JP4152650B2 - Apparatus and method for measuring sedimentation rate of liquid sample - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  This inventionApparatus and method for measuring sedimentation rate of liquid sampleMore particularly, the present invention relates to a technique for optically measuring the sedimentation rate of sediment in a liquid sample accommodated in a transparent test container such as a test tube.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a representative example of sedimentation rate measurement of sediment in a liquid sample, measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), which is one of the most frequently used tests in daily clinical practice, can be mentioned. As a method for measuring erythrocyte sedimentation, a non-coagulated blood is filled in a fixed standard test container that is kept vertically and left to stand. The Wester Glen method is a standard method in which an inspector visually records 1) after standing to determine the slowing of sedimentation.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, such a measurement method requires one hour or more from the start to the end of measurement, and is not suitable for cases where urgent treatment is required.
[0004]
  The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems. The object of the present invention is to simultaneously use a plurality of stationary test containers containing a liquid sample using optical means. The sedimentation rate of sediment in liquid samples can be measuredSimple structure, cheapSettling velocity measurementapparatusIs to provide.
[0005]
  Another object of the present invention is toA sedimentation speed measurement method for measuring sedimentation speed of sediment in a liquid sample accommodated in a plurality of test containers by the sedimentation speed measuring device.Is to provide.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the sedimentation velocity measurement of the present invention is performed.apparatusIsOptically measures the sedimentation rate of sediment in a liquid sample stored in a transparent test container, and holds a plurality of test containers in which a liquid sample containing sediment is stored at a predetermined interval. A container holding unit; a light projecting unit that projects light onto the plurality of test containers; and a light projecting unit that faces the light projecting unit across the plurality of test containers. A single two-dimensional sensor means for receiving the light that has passed through, and an arithmetic means for calculating the sedimentation velocity of the sediment in the liquid sample based on the image data sent from the two-dimensional sensor means, The container holding means has a configuration for holding a plurality of types of test containers having different outer diameters, and determines the type of the test container by measuring the outer diameter of each test container held by the container holding means. Having a judging means And Features.
[0007]
  As a preferred embodiment,The following configuration is adopted.
(1) One of the two-dimensional arrays of imaging pixels of the two-dimensional sensor means is configured to be parallel to the axial direction of the test container.
(2) A measurement range defining means for defining the measurement range in each test container is provided, and the computing means is defined by the measurement range defining means among the image data sent from the two-dimensional sensor means. Based on the image data, the sedimentation rate of the sediment in the liquid sample is calculated.
(3) The measurement range defining means is in the form of a detection window arranged in the two-dimensional sensor means.
(4) The detection window has an elongated slit shape extending along the axis of the test container, and the shape and dimension of the detection window are smaller than the length of the test container and the lateral dimension of the test container. It is set smaller than the outer diameter.
(5) The detection window includes an outer diameter measurement detection window for measuring the outer diameter of the test container, and the outer diameter measurement detection window is provided horizontally in the vicinity of the lower end of the test container. A slit-like window is formed, and the lateral dimension thereof is set larger than the diameter dimension of the test container so that the outer diameter edge of the test container can be detected, thereby constituting the test container determining means.
(6) The measurement range defining means is in the form of a light shielding plate arranged between the two-dimensional sensor means and the light projecting means.
(7) The light shielding plate is provided with a translucent window for defining the measurement range corresponding to the test container held by the container holding means, and the light projecting window is arranged on the axis of the test container. An elongated slit extending along the longitudinal direction is set, and the longitudinal dimension is set smaller than the length dimension of the test container, and the lateral dimension is set smaller than the outer diameter dimension of the test container.
(8) The light projection window of the light shielding plate includes an outer diameter measurement light projection window for measuring the outer diameter of the test container, and the outer diameter measurement light projection window is located near the lower end of the test container. The horizontal dimension of the window is set to be larger than the diameter of the test container so that the outer edge of the test container can be detected. Constitute.
(9) The calculation means is configured to calculate each brightness level of a plurality of pixels arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the test container for each test container based on the image data transmitted from the two-dimensional sensor means. By integrating the time-dependent changes in the axial direction, an image processing unit for determining the boundary position between the supernatant and the sediment in the liquid sample, and based on the determination result of the image processing unit, An arithmetic processing unit that calculates the height dimension of the supernatant liquid, calculates the amount of change per unit time of the boundary position from this and the set measurement time, and calculates the sedimentation velocity of the sediment in the liquid sample; It is equipped with.
(10) The container holding means includes a structure for holding the test container in an inclined shape with a predetermined inclination angle, whereby natural convection occurs in the liquid sample in the test container, and the sedimentation of the sediment Is configured to be promoted.
(11) The inclination angle is set to 15 ° to 25 °.
The apparatus for measuring a sedimentation rate of a liquid sample according to claim 11.
(12) The two-dimensional sensor means is an area sensor camera including an area sensor such as a CCD area sensor as a sensor unit.
(13) The liquid sample is blood.
[0011]
  Also, the sedimentation rate measurement of the present inventionMethodThe above sedimentation rate measurementA sedimentation rate measuring method for optically measuring a sedimentation rate of a sediment in a liquid sample accommodated in a transparent test container by an apparatus, wherein the liquid sample containing the sediment is accommodated in the container holding means. The plurality of test containers are held at a predetermined interval, and the light projecting means projects light onto the plurality of test containers, and at this time, the light transmitted through the plurality of test containers is converted into the single two-dimensional The sensor means receives the light, and the calculation means calculates the sedimentation velocity of the sediment in the liquid sample based on the image data sent from the two-dimensional sensor means. When calculating the sedimentation rate of the sediment, the outer diameter of each test container is measured by the test container determining means, and the type of the test container is determined and specified..
[0012]
  As a preferred embodiment,In the arithmetic means, the image processing unit is configured for each of the test containers, based on the image data sent from the two-dimensional sensor means, for each of the plurality of pixels arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the test container. By accumulating changes over time in the axial direction of the level, the boundary position between the supernatant and the sediment in the liquid sample is determined, and based on the determination result of the image processing unit, the arithmetic processing unit Calculate the height of the supernatant liquid in the test vessel and calculate the amount of change per unit time of the boundary position from this and the set measurement time to calculate the sedimentation velocity of the sediment in the liquid sample To do.
[0015]
In the sedimentation velocity measurement of the present invention, when a test container filled with a liquid sample containing sediment is held stationary, a boundary between the supernatant and sediment appears in the test container as the sediment in the liquid sample settles. The boundary descends with time, and after a certain period of time, the boundary descends (the sedimentation of the sediment stops).
[0016]
The amount of light transmitted through the liquid sample changes according to the transparency of the test container (corresponding to the contents of the contents), and the space above the supernatant liquid, that is, the space where there is no supernatant liquid, the supernatant liquid and the sediment. The transmitted light can be clearly distinguished from each other, and by detecting the transmitted light, the liquid surface of the supernatant and the boundary between the supernatant and the sediment can be reliably captured.
[0017]
Therefore, the change over time of these detected values is detected by electrically detecting the change in the amount of light transmitted through the test container using an area sensor camera having a single two-dimensional sensor means, for example, an area sensor as a sensor unit. From this, the depth (height) dimension of the supernatant can be calculated, and the sedimentation rate of the sediment can be calculated from the calculated value and the measurement time.
[0018]
For example, when measuring red sediment using a mixed solution of blood 4 with respect to sodium citrate solution 1, the boundary between the blood cell layer (precipitates red blood cells and the like) and the supernatant plasma, The boundary between the plasma and the space where the mixed liquid does not exist, that is, the amount of light transmitted through the plasma liquid surface changes greatly. Therefore, by detecting this change in the amount of light using an area sensor camera, it is possible to capture changes in plasma depth over time in real time and calculate the maximum depth dimension.
[0019]
In this case, the area sensor camera can capture the boundary two-dimensionally and enables more accurate and reproducible red sediment measurement.
[0020]
Furthermore, according to the area sensor camera, it is possible to simultaneously receive the light transmitted through the plurality of test containers arranged corresponding to the receivable area. Measurement can be performed simultaneously. In such a sedimentation velocity measuring apparatus using an area sensor camera, the structure of the apparatus can be simplified.
[0021]
Further, by carrying out the red sedimentation measurement while holding the test container in an inclined shape, the sedimentation rate of red blood cells by natural convection is promoted, and the red sedimentation measurement can be performed in a short time.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0023]
Embodiment 1
A settling velocity measuring apparatus according to the present invention is shown in FIG. Specifically, this apparatus optically measures the red sediment of blood stored in a test container 1 as shown in FIG. 3, and includes container holding means 2, light projecting means 3, and two-dimensional sensor means. 4, the calculation means 6, the display part 7, and the operation part 8 are comprised as a main part.
[0024]
The container holding means 2 holds a plurality (five in the present embodiment) of test containers 1, 1,... At an equal interval and is specifically shown in FIGS. As described above, each of the vertical plates 2a, three horizontal upper plates 2b, lower plates 2c, and bottom plates 2d is formed between the upper plate 2b and the lower plate 2c. A plurality of inclined plates 2e are provided, and the upper plate 2b and the lower plate 2c are formed with round holes h1 and h2 having an inner diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the test container 1, respectively.
[0025]
In the inclined holding structure, the bottom of the test container 1 is supported by the bottom plate 2d, and the upper and lower portions of the test container 1 are inserted into the circular holes h1 and h2 of the upper plate 2b and the lower plate 2c to be inclined. The structure is held. The inclined plate 2e functions as a guide means when the test container 1 is inserted from above.
[0026]
In addition, the inclinations in the inclined holding structures 2a to 2d are for causing natural convection in the blood in the test container 1 and promoting the sedimentation of the blood cell layer as the sediment. The test container 1 held at h1 and h2 is set to be inclined at an angle of 15 ° to 25 °, and is set to an inclination angle of 15 ° in the illustrated embodiment.
[0027]
The light projecting means 3 is for projecting light onto the test container 1 containing blood, and preferably an infrared LED (light emitting diode) array or the like is used.
[0028]
The two-dimensional sensor means 4 receives and images the light transmitted through the measurement ranges in the plurality of test containers 1, 1,... From the light projecting means 3, and the test containers 1, 1,. It is provided so as to be opposed to the light projecting means 3 with being sandwiched, and is installed in an inclined shape with the same inclination angle as that of the test containers 1, 1,.
[0029]
As the two-dimensional sensor means 4, an area sensor camera including an area sensor such as a CCD area sensor is used as a sensor unit. In the illustrated embodiment, a CCD area sensor camera including a CCD area sensor is used as the sensor unit. An image of the boundary between the plasma and blood cell layer in the test container 1 is taken.
[0030]
The calculation means 6 calculates the sedimentation rate of the blood cell layer in the blood based on the image data sent from the CCD area sensor camera 4, and specifically, from the image processing unit 6a and the calculation processing unit 6b. Become.
[0031]
The image processing unit 6 a starts from the image data sent from the CCD area sensor camera 4 for each test container 1 in the axial direction of each brightness level of a plurality of pixels arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the test container 1. Are accumulated, and the boundary position (hereinafter referred to as the blood sedimentation position) between the blood plasma S1 as the blood supernatant and the blood cell layer S2 as the precipitate is determined from the data, and sent to the arithmetic processing unit 6b.
[0032]
The image processing method will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an image of blood in the test container 1 taken by the CCD area sensor camera 4. An image captured by the CCD area sensor camera 4 is divided into, for example, pixels of a two-dimensional array of 480 × 512, and is further divided into 256 gradations (brightness / darkness levels) of 0 to 255 for each pixel.
[0033]
In the present embodiment, one of the two-dimensional arrays of imaging pixels of the CCD area sensor camera 4 (the arrow Y direction in the drawing) is configured to be parallel to the axial direction of the test container 1. In addition, in the image processing unit 6a, a plurality (five in the present embodiment) of detection windows (measurement range defining means) Ma that defines the measurement range corresponding to each test container 1 are set.
[0034]
Each detection window Ma has a slit-like elongated rectangular shape extending along the axis of each test container 1. The shape dimension of the detection window Ma is set such that the vertical dimension is smaller than the length dimension of the test container 1 and the lateral dimension is smaller than the outer diameter dimension of the test container 1. It is designed so that the blood sedimentation behavior of the blood inside can be captured reliably.
[0035]
.. Of the light transmitted from the light projecting means 3 through the plurality of test containers 1, 1,... And reaching the imaging pixels of the CCD area sensor camera 4 is defined by the detection windows Ma, Ma. Only the measurement range will be used for measurement.
[0036]
In the figure, (a) shows an initial state in which blood cells have not yet settled and the boundary between the plasma S1 and the blood cell layer S2 does not appear, and (b) shows the blood sedimentation position after the elapse of unit time. Further, the diagrams on the right side in each of (a) and (b) are arranged in the axial direction (the arrow Y direction in the drawing) and the perpendicular direction (the arrow X direction in the drawing) of the test container 1 by image processing. Is a waveform diagram in which the temporal changes in the axial direction of the brightness level of one pixel (for example, a pixel on the axis of the test container 1) are integrated, and the data is compared with a predetermined threshold value (Vth) By obtaining a boundary position between a level (plasma part) higher than the threshold and a level (blood cell layer) lower than the threshold value, it is determined as the blood sedimentation position and sent to the arithmetic processing unit 6b.
[0037]
In the arithmetic processing unit 6b, the height dimension of the plasma S1 in the test container 1 is calculated based on the determination result of the image processing unit 6a, and this is set to the measurement time (preferably 15 minutes to 20 minutes). From this, the amount of change (ΔY) in the blood sedimentation position per unit time is obtained, and red sedimentation is calculated.
[0038]
In the above description, the red sediment measurement process for one test container 1 is described. However, the red sediment measurement is performed for the other four test containers 1, 1,. Is done. In this case, the identification of the test container 1 is not specifically shown, but a strip-shaped ID label is affixed to the top of the test container 1, and the ID information of the blood sample printed on this ID label is This is performed by reading with an ID reader (not shown). As the ID reader, a character reader is used when the ID information is a character, and a bar code reader is used when the ID information is a bar code.
[0039]
Next, a method for measuring red sediment using the sedimentation velocity measuring apparatus configured as described above will be described.
[0040]
Blood is collected from the blood sample in the test container 1, and a sodium citrate solution as an anticoagulant is added thereto, and then the test container 1 is shaken to mix the blood and the sodium citrate solution. Thereafter, the test container 1 is inserted from above into the round holes h1 and h2 provided in the upper plate 2b and the lower plate 2c of the container holding means 2 and is held stationary in an inclined manner. When red blood sedimentation measurement is performed on the blood of a plurality of blood samples (up to 5 in the illustrated example), the blood is appropriately held in the container holding means 2 as described above.
[0041]
When there is an ID reader, first, the ID label of each test container 1 is read by the ID reader, and the test container 1 is specified (reading the name of a blood sampler).
[0042]
By pressing the start key of the operation unit 8 composed of a touch panel or the like, the red sediment measurement is automatically executed. That is, the light projecting means 3 projects light onto the test containers 1, 1,..., And the CCD area sensor camera 4 receives infrared light that has passed through each test container 1, and images each image. Data is sent to the image processing unit 6a of the calculation unit 6 to determine the blood sedimentation position, and the calculation processing unit 6b calculates red sediment for each test container 1.
[0043]
Specifically, as described above, when the test container 1 filled with blood is held stationary, the boundary between the plasma S1 and the blood cell layer S2 appears in the test container 1 along with the sedimentation of the blood cell layer in the blood, This boundary descends with time, and when a certain time has elapsed, the descending of this boundary stops (sedimentation of the blood cell layer stops).
[0044]
The amount of light projected from the light projecting means 3 and transmitted through the blood changes according to the transparency of the test container 1, and in particular, the space above the plasma S1, that is, the space where the plasma S1 does not exist, the plasma S1 and the blood cell layer The amount of light transmitted through each of S2 changes greatly and can be clearly distinguished from each other. By detecting this transmitted light, the level of plasma S1 and the boundary between plasma S1 and blood cell layer S2 can be reliably captured. Can do.
[0045]
Therefore, as described above, the change in the amount of light transmitted through the test container 1 is electrically detected using the single CCD area sensor camera 4, so that the calculation unit 6 (image processing unit 6a, arithmetic processing unit 6b) can calculate the depth (height) dimension of plasma S1, and can further calculate the sedimentation rate of blood cell layer S2 from the calculated value and the measurement time.
[0046]
In this case, the CCD area sensor camera 4 can capture the boundary two-dimensionally (captured by a plurality of imaging pixels in the X direction in the figure), and enables more accurate red sedimentation measurement.
[0047]
This red sediment measurement result is displayed electronically on a display device 8 comprising a liquid crystal monitor or the like by a display method based on an international standard method, and printed and displayed by a printer or the like (not shown).
[0048]
Embodiment 2
This embodiment is shown in FIG. 5 and corresponds to a plurality of types of test containers having different outer diameters (preferably, standard tubes used for erythrocyte measurement of adults and capillary tubes used for baby erythrocyte measurement). This is a sedimentation velocity measuring device that can be used. Specifically, the shape of the detection window that defines the measurement range of the first embodiment is modified.
[0049]
  That is, the detection window of this embodiment isAs in the first embodiment, a measurement range defining means for measuring red sediment that defines a measurement range corresponding to the test container 1 is configured.In addition to the detection window Ma, the outer diameter of the test container 1 is measured.Configure test container determination means for outer diameter measurementA detection window Mb is provided.
[0050]
As shown in the figure, the detection window Mb is a slit-like window provided horizontally in the vicinity of the lower end of the test container 1 (in the blood cell layer), and its lateral dimension is set larger than the diameter dimension of the test container 1. Thus, the outer diameter edge of the test container 1 is designed to be detected.
[0051]
.., And Mb, Mb, of the light that has passed through the plurality of test containers 1, 1,... And has reached the imaging pixels of the CCD area sensor camera 4. Only the measurement range defined by ... will be used for measurement.
Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0052]
  However, the image processing unit 6a in the calculating means 6 is similar to the first embodiment in the image data sent from the CCD area sensor camera 4 as described above.For measuring red sedimentThe blood sedimentation position is determined based on the image data detected in the detection window Ma, and the aboveFor outer diameter measurementThe outer diameter of the test container 1 is determined based on the image data detected in the detection window Mb.
[0053]
As described above, the detection window Mb is formed in the vicinity of the lower end (in the blood cell layer) of the test container 1, so that the test container 1 can be easily distinguished from the outside world, and the edge of the outermost side can be detected. Thus, the outer diameter of the test container 1 can be determined.
[0054]
  In addition, when using the capillary tube 10 as the test container 1, as shown in FIG.5 (b), it inserts in the transparent holder 11 whose outer diameter dimension is the same as a standard tube, and is used.That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 of the first embodiment, the container holding means 2 includes a structure for holding a standard tube as the test container 1. By using the holder 11, the container holding means 2 includes As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, test containers having different outer diameters, that is, a standard tube and a capillary tube 10 can be held.
[0055]
In addition, the arithmetic processing unit 6b calculates red sediment and the outer diameter of the test container 1 in the same manner as in the first embodiment based on the determination result of the image processing unit 6a.
[0056]
Next, a method for measuring red sediment using the sedimentation velocity measuring apparatus configured as described above will be described.
[0057]
The operation of tilting and holding the test container 1 on the container holding means 2 and the operation of specifying the test container 1 (reading the name of the blood sampler) are the same as in the first embodiment.
[0058]
  By pressing the start key of the operation unit 8, first of all,For outer diameter measurementBased on the image data detected in the detection window Mb, the outer diameter of the test container 1 is measured to determine whether the test container 1 is a standard tube or a capillary tube.JudgmentIdentified (Function as test container judgment means).
[0059]
Next, the blood sedimentation position is determined based on the image data detected in the detection window Ma, and the red sedimentation measurement is automatically executed. The operation of the red sediment measurement is exactly the same as in the first embodiment.
[0060]
Embodiment 3
This embodiment is shown in FIGS. In the first embodiment, the detection window (measurement range defining means) is arranged in the two-dimensional sensor means. However, in the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, between the light projecting means 3 and the two-dimensional sensor means 4. The physical measurement range defining means 5 is disposed in the area. Accordingly, the container holding means 2 and the measurement range defining means 5 are integrally configured, and the calculation means 6, the display unit 7 and the operation unit 8 are mainly configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
[0061]
The container holding means 2 holds a plurality (five in the present embodiment) of test containers 1, 1,... At an equal interval and is specifically shown in FIGS. Thus, it is formed integrally with the light shielding plate 5 as a measurement range defining means to be described later.
[0062]
The inclined holding structure of each test container 1 in the illustrated container holding means 2 is composed of one inclined plate 2e protruding from the light shielding plate 5, three horizontal upper plates 2b, a lower plate 2c and a bottom plate 2d. The upper plate 2b and the lower plate 2c are formed with round holes h1 and h2 having an inner diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the test container 1, respectively.
[0063]
In the inclined holding structure, the bottom of the test container 1 is supported by the bottom plate 2d, and the upper and lower portions of the test container 1 are inserted into the circular holes h1 and h2 of the upper plate 2b and the lower plate 2c to be inclined. The structure is held. The inclined plate 2e functions as a guide means when the test container 1 is inserted from above.
[0064]
In the illustrated embodiment, such inclined holding structures 2b to 2d of the test container 1 are provided evenly at predetermined intervals in the lateral direction of the light shielding plate 5 as shown in FIGS. Yes.
[0065]
Further, the inclinations in the inclined holding structures 2b to 2d are for causing natural convection in the blood in the test container 1 and promoting the sedimentation of the blood cell layer as the sediment. The test container 1 held at h1 and h2 is set to be inclined at an angle of 15 ° to 25 °, and is set to an inclination angle of 15 ° in the illustrated embodiment.
[0066]
The measurement range defining means 5 is arranged between the CCD area sensor camera 4 and the light projecting means 3 and is for defining each measurement range in the plurality of test containers 1, 1,.
[0067]
  Specifically, as described above, the measurement range defining means 5 is in the form of a light shielding plate that shields light transmitted from the light projecting means 3 through the plurality of test containers 1, 1,. The shading plate 5 defines the measurement range as shown in FIG.For measuring red sedimentA translucent window 5a is provided at a plurality of locations (five locations in the illustrated embodiment) corresponding to the test containers 1, 1,... Held by the container holding means 2, respectively.
[0068]
As shown in FIG. 8, each translucent window 5 a has a slit-like elongated parallelogram shape extending along the axis of the test container 1 held by the inclined holding structures 2 b to 2 d in the container holding means 2. . The translucent window 5a has a shape dimension in which the vertical dimension is set smaller than the length dimension of the test container 1 and the horizontal dimension is set smaller than the outer diameter dimension of the test container 1, It is designed so that the blood sedimentation behavior of blood can be reliably captured.
[0069]
Thereby, among the light transmitted through the plurality of test containers 1, 1,... From the light projecting means 3, the measurement range defined by the light transmitting windows 5a, 5a,. Only light reaches the CCD area sensor camera 4 and is imaged.
[0070]
FIG. 9 is an image of blood in the test container 1 in the CCD area sensor camera 4 imaged through the light transmission window 5a of the light shielding plate 5. The image data sent from the CCD area sensor camera 4 is the above-mentioned projection window. Only the part corresponding to 5a is transmitted. The subsequent image processing method in the image processing unit 6a is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0071]
Other actions and a method for measuring red sedimentation using the sedimentation velocity measuring apparatus configured as described above are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0072]
Embodiment 4
This embodiment is shown in FIGS. 10 to 11, and is a sedimentation velocity measuring device that can handle a plurality of types of test containers having different outer diameters, as in the second embodiment. The shape of the light transmission window of the light shielding plate 5 is modified.
[0073]
  That is, the transparent window of this embodiment is used for measuring blood sedimentation.For blood sedimentationIn addition to the translucent window 5a, for measuring the outer diameter of the test container 1For outer diameter measurementA translucent window 5b is provided.
[0074]
As shown in the figure, the translucent window 5b is a slit-like window provided horizontally in the vicinity of the lower end (in the blood cell layer) of the test container 1, and its lateral dimension is set larger than the diameter dimension of the test container 1. Thus, the outer diameter edge of the test container 1 is designed to be detected.
[0075]
Thereby, among the light transmitted through the plurality of test containers 1, 1,... From the light projecting means 3, the light transmitting windows 5 a, 5 a, and the light transmitting windows 5 b, 5 b,. Only the light that has passed through the specified measurement range reaches the CCD area sensor camera 4 and is imaged.
Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0076]
  However, the image processing unit 6a in the computing means 6 determines the blood sedimentation position based on the image data transmitted from the CCD area sensor camera 4 and the image data that has passed through the light transmission window 5a, as in the third embodiment. Judgment andSimilar to Embodiment 2,Based on the image data that has passed through the translucent window 5b, the outer diameter of the test container 1 is determined.Measure the type of test container 1judge.
[0077]
Since the translucent window 5b is formed in the vicinity of the lower end (in the blood cell layer) of the test container 1 as described above, the test container 1 can be easily distinguished from the outside world, and the edge of the outermost side is detected. Thus, the outer diameter of the test container 1 can be determined.
[0078]
  In addition, when using the capillary tube 10 as the test container 1, as shown in FIG.11 (b), the outer diameter dimension is inserted and used for the transparent holder 11 same as a standard tube.That is, as in the second embodiment, by using the holder 11, the container holding means 2 has test containers with different outer diameters, that is, standard tubes and capillaries as shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b). The tube 10 can be held.
[0079]
  In addition, the arithmetic processing unit 6b calculates red sediment based on the determination result of the image processing unit 6a as in the third embodiment,Similar to Embodiment 2,The outer diameter dimension of the test container 1 is calculated.
[0080]
Next, a method for measuring red sediment using the sedimentation velocity measuring apparatus configured as described above will be described.
[0081]
The operation of tilting and holding the test container 1 on the container holding means 2 and the operation of specifying the test container 1 (reading the name of the blood sampler) are the same as in the first embodiment.
[0082]
  By pressing the start key of the operation unit 8, first of all,For outer diameter measurementThe outer diameter of the test container 1 is measured based on the image data that has passed through the light transmission window 5b, and whether the test container 1 is a standard tube or a capillary tube.JudgmentIdentified (Function as test container judgment means).
[0083]
Next, the blood sedimentation position is determined based on the image data that has passed through the translucent window 5a, and the red sedimentation measurement is automatically executed. The operation of the red sediment measurement is exactly the same as in the third embodiment.
[0084]
The red sedimentation measurement result is displayed on the display device 8 including a liquid crystal monitor and the like by a display method based on the international standard method relating to the test container 1 specified as described above, and is printed and displayed by a printer or the like (not shown). .
[0085]
Thus, in the sedimentation velocity measuring apparatus configured as described above, the CCD area sensor camera 4 simultaneously receives light transmitted through the plurality of test containers 1, 1,. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously measure red sediment for a plurality of test containers 1, 1,.
[0086]
Further, by carrying out the red sedimentation measurement while holding the test container 1 in an inclined shape by the container holding means 2, the sedimentation rate of red blood cells by natural convection is promoted, and the red sedimentation measurement can be performed in a short time.
[0087]
The above-described embodiment is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this, and various design changes can be made within the scope.
[0088]
For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the test container 1 is left in an inclined shape, but may be left in a vertical shape.
[0089]
In the illustrated embodiment, infrared light capable of obtaining a good contrast is used as the light source of the light projecting means 3, but visible light such as a red LED array may be used.
[0090]
Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the blood sedimentation rate measurement, that is, the red sedimentation measurement described above, but can also be applied to the sedimentation rate measurement of sediments in other liquid samples having the same sedimentation behavior.
[0091]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the sedimentation velocity measurement method of the present invention, the boundary between the supernatant and sediment is captured two-dimensionally by imaging a liquid sample with a two-dimensional sensor means and performing image processing. This makes it possible to measure sedimentation velocity with high accuracy (about 1/4 of the conventional measurement time) and with high accuracy. For example, in the case of blood red sedimentation measurement, it is extremely necessary when urgent medical measures are required. It becomes effective.
[0092]
Further, according to the sedimentation velocity measuring apparatus of the present invention, the light passing through the plurality of test containers is imaged by a two-dimensional sensor means having a single two-dimensional sensor function, so that it can be left stationary with a simple configuration. In addition, the sedimentation rate of the liquid sample can be simultaneously measured for a plurality of test containers.
[0093]
  Also,A test container for determining the type of test container by measuring the outer diameter of each test container held by the container holding means, wherein the container holding means has a configuration for holding a plurality of types of test containers having different outer diameters. Because it has judgment meansThe standard tube and the capillary tube can be shared, and it is not necessary to prepare a separate sedimentation velocity measuring device corresponding to each test container.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a liquid sample sedimentation velocity measuring apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a relative positional relationship among a light projecting unit, a container holding unit, a light shielding plate, and a CCD area sensor camera in the sedimentation velocity measuring apparatus.
3 is a front view taken along the line AA of FIG. 2 showing an arrangement example when a plurality of test containers are measured by the CCD area sensor camera in the settling velocity measuring apparatus.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image processing method in the sedimentation velocity measuring apparatus.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a CCD area sensor camera image in the liquid sample sedimentation velocity measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. ) Shows the case where a capillary tube is used.
FIG. 6 is a configuration block diagram showing an outline of a liquid sample sedimentation velocity measuring apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a relative positional relationship among a light projecting unit, a container holding unit, a light shielding plate, and a CCD area sensor camera in the settling velocity measuring apparatus.
8 is a front view taken along the line BB of FIG. 7 showing a partial cut-out example of the arrangement when measuring a plurality of test containers with the CCD area sensor camera in the settling velocity measuring apparatus.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image processing method in the settling velocity measuring apparatus.
FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway front view showing an arrangement example when measuring a plurality of test containers with a CCD area sensor camera in the liquid sample sedimentation velocity measuring apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a CCD area sensor camera image in the sedimentation velocity measuring apparatus, where FIG. 11A shows a case where a standard tube is used as a test container, and FIG. 11B shows a case where a capillary tube is used. Yes.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Test container(Standard tube)
2 Container holding means
3 Projection means
4 CCD area sensor camera (two-dimensional sensor means)
5 Shading plate (Measuring range defining means)
5a Translucent window (for red sink measurement)
5b Translucent window (Test container determination means for outer diameter measurement)
6 Calculation unit (calculation means)
6a Image processing unit
6b Arithmetic processing part
7 Display section
8 Operation part
10Capillary tube (test container)
11 Holder
S1 Plasma (Supernatant)
S2 Blood cell layer (precipitate)
b Boundary between plasma and blood cell layer
Ma                  Detection window (for measuring red sediment, measuring range defining means)
Mb                  Detection window (for outer diameter measurement, test container judgment means)

Claims (16)

A sedimentation rate measuring device for optically measuring the sedimentation rate of sediment in a liquid sample contained in a transparent test container ,
Container holding means for holding a plurality of test containers containing a liquid sample containing sediment at predetermined intervals;
A light projecting means for projecting light onto the plurality of test containers;
A single two-dimensional sensor means that is provided opposite to the light projecting means across the plurality of test containers and receives light transmitted from the light projecting means through the test containers;
Based on the image data transmitted from the two-dimensional sensor means, Bei example a calculating means for calculating the sedimentation rate of the sediment in a liquid sample,
The container holding means has a configuration for holding a plurality of types of test containers having different outer diameters, and measures the outer diameter of each test container held by the container holding means to determine the type of the test container A liquid sample sedimentation rate measuring device comprising a container determining means . Settling velocity of the liquid sample according to claim 1, wherein the one arrangement direction of the two-dimensional array of the image pixels of the two-dimensional sensor means, characterized in that it is configured parallel to the axial direction of the test vessel measuring device.   Comprising measurement range defining means for defining the measurement range in each test container,
  The computing means is configured to calculate the sedimentation velocity of the sediment in the liquid sample based on the image data defined by the measurement range defining means among the image data sent from the two-dimensional sensor means. ing
The apparatus for measuring a sedimentation rate of a liquid sample according to claim 1. The liquid sample sedimentation velocity measuring device according to claim 3 , wherein the measurement range defining means is in the form of a detection window arranged in the two-dimensional sensor means.   The detection window has an elongated slit shape extending along the axis of the test container, and the shape dimension is smaller than the length dimension of the test container and the lateral dimension is the outer diameter dimension of the test container. Is set smaller than
The apparatus for measuring a sedimentation rate of a liquid sample according to claim 4.   The detection window includes an outer diameter measurement detection window for measuring the outer diameter of the test container,
This outer diameter measuring detection window is a slit-like window provided horizontally in the vicinity of the lower end of the test container, and the lateral dimension is tested so that the outer diameter edge of the test container can be detected. It is set larger than the diameter dimension of the container and constitutes the test container determining means.
The apparatus for measuring a sedimentation rate of a liquid sample according to claim 5. The liquid sample according to claim 3 , wherein the measurement range defining means is in the form of a light shielding plate disposed between the two-dimensional sensor means and the light projecting means. Settling velocity measuring device. The light shielding plate is provided corresponding to each of the test containers held by the container holding means, each having a transparent window that defines the measurement range ,
The light projection window has an elongated slit shape extending along the axis of the test container, and the shape dimension of the light projection window is smaller than the length dimension of the test container and the lateral dimension is the outer diameter of the test container. The apparatus for measuring a sedimentation rate of a liquid sample according to claim 7 , wherein the apparatus is set to be smaller than a dimension . The light projection window of the light shielding plate includes a light projection window for outer diameter measurement for measuring the outer diameter of the test container,
This outer diameter measuring projection window is a slit-like window provided horizontally in the vicinity of the lower end of the test container, and its lateral dimension can detect the outer diameter edge of the test container. The liquid sample sedimentation rate measuring apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the test container determining means is configured to be larger than a diameter dimension of the test container . The computing means is arranged in the axial direction of each of the light and dark levels of a plurality of pixels arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the test container for each test container based on the image data sent from the two-dimensional sensor means. By integrating the change over time of the image processing unit for determining the boundary position between the supernatant liquid and the sediment in the liquid sample, and based on the determination result of the image processing unit, the supernatant liquid in the test container An arithmetic processing unit that calculates a height dimension, calculates a change amount per unit time of the boundary position from the set measurement time, and calculates a sedimentation rate of the sediment in the liquid sample; The apparatus for measuring a sedimentation rate of a liquid sample according to claim 2 . The container holding means has a structure for holding the test container in an inclined shape with a predetermined inclination angle, whereby natural convection occurs in the liquid sample in the test container, and sedimentation of the sediment is promoted. The apparatus for measuring a sedimentation rate of a liquid sample according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured to be configured as described above. The apparatus for measuring a sedimentation rate of a liquid sample according to claim 11 , wherein the inclination angle is set to 15 ° to 25 °. 2. The liquid sample sedimentation velocity measuring apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the two-dimensional sensor means is an area sensor camera including an area sensor such as a CCD area sensor as a sensor unit. The apparatus for measuring a sedimentation rate of a liquid sample according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the liquid sample is blood. A sedimentation rate measuring method for optically measuring a sedimentation rate of a sediment in a liquid sample contained in a transparent test container by the sedimentation rate measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 14. ,
The container holding means holds a plurality of test containers containing a liquid sample containing sediment at a predetermined interval,
By the light projecting means, light is projected onto the plurality of test containers, and at this time, the light transmitted through the plurality of test containers is received by the single two-dimensional sensor means,
Based on the image data sent from the two-dimensional sensor means by the computing means, the sedimentation velocity of the sediment in the liquid sample is calculated,
When calculating the sedimentation rate of the sediment in the liquid sample by the computing means, the outer diameter of each test container is measured by the test container determining means, and the type of the test container is determined and specified.
A method for measuring a sedimentation rate of a liquid sample. In the calculation means, the image processing unit is configured to determine, for each of the test containers, each of the plurality of pixels arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the test container based on the image data sent from the two-dimensional sensor means. By summing the level change over time in the axial direction, The boundary position between the supernatant and the sediment is determined, and based on the determination result of the image processing unit, the arithmetic processing unit calculates the height dimension of the supernatant liquid in the test container, and is set as this The amount of change per unit time of the boundary position was obtained from the measurement time, and the sedimentation velocity of the sediment in the liquid sample was calculated.
The method for measuring a sedimentation rate of a liquid sample according to claim 15.

Images