content by communication means. However, each of these systems is a system in which the information of the sample is sent to the central control device to enhance the centralized management in the central control device. But with this system,
Each automatic analyzer operates by waiting for an instruction from the central controller. Therefore, there is a problem that the analysis operation cannot be executed unless there is an instruction from the central controller. For example, if an instruction from the central control unit is delayed for some reason, for example, if there is an urgent analysis request, it is difficult to respond to this.

Further, in the above-mentioned conventional apparatus, when any abnormal state occurs in the rack, it is not easy to detect the abnormal state, and the analyzer or the like becomes inoperable or has an abnormal inspection result. It may be possible to know that an abnormality has occurred only after the occurrence of. Therefore, until it is discovered in such a state, it is not known that an abnormality has occurred, and it is difficult to take an early action. In order to improve the reliability of the test, it is desirable to be able to detect an abnormal state occurring in the sample in the system as early as possible. Further, it is preferable that the system administrator, the operator, etc. can be notified of the situation occurring with respect to the sample in the system by providing information from the sample side to the system side, not limited to the case of abnormality. However, in the above-mentioned devices, no such consideration is given.

It is an object of the present invention to retain information on the side of a sample and to directly communicate with a carrier device and an analyzer so that the carrier and analysis can be carried out autonomously. And to provide a sample container holder used therefor.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sample transport system capable of directly transmitting the information to the operator or the like when the information to be transmitted to the operator or the like is generated on the sample side, and a sample container holding used for the system. To provide the body.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above first object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for performing pretreatment for analysis of a sample and an automatic analysis for analyzing the sample With respect to the apparatus, in a sample transport system including a transport device that mounts and transports a sample container containing a sample on a sample container holder, the sample container holder is held by the sample container holder. At least one of a plurality of devices arranged along the transport device, which has a unit for storing information about the sample contained in the sample container and a first communication unit for exchanging information with the outside. To the equipment of the department,
There is provided a sample transport system having a second communication unit for exchanging information with the first communication unit of the sample container holder.

The sample container holder has means for determining whether a predetermined state to be transmitted has occurred and, when it has been determined that a predetermined state to be transmitted has occurred, this has occurred. Depending on the state, the first communication unit may further include a unit for transmitting information using a predetermined second communication unit as a transmission destination.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, in a sample container holder for holding a sample container containing a sample for analysis processing, the sample container held by the sample container holder There is provided a sample container holder characterized by having a means for storing information about the sample contained in the container and a communication means for exchanging information with the outside.

Mounting the sample container on the sample container holder
It is possible to provide a sample holder for storing the sample holder, and to provide the storing unit and the first communication unit for each sample holder .

To achieve the second object, according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the first communication means has a function of communicating with a portable telephone. A sample transport system is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sample container holder according to the second aspect, characterized in that the communication means has a function of communicating with a mobile phone.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments,
A sample transport system to which the present invention is applied and a sample container holder used for the system will be described.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of an automatic analysis system in which the sample transport system of the present invention is used. The system shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a configuration installed in a hospital and used by linking with the system of the hospital.

In FIG. 1, this system controls a host computer 1, a main controller 2 that controls the entire sample transport system, and each unit that is arranged in each part of this system and executes various operations. Unit controller 3, a sample transport unit 8 for transporting a sample, an automatic analyzer 9, a network 10 connecting them, and a rack 5 for holding and transporting sample containers. In the system of FIG. 1, one unit control 3 and one automatic analyzer 9 are shown for the sake of simplicity. But this is
This is to simplify the notation, and a plurality of these may exist.

In the case of the present embodiment, the host computer 1 is installed in another device of a hospital, for example, a doctor's hand,
A terminal (not shown) and network 1 for ordering inspections, etc.
0 to control the entire system including the system of the present invention. For example, the host computer 1
Information indicating the state of the system is collected and managed, such as sample information and information on the entire system relating to the automatic analyzer 9 and the analyzer. Further, it has a man-machine interface function of receiving information from the outside and displaying information. The sample information includes customer information, test item information, time factor information, test result information and the like.

The unit controller 3 has a sample transport control section 3A, a rack / sample information collection section 3B, a sample transport section control section 3C, and a bus 3D connecting these.
The sample transport control unit 3A controls the transport of the sample based on the instruction from the main controller 2 or the information collected by the rack / sample information collection unit 3B. Racks / sample information collection unit 3B performs communication with the rack 5 you later, the communication unit for collecting information about the rack and the sample with (not shown), not the memory (shown for storing the information ) And. The sample transport control unit 3C controls the operation of the sample transport unit 8 under the control of the sample transport system control unit 3A.

The unit controller 3 shown in FIG.
Is a unit for controlling the sample transport unit 8,
Information about the sample transportation is collected and the sample transportation is controlled. In the case of the unit controller 3 for controlling the units other than the sample transporting unit 8, for example, the sample loading / unloading unit 15 (see FIG. 2), information corresponding to the operation of each unit is collected and Control the unit.

The automatic analyzer 9 has a main body 9 for performing an analysis.
A and an automatic analyzer control unit 9 for controlling the analysis work of the main body
B and a communication unit 9C for transmitting and receiving information to and from the rack 5. Although one automatic analyzer 9 is shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of analyzers having the same or different analysis contents may be arranged.

The sample transporting section 8 is arranged from the rack loading position along each processing position such as pretreatment, automatic analysis, sample storage position, etc., and the apparatus rack 5 is placed to change from one position to another position. Transport. Although one belt conveyor is shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of belt conveyors, branching devices, etc. are arranged. Further, a motor 13 that drives the sample transporting unit 8 is attached to the sample transporting unit 8. Further, a sensor 4 for detecting a sample is arranged in a part of the sample transport section 8. The detection signal from the sensor 4 is used as the sample transport unit control unit 3 of the unit controller 3.
Input to C. The motor 13 is the sample transport unit control unit 3C.
Controlled by.

The rack 5 is a sample container holder for holding the sample container 6 thereon. As a sample container,
As will be described later, a sample tube (test tube) 6A for containing a sample
And there is a sample cup 6B. The rack 5 used in this embodiment has a structure in which five sample containers can be arranged in a row. FIG. 4 shows an example thereof. An information processing device 50 described later is mounted on the rack 5.

The rack 5 shown in FIG. 4 is divided into five compartments in the longitudinal direction, holding sections 551-555 for holding one test tube in each section, and holding sections 551-5.
Adjacent to 55, code parts 561 to 565 having six through holes penetrating both side surfaces are provided.

The holding portions 551 to 555 are structured to hold the test tube 6A and the sample cup 6B, which are arranged in the width direction, so as not to fall. This holding portion 551
The slits 580 are provided in the central portions of both side surfaces. Each of the slits 580 has a corresponding holding portion 5.
It is used to check the state of the sample container including the presence or absence of the sample container in 51 to 555. In addition, depending on the case, it is used for reading the barcode label attached to the sample container. For this reason, the width of the slit 580 is such that a portion having an opening width such that a sample container such as a test tube to be held does not come off can be secured and the slit 580 can be observed.

Each of the code portions 561 to 565 has one positioning hole 5 that determines the reading timing of the code portion from below.
60A, four identification code holes 560B for performing rack identification and sample container accommodation position identification, and a parity hole 560C for performing parity check are provided. These are read by the sensor described later. Since the positioning holes 560A generate timing signals, all the holes are opened. On the other hand, the identification code hole 56
The 0B and the parity hole 560C are determined to be penetrating / non-penetrating according to the code. Here, in the identification code hole 560B, for example, rack identification can be determined using the highest hole row, and the sample container position can be determined using the other three hole rows. Further, the position of the sample container may be set to a unique position code through all the racks. In this case, rack identification is not performed in the identification code hole 560B.

Further, the number of the identification code holes 560B and the parity holes 560C can be made smaller than the number of sample containers to be mounted. For example, in the example shown in FIG.
Code portions 561 to 564 are provided between 555.

As the sample container 6, for example, a test tube 6A and a sample cup 6B are used as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, two types of test tubes 6A having different heights, a sample cup 6B attached to the test tube 6A, and a rack 5 are used.
And the sample cup 6B mounted directly on the. Note that in the example of FIG. 5, the holding unit 555 is empty. Further, it is possible to mount only the test tube 6A and only the sample cup 6B on the rack 5. The sample cup 6B may be entirely attached to the test tube 6A. By doing so, it becomes possible to make the heights of the sample containers uniform.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sensor 4 is arranged so as to sandwich the rack 5 and can detect even the information area of the rack 5. That is, the conveyor belt 8
1. Stands 41 and 42 arranged to face each other across the rack 5 on one side, light-emitting elements 411 to 419 arranged vertically on the stand 41, and arranged vertically on the stand 42. The light receiving elements 421 to 429. The light emitting elements 411 to 419 and the light receiving elements 421 to 429 face each other, and
The light receiving elements 421 to 429 corresponding to the light beams from to 419 receive light.

Light emitting elements 411 to 416 and light receiving element 421
˜426 are the positioning hole 560A, the code hole 560B, and the parity hole 56 of the code portion of the rack 5 described above.
The position corresponding to 0C is provided. In addition, the light emitting element 41
1 to 416 and the light receiving elements 421 to 426 are also used for detecting the presence or absence of a sample container via the slit 580 of the rack 5.

Light emitting elements 417 to 419 and light receiving element 427.
~ 429 means the test tube 6 protruding into the upper region of the rack 5.
The length of A, the sample cup 6B, etc. is detected to detect the type of the mounted sample container. For example, the light emitting element 4
When only 17 and the light receiving element 427 are shielded from light, the sample cup is attached alone, and when the light emitting elements 417 and 418 and the light receiving elements 427 and 428 are shielded from light, the small size is achieved. Test tube 6A is mounted, and light emitting elements 417 to 419 and light receiving elements 427 to 42
When the light is blocked for 9 and 9, it can be determined that the large test tube 6A is mounted.

The sensor 4 is fixedly installed along the conveyor belt 81. Therefore, the rack 5 is displaced relative to the sensor 4 as the rack 5 is transported by the transport belt 81 and moves. The detection output of the sensor 4 is sent to the sample transport unit control unit 3C (see FIG. 1). Further, the sensor 4 is arranged at a plurality of places in the system. The location is set along the transport path of the rack. In particular, it is placed at a location that requires rack identification such as confirmation of arrival of racks and confirmation of objects. For example, referring to FIG. 2 described later, a sample loading / unloading unit 15, an online dispensing unit 17, an offline dispensing unit 18, an automatic analysis unit 9, a sample storage unit 19, and the like.

FIG. 3 shows the functions of the information processing apparatus 50 mounted on the rack itself, which is an embodiment of the present invention, and has a state determination section 51, a communication section 52, and a power supply section 53. The state determination unit 51 has an operation control unit 5A, a writing control unit 5B, a storage unit 5C, a determination unit 5D, a counter 5E, and an answerback determination unit 5F. The communication unit 52 has a transmission unit 26 and a reception unit 27. The storage unit 5C is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory.

In FIG. 3, the operation control unit 5A controls the sample measurement operation for the sample, and also performs a specific event, for example, that the rack is operated from the outside, information is received from the outside, and the rack is operated. Has reached a specific position, and an abnormality has occurred in each part of the rack. When a specific event occurs, the operation corresponding to the event is controlled. For example, a signal indicating the content of the event is supplied to the determination unit 5D. The determination unit 5D extracts, for example, the transmission destination and the message corresponding to the content of the supplied event from the content of the storage unit 5C. In the storage unit 5C, the writing control unit 5B presets and stores a transmission destination, that is, a destination (ID code) of a communication unit of another device and a message for each content of the event. Therefore, the storage unit 5C is
It is composed of a non-volatile memory that can hold information so that it does not volatilize. In addition, the storage unit 5C stores information provided each time it is needed, for example, information regarding a sample mounted on a rack. The information provided each time it is needed is updated to the latest information as it is received.

The message fetched from the storage section 5C, together with the transmission destination code (ID code) indicating the transmission destination,
It is supplied from the determination unit 5D to the transmission unit 26. Then, a signal indicating the transmission destination code and the message is transmitted from the transmission unit 26. When the signal is transmitted from the transmission unit 26, the count start signal is supplied from the transmission unit 26 to the counter 5E.

The answerback determination section 5F is provided with a counter 5E.
Starts counting (clocking), it monitors the contents of the counter 5E and also monitors whether or not a reception signal is supplied from the reception unit 27. And the counter 5E
When the count value of is greater than or equal to a predetermined value or when a reception signal is supplied from the reception unit 27, a signal corresponding to that is supplied to the operation control unit 5A. The operation control unit 5A controls the operation in the rack according to the signal supplied from the answerback determination unit 5F.

The transmission data includes information on the sample mounted on the rack, sample information in the rack, alarm code, ID code, emergency request information and the like. Examples of the received data include a command to change analysis items and the like, a command to request communication of sample information in the rack, and measurement information such as sensors related to the sample in the rack. As the sample information in the rack, there is information about the sample mounted in the rack, for example, information for specifying the sample (sample ID code), the type and size of the sample container, the storage position of the sample container, and the stored sample. Type, items to be inspected, etc. The alarm code is a code to be notified to the outside in response to the content when an abnormal situation occurs. ID code is
This is an identifier for identifying the rack. The emergency request information is information indicating that all or some of the samples mounted in the rack include those that need to be urgently tested. The emergency request information can include information indicating priority indicating priority, information indicating deadline, and the like.

The power supply unit 53 has a current collector, a battery (not shown) for charging the collected power, and a power supply circuit (not shown) for controlling the charging of the battery and generating a required voltage in the rack. . The current collector 530 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the rack 5 may be provided with electrodes 531 and 532 on the back surface. When this current collector 530 is used, as shown in FIG. 8A, the transport belt 81 of the sample transport unit 8 is provided with electrodes 811 and 812 corresponding to the electrodes 531 and 532 of the current collector 530. . Alternatively, a current collecting system as shown in FIG. 9 may be used. In this system, the opposing surfaces 82, 82 sandwiching the conveyor belt 81
A plurality of power supply springs 821 are arranged side by side along the transport direction, and current collectors (not shown) are provided on both side surfaces of the rack 5. Here, the power supply springs 821 are arranged at intervals shorter than the length of the current collector. This enables continuous power supply.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the sample transport system. The system shown in the figure includes a host computer 1, a main controller 2, and a unit controller 3,
It is designed to control. Host computer 12
Is connected to a printer 11 for printing a barcode label and a man-machine interface 20. Also,
A hand reader 12 for reading a barcode is connected to the main controller 2. The host computer 1, the main controller 2, and the unit controller 3 are connected via the network 10.

In this system, as a device for pretreatment, a centrifuge station 14, a sample loading / unloading unit 15, a capping unit 16, an online dispensing station 17 and an offline dispensing station 18, and a sample storage for storing a sample. It has a unit 19. Further, an automatic analyzer 9 and a processing unit 21 such as other analyzers are arranged as devices for performing analysis. The sample transport to these devices is performed by the sample transport unit indicated by a thick arrow. Further, the sample storage unit 9 that holds the sample after analysis is arranged.

In the system shown in FIG. 2, each rack is provided with a communication section. A communication unit is also provided in a device that needs to exchange information with the rack. For example,
In addition to the unit controller 3 and the automatic analysis device 9 described above, they are provided in each work equipment. Then, all communication units are given unique addresses (ID codes). The communication with the rack is performed by wireless communication. In addition to this, it is possible to communicate with a portable communication device. For example, a mobile phone can be used as the mobile communication device. Also, the communication unit may be a mobile phone. This allows the operator, maintenance staff, and the like to have a mobile phone and directly call when necessary.

Here, in the system shown in FIG. 2, first, the inspection is automatically performed in a state where the information processing function of the information processing device 50 mounted on the rack 5 is not used, that is, in accordance with an instruction from the host computer 1. The case where the inspection is automatically performed by using the function of the information processing device 50 mounted on the rack 5 will be described.

In this type of system, when a sample test is requested, the hospital host computer 1 generally accepts the request. The host computer 1 accepts input of information necessary for test management such as a test target patient name, a test item, and information for specifying a sample. In addition, the printer 11 creates a label including a barcode including information (specimen identifier) for identifying a specimen and a patient name. It should be noted that the barcode label is printed in advance, the printed barcode label is attached to the test tube, the barcode of the label is read by the barcode reader 12, and the barcode is associated with the sample, You may make it input into the computer 1.

A bar code label 61 corresponding to the sample is attached to a sample container containing the requested sample, for example, a test tube 6A, or a test tube 6A to which the bar code label 61 is attached in advance. The sample is stored in the rack and inserted into the rack 5 (not shown in FIG. 2). In rack 5,
The rack ID for identifying the rack is provided by the identification code hole 560B of the above-mentioned code part. A bar code printed label may be attached.

This rack 5 is attached to the centrifuge station 14
Place the sample in the sample installation section and perform centrifugation. Then, in the sample loading / unloading unit 15, the sensor 4 reads the identification code hole 560B provided in the sample 6 to confirm the arrival of the sample. The unit controller 3 inquires the host computer 1 about the dispensing information by using the arrival confirmation information of the sample, that is, the information (rack ID) for identifying the rack on which the sample is mounted, as a key (the sample used by the automatic analyzer 9 ( Sub-unit 1 for making sub-samples
The stopper of the test tube is opened at 6 and the sample (parent sample) is dispensed to the slave sample at the online dispensing station 17. The unit controller 3 rack-transports the parent sample that has been dispensed to the offline dispensing station 18, automatically dispenses it for the offline analyzer, and stores it in the sample storage unit 19.

On the other hand, the automatic analyzer 9 reads, with the sensor 4, the rack ID attached to the rack sent by the sample transport section for the child sample for the automatic analyzer 9 at the online dispensing station, and this rack ID is read. Using as a key, the host computer 1 is inquired about measurement item information, and the requested item is analyzed. The child sample rack is stored in the rack storage section 19 of the automatic analyzer 9. After the analysis, the measurement result is transferred to the host computer 1 in real time. The analyzed sample is stored in the sample storage unit 19. In addition, the analyzer other than the automatic analyzer is stored in the other unit 21 or the sample storage unit 19 through the offline dispensing station 18.

Next, a case where the inspection is automatically performed by using the information processing section mounted on the rack will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the information processing device mounted on the rack shown in FIG.

First, prior to the control, it is necessary to provide the information processing device 50 of the rack 5 with the information about the sample.
For example, when the rack 5 is located in the sample loading / unloading unit 15 in FIG. 2, necessary information is transmitted via the unit controller 3 via the communication unit.
The information processing device 50 of the rack 5 receives this by the receiving unit 27, and stores it in the storage unit 5C by the writing control unit 5B. Note that, as described above, the storage unit 5C stores messages in advance for each transmission destination.

In step 100 of FIG. 10, the operation control unit 5A controls the analysis operation and determines whether a specific event has occurred (whether or not a state for transmitting information has occurred). If not, step 10
Return to 0. Specific events include, as described above, that the rack 5 has reached a specific position and that the rack 5 has been called from outside. Further, examples of the abnormality include a case where a sample container such as the test tube 6A does not exist at a predetermined position of the rack and a case where the insertion position is different. Further, when the liquid level of the sample is being detected, there may be an abnormal change in the liquid level. The case where the sample container does not exist at the predetermined position of the rack may be a mistake that occurs when the rack is first set, or the sample container that has been removed may not be returned to the original position. Moreover, when the insertion position is different, it is considered that the sample container is inserted when the sample container is attached to the rack and when the sample container is returned after being taken out.

If a specific event has occurred in step 100, in step 101, the judgment section 5D
Information about it, such as
It is determined whether or not it is an event for transmitting a specific message.
If it is not an event to be transmitted, the process returns to step 100. If it is an event to be transmitted in step 101, the process proceeds to step 102, and the determination unit 5D searches the storage unit 5C and extracts a transmission destination (located at a remote point) and a message to be transmitted.

For example, when the rack approaches the automatic analyzer 9, a message requesting analysis is transmitted to the automatic analyzer 9. Further, when a sample requiring an urgent test is installed, a message for an urgent test request is sent to the automatic analyzer 9.
And a unit controller 3 that manages the sample transport unit 8
Message to that effect. On the other hand, when the sample container is erroneously inserted, a message requesting that the sample container be properly reattached is transmitted to the operator. When the liquid level changes, an inquiry is made to the automatic analyzer 9 as to whether analysis is possible at the current liquid level. When the automatic analyzer 9 returns a notification that analysis is not possible, a unit controller 3 that manages the online dispensing station 17 and a unit that manages the sample transport unit 8 to request re-dispensing. It is transmitted to the controller 3 respectively. The liquid level is detected, for example, as shown in FIG.

At the time of communication, in step 103,
The determination unit 5D causes the transmission unit 26 to transmit a signal indicating the ID code (transmission source code) of the rack to which the determination unit 5D belongs, the transmission destination ID code, and the transmission message, and causes the counter 5E to start counting. . Subsequently, in step 104, the answerback determination section 5F determines whether or not the answerback signal is received by the reception section 27, and if not received, the process proceeds to step 106 and the counter value of the counter 5E is counted. To confirm.

Then, in step 107, the answerback determination section 5F determines whether or not the counter value is equal to or greater than the set value.
That is, it is determined whether or not the set time or more has passed since the transmission from the transmission unit 26. If the set time or more has not elapsed, the process returns to step 104. If the set time or more has elapsed in step 107, the process proceeds to step 108.

In step 108, the answerback determination section 5F notifies the operation control section 5A that the answerback signal cannot be received even after the set time has elapsed.

Then, the operation control section 5A executes the control operation according to a predetermined instruction stored in the storage section 5C. For example, if the abnormality content is a sample change such as sample insertion / removal, the fact that the sample has changed is stored in the memory, and the transportation itself is continued. Here, the abnormality is notified by transmission. Then, the process returns to step 100. When the answer back signal is received in step 104, the operation control unit 5A proceeds to step 105 and performs the rack transport operation based on the answer back signal. Then, the process returns to step 100.

As a result, the confirmation of the sample can be received as a re-command from the main controller.

When an analysis request is communicated to any of the automatic analyzers 19, when the device is busy, etc., the analysis request is communicated to the other analyzers to receive an acceptable response. Then, a message can be sent to the unit controller 3 so as to convey it to the existing position of the automatic analyzer. In this way, the rack 5
It can operate autonomously within the system.

FIG. 11 shows an example in which another process at the time of alarm is added to the procedure shown in the above operation flowchart. The added steps are steps 109 to 112, and the other steps are equivalent to the steps shown in FIG.

In step 100 of FIG. 11, the operation control section 5A determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the rack,
If no abnormality has occurred, the process proceeds to step 109. In step 109, the operation control unit 5A
It is determined whether or not one operation of the rack is completed. This one operation means, for example, confirmation of in-rack information or passage of a transportation place. Then, if this one operation is not completed and is being executed, the process returns to step 100.

When one operation is completed in step 109, the process proceeds to step 110. Then, in this step 110, the operation control unit 5A supplies a command signal to the determination unit 5D, and an operation normality message (indicating that the operation is normal and indicating the progress status of the operation is stored in the storage unit 5C in advance. Message). Next, in step 111, the determination unit 5D makes a determination based on the operation normal message transmission destination stored in advance in the storage unit 5C.

Subsequently, in step 112, an ID code indicating the address of the destination communication unit from the transmission unit 26,
A signal indicating the ID code of the transmission source rack and a message indicating that the operation is normal is transmitted. And
Return to step 100.

Upon receiving the operation normality message signal, the partner communication section generates a sound different from the sound generated when the abnormality occurs. Then, a message indicating that the operation is normal is displayed on the display unit. In this case, a different message can be displayed for each operation so as to indicate which operation has been advanced. Here, the partner includes, for example, the unit controller 3, the main controller 2, the host computer 1, and the like. Note that, for example, the unit controller 3 receives the data, and the main controller 2,
And / or network 1 to host computer 1
Display may be performed by the man-machine interface 20 connected to the host computer 1 as described above, and according to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. It is possible to obtain the same effect as the example shown in FIG. Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention,
It sends a message indicating that the rack is normal to a remote transmitter / receiver and generates a message indicating that the rack is normal and its progress.
Each service person can monitor the analysis / transportation progress information. That is, the operator can recognize that the analysis / transport operation is normally in progress.

In the step 109 in the example of FIG. 10, it is arranged to judge whether or not one operation is completed. However, it is so arranged that it is judged not to be one operation but for a predetermined time. May be. That is, if the analysis / transport operation is normal, the message can be displayed on the transceiver at regular intervals.

In the above example, the communication section is
Transmission and reception is possible within one facility such as a hospital where a rack is installed. In addition, the rack communication unit (transmitter and receiver 9
In the above example, wireless communication is assumed to be used for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the communication unit of another device, but wired communication may be used. When wirelessly transmitting and receiving, it is possible to use infrared rays or the like in addition to radio waves. On the other hand, in the case of a wired connection, it is necessary to provide a connection unit for connecting the communication unit of the rack and the communication unit of another device. In this case, it is preferable that only the connecting portion is configured to transmit information through the optical party so that the information can be transmitted in a contactless manner and the other portion is wired.

Further, in the example of FIG. 10, the communication section of the other device transmits a request for transmitting the progress of the operation to the rack side, and the rack side responds to the request to transmit the progress of the operation according to the request. It is also possible to transmit to.

When the inspection system including rack transportation is operated unattended at night or the like, each person in charge carries a portable reception dedicated device using a telephone line in addition to the above-mentioned receiving unit. It is also possible to do so. In this case, a mobile radio transmitter can be installed in the rack, and information can be transmitted from the rack to the main controller so that the main controller can talk to the portable reception-only device designated as the transmission destination. . Examples of the portable reception-only device include a pager, a mobile phone, and a computer. Of course, the transmission destination is not limited to the mobile device and may be a designated device having a receiving function.

The present invention can be applied to the communication units of the above-mentioned examples regardless of the number of units.

12 to 14 show examples of analyte sensing that can be used in the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows an example of liquid level detection. Here, the liquid level of the sample is detected by detecting the light emitted from the light emitting source outside the rack 5 by the light receiving sensor which is also outside. As the sensor, the above-described sensor 4 can be used as another sensor. By sending this information to the automatic analyzer 9 that performs the analysis in advance or the online dispensing station 17, the pretreatment of the sample can be performed in each device according to the liquid level. In this case, it is possible to send this information to the rack 5 and update the information regarding the state of the sample accumulated in the rack.

FIG. 13 shows an example of mounting the sensor 23 in the rack 5. It is also possible to store the measurement result in the in-rack storage unit (not shown in FIG. 13) from the sensor 23 by the in-rack communication 25 or the like, and then transmit the rack information after receiving the instruction to transmit the information.

FIG. 14 shows an example in which not only the sensor but also a processing source for giving a physical change to the sample such as a heat source and a refrigerating function is provided in the rack 5. As a result, it becomes possible to request and manage an instruction for setting the storage temperature of the sample, the temperature required for the next inspection, etc. for each sample. Examples of the processing source include a small heater and a thermoelectric cooling element. The processing source also includes a control unit that controls the processing by the processing source. At this time,
As described above, by accurately knowing the position on the rack where the sample is mounted, it is possible to realize the necessary processing only for the necessary sample.

In FIG. 14, if a weight sensor is used as the sensor instead of the processing source, the presence / absence of a sample can be easily detected.

In the above description, the case where the rack 5 itself is provided with the function of judging / communication has been described, but it is also possible to similarly provide this function for each sample. For example, it may be as shown in FIGS. That is, in the example of FIG. 15, the sample holder 7 is mounted on the rack 5, the test tube 6A is mounted on the sample holder 7, and the sample holder 7 has the same function as the information processing device 50 of the rack 5 described above. Is an example in which is provided. Similarly, in the example shown in FIG. 16, the sample holder 7 is mounted on the rack 5, the sample cup 6B is mounted on the sample holder 7, and the sample holder 7 side is the same as the information processing device 50 of the rack 5 described above. This is an example in which a function is provided.

The reason for providing the sample holder 7 is as follows. Typically, the specimen is placed in a test tube or sample cup. These sample containers are easily soiled and fragile and may be discarded after use due to contamination. Therefore, it is not allowed in terms of cost to provide each sample container with a communication function. In addition, conventional sticking of barcodes also takes time, and when one sample is dispensed in multiples, it is not attached to all. Therefore, by providing a common holder on which the test tube or the sample cup is placed, the test tube or the sample cup can be reused many times, so that the communication function and the like can be mounted.

The functions attached to the sample container 6 or the sample holder 7 may not be all of the functions shown in FIG. 3, but may be a part thereof, for example, only the storage section and the communication section. .

FIG. 17 shows an operation flow at the time of power failure. Conventionally, the information held by the main controller has not changed to the latest one, and there is a part left to the lower controller. In such a system, since the information regarding the processing status of the sample, the sample transportation, etc. has disappeared after the power failure is recovered, all of them may be discarded. Here, after the information transmission request (step 20), the information storage function of the information processing device of the rack 5 (or the sample container 6) of the present invention
1), while sending information on each rack and sample,
Further, as detailed information, the information report / re-measurement of the sample registered in each rack and the processing progress of the automatic analyzer and the like are reported (steps 203 and 204). After that, the process is restarted in response to a command from the host controller (step 205).

As another embodiment of the present invention, the communication means R
1 shows a sample transport system using FID communication. RFID
By using radio wave communication, it becomes possible to give radio wave energy to the receiving side. This energy is used to perform the determination / detection / communication function of the rack 5 or the sample container 6. In other words, it is not necessary to supply or hold power to the transport side, and it can be used semipermanently.

[0078]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to hold information about the held sample in a rack that is a sample container holder that holds the sample container, and exchange information with a device outside the rack by communication. Therefore, there is an effect that distributed management different from centralized management by the host computer and the main controller can be performed between the rack and the sample transport unit, the automatic analyzer, and the like. That is, by providing the rack side with the information necessary for the inspection in advance, the rack itself can exchange information with other devices and execute the necessary processing without an instruction from the host device. For example, before the rack arrives at the target device, it is possible to obtain in advance the information indicating the state of the sample mounted on the rack, the inspection item, and the like.

As a result, necessary data can be collected and the device can be prepared in advance. It is possible to optimize the processing by predetermining the processing order on the side of the automatic analyzer according to the declaration from the rack side. Since the information on the sample is retained also on the rack side, the continuity of processing before and after the power failure can be recovered in a short time by communication even if the power failure occurs. Information such as multiple sample separation / processing history can be added each time to the rack containing the sample container that contains the sample.
By managing the time after making a call, it becomes possible to detect system abnormalities at an early stage. Since the abnormality can be automatically transmitted to a remote place, as a result, it becomes possible to carry out a remote investigation from an operator, a serviceman, etc. at a remote place.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a processing flow according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device mounted on the sample container holder of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing an example of a sample container holder.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a state where a sample container is held by the sample container holder.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a sensor.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a sensor and a sample container holder.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of power supply to a sample container holder.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of power supply to the sample container holder.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the sample container holder.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the sample container holder.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of liquid level measurement in a sample container holder.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of liquid level measurement in a sample container holder.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a processing source is arranged on a sample container holder.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a sample and a sample holder.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a sample cup and a sample holder.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a post-power failure recovery processing procedure.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Host computer 2 ... Main controller 3 ... Unit controller 3A ... Sample transport control unit 3B ... rack / sample information collection unit 3C ... Sample transport control unit 3D ... bus 4 ... Sensor 5 ... rack 5A ... Operation control unit 5B ... Writing control unit 5C ... storage unit 5D ... Judgment part 5E ... Counter 5F ... Answerback judgment section 6 ... Specimen container 6A ... Test tube 6B ... Sample cup 7 ... Sample holder 8 ... Sample transport section 9 ... Automatic analyzer 9A ... Automatic analyzer body 9B ... Automatic analyzer control unit 10 ... Higher communication system 11 ... Printer 12 ... Hand reader 13 ... Motor 14 ... Centrifuge station 15 ... Sample loading / unloading unit 16 ... Opening unit 17 ... Online dispensing station 18 ... Offline dispensing station 19 ... Sample storage unit 20 ... Man-machine interface 21 ... Analytical device and other processing units

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01N 35/04

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A transfer for mounting a sample container containing a sample on a sample container holder and transferring the sample container to an apparatus for performing pretreatment for analysis of the sample and an automatic analyzer for analyzing the sample. In the sample transport system including an apparatus, the sample container holder is a means for storing information about a sample contained in the sample container held by the sample container holder, and for exchanging information with the outside. A first communication means for transmitting / receiving information to / from the first communication means of the sample container holder to at least a part of the plurality of equipment arranged along the transport device. The sample container holder has two communication means, and a means for determining whether a predetermined transmission state has occurred, and a case where it is determined that a predetermined transmission state has occurred Is in this raised state Accordingly, the sample transport system further comprising: means for transmitting information to the first communication means by using a predetermined second communication means as a transmission destination. 2. The sample transport system according to claim 1 , wherein at least a part of the stored content of the storing unit is first.
The information storage device receives the information, and the stored content corresponding to the information is updated each time it is received. 3. The sample transport system according to claim 2 , wherein the determining means makes a determination when the first communication means receives specific information. 4. The sample transport system according to claim 1 , wherein a sample holder for mounting a sample container on the sample container holder is provided, and the storing means and the first communication means are provided together with the sample holder. A sample transport system characterized by being provided in the. 5. The sample transport system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3 and 4 , wherein the means for determining is predetermined after information is transmitted from the first communication unit. A sample transport system characterized in that when a command signal from the transmission destination is not received by the lapse of time, the transport operation is executed according to a predetermined instruction. 6. The sample transport system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 , wherein the first communication means has a function of communicating with a mobile phone. Sample transport system. 7. A sample container holder for holding a sample container containing a sample for analysis processing, wherein information on a sample contained in the sample container held by the sample container holder is stored. Means, first communication means for exchanging information with the outside, means for judging whether a predetermined communication state has occurred, and judgment that a predetermined communication state has occurred In the case of being performed, a sample having means for transmitting information to the first communication means by using a predetermined second communication means as a transmission destination in accordance with the generated state. Container holder. 8. The sample container holder according to claim 7 , wherein a sample holder for mounting a sample container on the sample container holder is provided, and the storing means and the first communication means are the sample holder. A sample container holder, which is provided for each. 9. The sample container holder according to claim 7 , further comprising a processing source for processing the sample. 10. The sample container holder according to claim 7 , wherein the communication means has a function of communicating with a mobile phone.