JP2015132522A - Clinical examination device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a clinical examination device capable of reading a barcode without the need to incline a sample container even if a barcode label is affixed to the sample container obliquely.SOLUTION: The clinical examination device of an embodiment analyzes components of reaction liquid produced by a sample and a reagent. An autoanalyzer comprises: transport means; a barcode reader; and moving means. The transport means transports the sample container containing the sample to a predetermined position. The barcode reader is arranged to face the sample container to which a long barcode label on which a barcode indicating information on the sample is described is affixed, and which is transported to the predetermined position, and reads the barcode. The moving means moves the barcode reader so as to be adjusted to a longitudinal inclination of the barcode label affixed to the sample container in response to a read result of the barcode reader.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a clinical testing apparatus.

  A clinical test is performed in order to objectively evaluate the state of a subject such as a patient. A clinical laboratory apparatus is mainly used for this clinical examination. An example of a clinical examination apparatus is an automatic analyzer.

  An automatic analyzer is a device that generates a reaction liquid in a reaction container using a test sample (blood or urine) dispensed from a sample container and a reagent dispensed from a reagent container, and analyzes the components of the reaction liquid. is there. Note that the test sample may be simply referred to as “sample”.

  A barcode label is attached to the sample container. A barcode indicating the sample information is displayed on the barcode label.

  A barcode reader for reading the barcode is disposed at a position facing the transported sample container. Measurement of an item designated corresponding to the read barcode (identification information) is performed (for example, Patent Document 1).

  Further, the barcode reader is arranged so as to swing left and right (horizontal direction) around the vertical axis. The barcode reader swings left and right (horizontal direction) so that the barcode can be read again when the barcode reader cannot read the barcode by the conveyance belt conveying the sample container in the horizontal direction. (For example, patent document 2).

JP-A-6-130069 JP 2002-150217 A

  In many cases, a barcode label is attached to a sample container by a medical staff. In this case, the barcode label is inclined and attached to the sample container, and the barcode may not be read.

  In general merchandise, when a bar code is attached to it with a tilt, a system such as POS can tilt the merchandise and read the bar code.

  However, the sample container contains a sample. For example, when a sample is filled in a sample container, the sample container may be spilled when the sample container is tilted in the same manner as a general product.

  This embodiment solves the above-described problem. A clinical test apparatus capable of reading a barcode without tilting the sample container even when the barcode label is tilted and attached to the sample container. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the clinical test apparatus according to the embodiment analyzes components of a reaction solution generated by a sample and a reagent. The clinical examination apparatus has a conveying means, a barcode reader, and a moving means. The transport means transports the sample container containing the sample to a predetermined position. The bar code reader is provided with a long bar code label on which a bar code indicating information on the sample is attached to the sample container, and faces the sample container conveyed to the predetermined position. It is arranged for reading the bar code. The moving means receives the reading result of the barcode reader, and moves the barcode reader so as to match the inclination of the barcode label attached to the sample container in the long direction.

The front view of the sample container in which the barcode label was inclined and stuck. 1 is an overall perspective view of an interior of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. The top view which shows notionally arrangement | positioning of the barcode reader with respect to a rack sampler. The front view of a barcode reader and the moving means which moves it. Operation | movement explanatory drawing when a barcode reader is moved. The figure which shows the correspondence of the inclination angle of a barcode reader, and the movement distance of a base. The flowchart which shows a series of operation | movement when tilting a barcode reader to the left. The flowchart which shows a series of operation | movement when tilting a barcode reader to the right. The front view of the barcode reader which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and the moving means to move it.

  As an example of the clinical testing apparatus of this embodiment, an automatic analyzer will be described with reference to each drawing.

  A barcode label is affixed to the front of the sample container. FIG. 1 is a front view of a sample container on which a bar code label is attached with an inclination. As shown in FIG. 1, when the barcode label is attached to the sample container with an inclination, the barcode reader may be moved so as to match the inclination. In order to adjust the barcode reader to the inclination of the barcode label, the following two means can be considered. (1) First, the inclination of the barcode label is detected. Next, the barcode reader is moved based on the detection result. (2) First, the barcode is read. Next, it is determined whether or not to move the barcode reader in response to the reading result.

  The means (1) requires a detecting means for detecting the inclination of the bar code label. However, sometimes the barcode can be read even if the inclination of the barcode cannot be detected. On the contrary, the barcode inclination can be detected, and the barcode may not be read even if the barcode reader is moved based on the detection result.

The means (2) eliminates the need for detection means. Therefore, the configuration is not complicated. Further, the barcode reader is moved only when the barcode reading result is received and the barcode cannot be read. Therefore, the barcode reader is not moved unnecessarily.
Therefore, in the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment, the means (2) is used to adjust the barcode reader to the inclination of the barcode label.

The means for moving the barcode reader includes (A) tilting the barcode reader and horizontally moving the barcode reader in parallel. (B) There is also a means for simply tilting the barcode reader.
The means (A) will be described below, and then the means (B) will be described.

<First Embodiment>
Next, the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the interior of the automatic analyzer, and FIG. 3 is a plan view conceptually showing the arrangement of the barcode reader with respect to the rack sampler.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the automatic analyzer 100 includes a rack sampler 6 and a barcode reader 20.

(Rack sampler 6)
A rack sampler 6 is disposed along the front edge of the front surface of the automatic analyzer 100. The rack sampler 6 is configured to store a plurality of racks 62 in a line and to transport each rack 62 to a predetermined position. The direction in which the rack 62 is transported to a predetermined position is indicated by the X direction in FIGS. A plurality of (for example, five) sample containers 61 are accommodated in the rack 62. A sample sample is stored in the sample container 61.

  The rack sampler 6 is configured to be able to transport one or more of the plurality of racks 62 in a horizontal direction (direction from the front edge to the center) orthogonal to the direction in which the racks are arranged. As a result, each sample container 61 in the rack 62 is sequentially transported to a predetermined position P (see FIG. 3). The direction in which each sample container 61 is sequentially transported to a predetermined position P is shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. FIG. 3 shows a sample container 61A transported to a predetermined position P among the plurality of sample containers 61. The rack sampler 6 corresponds to “conveying means” for conveying the sample container 61 to a predetermined position P.

(Barcode reader 20)
As shown in FIG. 3, the barcode reader 20 is disposed so as to face the sample container 61 conveyed to a predetermined position P.

  The sample container 61 is provided with a long barcode label. The barcode is displayed on the barcode label. Here, the bar code refers to a one-dimensional symbol in which information is displayed by arranging rectangular bars and spaces in the long direction and can be read along the long direction.

  Here, “reading along the long direction” includes the following contents. a) The mechanical scanning bar code reader 20 includes a light source, a photodiode, and an optical system. By scanning light along a long direction, the reflected light from the bar code is transmitted through the optical system. Read with a diode. b) Further, the linear CCD bar code reader 20 has a light source, a CCD sensor in which photoelectric conversion elements are arranged along a long direction, and an optical system, and irradiates the bar code with light. The reflected light from the code is read out by projecting it onto the CCD sensor via the optical system.

  Note that the photodiode and the CCD sensor are sometimes referred to as “optical sensors”. The scanning direction of light in the mechanical scanning bar code reader 20 and the arrangement direction of the photoelectric conversion elements in the linear CCD bar code reader 20 may be referred to as “reading direction”.

  The barcode reader 20 includes a light source (not shown), an optical sensor (not shown), and an optical system (not shown), and has a reading surface 21 for reading a barcode. As shown in FIG. 3, the reading surface 21 faces the front surface (the surface on which the barcode label is attached) of the sample container 61 </ b> A transported to a predetermined position P. In the following description, reading a barcode may be referred to as “reading a barcode label”.

  As described above, the barcode label may be attached with the long direction set to the up-down direction, or may be attached with the long direction inclined with respect to the up-down direction. The vertical direction may be referred to as “Z direction”.

  When the barcode reader 20 cannot read the barcode, the barcode reader 20 issues a movement instruction to the moving means 30 (described later). In response to the instruction, the moving means 30 moves the barcode reader 20. The bar code reader 20 reads the bar code again after the movement by the moving means 30 is completed.

[Moving means 30]
FIG. 4 is a front view of the barcode reader and moving means 30 for moving the barcode reader. As shown in FIG. 4, the moving unit 30 includes a rotation moving unit 31, a linear moving unit 32, and a control unit (not shown). The control unit corresponds to a “determination unit”.

  When the barcode reader 20 cannot read the barcode, the barcode reader 20 instructs the moving means 30 to move the barcode reader 20. In response to the movement instruction, the control unit outputs each drive signal (including a signal indicating the direction in which the barcode reader 20 is tilted (for example, left)) to the rotational movement unit 31 and the linear movement unit 32. Accordingly, the barcode reader 20 is tilted by a predetermined angle (for example, 1 °) and is horizontally moved by a distance (distance S shown in FIG. 5) according to the tilt angle (tilt angle θ shown in FIG. 5). The correspondence between the tilt angle θ and the distance S is stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the moving unit 30. After moving the barcode reader 20, the barcode reader 20 determines whether the barcode can be read. In response to the determination result that the barcode cannot be read, the barcode reader 20 instructs the moving means 30 to move the barcode reader 20 again. Such movement is repeated up to the limit of the tilt angle θ (for example, θ = 20 °).

  When the barcode reader 20 can read the barcode while repeating the above movement (including the movement of tilting the barcode reader 20 to the left), the movement instruction from the barcode reader 20 is sent to the moving means 30. Since it is not issued, the movement of the barcode reader 20 by the moving means 30 ends. Upon receiving no movement instruction (or receiving a signal from the barcode reader 20 indicating that the barcode has been read), the control unit outputs each drive signal to the rotational movement unit 31 and the linear movement unit 32. Then, the barcode reader 20 is returned to the reference position.

  When the bar code reader 20 cannot read the bar code while repeating the above movement, the control unit sends each drive signal to the rotational movement unit 31 and the linear movement unit 32 (in the direction of tilting the bar code reader 20 (for example, right ) Is output. Accordingly, the barcode reader 20 is tilted by a predetermined angle (for example, 1 °) and is horizontally moved by a distance (distance S shown in FIG. 5) according to the tilt angle (tilt angle θ shown in FIG. 5). After moving the barcode reader 20, the barcode reader 20 determines whether the barcode can be read. In response to the determination result that the barcode cannot be read, the barcode reader 20 instructs the moving means 30 to move the barcode reader 20 again. Such movement is repeated up to the limit of the tilt angle θ (for example, θ = −20 °).

  When the barcode reader 20 can read the barcode while repeating the above movement (including the movement of tilting the barcode reader 20 to the right), the movement instruction from the barcode reader 20 is sent to the moving means 30. Since it is not issued, the movement of the barcode reader 20 by the moving means 30 ends. Upon receiving no movement instruction (or receiving a signal from the barcode reader 20 indicating that the barcode has been read), the control unit outputs each drive signal to the rotational movement unit 31 and the linear movement unit 32. Then, the barcode reader 20 is returned to the reference position.

(Rotary moving part 31)
As shown in FIG. 4, the rotational movement unit 31 includes a rotation shaft 311, a pedestal 317, and a support column 318 that are parallel to the direction (X direction) in which the sample container 61 and the barcode reader 20 face each other. The support column 318 is fixed to the pedestal 317. The support column 318 supports the rotating shaft 311 to be rotatable.

  The rotational movement unit 31 has an arm 312. A lower end portion of the arm 312 is fixed to the rotation shaft 311. A reading surface 21 is provided at the upper end of the arm 312. As a result, the barcode reader 20 is tilted about the rotation shaft 311 as a fulcrum.

  A gear 313 is fixed to the rotation shaft 311. The gear 313 is connected to the drive gear 315 via the transmission belt 314. When the drive gear 315 rotates counterclockwise by the motor 316, the gear 313 and the rotating shaft 311 rotate counterclockwise via the transmission belt 314. As a result, the reading surface 21 rotates about the rotation axis 311 in the counterclockwise direction (left in FIG. 4). When the drive gear 315 is rotated clockwise by the motor 316, the gear 313 and the rotating shaft 311 are rotated clockwise via the transmission belt 314. As a result, the reading surface 21 rotates around the rotation axis 311 in the clockwise direction (right in FIG. 4). The motor 316 is, for example, a stepping motor that rotates by a certain angle each time pulse power is applied, or the current position and the target position are compared, and if there is a difference, the motor 316 rotates in a direction that reduces the difference from the target position. A servo motor is used.

  A proximity sensor 319 for detecting the reference position of the reading surface 21 in the rotation direction around the rotation axis 311 is provided. Here, the “reference position of the reading surface” refers to a position in which the reading direction (the above-described scanning direction of light or the arrangement direction of photoelectric conversion elements) is in the vertical direction. FIG. 6 shows the reference position of the reading surface 21 at θ = 0 °. The rotational movement unit 31 receives the result detected by the proximity sensor 319 and stores the rotational position of the motor 316 at that time as an initial position. Furthermore, the rotational movement part 31 memorize | stores the rotation position of the motor 316 at that time as a present position from the number (pulse number) or difference of the pulse voltage provided to the motor 316.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when the barcode label is tilted and attached to the sample container 61, the barcode may not be read depending on the inclination angle of the barcode label, no matter how much the reading surface 21 is tilted. The tilt angle of the reading surface 21 at that time is set as a limit position. FIG. 6 shows the limit position of the reading surface 21 at θ = 20 °.

  FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram when the barcode reader 20 is moved in order to read the barcode label as it is attached with an inclination as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the position of the rotating shaft 311 is indicated by “O”, the center position of the reading surface 21 is indicated by “R”, and a line connecting the position O of the rotating shaft 311 and the center position R of the reading surface 21 is “ The inclination angle of the reading surface 21 with respect to the line L is indicated by “θ”. Here, the barcode label is sometimes attached with the long direction inclined with respect to the line L. Even at that time, the center position of the long direction of the barcode label is located on the line L. And

As shown in FIG. 5, when the barcode reader 20 (reading surface 21) is tilted about the rotation axis 311 by an angle θ, the center position R of the reading surface 21 moves to a position R1. In FIG. 5, the center position of the reading surface 21 of the movement destination is indicated by “R1”.
When the distance between the positions R and R1 is S, the distance S is expressed by the following equation (1).
S = r * sin θ (1)
Here, r is the distance between the positions O and R1.

  That is, the angle θ and the distance S have a correspondence relationship. The correspondence between the angle θ and the distance S is stored in a storage unit (not shown).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence relationship between the angle θ and the distance S when the distance r between the positions O and R1 is 100 mm. As shown in FIG. 6, the allowable angle range when the barcode reader 20 is tilted is −20 ° to 20 °. When the angle θ = 0 °, the distance S = 0 [mm]. Further, when the angle θ = 20 ° or −20 °, the distance S = 34.2 [mm].

  Since the center position of the barcode label in the long direction is located on the line L in FIG. 5, the barcode reader 20 is tilted by the angle θ, so that the center position R1 of the reading surface 21 is the length of the barcode label. That is, the distance S is shifted from the center position in the direction of the scale.

(Linear moving part 32)
As shown in FIG. 4, the linear movement unit 32 includes a rack gear 321, a pinion 322, and a motor (not shown). The rack gear 321 is fixed to the pedestal 317. The pinion 322 is meshed with the rack gear 321. As the pinion 322 is rotated by the motor, the rack gear 321 and the base 317 are moved in the horizontal direction (Y direction). As the motor 316, a stepping motor or a servo motor is used as the motor.

  A proximity sensor 323 that detects the reference position of the pedestal 317 is provided. The linear moving unit 32 receives the result detected by the proximity sensor 323 and stores the rotational position of the motor at that time as an initial position. Further, the linear moving unit 32 stores the rotational position of the motor at that time as the current position from the number (number of pulses) or the difference of the pulse voltages applied to the motor.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the center position of the reading surface 21 is moved from R to R1 by the rotational movement unit 31, the center position of the reading surface 21 is adjusted to the center position in the long direction of the barcode label. In this case, it is necessary to move the center position of the reading surface 21 from R1 to R. The linear movement unit 32 refers to the correspondence relationship between the angle θ and the distance S (the distance between the positions R1 and R) stored in the storage unit, and moves the pedestal 317 horizontally based on the current position and the distance S (Y The center position of the reading surface 21 is moved from R1 to R. Thereby, the pedestal 317 is moved so that the reading surface 21 comes to the front of the sample container 61 (the surface on which the barcode label is attached).

(Operation)
Next, a series of operations when the barcode reader 20 is tilted will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a series of operations when the barcode reader 20 is tilted to the left, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a series of operations when the barcode reader 20 is tilted to the right. The reference position of the reading surface 21 may be referred to as “home position” and the reference position of the base 317 may be referred to as “home position”.

  The moving means 30 receives the detection results from the proximity sensors 319 and 323 and determines whether or not the barcode reader 20 and the base 317 are at the home position (reference position). When the moving means 30 determines that these are not at the home position, the moving means 30 returns them to the home position.

  First, in the state of the home position (reference position), the barcode reader 20 reads the barcode label (step S101).

  Next, the moving means 30 receives the reading result of the barcode reader 20, and determines whether or not the barcode reader 20 can read the barcode label (step S102).

  Next, the rotational movement unit 31 tilts the barcode reader 20 to the left (counterclockwise in FIG. 4) 1 degree (θ = 1 °) so that the barcode reader 20 comes to the front of the sample container 61. Based on the distance S stored in the storage unit (distance S = 1.7 mm shown in FIG. 6), the base 317 is moved to the right (step S103).

  Next, the barcode reader 20 reads the barcode label (step S104).

  Next, the moving means 30 receives the reading result of the barcode reader 20, and determines whether or not the barcode reader 20 can read the barcode label (step S105).

  Next, when it is determined that the barcode label cannot be read (step S105: No), the moving unit 30 determines whether the inclination of the barcode reader 20 is a limit (for example, the limit position θ = 20 °). Is determined (S106).

  When it is determined that the inclination of the barcode reader 20 is not the limit (step S106: No), the moving means 30 further tilts the barcode reader 20 to the left once so that the barcode reader 20 faces the front of the sample container 61. The process returns to step S103 in which the base 317 is moved so as to come. When it is determined that the inclination of the barcode reader 20 is the limit (limit position) (step S106: Yes), the moving unit 30 returns the barcode reader 20 and the base 317 to the home position (reference position) (step S107). ).

  When it is determined in step S105 that the barcode reader 20 can read the barcode label (step S105: Yes), the moving unit 30 displays the barcode label. The code reader 20 and the base 317 are returned to the home position (reference position) (step S108). Note that the information on the barcode label read by the barcode reader 20 is stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the automatic analyzer 100.

  On the other hand, when the bar code reader 20 is tilted once to the limit position and the bar code label cannot be read each time the bar code label is read (steps S103 to S107), the following operations are performed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a series of operations when the barcode reader is tilted to the right. As shown in FIG. 8, the rotational movement unit 31 tilts the barcode reader 20 once to the right (clockwise in FIG. 4) (θ = 1 °), and the barcode reader 20 comes to the front of the sample container 61. As described above, based on the distance S (distance S = 1.7 mm shown in FIG. 6) stored in the storage unit, the pedestal 317 is moved to the left (step S201).

  Next, the barcode reader 20 reads the barcode label (step S202).

  Next, the moving means 30 receives the reading result of the barcode reader 20, and determines whether or not the barcode reader 20 was able to read the barcode label (step S203).

  Next, when it is determined that the barcode label cannot be read (step S203: No), the moving unit 30 determines whether the inclination of the barcode reader 20 is a limit (for example, the limit position θ = 20 °). Is determined (S204).

  When it is determined that the inclination of the barcode reader 20 is not the limit (step S204: No), the moving means 30 further tilts the barcode reader 20 to the right once so that the barcode reader 20 faces the front of the sample container 61. The base 317 is moved so as to come (return to step S201). When it is determined that the inclination of the barcode reader 20 is the limit (step S204: Yes), the moving unit 30 returns the barcode reader 20 and the base 317 to the home position (reference position) (step S205).

  Next, the moving means 30 outputs an error signal (step S206). The display control unit (not shown) receives the error signal and displays the error signal on the display unit (not shown), and the automatic analyzer 100 skips the sample container 61 to which the barcode label is attached and performs measurement. Control to remove from the target.

  When it is determined in step S203 that the barcode reader 20 is able to read the barcode label (step S203: Yes), the moving unit 30 displays the barcode label. The code reader 20 and the base 317 are returned to the home position (reference position) (step S207). Note that the information on the barcode label read by the barcode reader 20 is stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the automatic analyzer 100.

  In step S103 and S201, the barcode reader 20 is tilted by 1 degree. However, the tilt angle is not limited to this, and the barcode reader 20 may be rotated by a predetermined angle of less than 1 degree, for example, by 0.5 degrees. You may rotate by a predetermined angle larger than 1 degree, for example, 2 degree | times. Further, in the above step, the moving means 30 that tilts the bar code reader 20 first to the left and tilts to the right when the bar code cannot be read while tilting to the limit position is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is needless to say that the moving means 30 may be inclined to the left when the barcode reader 20 is first tilted to the right and then the barcode cannot be read while being tilted to the limit position.

  Next, another configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of the automatic analyzer 100.

  An automatic analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 2 includes a reagent rack 1, a first reagent container 2, a second reagent container 3, a reagent container 4, a reaction container 5, a rack sampler 6, a sample dispensing probe 7, and a first reagent dispensing probe. 8, a second reagent dispensing probe 9, a stirring unit 11, and a photometric unit 12.

(Sample container 61)
The rack sampler 6 is configured to store a plurality of racks 62 in a line and to transport each rack 62 to a predetermined position. A plurality of sample containers 61 are accommodated in the rack 62. A sample sample is stored in the sample container 61.

  The rack sampler 6 conveys one or more of the plurality of racks 62 in a horizontal direction (direction from the front edge to the center) orthogonal to the direction in which the rack samplers 6 are arranged. Thereby, each sample container 61 in the rack 62 is sequentially transported to a predetermined position P. A bar code label attached to the front surface of the sample container 61 conveyed to the predetermined position P is read by the bar code reader 20. Note that the information on the barcode label read by the barcode reader 20 is stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the automatic analyzer 100.

(Reagent container 4)
The first reagent store 2 and the second reagent store 3 contain a rotatable circular reagent rack 1. Each reagent container 4 is accommodated in the reagent rack 1 in a ring shape. The reagent container 4 containing the first reagent is placed in the first reagent container 2, and the reagent container 4 containing the second reagent is placed in the second reagent container 3. The first reagent and the second reagent are selected according to the measurement item of the test sample.

(Reaction vessel 51)
The reaction chamber 5 has a rotatable circular cassette member (not shown). A reaction vessel 51 is placed on the cassette member. By rotating the cassette member, the reaction vessel 51 is conveyed to the dispensing position, the stirring position, the measurement position, and the cleaning / drying position.

  Next, operations of sample / reagent dispensing, stirring, measurement of reaction solution, and washing / drying of the reaction vessel 51 will be described.

(Dispensing)
The sample dispensing probe 7 sucks the test sample from the sample container 61 transported to the predetermined position P by the rack sampler 6 and discharges the test sample to the reaction container 51 transported to the specified discharge position.

  The first reagent dispensing probe 8 sucks the first reagent from the reagent container 4 transported to the specified suction position by the rotation of the reagent rack 1 of the first reagent storage 2, and the reaction transported to the specified discharge position. The first reagent is discharged into the container 51.

  The second reagent dispensing probe 9 sucks the second reagent from the reagent container 4 transported to the specified suction position by the rotation of the reagent rack 1 of the second reagent store 3, and the reaction transported to the specified discharge position. The second reagent is discharged into the container 51.

(Stirring)
The agitation unit 11 agitates the reaction liquid of the test sample and the reagents (first reagent and second reagent) in the reaction vessel 51 stopped at the agitation position for each cycle.

(Measurement)
The photometric unit 12 measures the reaction solution from the photometric position. The photometric unit 12 measures the absorbance of the reaction solution, and then outputs the measurement result data to a data processing unit (not shown). The data processing unit obtains the concentration of the reaction solution from the absorbance based on the calibration curve. Thereby, it becomes possible to measure the components of the reaction solution.

(Washing, drying)
The cleaning / drying unit 13 aspirates the reaction liquid that has been measured in the reaction container 51 stopped at the cleaning / drying position, and cleans / drys the reaction container 51.

  The configuration and operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment have been briefly described above.

Second Embodiment
Next, the moving means 30 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In the second embodiment, the same configurations as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, the description thereof is omitted, and different configurations are mainly described.

  In the first embodiment, the moving unit 30 includes the rotational moving unit 31 and the linear moving unit 32. The reason why the linear movement unit 32 is provided is that when the reading surface 21 of the barcode reader 20 is displaced from the front surface of the sample container 61 (the surface on which the barcode label is attached) by the rotational movement unit 31, the deviation is eliminated. This is because the pedestal 317 is moved horizontally (moved in the Y direction) using the linear moving unit 32 so that the reading surface 21 returns to the front surface of the sample container 61.

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the linear moving unit 32 is unnecessary. The reason is that the rotation moving unit 31 is configured to rotate the reading surface 21 around the center of the long direction of the barcode label attached to the front surface of the sample container 61.

  When the barcode reader 20 cannot read the barcode, the barcode reader 20 instructs the moving means 30 to move the barcode reader 20. In response to the movement instruction, the control unit outputs a drive signal (including a signal indicating the direction in which the barcode reader 20 is tilted (for example, left)) to the rotational movement unit 31. Thereby, the barcode reader 20 is inclined by a predetermined angle (for example, 1 °). After moving the barcode reader 20, the barcode reader 20 determines whether the barcode can be read. In response to the determination result that the barcode cannot be read, the barcode reader 20 instructs the moving means 30 to move the barcode reader 20 again. Such movement is repeated up to the limit of the tilt angle θ (for example, θ = 20 °).

  When the barcode reader 20 can read the barcode while repeating the movement of tilting the barcode reader 20 to the left as described above, a movement instruction from the barcode reader 20 is not issued to the moving means 30. The movement of the barcode reader 20 by the means 30 is completed. Upon receiving no movement instruction (or receiving a signal from the barcode reader 20 indicating that the barcode has been read), the control unit outputs a drive signal to the rotational movement unit 31, and the barcode reader 20 Return to the reference position.

  When the barcode reader 20 cannot read the barcode while repeating the movement as described above, the control unit includes a drive signal (a signal indicating the direction in which the barcode reader 20 is tilted (for example, right) to the rotational movement unit 31. ) Is output. Thereby, the barcode reader 20 is inclined by a predetermined angle (for example, 1 °). After moving the barcode reader 20, the barcode reader 20 determines whether the barcode can be read. In response to the determination result that the barcode cannot be read, the barcode reader 20 instructs the moving means 30 to move the barcode reader 20 again. Such movement is repeated up to the limit of the tilt angle θ (for example, θ = −20 °).

  When the barcode reader 20 can read the barcode while repeating the movement of tilting the barcode reader 20 to the right as described above, a movement instruction from the barcode reader 20 is not issued to the moving means 30. The movement of the barcode reader 20 by the means 30 is completed. Upon receiving no movement instruction (or receiving a signal from the barcode reader 20 indicating that the barcode has been read), the control unit outputs a drive signal to the rotational movement unit 31, and the barcode reader 20 Return to the reference position.

(Rotary moving part 31)
FIG. 9 is a front view of the barcode reader 20 and moving means 30 for moving the barcode reader 20.
As shown in FIG. 9, the rotation moving unit 31 includes a rotation shaft 311, an arm 312, a gear 313, a transmission belt 314, a drive gear 315, a motor 316, a base 317, and a support column 318, a relay gear 313 a, and a transmission belt 314 a. And a driven gear 213a.

  The arm 312 is fixed to the column 318. A rotation shaft 211 is provided at the upper end of the support column 318. The center of the rotating shaft 211 coincides with the center in the long direction of the barcode label attached to the front of the sample container 61A (see FIG. 3) conveyed to the predetermined position P. Thereby, the reading surface 21 can be rotated around the center of the long direction of the barcode label.

The reading surface 21 is supported so as to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 211 provided at the upper end portion of the support column 318.
The relay gear 313 a is configured to rotate integrally with the gear 313 around the rotation shaft 311. The driven gear 213a is configured to rotate integrally with the rotation shaft 211. The driven gear 213a is connected to the relay gear 313a via the transmission belt 314a. A proximity sensor 319 a that detects the reference position of the reading surface 21 in the rotation direction around the rotation axis 211 is provided.

  When the drive gear 315 rotates counterclockwise by the motor 316, the gear 313 and the rotating shaft 311 rotate counterclockwise via the transmission belt 314. As a result, the gear 213 and the reading surface 21 rotate around the rotation shaft 311 in the counterclockwise direction (left in FIG. 9) via the transmission belt 314a. When the drive gear 315 is rotated clockwise by the motor 316, the gear 313 and the rotating shaft 311 are rotated clockwise via the transmission belt 314. As a result, the gear 213 and the reading surface 21 rotate around the rotation shaft 311 in the clockwise direction (right in FIG. 9) via the transmission belt 314a.

(Operation)
Next, a series of operations when the bar code reader is tilted will be described.
First, the moving means 30 receives the detection result from the proximity sensor 319a and determines whether or not the barcode reader 20 is at the home position (reference position). When the moving means 30 determines that the barcode reader 20 is not at the home position, the moving means 30 returns it to the home position.

  Next, in the state of the home position (reference position), the barcode reader 20 reads the barcode label.

  Next, the moving means 30 receives the reading result of the barcode reader 20, and determines whether or not the barcode reader 20 can read the barcode label.

  Next, the rotational movement unit 31 tilts the barcode reader 20 to the left (counterclockwise in FIG. 4) 1 degree (θ = 1 °).

  Next, the barcode reader 20 reads the barcode label.

  Next, the moving means 30 receives the reading result of the barcode reader 20, and determines whether or not the barcode reader 20 can read the barcode label.

  Next, when it is determined that the barcode label cannot be read, the moving unit 30 determines whether the inclination of the barcode reader 20 is a limit (for example, the limit position θ = 20 °).

  When it is determined that the inclination of the barcode reader 20 is not the limit, the moving unit 30 further tilts the barcode reader 20 once to the left. When it is determined that the inclination of the barcode reader 20 is the limit, the moving unit 30 returns the barcode reader 20 to the home position (reference position).

  When determining whether or not the barcode reader 20 can read the barcode label, if it is determined that the barcode label can be read, the moving means 30 moves the barcode reader 20 to the home position ( Return to the reference position.

  On the other hand, the bar code reader 20 is tilted once to the limit position, and each time the bar code label cannot be read even if the bar code label is read, the following operation is performed.

  The rotational movement unit 31 tilts the barcode reader 20 to the right (clockwise in FIG. 4) by 1 degree (θ = 1 °).

  Next, the barcode reader 20 reads the barcode label.

  Next, the moving means 30 receives the reading result of the barcode reader 20, and determines whether or not the barcode reader 20 can read the barcode label.

  Next, when it is determined that the barcode label cannot be read, the moving unit 30 determines whether the inclination of the barcode reader 20 is a limit (for example, the limit position θ = 20 °).

  When it is determined that the inclination of the barcode reader 20 is not the limit, the moving unit 30 further tilts the barcode reader 20 once to the right. When it is determined that the inclination of the barcode reader 20 is the limit, the moving unit 30 returns the barcode reader 20 to the home position (reference position).

  Next, the moving means 30 outputs an error signal. A display control unit (not shown) receives an error signal and displays the error signal on the display unit, and the automatic analyzer 100 skips the sample container 61 with the barcode label attached and removes it from the measurement target. Control.

  In the step of determining whether or not the barcode reader 20 can read the barcode label, when it is determined that the barcode label can be read, the moving means 30 moves the barcode reader 20 to the home position ( Return to the reference position.

The configuration described in the above embodiment can be applied to clinical examination apparatuses other than the automatic analyzer.
Examples of clinical testing apparatuses include clinical analyzers such as automatic analyzers, blood gas analyzers, electrophoresis apparatuses, and liquid chromatography apparatuses, nuclear medicine apparatuses such as radioimmunoassay apparatuses, latex agglutination reaction measuring apparatuses, and nephelometers. Blood test equipment such as immune serum test equipment, automatic blood cell counter, blood coagulation measurement equipment, microbe classification and identification equipment, blood culture test equipment, DNA / RNA measurement equipment, etc. Urinalysis equipment, pathological examination equipment such as automatic tissue cell staining equipment, physiological function testing equipment, other clinical examination equipment such as micropipette, washing device dispensing device, and centrifuge.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

100 automatic analyzer 1 reagent rack 2 first reagent storage 3 second reagent storage 4 reagent container 5 reaction container 51 reaction container 6 rack sampler 61 sample container 62 rack 7 sample dispensing probe 8 first reagent dispensing probe 9 second reagent Dispensing probe 11 Agitating unit 12 Photometric unit 13 Cleaning / drying unit 20 Bar code reader 21 Reading surface 211 Rotating shaft 213a Driven gear 30 Moving means 31 Rotating moving portion 311 Rotating shaft 312 Arm 313 Gear 313a Relay gear 314 Transmission belt 314a Transmission belt 315 Drive gear 316 Motor 317 Pedestal 318 Post 319 Proximity sensor 319a Proximity sensor 32 Linear movement part 321 Rack gear 322 Pinion 323 Proximity sensor

Claims (6)

In a clinical laboratory device that analyzes the components of a reaction solution generated by a sample and a reagent,
Means for transporting the sample container containing the sample to a predetermined position;
The sample container is provided with a long barcode label on which a barcode indicating the information of the sample is written, and is disposed so as to face the sample container conveyed to the predetermined position. A barcode reader for reading barcodes;
When the bar code reader cannot read the bar code, moving means for moving the bar code reader so as to match the inclination of the bar code label attached to the sample container in the long direction;
A clinical examination apparatus characterized by comprising: The barcode reader includes a light source and a light sensor that detects light emitted from the light source, and includes a reading surface for reading the barcode.
The moving means moves the barcode reader by tilting the reading surface around the center of the reading surface,
The clinical examination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bar code reader is configured to read the bar code each time the moving unit moves. A determination unit that determines whether the barcode is read by the barcode reader;
The clinical examination apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the moving means tilts the reading surface by a predetermined angle until it is determined that the barcode is read by the barcode reader. The moving means is
A rotational movement unit configured to have a rotation axis parallel to a direction in which the sample container and the barcode reader face each other, and to tilt the barcode reader around the rotation axis;
A linear moving unit configured to horizontally move the barcode reader on a substantially vertical line including a substantially center position in the longitudinal direction of the barcode label attached to the sample container;
The clinical examination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The rotational movement unit includes the rotation shaft fixed to the barcode reader and a first motor, and the barcode reader is tilted about the rotation shaft by the power of the first motor. Composed of
The linear moving unit is
A pedestal that rotatably supports the rotation shaft; a rack gear fixed to the pedestal; a pinion meshed with the rack gear; and a second motor that applies a rotational force to the pinion. The clinical test apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the pedestal is moved horizontally through the pinion and the rack gear. A determination unit that determines whether the barcode is read by the barcode reader;
The moving means tilts the barcode reader by a predetermined angle and moves the pedestal horizontally by a distance corresponding to the predetermined angle until it is determined that the barcode is read by the barcode reader. The clinical test apparatus according to claim 5.

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