CN119023980A

CN119023980A - Sample processing method and device, sample analysis method and system, and storage medium

Info

Publication number: CN119023980A
Application number: CN202411146520.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 吴绍勇; 左岬; 张文斌; 尚添
Original assignee: Shenzhen Thistory Bio Medical Co ltd
Current assignee: Shenzhen Thistory Bio Medical Co ltd
Priority date: 2024-08-20
Filing date: 2024-08-20
Publication date: 2024-11-26

Abstract

The present invention discloses a sample processing method and device, a sample analysis method and system, and a storage medium, which relate to the technical field of medical equipment. The sample processing device comprises an injection module, a first area, a first transfer module, and a window; the injection module is configured to carry a sample container input from the outside to the sample processing device; the first area at least comprises a storage area, and the storage area is configured to carry a sample tray; the first transfer module is configured to perform the flow of the sample container between the injection module and the sample tray along a first path; the window is configured as a flow channel for the sample tray between the sample processing device and the outside. The present invention aims to improve the efficiency of sample transportation.

Description

Sample processing method and device, sample analysis method and system and storage medium

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular, to a method and apparatus for processing a sample, a method and system for analyzing a sample, and a storage medium.

Background

The sample pretreatment system is a high-efficiency system specially used for pretreatment of samples to be tested, and has the main functions of carrying out a series of operations such as identification, classification, transfer, centrifugation, cap removal and the like on the samples so as to ensure that the samples reach a required treatment state before entering an analysis system. The system consists of a plurality of functional modules, including a dumping sample injection module, a sample loading and unloading module, a sample transportation module, a sample identification module, a centrifugation module, a capping module and a system control module, wherein the modules work cooperatively to provide a standardized and high-quality sample for subsequent analysis and detection.

The structural design of a sample pretreatment system is generally to arrange the modules in a cascade through a track to form a coherent sample treatment flow. The specific transfer flow is as follows: firstly, a user puts a sample to be tested into a sample injection module, the sample injection module is responsible for arranging unordered samples on a sample rack, then a transfer hand grabs the samples to be centrifuged and places the samples on a centrifugal tray, the centrifugal module is used for carrying out centrifugal operation on the samples on the centrifugal tray, and the centrifuged samples are transferred to a sample carrier through the transfer hand so as to be transported to different sample analysis systems.

However, in the above solution, the samples need to be transferred to different carriers (such as a sample rack, a tray or a single cup holder) after centrifugation, which increases the steps of sample processing and reduces the transfer efficiency.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention mainly aims to provide a sample processing method and device, a sample analysis method and system and a storage medium, and aims to improve the efficiency of sample transfer and the flexibility and compatibility of sample processing.

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a sample processing device, comprising: a sample introduction module configured to carry a sample container externally input to the sample processing device; a first region comprising at least a storage region configured to carry a sample tray; a first transfer module configured to perform a flow of sample containers between the sample introduction module and the sample tray along a first path; a window configured as a flow path for the sample tray between the sample processing device and the outside.

The present invention also provides a sample analysis system, characterized in that the sample analysis system comprises: a sample processing device as above; the sample analysis device is configured to circulate the sample tray between the sample analysis device and the sample processing device and receive the sample to be detected for detection.

The present invention also provides a sample processing method performed by a sample processing device including a window configured as a circulation path of a sample tray between the sample processing device and the outside, the sample processing method comprising the steps of: receiving a circulation control instruction; in response to the circulation control instruction, the sample tray is caused to perform circulation between the sample processing device and the outside through the window.

The invention also provides a sample analysis method performed by a sample analysis system comprising a sample processing device, a sample analysis device and a tray transport module, the sample analysis method comprising the steps of: performing a sample processing method as above with a sample processing device; the circulation of the sample tray between the sample processing device and the sample analysis device is realized through the tray transportation module; and detecting the sample to be detected by using a sample analysis device.

The present invention also provides a readable storage medium having stored thereon a first executable program which when executed implements a sample processing method as above; and/or a second executable program is stored on the readable storage medium, the second executable program when executed implementing the sample analysis method as above.

According to the invention, the first transfer module is used for directly transferring the sample container between the sample injection module and the sample tray, so that the step that the sample needs to be transferred to different carriers is omitted, the sample processing flow is simplified, in addition, the window is arranged as a transfer channel of the sample tray between the sample processing device and the outside, so that the sample tray can be conveniently in butt joint with other systems or devices, the flexibility and compatibility of the whole sample processing system are enhanced, the higher degree of automation of the sample processing process is facilitated, the manual intervention is reduced, and the integral automation level and the working efficiency of a laboratory are improved.

Drawings

In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings that are required in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly described, and it is obvious that the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention, and other drawings may be obtained according to the structures shown in these drawings without inventive effort for a person skilled in the art.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a sample processing device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a sample processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a sample processing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a sample processing device according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a sample processing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a sample analysis system according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a sample analysis system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a sample analysis system according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a sample analyzer according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a step diagram of an embodiment of a sample processing method according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a step diagram of an embodiment of a sample analysis method according to the present invention.

Reference numerals illustrate:

1000. A sample analysis system; 100. a sample processing device; 110. a sample injection module; 111. an emergency module; 111a, emergency areas; 111b, an abnormal sample collection area; 120. a first region; 121. a storage area; 122. a pretreatment region; 122a, a centrifugation area; 122b, trim area; 130. a first transfer module; 140. a window; 150. a second transfer module; 160. a third transfer module; 170. a cover removing module; 200. a sample analysis device; 210. a shift; 300. a pallet transport module; 310. a first sub-path; 320. a second sub-path; 330. and a third sub-path.

The achievement of the objects, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in conjunction with the embodiments.

Detailed Description

The following description of the embodiments of the present invention will be made clearly and fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which it is evident that the embodiments described are only some, but not all embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments, which can be made by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without making any inventive effort, are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

It should be noted that, if directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear … …) are included in the embodiments of the present invention, the directional indications are merely used to explain the relative positional relationship, movement conditions, etc. between the components in a specific posture, and if the specific posture is changed, the directional indications are correspondingly changed.

In addition, if there is a description of "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the description of "first", "second", etc. is for descriptive purposes only and is not to be construed as indicating or implying a relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defining "a first" or "a second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In addition, if "and/or" and/or "are used throughout, the meaning includes three parallel schemes, for example," a and/or B "including a scheme, or B scheme, or a scheme where a and B are satisfied simultaneously. In addition, the technical solutions of the embodiments may be combined with each other, but it is necessary to base that the technical solutions can be realized by those skilled in the art, and when the technical solutions are contradictory or cannot be realized, the combination of the technical solutions should be considered to be absent and not within the scope of protection claimed in the present invention.

Referring to fig. 1, a sample processing apparatus 100 is provided.

It should be noted that, the sample processing device 100 provided in this embodiment is an automation device integrated with various functional modules, and is specifically used for preparing and processing the sample to be analyzed, so as to ensure that the sample reaches a desired state before entering the sample analysis device 200. Here, the present embodiment and the following embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the sample processing device 100 (hereinafter referred to as a processing device).

As shown in fig. 1, the sample processing device 100 includes a sample injection module 110, a first region 120, a first transfer module 130, and a window 140.

In this embodiment, the sample introduction module 110 is configured to carry a sample container that is externally input to the sample processing device 100.

It should be noted that the sample injection module 110 is a starting point for introducing a sample to be tested into the system by a user, and has the capability of receiving a plurality of types and numbers of sample containers, such as sample tubes. The sample introduction module 110 is typically equipped with a sample rack for orderly arranging sample tubes for grasping and/or transferring operations by the first transfer module 130.

Optionally, to facilitate sample rack placement, in one embodiment, the sample module 110 includes at least one sample drawer formed with slots for at least one of the sample racks to be docked. Through the design of sample drawer, can conveniently set up, place and change the sample frame, the operating personnel of being convenient for carry out getting of sample and put, seek, improved convenience and the flexibility of operation, also improved sample processing's efficiency simultaneously. Of course, in this embodiment, a plurality of sample drawers may be provided, and each sample drawer may be provided with a plurality of sample racks, so as to implement a large number of centralized placement and ordered arrangement of sample containers; on the other hand, in some cases, the sample injection module 110 may also set a placement area of a specific sample container in a specified manner, for example, a partial area of the sample injection module 110 may be designated as a recycling area, and in a recycling related step, the sample container that has already been subjected to detection analysis is placed in the recycling area, so that an operator can timely recycle and store the sample container.

Besides the above-mentioned operators can utilize the sample rack to actively load samples, the application can also provide other loading modes for users. For example, the sample processing device 100 is provided with a storage component and a sorting component, the user can directly pour the sample container containing the collected samples into the storage component in a disordered state, and further the disordered sample container is automatically sorted and/or sorted into the sample rack through the sorting component, wherein the sorting component comprises, but is not limited to, a mechanical arm, a three-dimensional gripper, a screening cup mechanism and the like; further, the sample containers containing the collected samples may also be transferred to the receiving assembly via pneumatic transfer or other transmission and sorted and/or organized into sample racks as described above.

In this embodiment, the first region 120 includes at least a storage region 121 configured to carry a sample tray.

It should be noted that, the sample tray of the present application is provided with a plurality of accommodating holes for accommodating the sample containers, and the accommodating holes are integrally arranged in a matrix, and the number of rows and the number of columns of the matrix are positive integers greater than 1.

It should be further noted that "the first area 120 includes at least the storage area 121" means that one of the components of the first area 120 is the storage area 121, but is not limited to this portion. The first region 120 may also include other functional blocks related to sample processing, such as a sample pre-processing region 122, a sample identification region, a sample cleaning region, etc.; in a possible embodiment, the first region 120 further includes a pretreatment region 122 configured to perform pretreatment on the sample containers and/or samples carried on the sample tray, where pretreatment refers to a process prior to analysis and detection, such as centrifugation, dilution, temperature control, agitation, etc. of the samples.

In this embodiment, the first transfer module 130 is configured to perform a flow of the sample containers between the sample module 110 and the sample tray along a first path.

It should be noted that, the first path is a circulation path of the sample container between the sample injection module 110 and the sample tray located in the first area 120, where circulation includes a transfer of the sample container between the sample tray and the sample injection module 110 in a unidirectional or bidirectional manner, that is, a transfer of the sample container from the sample injection module 110 to the sample tray, or from the sample tray to the sample injection module 110, or a reciprocal transfer between the sample tray and the sample injection module 110, which is considered to be performed along the first path.

In one possible embodiment, the sample container placed in the sample injection module 110 needs to be transferred to the sample tray located in the first area 120 and further subjected to the subsequent detection and analysis step after the centrifugation pretreatment is completed, and the present invention considers that the transfer of the sample container from the sample injection module 110 to the sample tray located in the first area 120 is performed along the first path; in another possible embodiment, the sample container that completes the detection analysis is carried by the sample tray, carried back to the first area 120, and further transported to the sample module 110 for recycling by the operator, and the present invention considers that the transporting of such sample container from the sample tray located in the first area 120 to the sample module 110 is also performed along the first path.

It should be further noted that, in the above embodiment, the transferring action may be specifically performed by the first transferring module 130, and the first transferring module 130 may be one or a combination of a mechanical arm, a gripper, or other gripping devices, so as to accurately take and transfer the sample container from the sample rack or the sample tray. In actual operation, such as for one of the possible embodiments described above, the first transfer module 130 may receive a preset program or identified information and parse the information into sample containers (where the information includes, but is not limited to, the distribution of the sample containers, the type of sample containers, the information of the sample containers carrying the samples), thereby transferring the sample containers from the sample introduction module 110 to the corresponding sample trays for direct access to the sample analysis device 200 or waiting for centrifugation or other operations; for another possible embodiment, the first transfer module 130 may obtain information about the sample containers on the sample tray, and transmit the information to the placement area designated by the sample injection module 110, such as the recycling area, according to the information, so as to perform the operation of the next link (such as entering the other sample analysis device 200, retesting, or waiting for the operator to unload).

The window 140 is configured as a flow path for the sample tray between the sample processing device 100 and the outside.

In this embodiment, the window 140 is defined as a channel through which the sample tray can flow between the interior and the exterior of the sample processing device 100. In a possible embodiment, the window 140 may be an opening, a channel, a gate valve, a door leaf, or a combination thereof, so that the sample tray may be rotated out of or into the sample processing device 100 without going through other complicated paths or opening the entire device, reducing the movement distance and potential operational errors of the sample during processing. In another possible embodiment, the window 140 may be normally open, so that the sample tray is free to flow through the window 140 between the inside and outside of the sample processing device 100; the window 140 may also be switched between an open and a closed state, such as when the sample tray approaches the window 140 to a predetermined position, the window 140 transitions from the closed state to the open state, and when the sample tray moves away from the window 140 to a predetermined position, the window 140 transitions from the open state to the closed state. Such an embodiment can effectively ensure the environmental independence of the inside and outside of the sample processing device 100, and has an important role in preventing space pollution and improving detection efficiency.

Optionally, to facilitate independent management and operation of the functional modules, in an embodiment, the sample processing device 100 further includes a housing, where the housing includes a plurality of housing surfaces, and the sample injection module 110 and the window 140 are configured on different housing surfaces.

It will be appreciated that the sample introduction module 110 generally corresponds to an operator's operating or management station, and the window 140 corresponds to an output or input position of the sample tray relative to the sample processing device 100. Therefore, the window 140 and the sample introduction module 110 need to be arranged on different shell surfaces to avoid the conflict of different stations and different execution actions, so that the operation space is optimized, and in addition, the arrangement also facilitates the observation and operation of the various modules/components in the sample processing device 100 by an operator, thereby improving the intuitiveness and convenience of operation and facilitating the improvement of sample circulation efficiency.

In the processing apparatus of the present embodiment, the sample injection module 110 is configured to carry a sample container input to the sample processing apparatus 100 from the outside; the first region 120 includes at least a storage region 121 configured to carry a sample tray; the first transfer module 130 is configured to perform a flow of the sample containers between the sample introduction module 110 and the sample tray along a first path; the window 140 is configured as a flow path for the sample tray between the sample processing device 100 and the outside. Because the transfer of the sample containers between the sample module 110 and the sample tray is directly performed by the first transfer module 130, compared with the conventional sample pretreatment system in which the sample containers need to be transferred on different carriers multiple times, the application omits the step that the samples need to be transferred to different carriers, thereby simplifying the sample treatment process, and in addition, by providing window 140 as a circulation path for the sample tray between sample processing device 100 and the outside, the sample tray can be conveniently docked with other systems or devices, enhancing the flexibility and compatibility of the overall sample processing system, thereby facilitating a higher degree of automation of the sample processing process, reducing human intervention, and improving the overall automation level and work efficiency of the laboratory.

In the process of transferring the sample container along the first path, relevant information of the sample container/sample to be measured, such as barcode information of the sample container and associated information carried by the barcode (such as detection items, patient information, etc.), property information of the sample to be measured (such as sample amount, amount of serum and/or plasma, whether centrifugation, HIL interference, clotting), structural feature information of the sample container (such as type, shape, size, cap color, etc. of the sample container), spatial position information of the sample container (such as distribution position of the sample container, etc.), tray information (such as whether a tray exists in the storage area 121, etc.), will be specifically described below. With the above requirements in mind, the sample processing device 100 is optionally provided with one or a combination of the following A2, B2, C2 features, wherein:

a2: the sample processing device 100 further comprises a first identification module, the field of view of which is configured to cover at least the sample introduction module 110 to identify positional information of the sample container in the sample introduction module 110;

In this embodiment, the first identification module is configured to identify the position information of the sample container in the sample injection module 110, and can send the identification result to the first transfer module 130 to assist the first transfer module 130 in quick and accurate positioning; of course, the identifying the position information of the sample container includes identifying which positions of the sample injection module 110 are placed with the sample container, and which positions are not placed with the sample container, so as to respectively correspond to different situations of sample injection, sample container recovery after detection, and the like.

Optionally, the location information includes at least one of coordinate information of each sample container in the sample injection module 110 and coordinate information of a vacancy in the sample injection module 110.

Optionally, the first identification module is disposed in the space above the sample injection module 110; preferably, the first identification module is integrated on the first transfer module 130.

B2: the sample processing device 100 further comprises a second identification module configured to identify appearance information of the sample container and/or sample to be tested in the first path;

It should be noted that, when the second identifying module moves in the first path, the appearance information at least includes appearance information of the sample container, such as barcode information of the sample container (for example, whether a barcode is provided, integrity and readability of the barcode), structural feature information of the sample container (for example, height of the sample container, whether a cap is provided, cap color, whether the sample container is broken, etc.); of course, in some cases, the second identification module may also acquire appearance information of the sample to be measured, such as the sample size or the liquid level.

C2: the sample processing device 100 further comprises a third identification module configured to identify sample property feature information of the sample to be tested in the first path.

Optionally, the sample property characteristic information includes, but is not limited to, sample related information (such as detection items, patient information, etc.) carried by the barcode, and information of the sample itself to be tested, such as sample type (whole blood, serum or plasma), whether it is a HIL sample, whether there is a clot in the sample, etc.

In one possible embodiment, after the sample to be tested has completed the test analysis and returned to the sample processing device 100, the sample container may be transferred from the sample tray to the designated area of the sample introduction module 110 along the first path by the first transfer module 130, as described above. In the transfer process, the third recognition module can be used for recognizing the characteristic information of the sample and comparing the characteristic information with the detection result so as to assist an operator to confirm the detection result. For example, if the detection and analysis result is abnormal (such as a clot exists in the sample), the third recognition module collects sample character characteristic information of the sample in the transferring process, which also indicates that the sample to be detected has the clot, and then an operator can confirm the correctness of the detection result; otherwise, the operator can be reminded that the detection result of the sample to be detected possibly has errors, and the operator can timely arrange retesting and other processes.

Optionally, with respect to the first, second, and third identification modules, the sample processing device 100 further includes one of the following A3, B3, and C3 features, where:

A3: the first, second and third identification modules are configured to be independent of each other;

It will be appreciated that a mutually independent configuration means that each identification module has its own independent structure, function and path of operation, without sharing any hardware or software resources.

When the first recognition modules are independently arranged, the first recognition modules can be arranged above the sample injection module 110, so that the first recognition modules can overlook and recognize the whole appearance of the sample injection module 110, and further comprehensively judge the position of each sample container or determine whether a sample tube exists at a certain position; the second recognition module may be disposed on the first transfer module 130, so as to more conveniently recognize the appearance information of the sample tray or the sample container captured by the first transfer module 130; the third recognition module can then likewise be arranged on the first transfer module 130.

B3: any two of the first, second, and third identification modules are configured as a common module;

In a particularly feasible embodiment, the second identification module and the third identification module are configured as a common module. In this case, the common module embodies the function of the second identification module when the sample container is transferred from the sample introduction module 110 to the sample tray along the first path; the common module embodies the function of the third identification module when the sample container is transferred from the sample tray to the sample introduction module 110 along the first path. For example, the common module may be a camera or a scanning device capable of recognizing a barcode.

By this configuration, the two identification modules share certain hardware or software resources, which can reduce the number of system components, reduce costs, and increase operational flexibility.

And C3: the first identification module, the second identification module, and the third identification module are configured as a common module.

In a possible embodiment, the common module can have a plurality of angles, for example. Before the sample container is transferred from the sample injection module 110 to the sample tray, the common module embodies the function of the first identification module, and at least scans and identifies the sample injection module 110 in a overlook angle; the common module embodies the functions of the second or third recognition module to scan and recognize the sample container/sample under test at a substantially horizontal angle while performing the circulation operation of the sample container between the sample introduction module 110 and the sample tray.

It can be understood that all the identification modules share the same hardware and software resources, so that the number of system components can be further reduced, and the integration level of the device is greatly improved; meanwhile, the operation flow can be simplified, and the operation efficiency is improved.

Optionally, for the information scanned and identified by the identification module, the features of the sample processing device 100 are provided with one or a combination of the following A4, B4, C4 features, wherein:

A4: the position information at least comprises one of coordinate information of each sample container in the sample injection module 110 and sample injection information of the sample injection module 110;

B4: the appearance information at least comprises a bar code and bar code associated information which are arranged on the sample container, structural characteristic information of the sample container and character characteristic information of the sample;

And C4: and the sample information of the sample to be detected is sample character characteristic information.

In the processing apparatus of the present embodiment, the emergency area 111a is configured to place an emergency sample container; the abnormal sample collection area 111b is configured to place an abnormal sample container; the field of view of the first identification module is configured to cover at least the sample introduction module 110, and is configured to identify position information of the sample container in the sample introduction module 110; the sample processing device 100 further comprises a second identification module configured to identify appearance information of the sample container and/or sample to be tested in the first path; the sample processing device 100 further comprises a third identification module configured to identify sample information of a sample to be tested in the first path. The configuration of the first recognition module, the second recognition module and the third recognition module can comprehensively describe the state of the sample, provide important reference basis for subsequent sample processing and analysis, and can also recognize abnormal sample containers, so that the operation flow of the sample processing device 100 is optimized, the efficiency and accuracy of sample processing are improved, and a more efficient and reliable solution is provided for sample processing in a laboratory.

Referring to fig. 2, fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a sample processing device 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Optionally, to enable the transfer of sample trays between the sample processing device 100 and the outside, the sample processing module further comprises a second transfer module 150, i.e. the second transfer module 150 is configured to perform the transfer of sample trays between the first region 120 and the tray transport module 300 along a second path.

It should be noted that the second path is a circulation path of the sample tray between the first area 120 and the tray transporting module 300, where circulation includes a transfer of the sample tray between the first area 120 and the tray transporting module 300 in a unidirectional or bidirectional manner, and more precisely, a transfer of the sample tray from the first area 120 to the tray transporting module 300, or a transfer of the sample tray from the tray transporting module 300 to the first area 120, or a reciprocal transfer between the first area 120 and the tray transporting module 300 is considered to be performed along the second path.

In one possible embodiment, the sample trays stored in the first region 120 need to be transferred to the tray transport module 300 and further to the sample analysis module after the pretreatment (such as centrifugation) is completed, so that the subsequent detection and analysis steps can be further performed, and the present invention considers that the transfer of the sample trays from the first region 120 to the tray transport module is performed along the second path; in another possible embodiment, the sample trays carrying sample containers for the assay are returned to the tray transfer module and further transferred to the first area 120 for temporary storage and further recycling by the operator, and the present invention contemplates that such sample tray transfer from the tray transfer module 300 to the first area 120 is also performed along the second path.

It should be further noted that, in the above embodiment, the transferring action may be specifically performed by the second transferring module 150, and the second transferring module 150 may be one or a combination of a mechanical arm, a gripper, or other gripping devices, so as to accurately take and transfer the sample tray.

In the processing apparatus of the present embodiment, the second transfer module 150 is configured to perform the circulation of the sample tray between the first area 120 and the tray transport module 300 along the second path; the tray transport module 300 is configured to perform a circulation of the sample tray between the sample processing device 100 and the outside. By adopting the second transfer module 150 and the tray transport module 300, the sample container can be carried on the sample tray and integrally realize automatic transfer between the inside and the outside of the sample processing device 100, thereby greatly improving the transfer efficiency of the sample, reducing manual operation, and improving the processing speed and accuracy.

Referring to fig. 3, fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a sample processing device 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the pre-processing region 122 further includes a centrifugation region 122a, the centrifugation region 122a being configured to perform centrifugation on the sample containers carried on the sample tray to centrifuge the samples contained therein to meet sample status requirements for subsequent analytical testing; or the pretreatment area 122 further comprises a trimming area 122b, wherein the trimming area 122b is configured to place a trimming member for trimming the sample trays, and after the trimming member is added to the corresponding sample tray, the uneven mass distribution phenomenon between sample containers or trays can be reduced or eliminated, so that the centrifuge is prevented from violent vibration caused by uneven centrifugal force distribution.

In this embodiment, the centrifugation area 122a is configured to perform centrifugation on the sample containers carried on the sample tray. In the centrifuge area 122a, a centrifuge is usually disposed, and in the present invention, a sample container containing a sample to be tested is placed on a sample tray, and then the sample tray is integrally transferred into the centrifuge by a third transfer module 160, and the centrifuge separates different components in the sample by high-speed rotation.

Optionally, in this embodiment, the trimming area 122b is configured to place a trim piece for trimming the sample tray. In this embodiment, the balancing member has a balancing tube of a certain mass, the balancing tube comprising a plurality of specifications by weight; the balancing piece is used for balancing the sample tray, ensuring uniform centrifugal force distribution in the centrifugal process, preventing the sample tray from generating unbalance during high-speed rotation, and grabbing a balancing test tube to the sample tray by a manipulator or other transfer modules in the balancing process so as to balance the weight distribution of the sample container and the sample tray.

In the above embodiments, both the centrifugation and the trimming operations are performed to ensure that the sample is uniformly distributed during centrifugation, thereby obtaining accurate centrifugation results. In the above embodiment, the centrifugal area 122a and the trimming area 122b may exist at the same time, which means that in the sample processing device 100, these two areas may be combined into one piece, or they may be physically adjacent to each other to achieve continuity and efficiency of sample processing, and after the sample containers are loaded on the sample trays, the trimming member located in the trimming area 122b is grasped by a manipulator or other grasping assembly, and after the sample trays are trimmed, the sample containers enter the centrifugal area 122a.

Optionally, the third transfer module 160 is configured to perform a circulation of the sample trays between the storage region 121 and the centrifugation region 122a along a third path.

The third path is a circulation path between the storage area 121 and the centrifugation area 122a, where circulation includes a transfer of the sample tray between the storage area 121 and the centrifugation area 122a in a unidirectional or bidirectional manner, and more precisely, a transfer of the sample tray from the storage area 121 to the centrifugation area 122a, or a transfer of the sample tray from the centrifugation area 122a to the storage area 121, or a reciprocal transfer between the centrifugation area 122a and the storage area 121 is considered to be performed along the third path; however, it is further contemplated that centrifugation is generally unidirectional, i.e., centrifugation of the sample from an initial state is generally achieved without returning from the centrifuged state to the initial state, and therefore the third path of the present invention generally does not include reciprocal transport between the centrifugation area 122a and the storage area 121.

It should be further noted that, in the above embodiment, the third transfer module 160 may be one or a combination of a mechanical arm, a gripper, or other gripping devices, so as to accurately take and transfer the sample tray.

Alternatively, the sample processing device 100 may be provided with the features described in any of A1, B1, C1, wherein:

A1: the first transfer module 130, the second transfer module 150, and the third transfer module 160 are configured to be independent of each other;

It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the first transfer module 130, the second transfer module 150, and the third transfer module 160 are functionally and structurally independent from each other, each having a separate structure, performing separate functions along separate paths, without sharing hardware or software resources. For example, in one possible embodiment, the first transfer module 130, the second transfer module 150, and the third transfer module 160 may be three independently configured robots, and this independent configuration may ensure that each module operates independently, improving reliability and redundancy of the system.

B1: any two of the first transfer module 130, the second transfer module 150, and the third transfer module 160 are configured as a common module;

It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, any two of the first transfer module 130, the second transfer module 150, and the third transfer module 160 may share the same hardware or software resources. For example, in one possible embodiment, the second transfer module 150 and the third transfer module 160 implement the transfer of the sample tray by using a common manipulator, and the first transfer module 130 implements the transfer of the sample container by using different manipulators independently of the second transfer module 150 and the third transfer module 160, which can reduce the number of system components, reduce the cost, and improve the flexibility of operation while fully considering the structure of the transfer object, the transfer path, and the like.

C1: the first transfer module 130, the second transfer module 150, and the third transfer module 160 are configured as a common module.

It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the first transfer module 130, the second transfer module 150, and the third transfer module 160 share exactly the same hardware and software resources. For example, in a feasible embodiment, under the control of a program, the same manipulator or the same transfer component can be used to realize the transfer of the sample container and the sample tray along different paths, and the configuration mode can further reduce the number of system components, fully utilize the efficiency of the transfer module and improve the efficiency of the transfer operation.

Alternatively, because the storage area 121 and the centrifugation area 122a generally have a height difference in the vertical direction, the transfer module employing a single stroke is large in size in the vertical direction, which increases the volume of the sample processing device 100 on the one hand, and also easily interferes with other modules/components inside the device on the other hand. Therefore, in the present invention, the third transfer module 160 is preferably a robot arm having a multiplied stroke.

It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the mechanical arm includes a first section and a second section that can move relatively in a vertical direction, and the first section and the second section are driven by a stroke multiplication mechanism to respectively move by a stroke composited by a mechanical principle (such as a lever, a gear, a hydraulic pressure, etc.), so as to achieve the capability of combining small strokes to expand the telescopic range of the mechanical arm. Therefore, the dimension of the mechanical arm in the vertical direction (the dimension of the first section and the dimension of the second section) can be controlled within a reasonable range, the overall dimension of the processing device can be reduced, the processing device can work in a more compact space, and the laboratory space is saved; meanwhile, the wide telescopic range enables the mechanical arm to grasp sample trays/sample containers located at different positions, so that interference with other components/modules can be avoided even if the sample trays/sample containers at lower positions are grasped, the space utilization efficiency is improved, and the flexibility and the adaptability of operation are also improved. In general, when the mechanical arm is in the folded state, the first section and the second section are in an overlapped state in the horizontal direction.

In the processing apparatus of the present embodiment, the preprocessing region 122 is configured to perform preprocessing on the sample containers carried on the sample tray; the centrifugation area 122a is configured to perform centrifugation on the sample containers carried on the sample tray; the trim area 122b is configured to place a trim piece for trimming the sample tray; the third transfer module 160 is configured to perform a flow of the sample tray between the first region 120 and the centrifugation region 122a along a third path. Because the pretreatment area 122 considers preliminary treatment that may need to be performed before the sample is stored in the storage area 121, such as centrifugal balancing, the flexibility of sample treatment is improved, and in addition, the third transfer module 160 is adopted, so that the sample tray can realize automatic circulation between the storage area 121 and the centrifugal area 122a, manual operation is reduced, and the treatment speed and accuracy are improved.

Referring to fig. 4, fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a sample processing device 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the sample injection module 110 includes an emergency module 111.

The emergency module 111 includes at least an emergency area 111a. The emergency area 111a is configured to house emergency sample containers, which typically refer to those samples that require immediate processing, such as in emergency medical situations, or time sensitive samples. The emergency sample containers have a high priority for subsequent processing, e.g., when transferred from the sample module 110 to the sample tray along a first path, the emergency sample containers are allowed to be preferentially transferred, or for in-line transfer, by the first transfer module 130; the sample trays carrying emergency sample containers are allowed to be transferred preferentially, or in-line, by the third transfer module 160 as the sample trays are transferred from the storage region 121 to the centrifugation region 122 a; the sample trays carrying emergency sample containers are allowed to be preferentially transferred, or in-line transferred, by the second transfer module 150 as the sample trays are transferred along the second path from the first region 120 to the tray transport module 300. Therefore, the emergency requirement of emergency samples can be met, and the emergency samples can be ensured to enter the processing, detecting and analyzing processes rapidly.

Optionally, the emergency module 111 may further include an abnormal sample recovery area 111b. The abnormal sample collection area 111b is configured to house an abnormal sample container. The abnormal sample container refers to a sample container/sample which does not meet the standard operation specification or requirement, for example, a broken sample container, a sample container which cannot be identified by a bar code (such as broken bar code, wrong bar code, and unable to be resolved by the bar code), a sample container with insufficient sample volume, a sample container which needs centrifugal treatment but is not provided with a cover, and the like. In general, the abnormal sample container may be identified by the second identifying module during the transfer from the sample feeding module 110 to the sample tray along the first path, and after the abnormal situation is identified, the first transferring module 130 stops transferring the abnormal sample container to the sample tray, and is guided to transfer the abnormal sample container to the abnormal sample recycling area 111b for the operator to retrieve.

Referring to fig. 5, in another embodiment, the sample processing device 100 includes a plurality of windows 140, and the windows 140 are disposed in a one-to-one correspondence with the tray transport modules 300, so that different sample containers can be transferred to different sample analysis devices 200. The design of the plurality of windows 140 and the plurality of tray transport modules 300 allows the sample processing device 100 to interface with a plurality of different sample analysis devices 200, improves the flexibility and expandability of the system, greatly improves the processing throughput of the system, and simultaneously meets the individual needs of different users, providing a more efficient and reliable solution for laboratory sample processing.

Referring to fig. 6, based on the substantially same concept, the present invention also provides a sample analysis system 1000 including the sample processing device 100 according to the above embodiment. It should be noted that, the sample analysis system 1000 (hereinafter referred to as an analysis system) provided in this embodiment is an integrated apparatus for performing pretreatment, detection and analysis on a sample.

Specifically, the sample analysis system 1000 includes the sample processing device 100 and the sample analysis device 200 described above. In this embodiment, the sample analyzer 200 is configured to circulate the sample tray between the sample analyzer 100 and the sample processing device and receive the sample to be tested for detection.

In this embodiment, the sample to be tested performs a preprocessing related action in the sample processing device 100 to obtain a sample to be tested suitable for performing detection analysis, and further flows to the sample analysis device 200; the sample analyzer 200 collects the sample to be tested after the preprocessing operation is completed, and performs corresponding detection analysis.

In addition, in this embodiment, the sample tray carries the sample containers and flows directly to the sample analysis device 200 after the pretreatment is completed, and the sample introduction is completed at the sample analysis device 200. By the arrangement, the problem that the carrying device needs to be changed before and after the sample container is subjected to pretreatment in the prior art is solved, efficient transfer of the sample container is realized, and the flux and the efficiency of an analysis system are improved in response.

Optionally, to facilitate transport of sample trays between the sample analysis device 200 and the sample processing device 100, the sample analysis system 1000 further includes a tray transport module 300.

The tray transport module 300 is configured to be disposed in correspondence with the window 140 of the sample processing device 100 to perform a transfer of the sample tray between the sample processing device 100 and the sample analysis device 200.

It will be appreciated that the flow includes the transfer of sample trays from the sample processing device 100 to the external environment (such as into the sample analysis device 200) by the tray transport module 300, or the transfer of external sample trays to the interior of the sample processing device 100 by the tray transport module 300.

Optionally, in this embodiment, the pallet transport module 300 comprises one or a combination of the following A5, B5, C5, wherein:

A5: the tray transport module 300 includes a first sub-path 310 that communicates with the sample processing device 100;

it will be appreciated that the first sub-path 310 is disposed adjacent the window 140 such that the second transfer module 150 can directly pick and place sample trays on the first sub-path 310;

further, the first sub-path 310 may be implemented adjacent to the window 140, for example, may terminate in the sample processing device 100 adjacent to the window 140, may extend through the sample processing device 100 adjacent to the window 140, or may be disposed outside the sample processing device 100 adjacent to the window 140, so long as it is capable of engaging with the second transfer module 150 and completing the circulation of the sample tray through the window 140.

As a specific embodiment, the first sub-path 310 may be a path represented by a first track, where the first track can cooperate with the second transfer module 150 to implement circulation of the sample tray; the specific setting mode comprises the following steps: in both cases, the second transfer module 150 may be configured to cooperate with the first track to circulate the sample tray inside the sample processing device 100, such as placing the sample tray at the end of the first track that is located inside, and for example, receiving the sample tray from the end of the first track that is located inside; the first track may also be located externally to the sample processing device 100 at both ends, in which case the second transfer module 150 may cooperate with the first track through the sample processing device 100 to effect circulation of the sample trays.

B5: the tray transport module 300 includes a third sub-path 330 that communicates with the sample analysis device 200;

it will be appreciated that the third sub-path 330 may be implemented in various manners, for example, may terminate in the sample analysis device 200, may extend through the sample analysis device 200, may be disposed outside the sample analysis device 200, and may only be required to transfer the sample to be tested with the sample analysis device 200 through a sample tray.

As a specific embodiment, the third sub-path 330 may be a path represented by a second track, where the second track and the sample analysis device 200 can implement transfer of the sample to be tested through the sample tray; the specific setting mode comprises the following steps: both ends of the second track are located inside the sample analysis device 200, or one end is located inside the sample analysis device 200, and the other end extends to the outside through the sample analysis device 200, referring to fig. 9, in both cases, the sample tray is transferred to the transfer position 210 inside the sample analysis device 200, for example, the transfer to the grabbing position to transfer the sample to be tested by grabbing the sample container, or the transfer to the sample sucking position to directly insert the sample to be tested into the sample container through the sample sucking needle to suck the sample to be tested, so as to complete the transfer of the sample to be tested; for another example, the second track may also be located at two ends outside the sample analysis device 200, in which case the sample tray flows to a transfer station 210 disposed outside the sample analysis device 200, such as a transfer station where the sample is transferred by grasping a sample container by a gripper or a sample suction needle and directly inserting the sample container into the sample container to suck the sample to be measured, respectively, in which case it is understood that the gripper or the sample suction needle may pass through the sample analysis device 200 and reach the transfer station 210 located outside the sample analysis device 200.

C5: the pallet transport module 300 includes a second sub-path 320 that communicates with the first sub-path 310 and a third sub-path 330.

It will be appreciated that in one embodiment, the second sub-path 320 is not necessarily provided. In this case, the sample processing device 100 and the sample analysis device 200 are directly connected through the first sub-path 310 and the third sub-path 330, so that the transfer path of the sample tray is greatly shortened, and the TAT time of the sample to be tested can be significantly reduced;

In another embodiment, the second sub-path 320 has a variety of implementations. For example, the second sub-path 320 may be a straight path (see fig. 6), in which case the second sub-path 320 may be embodied as a straight track, belt, roller, straight pusher, etc. defining a path; the second sub-path 320 may also be a non-linear path, in which case the second sub-path 320 may be embodied as a track, belt, roller, pusher, etc. comprising at least two transport directions, and another possible embodiment is that the second sub-path 320 is embodied as a path defined by a rotary gripper/robot (see fig. 7), which path may also enable communication between the first sub-path 310 and the third sub-path 330.

Referring to fig. 8, in another embodiment, the second sub-path 320 may correspond to a plurality of third sub-paths 330, that is, the plurality of third sub-paths 330 are all in communication with the same second sub-path 320. In this case, the purpose that one sample processing device 100 is in butt joint with a plurality of sample analysis devices 200 to achieve "one-place distribution and multiple-place co-detection" of samples to be tested is achieved, so that flexibility and expandability of system layout can be improved, and meanwhile, the efficiency of the sample processing device 100 can be fully utilized.

In the analysis system according to the present embodiment, the sample analysis device 200 is configured to circulate the sample tray between the sample analysis device and the sample processing device 100 and receive the sample to be tested for detection; a tray transport module 300 is configured to be disposed in correspondence with the window 140 to perform a circulation of the sample tray between the sample processing device 100 and the sample analysis device 200; the tray transport module 300 may transfer sample trays between the first sub-path 310 and the third sub-path 330 through the second sub-path 320; the window 140 is configured as a flow path for the sample tray between the sample processing device 100 and the outside. The sample analysis system 1000 realizes the automatic circulation of the sample trays between the sample processing device 100 and the sample analysis device 200 through the tray transportation module 300, reduces the need of changing the carrying/processing/transferring device of the sample container, and improves the efficiency of sample processing and analysis; by providing the first sub-path 310, the second sub-path 320 and the third sub-path 330, the sample processing device 100 and the sample analysis device 200 can be abutted, so that the transfer of the sample tray between the sample analysis device 200 and the sample processing device 100 is realized, and in addition, by providing the plurality of second sub-paths 320 and the plurality of third sub-paths 330, the sample processing device 100 and the plurality of different sample analysis devices 200 can be abutted, so that the transfer of the sample tray between the plurality of sample analysis devices 200 and the sample processing device 100 is realized, and the flexibility and the expandability of the system are improved.

Optionally, the sample container is typically provided with a cap in order to avoid contamination or spillage of the sample during collection and pre-processing (e.g., centrifugation) of the sample to be tested. But after entering the analysis stage it is generally necessary to remove the cap of the sample container in order to facilitate further operations such as extracting the sample contents, adding reagents or performing sample mixing, etc. To address the above, the sample analysis system 1000 further includes at least one uncapping module 170, the uncapping module 170 being configured to perform an uncapping action on the sample container. The sample analysis system 1000 is provided with one or a combination of the following A6, B6, C6 features, wherein:

A6: the sample processing device 100 is provided with the decapping module 170;

In this embodiment, the sample processing device 100 includes a decapping module 170 disposed on the second path. It will be appreciated that after the sample container has completed the pretreatment step, the sample container needs to be first moved to the cap removing module 170 along the second path by the second transferring module 150, the cap removing module 170 recognizes the cap of the sample container and performs the cap removing action, and the sample container after the cap removing is continued to return to the sample tray along the second path, and is transferred to the tray transporting module 300 along with the sample tray.

B6: the sample analysis device 200 is provided with the cap removal module 170;

In this embodiment, the decapping module 170 is integrated on the sample analysis device 200, and the decapping action occurs before the transferring sample action to be tested. In one case, when the sample analysis device 200 employs a solution in which a sample suction needle is directly inserted into a sample container at the transfer position 210 to suck a sample to be measured, the cap removing module 170 is disposed upstream of the transfer position 210; in another case, when the sample analysis device 200 employs a solution for gripping the sample container at the transfer station 210, the decap module 170 may be disposed upstream of the transfer station 210 or downstream of the transfer station 210.

C6: the tray transport module 300 is provided with the capping module 170.

In this embodiment, the decapping action is performed during the transfer of the sample tray. The arrangement mode can fully utilize waiting and queuing time possibly existing in the sample tray transferring process, and is beneficial to improving the processing speed of the whole system.

Alternative arrangements for the decap module 170 provide lower cost and greater configuration pertinence. For example: for laboratories that require frequent sample changes and high operating speeds, it may be an option to provide the decapping module 170 on the tray transport module 300 to reduce the workload of the sample processing device 100 or sample analysis device 200; for laboratories that need to ensure sample purity and avoid contamination, it may be optional to provide a decap module 170 on the sample processing device 100 or sample analysis device 200 to reduce the risk of exposing the sample to the external environment during transfer.

The combined cover removing module 170 can meet different operation requirements and provide a variety of analysis schemes. For example, combining the decapping of different phases may match the latency that the sample may have in the different phases; for another example, the combined cover removing module 170 can balance the load of the whole system, so as to avoid forming a bottleneck at a single position, thereby improving the overall processing speed; for another example, if one capping module 170 fails, other modules can continue to operate as backup, ensuring that the workflow is not interrupted, or different samples may require different capping modes, and the capping module 170 can optimize the capping process for different sample container types.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart of a first embodiment of a sample processing method of the present invention, the method being performed by a sample processing device 100, the sample processing device 100 comprising a window 140, the window 140 being configured as a flow path for a sample tray between the sample processing device 100 and the outside, the sample processing method comprising the steps of:

Step S11: receiving a circulation control instruction;

This step involves the sample processing device 100 receiving instructions from an external control system (e.g., laboratory information management system or operator input), the flow control instructions containing specific information about when and how to move the sample tray into or out of the sample processing device 100.

The circulation control instruction is suitable for: 1) Transferring a sample tray located inside the sample processing device 100 (e.g., the first region 120) to outside the sample processing device 100 (e.g., to the sample analysis device 200) for subsequent operations (e.g., performing a test analysis on a sample to be tested); 2) The sample tray is transported from outside to inside of the sample processing device 100 for subsequent unloading or for the next operation.

Step S12: in response to the circulation control instruction, to cause the sample tray to perform circulation between the sample processing device 100 and the outside through the window 140.

Upon receiving the streaming control instruction, the operating mechanism of the sample processing device 100 is activated to perform an action of physically moving the sample tray. The window 140 serves as a flow path allowing the sample tray to move between the interior and exterior of the sample processing device 100. In connection with the above, the transfer of sample trays between the interior and exterior of the sample processing device 100 may be accomplished by a second transfer module 150, such as a gripper, automated robotic arm, conveyor belt, or other transport structure.

The present embodiment responds to the circulation control instruction by receiving the circulation control instruction to cause the sample tray to perform circulation between the sample processing device 100 and the outside through the window 140. Compared with the prior art, the application omits the step that the sample/sample container needs to be transferred to different carriers, thereby simplifying the flow and realizing high-efficiency transfer; in addition, by setting the window 140 as a circulation channel of the sample tray between the sample processing device 100 and the outside, the sample tray can be conveniently docked with other systems or devices, so that flexibility and compatibility of the whole sample processing system are enhanced, further, higher degree of automation of the sample processing process is facilitated, manual intervention is reduced, and overall automation level and working efficiency of a laboratory are improved.

Optionally, the sample processing device 100 further comprises a sample introduction module 110 carrying the sample container and a first area 120 for storing at least part of a sample tray, the sample introduction module 110 being configured to carry a sample container externally input to the sample processing device 100, the sample processing method further comprising the steps of:

Step S21: receiving a first transfer instruction;

The control system of the sample processing device 100 receives an instruction from an external control system (e.g., a laboratory information management system or operator input) indicating that a sample container needs to be transferred between the sample module 110 and the first region 120. This instruction may contain specific information about the sample container, such as sample type, destination location, stream priority, etc.

Step S22: in response to the first transfer instruction, to cause the sample container to perform a flow between the sample module 110 and the first region 120 along a first path.

Upon receiving the first transfer instruction, the operation mechanism of the sample processing device 100 is activated, and the transfer operation of the sample container is started as required by the instruction. The sample container is transferred between the sample introduction module 110 and the first region 120 along a preset first path. As described above with reference to the first path is the path of movement traversed by the first transfer module 130, such as a robot arm, a path of a conveyor belt, or other transport mechanism. The first transfer instruction is applicable to several cases: 1) Transferring the sample containers in the sample module 110 to the sample tray of the first region 120 for subsequent processing operations; 2) Transferring the sample containers on the sample trays of the first region 120 to the sample module 110 for operator unloading; 3) The sample container that is identified as being grasped is an abnormal sample container that is returned to the sample module 110, and in particular, an abnormal sample region in the emergency module 111, on its way from the sample module 110 to the first region 120.

Optionally, the sample processing method further comprises the steps of:

step S31: receiving a sample identification instruction;

In this step, the control system of the sample processing device 100 receives an instruction indicating that the sample needs to be identified, which may be automatically generated or manually input by an operator according to the experimental requirements, where the sample identification instruction may include specific parameters required for identifying the sample, such as identification mode (barcode scanning, RFID reading, visual identification, etc.), identification timing (when the sample enters the sample introduction module 110, when the sample is transferred to the first area 120, etc.).

Step S32: in response to the sample identification instruction, a sample identification operation is further performed in executing the first transfer instruction to identify sample information.

During execution of the first transfer instruction, i.e., during transfer of the sample container from the sample module 110 to the first region 120 along the first path, the sample processing device 100 will perform a sample identification operation. The sample identification operation generally includes the steps of: reading an identification (e.g., bar code, RFID tag) on the sample container using a bar code scanner, RFID reader, or other sensor; identifying, by a vision system, a feature or indicia of the sample container; comparing the identified information with a database of the sample processing device 100 to confirm the identity and related information of the sample; the identified sample information may include sample number, sample type, source, processing status, experimental batch, etc., which is critical to subsequent sample processing and analysis.

Optionally, the sample information includes container structure feature information of the sample container and sample property feature information of the sample to be tested.

Of course, the specific content of the sample information may refer to the position information, the appearance information and the sample information of the sample to be tested.

Optionally, the sample processing device 100 further comprises a tray transport module 300 arranged corresponding to the window 140, the tray transport module 300 being configured to perform a circulation of the sample tray between the sample processing device 100 and the outside, the sample processing method further comprising the steps of:

step S41: receiving a second transfer instruction;

It will be appreciated that the control system of the sample processing device 100 receives an instruction indicating a need to transfer a sample tray from the first region 120 to the tray transport module 300 or from the tray transport module 300 to the first region 120. This instruction may be automatically generated by the laboratory information management system according to the experimental procedure or manually entered by the operator according to the experimental requirements.

Step S42: in response to the second transfer instruction, to cause the sample tray to perform a flow along a second path between the first region 120 and the tray transport module 300.

Upon receiving the second transfer instruction, the operation mechanism of the sample processing device 100 is activated, and the transfer operation of the sample tray is started as required by the instruction. The sample tray moves from the first area 120 to the tray transport module 300 or from the tray transport module 300 to the first area 120 along a preset second path. As described above with reference to the second path may be the path traversed by the second transfer module 150, and the second transfer module 150 may be a gripper, an automated robotic arm, a conveyor belt, or other transport mechanism. The second branch instruction described above is applicable to two cases: 1) The sample trays of the first region 120 need to be transported to the sample analysis device 200 by the tray transport module 300; 2) The tray transport module 300 is required to transfer the sample tray received from the sample analysis device 200 to the sample processing device 100.

Optionally, in one embodiment, the sample processing device 100 further includes a cap removal module 170 disposed on the second path, the cap removal module 170 being configured to perform a cap removal action on the sample container, the sample processing method further including the steps of:

Step S51: receiving a cover removing instruction, wherein the cover removing instruction is embedded in the second transferring instruction;

In this step, the control system of the sample processing device 100 receives a transfer instruction containing a decapping instruction. This decap instruction is part of a second transfer instruction indicating that a decap operation needs to be performed on the sample container when the sample tray stream is transferred to a particular location. The decapping instructions may include specific timing of decapping, manner of decapping (e.g., mechanical decapping, pneumatic decapping, etc.), and any necessary pre-processing or post-processing steps.

Step S52: in response to the decapping instruction, the sample tray pauses at a decapping module 170 located on the second path to perform the decapping action on the sample containers carried on the sample tray.

Upon receiving the decapping instruction, the operating mechanism of the sample processing device 100 will cause the sample tray to pause when it reaches the position of the decapping module 170. The decap module 170 then performs a decap action on the sample containers carried on the sample tray. As described above, this process may involve the second transfer module 150, such as a robotic arm, grasping the sample container, placing it in a uncapping position, and then activating the uncapping mechanism, after which the sample tray will continue to circulate along a second path (e.g., into the tray transport module 300) for subsequent processing or analysis steps.

Optionally, the sample processing device 100 includes a plurality of windows 140 and a plurality of tray transport modules 300, where the plurality of tray transport modules 300 are disposed in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of windows 140, and the sample processing method further includes the steps of:

Step S61: receiving a position change instruction;

In this step, the control system of the sample processing device 100 receives an instruction indicating that a sample tray or sample container needs to be transferred from one tray transport module 300 to another tray transport module 300, which may be automatically generated as required by the experimental procedure or manually entered by an operator as the case may be. The change of position instruction includes specific information of the transfer, such as the identification of the initial tray transportation module 300, the identification of the target tray transportation module 300, and specific requirements of the transfer.

Step S62: in response to the change of position instruction, the sample tray or the sample container is transferred from one tray transport module 300 to another tray transport module 300.

Upon receiving the position change instruction, the operation mechanism of the sample processing device 100 is activated, and a transfer operation of the sample tray or the sample container is performed. This transfer operation may involve the following steps: in the case of a transfer of sample trays, an automated robotic arm or other transport device may remove the entire sample tray from the current tray transport module 300 and place it into the target tray transport module 300; in the case of a transfer of sample containers, the robotic arm may remove a particular sample container from the sample tray originally placed in one of the tray transport modules 300 and then place it in the sample tray of the target tray transport module 300. The above-described position change instruction is applied to: for example, when a sample container or a sample tray enters the first sample analyzer 200 to complete the sample analysis, the sample container or the sample tray returns to the sample processor 100, so as to enter the second sample analyzer 200 to perform another sample analysis operation, and then a position change instruction may be sent to the sample processor 100 to complete the position change operation; or when the sample container or sample tray is transferred to the tray transport module 300, the target sample analyzer 200 is changed from the first sample analyzer 200 to the second sample analyzer 200 (for example, the remaining amount of reagent in each sample analyzer 200 is changed), and at this time, a position change command may be issued to the sample processing device 100 to complete the position change operation. This transfer capability allows for flexible movement of samples between different processing stages or distribution among different analytical devices depending on experimental requirements.

The design of the plurality of tray transport modules 300 and the window 140 makes the sample processing device 100 more modularized, can be quickly adjusted according to experimental requirements, improves the transfer capability of the sample tray or the sample container between different tray transport modules 300, improves the flexibility and adaptability of sample processing, and further enables the sample processing device 100 to manage sample flows more efficiently, ensures the continuity and accuracy of experiments, and is particularly in complex or diversified laboratory environments.

Optionally, the first region 120 further comprises a centrifugation region 122a, the centrifugation region 122a being configured to perform centrifugation on the sample containers carried on the sample tray, characterized in that the sample processing method further comprises the steps of:

step S71: receiving a centrifugal instruction;

in this step, the control system of the sample processing device 100 receives an instruction indicating that a centrifugation of the sample containers on the sample tray is required. This instruction may be automatically generated by the laboratory information management system according to the experimental procedure or manually entered by the operator according to the experimental requirements. The centrifugation instructions include specific parameters required for performing centrifugation, such as centrifugation speed, time, temperature, etc.

Step S72: in response to the centrifugation instruction, to cause the sample tray to be transferred to the centrifugation area 122a, the centrifugation operation is performed.

Upon receiving the centrifugation instruction, the operation mechanism of the sample processing device 100 is activated, transferring the sample tray from the current position to the centrifugation area 122a. The transfer process may involve an automated robotic arm or other transport device taking the sample tray out of the storage or processing area and placing it into a centrifuge in the centrifuge area 122a. Once the sample tray is placed in the centrifuge, the centrifugation operation is started. Centrifugation can be used to separate different components in a sample, such as cells, proteins, or other biomolecules. After centrifugation is complete, the sample tray may be removed and transferred to the next processing or analysis step, or returned to the storage area 121.

The integration of centrifugation steps in the sample processing flow reduces the number of sample transfers during processing, improves the efficiency and convenience of overall operation, and integrates centrifugation area 122a within sample processing device 100, which facilitates the saving of laboratory space, makes the equipment layout more compact, and enables efficient, automated processing of samples in the laboratory, which is particularly beneficial for laboratories that require a large number of sample centrifugation operations.

Optionally, the sample processing method further comprises the steps of:

Step S81: receiving a patrol instruction;

In this step, the control system of the sample processing device 100 receives an instruction indicating that a patrol of the sample module 110 is required. This instruction may be automatically generated by the laboratory information management system according to a preset tour plan or manually entered by an operator as desired. The tour instruction may include specific requirements of tour, such as frequency of tour, key region of tour, etc.

Step S82: in response to the patrol instruction, information of the sample container is collected in a manner that a field of view covers at least the sample introduction module 110.

Upon receiving the tour instruction, the control system of the sample processing device 100 activates the tour mechanism. The tour mechanism may include one or more identification modules mounted in place on the sample processing device 100 to cover at least an area of the sample introduction module 110. The identification module starts to work, and collects images or videos of the area of the sample injection module 110 so as to monitor the operation state of the sample injection module 110, including the placement of sample containers, the operation condition of the sample injection module 110, and the like. Please refer to the first, second and third recognition modules. The collected information may be transmitted in real time to a laboratory information management system or stored in a local database for subsequent monitoring and analysis.

Through the inspection instruction, the operation state of the sample injection module 110 can be monitored in real time, so that the normal operation of the sample processing device 100 is ensured. And the inspection mechanism can help to detect abnormal conditions of the sample injection module 110, such as improper placement of sample containers, equipment faults and the like, so that measures are taken in time to solve the problems, and real-time monitoring and management of the sample processing device 100 can be realized, so that the quality and efficiency of experiments are improved.

Other embodiments or specific implementations of the sample processing method of the present invention may refer to the above-mentioned embodiments of the apparatus, and are not described herein.

Fig. 11 is a schematic flow chart of a first embodiment of a sample analysis method according to the present invention, which is executed by a sample analysis system 1000, wherein the sample analysis system 1000 includes a sample processing device 100, a sample analysis device 200, and a tray transport module 300, and the sample analysis method includes the following steps:

Step S1: performing a sample processing method as described above with the sample processing device 100;

In this step, the sample processing device 100 processes the sample according to one of the sample processing methods described above. These methods may involve the transfer of samples, centrifugation, decapping, or other pretreatment steps.

Step S2: circulation of the sample tray between the sample processing device 100 and the sample analysis device 200 is achieved by the tray transport module 300;

the tray transport module 300 ensures that the sample trays can be seamlessly transferred between the sample processing device 100 and the sample analysis device 200. This may involve transfer of the sample tray from the processing device to the analysis device, or from the analysis device to the processing device.

Step S3: the sample analysis device 200 is used to perform detection on a sample to be detected.

In this step, the sample analysis device 200 performs detection of the sample, which may include a uncapping action, a suction operation, and an analysis operation of the sample.

Together, these three steps constitute a complete sample analysis flow in which the sample processing device 100 is responsible for preparing samples, the tray transport module 300 is responsible for circulating the samples, and the sample analysis device 200 is responsible for performing the final analysis. The method can realize automation and high efficiency of sample processing and analysis, and is suitable for laboratory environment requiring high-throughput sample analysis.

Optionally, the sample analysis system 1000 includes a plurality of sample analysis devices 200 and a plurality of the tray transport modules 300, the plurality of tray transport modules 300 are disposed corresponding to the plurality of sample analysis devices 200, and the sample analysis method further includes the steps of:

step S4: receiving a path selection instruction;

In this step, the control system of the sample processing device 100 receives an instruction indicating that a sample tray needs to be transferred to a particular sample analysis device 200. This instruction may be automatically generated by the laboratory information management system as required by the experimental procedure or manually entered by the operator as the case may be. The path selection instruction includes specific information of the transfer, such as the identification of the target sample analysis device 200 and specific requirements of the transfer.

Step S5: in response to the path selection instruction, the sample tray is selectively transferred to the selected tray transport module 300.

Upon receiving the path selection instruction, the operation mechanism of the sample processing device 100 is activated, and the transfer operation of the sample tray is performed. The sample tray is taken out of the current tray transport module 300 and placed into the target tray transport module 300, and the target tray transport module 300 transfers the sample tray to the corresponding sample analysis device 200, and once the sample tray is placed in the sample analysis device 200, the sample analysis device 200 starts to perform the detection of the sample.

In the further described sample analysis system 1000, a plurality of sample analysis devices 200 and a plurality of tray transport modules 300 corresponding thereto are included. Such a design allows the sample tray to be selectively transferred to any one of the sample analysis devices 200 according to different experimental requirements and analysis targets, improving flexibility so that different samples can be selected for the appropriate analysis device according to the experimental requirements and sample analysis targets.

Other embodiments or specific implementations of the sample analysis method of the present invention may refer to the above-mentioned embodiments of each device or system, and are not described herein.

It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or system that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or system. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one … …" does not exclude the presence of other like elements in a process, method, article, or system that comprises the element.

The foregoing embodiment numbers of the present invention are merely for the purpose of description, and do not represent the advantages or disadvantages of the embodiments.

From the above description of the embodiments, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiment method may be implemented by means of software plus a necessary general hardware platform, but of course may also be implemented by means of hardware, but in many cases the former is a preferred embodiment. Based on such understanding, the technical solution of the present invention may be embodied essentially or in a part contributing to the prior art in the form of a software product stored in a readable storage medium (e.g. a read-only memory/random access memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk), for example, where a first executable program is stored, the first executable program being executed to implement the sample processing method as described above, or where a second executable program is stored in the readable storage medium, where the second executable program being executed to implement the sample analysis method as described above, where, of course, the readable storage medium may also have stored thereon a first executable program and a second executable program at the same time, and where the readable storage medium may further include several instructions for causing a terminal device (which may be a mobile phone, a computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute the method according to the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sample processing device, comprising:

A sample injection module configured to carry a sample container input from the outside to the sample processing device;

a first area, the first area comprising at least a storage area, the storage area being configured to carry a sample tray;

A first transfer module, configured to transfer the sample container between the injection module and the sample tray along a first path;

The window is configured as a flow channel for the sample tray between the sample processing device and the outside.

2. The sample processing device as described in claim 1 is characterized in that the sample processing module also includes a second transfer module, the second transfer module is configured to execute the flow of the sample tray between the first area and the tray transport module along a second path, and the tray transport module is configured to execute the flow of the sample tray between the sample processing device and the outside.

3 . The sample processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the first area further comprises a pre-processing area, and the pre-processing area is configured to perform pre-processing on the sample container carried on the sample tray.

4. The sample processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the pre-processing area at least comprises a centrifugal area, and the centrifugal area is configured to perform a centrifugal operation on the sample container carried on the sample tray; or

The pre-treatment area includes a centrifugation area and a balancing area. The centrifugation area is configured to perform a centrifugation operation on the sample container carried on the sample tray; the balancing area is configured to place a balancing piece for balancing the sample tray.

5. The sample processing device as described in claim 4 is characterized in that the sample processing device further comprises a third transfer module, and the third transfer module is configured to perform the flow of the sample tray between the first area and the centrifugal area along a third path.

6. The sample processing device of claim 5, wherein the characteristics of the sample processing device are one of A1, B1, and C1, wherein:

A1: The first transfer module, the second transfer module and the third transfer module are configured to be independent of each other;

B1: Any two of the first transfer module, the second transfer module and the third transfer module are configured as a common module;

C1: The first transfer module, the second transfer module and the third transfer module are configured as a common module.

7 . The sample processing device according to claim 5 , wherein the third transfer module is a mechanical gripper with a multipliable stroke.

8 . The sample processing device according to claim 2 , further comprising a decapping module disposed on the second path, wherein the decapping module is configured to perform a decapping operation on the sample container.

9. The sample processing device according to claim 1, wherein the sample injection module comprises an emergency module, and the emergency module comprises:

an emergency area configured to hold emergency specimen containers; and/or,

The abnormal sample recovery area is configured to place abnormal sample containers.

10. The sample processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the characteristics of the sample processing device are a combination of one or more of A2, B2, and C2, wherein:

A2: The sample processing device further comprises a first identification module, the field of view of the first identification module is configured to at least cover the injection module, and is configured to identify the position information of the sample container in the injection module;

B2: The sample processing device further includes a second identification module, and the second identification module is configured to identify appearance information of the sample container and/or the sample to be tested in the first path;

C2: The sample processing device further includes a third identification module, and the third identification module is configured to identify sample information of the sample to be tested in the first path.

11. The sample processing device according to claim 10, characterized in that the sample processing device comprises the first identification module, the second identification module and the third identification module, and the characteristics of the sample processing device are one of A3, B3 and C3, wherein:

A3: The first identification module, the second identification module and the third identification module are configured to be independent of each other;

B3: Any two of the first identification module, the second identification module and the third identification module are configured as a common module;

C3: The first identification module, the second identification module and the third identification module are configured as a common module.

12. The sample processing device according to claim 10, wherein the characteristics of the sample processing device are a combination of one or more of A4, B4, and C4, wherein:

A4: The position information at least includes one of the coordinate information of each sample container located in the injection module, the coordinate information of the empty position, and the injection information of the injection module;

B4: the appearance information at least includes one of the appearance information of the sample container, the structural feature information of the sample container and the appearance information of the sample to be tested;

C4: The sample information of the sample to be tested is sample property characteristic information.

13. The sample processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sample processing device further comprises a shell, the shell comprises a plurality of shell surfaces, the injection module and the window are arranged on different shell surfaces; and/or

The sample processing device further includes a plurality of the windows, and the plurality of the windows are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of the tray transport modules.

14. A sample analysis system, characterized in that the sample analysis system comprises:

The sample processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13;

The sample analysis device is configured to realize the circulation of the sample tray with the sample processing device and to receive the sample to be tested for testing.

15. The sample analysis system according to claim 14, further comprising a tray transport module, wherein the tray transport module is configured to correspond to the window setting to execute the flow of the sample tray between the sample processing device and the sample analysis device.

16. The sample analysis system according to claim 15, wherein the characteristics of the tray transport module are a combination of one or more of A5, B5, and C5, wherein:

A5: The tray transport module has a first sub-path connected to the sample processing device;

B5: the tray transport module has a third sub-path connected to the sample analysis device;

C5: The pallet transport module has a second sub-path connecting the first sub-path and the third sub-path.

17 . The sample analysis system according to claim 16 , wherein the tray transport module has the second sub-path and a plurality of third sub-paths, and the plurality of third sub-paths are all connected to the second sub-path.

18. The sample analysis system according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the sample analysis device is provided with a transfer position, and the transfer position is configured to receive the sample tray transferred from the tray transport module to the sample analysis device.

19. The sample analysis system according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the sample analysis system further comprises at least one decapping module, the decapping module being configured to perform a decapping action on the sample container, the sample analysis system being characterized by a combination of one or more of A6, B6, and C6, wherein:

A6: The sample processing device is provided with the decapping module;

B6: The sample analysis device is provided with the decapping module;

C6: The cover removal module is provided on the pallet transport module.

20. A sample processing method, performed by a sample processing device, characterized in that the sample processing device comprises a window, and the window is configured as a flow channel for a sample tray between the sample processing device and the outside, and the sample processing method comprises the following steps:

Receive flow control instructions;

In response to the transfer control instruction, the sample tray is transferred between the sample processing device and the outside through the window.

21. The sample processing method according to claim 20, characterized in that the sample processing device further comprises a sample introduction module for carrying the sample container and a first area at least partially for storing a sample tray, the sample introduction module is configured to carry the sample container input from the outside to the sample processing device, and the sample processing method further comprises the following steps:

receiving a first transfer instruction;

In response to the first transfer instruction, the sample container is transferred along a first path between the injection module and the first area.

22. The sample processing method according to claim 21, characterized in that the sample processing method further comprises the following steps:

receiving a sample identification instruction;

In response to the sample identification instruction, a sample identification operation is further performed during the execution of the first transfer instruction to identify sample information.

23. The sample processing method according to claim 22, characterized in that the sample information comprises container structure characteristic information of the sample container and sample property characteristic information of the sample to be tested.

24. The sample processing method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the sample processing device further comprises a tray transport module arranged corresponding to the window, the tray transport module is configured to execute the flow of the sample tray between the sample processing device and the outside, and the sample processing method further comprises the following steps:

receiving a second transfer instruction;

In response to the second transfer instruction, the sample tray is caused to flow along a second path between the first area and the tray transport module.

25. The sample processing method according to claim 24, characterized in that the sample processing device further comprises a decapping module disposed on the second path, the decapping module being configured to perform a decapping action on the sample container, and the sample processing method further comprises the following steps:

receiving a decapping instruction, wherein the decapping instruction is embedded in the second transfer instruction;

In response to the decapping instruction, the sample tray pauses at a decapping module located on the second path to perform the decapping action on the sample containers carried on the sample tray.

26. The sample processing method according to claim 24, characterized in that the sample processing device comprises a plurality of the windows and a plurality of the tray transport modules, the plurality of the tray transport modules are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of the windows, and the sample processing method further comprises the following steps:

receiving a position change instruction;

In response to the position change instruction, the sample tray or the sample container is transferred from one tray transport module to another tray transport module.

27. The sample processing method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the first area further comprises a centrifugal area, the centrifugal area is configured to perform a centrifugal operation on the sample container carried on the sample tray, and the sample processing method further comprises the following steps:

receiving a centrifugal instruction;

In response to the centrifugation instruction, the sample tray is transferred to the centrifugation area and the centrifugation operation is performed.

28. The sample processing method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that the sample processing method further comprises the following steps:

Receive patrol instructions;

In response to the patrol instruction, information of the sample container is collected in a manner that the field of view at least covers the sampling module.

29. A sample analysis method, performed by a sample analysis system, the sample analysis system comprising a sample processing device, a sample analysis device and a tray transport module, wherein the sample analysis method comprises the following steps:

Using the sample processing device to perform the sample processing method according to any one of claims 19 to 28;

The sample tray is transferred between the sample processing device and the sample analysis device by using the tray transport module;

The sample analysis device is used to perform detection on the sample to be detected.

30. The sample analysis method according to claim 29, wherein the sample analysis system comprises a plurality of sample analysis devices and a plurality of the tray transport modules, and the plurality of tray transport modules are arranged corresponding to the plurality of the sample analysis devices, wherein the method further comprises the following steps:

receiving a path selection instruction;

In response to the path selection instruction, the sample tray is transferred to the selected tray transport module in a selective manner.

31. A readable storage medium, characterized in that a first executable program is stored on the readable storage medium, and when the first executable program is executed, the sample processing method according to any one of claims 19 to 28 is implemented; and/or,

The readable storage medium stores a second executable program, and when the second executable program is executed, the sample analysis method according to claim 29 or 30 is implemented.