JP7600049B2 - Sample quality determination device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a specimen characteristic determination device.

Samples collected for medical diagnosis are measured by a medical analyzer according to the test items. For example, when performing a complete blood count using a blood test device, blood is extracted from a blood collection tube that contains the blood taken by blood sampling, and measurements are made according to the blood count items.

Generally, the pre-processing steps required for blood counting include stirring the sample in the container, checking the amount of sample in the container, and determining whether the sample contains any coagulants.

If these pre-processing steps were performed manually by laboratory technicians, it could increase the burden on the technicians, increase the time required for the pre-processing steps, and lead to human error, so efforts are being made to automate these pre-processing steps.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method for mechanically determining whether a sample in a container has coagulated.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-248853

Even if mixing is automated, the time required for mixing increases if there are a large number of samples, so it is desirable to realize a mechanism that can mix samples in a short time.

In addition, when a label is attached to a container, it may be difficult for automatic sample volume measurement techniques to accurately measure the amount of sample in the container. For example, it may not be possible to distinguish between the label and the liquid level of the sample and accurately detect the liquid level, and as a result, it may not be possible to accurately measure the amount of sample.

Furthermore, if a sample contains a clot, abnormal values may be measured during testing, or the aspiration nozzle may become clogged when the sample is aspirated. To avoid these problems, it is desirable to realize a mechanism that can automatically detect the presence of a clot in a sample.

The object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for stirring the sample, checking the sample volume, and identifying coagulation.

One aspect of the present invention is a sample characteristic discrimination device comprising: a first mechanism for agitating a sample by tilting a container containing the sample about a first rotation axis; a light source for irradiating light onto the sample; an imaging unit for photographing the sample, the imaging unit being disposed on the opposite side of the light source with the sample in between; a second mechanism for tilting the container about a second rotation axis different from the first rotation axis; and a support unit for supporting the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis .

According to one aspect of the present invention, a mechanism can be provided for stirring the sample, checking the sample volume, and identifying coagulation.

1 is a block diagram showing functions of a sample characteristic determination device according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a vibration section according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a vibration section according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a portion of a vibration section according to the embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a container and a specimen. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a vibration section according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an imaging unit and a container. FIG. FIG.

The functions of the sample characteristic determination device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sample characteristic determination device according to the embodiment.

The specimen property determination device according to the embodiment is, for example, a device that measures abnormalities in specimen properties based on shadows in an image formed by transmitted light. An abnormality in specimen properties is, for example, blood coagulation.

The specimen characteristic discrimination device according to the embodiment includes a vibration unit 10, an equipment control unit 12 that controls the devices that constitute the vibration unit 10, a discrimination unit 14, and a display unit 16 that displays the discrimination results.

The vibration unit 10 includes a tumbling mixing mechanism and a rocking photography mechanism, and is a mechanism that realizes the tumbling movement and rocking photography.

The inversion mixing mechanism is a mechanism that realizes an inversion movement. For example, inversion mixing is a method of mixing a sample. Inversion mixing involves mixing the sample by turning it upside down. Inversion movement is a movement for mixing the sample by inverting the container that holds the sample. In other words, the inversion mixing mechanism inverts the container to mix the sample contained in that container.

The rocking photography mechanism is a mechanism that realizes rocking photography. Rocking photography involves photographing a specimen while rocking the container. In other words, the rocking photography mechanism photographs the specimen contained in the container while rocking the container.

The device control unit 12 includes an imaging control unit 18, a light source control unit 20, a drive control unit 22, and a system control unit 24.

The imaging control unit 18 controls the imaging unit 28 (see FIG. 2) included in the vibration unit 10. The imaging control unit 18 receives imaging data output from the imaging unit 28. The imaging control unit 18 converts, for example, compressed imaging data into uncompressed video data such as RGB signals, and outputs an imaging control signal to the system control unit 24 for performing exposure and focus adjustments, etc., according to the brightness and gradation of the video. The imaging control signal is input to the system control unit 24.

The system control unit 24 outputs a light source control signal to the light source control unit 20 to control the brightness of the light source 30 (see FIG. 2) for illuminating the specimen. The light source control signal is input to the light source control unit 20. The system control unit 24 also outputs a drive control signal to the drive control unit 22 to control the motor provided in the first mechanism 34 (see FIG. 2) and a drive control signal to control the motor provided in the second mechanism 38 (see FIG. 2). The drive control signal is input to the drive control unit 22.

The light source control unit 20 controls the brightness of the light source 30 according to the light source control signal. For example, the light source control unit 20 controls the brightness of the light source 30 by outputting a light source voltage signal to the light source 30 for controlling the brightness of the light source 30. For example, if a lack of light or halation occurs, the imaging control unit 18 adjusts the exposure using the aperture of the imaging unit 28, etc. If the lack of light or halation is not resolved even after this adjustment, the light source control unit 20 adjusts the amount of light output by the light source 30. Of course, this is just one example of control, and other types of control may be performed.

The drive control unit 22 controls the motors provided in the first mechanism 34 and the second mechanism 38 in accordance with the drive control signal. For example, the drive control unit 22 controls each motor by outputting a motor voltage signal for driving the motors provided in the first mechanism 34 and the second mechanism 38 to each motor.

The configuration of the vibration unit 10 will be described below with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the vibration unit 10.

The vibration unit 10 includes a support unit 26, an imaging unit 28, a light source 30, a gripping mechanism 32, a first mechanism 34, and a second mechanism 38. The first mechanism 34 includes a first rotating shaft 36 and a motor. The second mechanism 38 includes a second rotating shaft 40 and a motor. The container 42 is gripped by the gripping mechanism 32.

The gripping mechanism 32 and the first mechanism 34 constitute a tipping and mixing mechanism. The imaging unit 28, the gripping mechanism 32, the light source 30, and the second mechanism 38 constitute a swinging imaging mechanism.

The support unit 26 is a member that supports the first rotating shaft 36 and the second rotating shaft 40. For example, the support unit 26 includes frames 44, 46 that are arranged apart from each other, and the first rotating shaft 36 and the second rotating shaft 40 are arranged from the frame 44 to the frame 46. In other words, one end of each of the first rotating shaft 36 and the second rotating shaft 40 is connected to the frame 44, and the other end of each of the first rotating shaft 36 and the second rotating shaft 40 is connected to the frame 46.

The imaging unit 28, the gripping mechanism 32, and the light source 30 are arranged in that order. That is, the gripping mechanism 32 is arranged between the imaging unit 28 and the light source 30. In other words, the imaging unit 28 is arranged on one side of the gripping mechanism 32 (i.e., one side of the container 42), and the light source 30 is arranged on the other side of the gripping mechanism 32. The container 42 is arranged between the imaging unit 28 and the light source 30.

The positional relationship between the imaging unit 28, the gripping mechanism 32, and the light source 30 is fixed. Because the container 42 is gripped by the gripping mechanism 32, the positional relationship between the imaging unit 28, the container 42, and the light source 30 is fixed. In other words, the positional relationship between the imaging unit 28, the specimen contained in the container 42, and the light source 30 is fixed.

The imaging unit 28 is, for example, a color camera, an infrared camera, or an ultraviolet camera.

The light source 30 is controlled by a light source voltage signal output from the light source control unit 20. The light source 30 is, for example, an infrared light source or a visible light source.

The light emitted from the light source 30 is irradiated onto the specimen in the container 42. The light that passes through the specimen is incident on the imaging unit 28. In this way, the imaging unit 28 captures an image of the specimen in the container 42.

The gripping mechanism 32 grips multiple containers 42. The configuration of the gripping mechanism 32 will be described in detail later.

The imaging unit 28 is fixed to the support unit 26. The gripping mechanism 32 and the light source 30 are fixed to the first rotation shaft 36.

The first mechanism 34 tilts the gripping mechanism 32 and the light source 30 around the first rotating shaft 36 by the driving force of the motor provided in the first mechanism 34. In other words, the gripping mechanism 32 and the light source 30 fixed to the first rotating shaft 36 are tilted by rotating the first rotating shaft 36 by the motor. By tilting the gripping mechanism 32, the container 42 gripped by the gripping mechanism 32 is tilted. This realizes mixing by inversion of the sample.

The drive control unit 22 controls the rotation of the first rotating shaft 36 by controlling the motor provided in the first mechanism 34, thereby controlling the rotation of the gripping mechanism 32 and the light source 30. For example, the range of the rotation angle of the first rotating shaft 36, the angular velocity, the angular acceleration, and the number of rotations are set as first rotation parameters of the first mechanism 34. The drive control unit 22 rotates the first rotating shaft 36 in accordance with the first rotation parameters. The first rotation parameters are set, for example, by an operator.

The range of the tilt angle (i.e., rotation angle) of the gripping mechanism 32 and the light source 30 is 0° to 180°. In other words, the gripping mechanism 32 and the light source 30 can be tilted in the range of 0° to 180° by rotating the first rotation shaft 36. Note that this range of rotation angle is merely an example, and other ranges may be used. The number of rotations is the number of times of inversion mixing.

The second mechanism 38 tilts the entire vibration unit 10 around the second rotation shaft 40 by the driving force of the motor provided in the second mechanism 38. In other words, the entire vibration unit 10 is tilted by rotating the second rotation shaft 40 by the motor. As a result, the imaging unit 28, the light source 30, and the gripping mechanism 32 are tilted around the second rotation shaft 40.

The drive control unit 22 controls the rotation of the second rotating shaft 40 by controlling the motor provided in the second mechanism 38, thereby controlling the rotation of the entire vibration unit 10. For example, the range of the rotation angle of the second rotating shaft 40, the angular velocity, the angular acceleration, and the number of rotations are set as second rotation parameters of the second mechanism 38. The drive control unit 22 rotates the second rotating shaft 40 in accordance with the second rotation parameters. The second rotation parameters are set, for example, by an operator.

The range of the tilt angle (i.e., the rotation angle) of the vibration unit 10 is 0° to 180°. In other words, the entire vibration unit 10 can be tilted in the range of 0° to 180° by rotating the second rotation shaft 40. Note that this range of rotation angles is merely an example, and other ranges may be used. The number of rotations is the number of times that the entire vibration unit 10 is rotated.

The operation of the vibration unit 10 is described below.

The inversion mixing will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the configuration of the vibration unit 10. Specifically, Figure 4 shows the first rotating shaft 36, the gripping mechanism 32, and the light source 30. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the container 42 and the sample.

2 and 3 show the gripping mechanism 32 and light source 30 when the rotation angle is 0°. FIG. 4 shows the gripping mechanism 32 and light source 30 when the rotation angle is 180°. For example, the gripping mechanism 32 is tilted multiple times within the range of rotation angles from 0° to 180° to agitate the sample.

Figure 5 shows the process of mixing by inversion. Figure 5(a) shows the sample before mixing. Figure 5(b) shows the sample when mixing by inversion is being performed. Figure 5(c) shows the sample after mixing. Blood, which is an example of a sample, is contained in container 42.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), before mixing (i.e., before mixing by inversion), blood naturally separates into plasma component 42a and blood clot component 42b. FIG. 5(b) shows the container 42 and blood during mixing by inversion. The blood is mixed by inversion, and as shown in FIG. 5(c), a mixed sample 42c is obtained.

The oscillation photography will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3, 6, and 7. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the vibration unit 10. Figure 7 shows the imaging unit 28 and the container 42.

Figures 2 and 3 show the vibration unit 10 when the rotation angle is 0°. Figure 6 shows the vibration unit 10 when the rotation angle is 180°.

Figure 7 shows the container 42 and the imaging unit 28 at each rotation angle. Arrow A indicates the direction of rotation. The imaging unit 28, the light source 30, and the gripping mechanism 32 are rotated around the second rotation shaft 40 without changing the relative positions of the imaging unit 28, the light source 30, and the gripping mechanism 32. Therefore, the imaging unit 28, the light source 30, and the container 42 are rotated around the second rotation shaft 40 without changing the relative positions of the imaging unit 28, the light source 30, and the container 42, and the specimen in the container 42 is imaged by the imaging unit 28. The imaging unit 28 images the specimen in the container 42 during the rotation.

The oscillation photography will be described in detail. A specimen 42d such as blood is contained in the container 42. A label is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the container 42. Figure 7 shows the liquid surface 42e of the specimen 42d and the edge 42f of the label. The liquid surface 42e corresponds to an example of the boundary of the specimen 42d.

The symbol 45a indicates the state of the container 42 when the rotation angle is 0°. When the rotation angle is 0°, the end 42f of the label may be erroneously determined to be the liquid surface of the specimen 42d. In other words, in this state, it is difficult to distinguish between the liquid surface 42e and the end 42f of the label, and the end 42f may be erroneously determined to be the liquid surface 42e.

When the imaging unit 28, light source 30, and gripping mechanism 32 are rotated, the container 42 tilts as indicated by reference symbol 45b, the specimen 42d moves within the container 42, and the liquid surface 42e moves. When the imaging unit 28, light source 30, and gripping mechanism 32 are further rotated, the container 42 tilts further as indicated by reference symbols 45c and 45d, respectively, and the liquid surface 42e moves further. In this way, when the container 42 tilts, the position of the liquid surface 42e in the container 42 gradually changes. Meanwhile, the position of the label end 42f does not change. In this way, the position of the label end 42f does not change, and the position of the liquid surface 42e changes, so that the label end 42f and the liquid surface 42e can be distinguished and identified.

The discrimination unit 14 discriminates the liquid level 42e (i.e., the boundary of the specimen) based on the image generated by the imaging unit 28 capturing images while the imaging unit 28, the light source 30, and the container 42 are tilted. For example, the discrimination unit 14 discriminates that the moving part in the image generated by the rocking capture is the liquid level 42e. This makes it possible to discern the liquid level 42e even when a container 42 with a label attached is used, thereby enabling the specimen volume to be measured accurately.

With reference to FIG. 8, a method of determining whether a coagulation exists will be described. As shown in FIG. 8(a) and FIG. 8(b), a specimen 42d is contained in a container 42. The specimen 42d shown in FIG. 8(a) does not contain a coagulation. The specimen 42d shown in FIG. 8(b) contains a coagulation 42g. When the oscillation photography is performed, the behavior of the specimen 42d differs between when the specimen 42d does not contain a coagulation and when the specimen 42d contains a coagulation. For example, the movement of the specimen 42d is delayed or the specimen 42d is stationary. The state is photographed by the imaging unit 28, and the discrimination unit 14 determines whether or not a coagulation exists in the specimen 42d by analyzing the image generated by the photography. When the movement of the specimen 42d is delayed or the specimen 42d is stationary, the discrimination unit 14 determines that the specimen 42d contains a coagulation. The presence or absence of a coagulation may be determined by image analysis performed by artificial intelligence (AI).

The gripping mechanism 32 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the gripping mechanism 32.

The gripping mechanism 32 includes a first member 47 and a second member 48. A plurality of grooves 50 are formed in the first member 47. For example, a block member 52 having a V-shaped groove 50 formed therein is installed in the first member 47. A container 42 is placed in each groove 50. In the example shown in FIG. 9, five block members 52 are arranged in a straight line, and five containers 42 are gripped simultaneously by the gripping mechanism 32.

The second member 48 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, and sandwiches the containers 42 placed in each groove 50 together with the first member 47. The second member 48 is a rectangular parallelepiped member with flat surfaces.

A spring 54 is also provided on the first member 47. The spring 54 is an example of a third member that pushes the block member 52 in which the groove 50 is formed toward the second member 48. The spring 54 is provided on the back surface of each block member 52 (i.e., the surface opposite the second member 48). The repulsive force of the spring 54 pushes the block member 52 toward the second member 48.

A container 42 is placed in each groove 50, and each container 42 is sandwiched between the first member 47 and the second member 48, so that each container 42 is held by the first member 47 and the second member 48. The position of the container 42 is stabilized by sandwiching the container 42 between the groove 50 and the second member 48, which is an elastic body.

In addition, the spring 54 presses the block member 52 toward the second member 48, thereby absorbing the difference in diameter between the containers 42. In other words, even if multiple containers 42 with different diameters are held by the gripping mechanism 32, the position of each block member 52 is adjusted by the expansion and contraction of each spring 54, so that the difference in diameter between the containers 42 is absorbed and the multiple containers 42 can be placed on the gripping mechanism 32.

By using the gripping mechanism 32, it is possible to grip five containers 42 and simultaneously perform inversion mixing and rocking photography. In addition, even when multiple containers 42 with different diameters are used, it is possible to simultaneously perform inversion mixing and rocking photography for multiple specimens.

As shown in FIG. 3, a lid 56 is installed on the container 42. The gripping mechanism 32 further includes a fourth member 58. The fourth member 58 is a member that presses down the lid 56 of the container 42 when the container 42 is sandwiched between the first member 47 and the second member 48. For example, the fourth member 58 includes an elastic body such as a spring, and presses down the lid 56 with the elastic body.

In the embodiment, the speed (i.e., angular velocity) at which the first mechanism 34 tilts the container 42 may be faster than the speed (i.e., angular velocity) at which the second mechanism 38 tilts the light source 30, the imaging unit 28, and the container 42. Hereinafter, the angular velocity of the first mechanism 34 is referred to as the "first angular velocity," and the angular velocity of the second mechanism 38 is referred to as the "second angular velocity." The relationship of the first angular velocity > the second angular velocity may be established. The first mechanism 34 tilts the container 42 to stir the specimen. The faster the first angular velocity, the better the specimen is stirred. The second mechanism 38 is a mechanism for rocking photography, and is not a mechanism used to stir the specimen. Therefore, it is not necessary to tilt the light source 30, the imaging unit 28, and the container 42 at an angular velocity that stirs the specimen. Therefore, the first mechanism 34 and the second mechanism 38 may be driven according to the relationship of the first angular velocity > the second angular velocity.

In addition, the range in which the container 42 is tilted by the first mechanism 34 (i.e., the range of rotation angles) may be wider than the range in which the light source 30, the imaging unit 28, and the container 42 are tilted by the second mechanism 38 (i.e., the range of rotation angles). Hereinafter, the range of rotation angles of the first mechanism 34 is referred to as the "first rotation angle range," and the range of rotation angles of the second mechanism 38 is referred to as the "second rotation angle range." A relationship of "first rotation angle range > second rotation angle range" may be established. The wider the rotation angle range, the better the specimen is stirred. For example, when the container 42 is turned upside down, that is, when the container 42 is tilted in a range of rotation angles from 0° to 180°, the specimen is better stirred. In rocking photography, the range of rotation angles is not required as much as stirring the specimen. Therefore, the first mechanism 34 and the second mechanism 38 may be driven according to the relationship of "first rotation angle range > second rotation angle range."

According to the above-described embodiment, the first mechanism 34 realizes mixing by inversion, and the sample can be stirred well. In addition, the second mechanism 38 realizes rocking photography, and the liquid level of the sample can be accurately determined. Even when a container 42 with a label is used, the liquid level of the sample can be accurately determined, and as a result, the amount of the sample can be accurately measured. In addition, rocking photography makes it possible to determine the presence or absence of coagulation in the sample. In addition, by using the gripping mechanism 32, it is possible to simultaneously realize mixing by inversion and rocking photography for multiple samples (e.g., five samples). As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required for testing.

In addition, by using the first mechanism 34 in addition to the second mechanism 38 that rotates the entire imaging unit 28, light source 30, and gripping mechanism 32, it becomes possible to stir the specimen without rotating the imaging unit 28, which does not need to be rotated to stir the specimen. By minimizing the weight of the object to be rotated for stirring, it becomes possible to stir the specimen by rotating the container 42.

All or part of the above configurations, functions, processing units, and processing means may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit. All or part of the above configurations, functions, processing units, and processing means may be realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program. Information such as programs, tables, and files that realize all or part of the above configurations, functions, processing units, and processing means is stored in a storage medium such as a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, an SSD (Solid State Drive), an IC card, an SD card, or a DVD.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 vibration unit, 14 discrimination unit, 28 imaging unit, 30 light source, 32 gripping mechanism, 34 first mechanism, 36 first rotating shaft, 38 second mechanism, 40 second rotating shaft, 42 container.

Claims (7)

a first mechanism for stirring the sample by tilting a container containing the sample about a first rotation axis;
a light source that irradiates the specimen with light, an imaging unit that is installed on the opposite side of the light source with the specimen in between and images the specimen, and a second mechanism that tilts the container about a second rotation axis different from the first rotation axis;
a support portion that supports the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft;
A specimen characteristic discrimination device comprising: The specimen characteristic determination device according to claim 1,
The second mechanism tilts the light source, the imaging unit, and the container about the second rotation axis without changing a positional relationship between the light source, the imaging unit, and the container,
The imaging unit captures an image of the sample while the light source, the imaging unit, and the container are tilted.
A specimen characteristic discrimination device comprising: The specimen characteristic determination device according to claim 2,
and a discrimination means for discriminating a boundary of the specimen based on an image generated by the imaging unit while the light source, the imaging unit, and the container are tilted.
A specimen characteristic discrimination device comprising: The specimen characteristic determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
a speed at which the first mechanism tilts the container is faster than a speed at which the second mechanism tilts the light source, the imaging unit, and the container;
A range in which the container is tilted by the first mechanism is wider than a range in which the light source, the imaging unit, and the container are tilted by the second mechanism.
A specimen characteristic discrimination device comprising: The specimen characteristic determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
a gripping mechanism for gripping the plurality of containers;
The gripping mechanism includes:
a first member having a plurality of grooves in which the containers are placed;
a second member that is made of an elastic body and that sandwiches the containers disposed in the plurality of grooves together with the first member;
Including,
The first mechanism tilts the plurality of containers gripped by the gripping mechanism about the first rotation axis,
The second mechanism tilts the light source, the imaging unit, and the plurality of containers gripped by the gripping mechanism about the second rotation axis.
A specimen characteristic discrimination device comprising: The specimen characteristic determination device according to claim 5,
A third member is provided on the first member to push the portion in which the groove is formed toward the second member.
A specimen characteristic discrimination device comprising: The specimen characteristic determination device according to claim 5 or 6,
The gripping mechanism includes:
and a fourth member that presses down a lid of the container when the container is sandwiched between the first member and the second member.
A specimen characteristic discrimination device comprising: