阅读说明：本技术 临时调出样本的方法、流水线系统及计算机可读存储介质 (Method for temporarily calling out sample, pipeline system and computer readable storage medium ) 是由 益加福 王鑫润 于 2019-09-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供了一种临时调出样本的方法、流水线系统及计算机可读存储介质。所述方法包括：获取流水线系统中需要临时调出的目标样本的信息；根据所述目标样本的信息,确定所述目标样本的调度策略；基于确定的所述目标样本的调度策略控制流水线系统执行相应的调出方案,以将所述目标样本从所述流水线系统中输出。通过设置所述调度策略和调出方案可以降低临时调出样本时对其他样本的影响,同时可以满足样本多的情况的需求。(The invention provides a method for temporarily calling out a sample, a pipeline system and a computer readable storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring information of a target sample needing to be temporarily called out in a pipeline system; determining a scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the information of the target sample; and controlling a pipeline system to execute a corresponding calling scheme based on the determined scheduling strategy of the target sample so as to output the target sample from the pipeline system. By setting the scheduling strategy and the calling scheme, the influence on other samples when the samples are temporarily called can be reduced, and the requirement of the condition with many samples can be met.)

1. A method of temporarily calling out a sample, the method comprising:

receiving a selection operation of a sample, and acquiring information of a target sample needing to be temporarily called out in a pipeline system based on the operation;

receiving a selection operation of a preset scheduling strategy based on the information of the target sample, and determining the scheduling strategy of the target sample based on the selection operation of the preset scheduling strategy;

and controlling a pipeline system to execute a corresponding calling scheme based on the determined scheduling strategy of the target sample so as to output the target sample from the pipeline system.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein receiving a selection operation of a preset scheduling policy based on the information of the target sample, and determining the scheduling policy of the target sample based on the selection operation of the preset scheduling policy comprises:

acquiring corresponding position information of the target sample in the pipeline system according to the information of the target sample;

and selecting a preset scheduling strategy according to the position information, and determining the scheduling strategy of the target sample based on the selection operation of the preset scheduling strategy.

3. A method of temporarily calling out a sample, the method comprising:

acquiring information of a target sample needing to be temporarily called out in a pipeline system;

determining a scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the information of the target sample and a preset scheduling strategy;

and controlling the pipeline system to execute a corresponding calling scheme based on the determined scheduling strategy of the target sample so as to output the target sample from the pipeline system.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the preset scheduling policy is a scheduling policy set by a user in advance or a scheduling policy set by a system default.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the determining the scheduling policy of the target sample according to the preset scheduling policy based on the information of the target sample comprises the following steps:

acquiring corresponding position information of the target sample in the pipeline system according to the information of the target sample;

and determining the scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the position information and a preset scheduling strategy.

6. A method of temporarily calling out a sample, the method comprising:

acquiring information of a target sample needing to be temporarily called out in a pipeline system;

determining a scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the information of the target sample;

and controlling a pipeline system to execute a corresponding calling scheme based on the determined scheduling strategy of the target sample so as to output the target sample from the pipeline system.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the determining the scheduling policy of the target sample according to the information of the target sample comprises the following steps:

acquiring corresponding position information of the target sample in the pipeline system according to the information of the target sample;

and determining a scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the position information.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the determining the scheduling policy of the target sample according to the location information comprises:

and determining a scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the position information and a preset scheduling strategy.

9. The method according to any of claims 1-5 and 8, wherein the preset scheduling policy comprises: if the target sample is positioned on a main track of the assembly line system or a side track of the sample rack sample sucking analyzer, controlling the assembly line system to directly output the target sample;

if the target sample is positioned on a side rail of a side rail sample sucking analyzer or in a sample rack sample sucking analyzer, determining a scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the urgency grade of the target sample;

if the target sample is on or in the side track of the pre-processing module, controlling the pipeline system to directly output the target sample after the target sample is processed by the pre-processing module, or stopping the current operation of the target sample and immediately controlling the pipeline system to directly output the target sample;

and/or if the target sample is on or in the side track of the post-processing module, controlling the pipeline system to directly output the target sample after the target sample is processed by the post-processing module, or stopping the current operation of the target sample and immediately controlling the pipeline system to directly output the target sample.

10. The method of any one of claims 2, 5 and 7, wherein the location information is any location in a pipeline system.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein any location in the pipeline system is any location within the main track, the side track, the analyzer interior, the pre-processing module interior, and the post-processing module interior.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the determining the scheduling policy of the target sample according to the urgency class of the target sample comprises:

the controller or the processor determines the urgency level of the target sample according to the information of the target sample or determines the urgency level of the target sample based on received user-performed urgency selection operation.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the urgency level of the target sample is displayed through a display interface for a user to select urgency, and/or the display interface displays the time required for calling down the target sample according to the urgency level when selecting different urgency levels.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the cut-forcing level is divided into at least two levels.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the cut-forcing levels comprise a highest cut-forcing and a low cut-forcing;

optionally, when the target sample is at the highest cut-forcing degree, immediately passing the target sample or a sample rack where the target sample is located to output the target sample;

optionally, when the target sample is of low urgency, after completing the sample sucking of all the test items of the sample currently being subjected to sample sucking or the sample which has been pre-arranged, the target sample or the sample rack where the target sample is located is released, and the target sample is output, wherein the pre-arranged is that the test reagent is added to the reaction system of the test before the sample.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the cut-forcing level further comprises an intermediate cut-forcing;

and when the target sample is the intermediate forced cutting degree, releasing the target sample or the sample rack where the target sample is located after finishing the sample suction of the test item which is currently sucking the sample or finishing the sample suction of the test item which is pre-arranged, and outputting the target sample.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the level of the cut-forcing degree further includes a lowest cut-forcing degree, and when the target sample is the lowest cut-forcing degree, the sample rack in which the target sample is located is released after completing the sample suction of all test items of all samples on the sample rack currently being subjected to the sample suction or the sample rack already arranged in advance.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the target sample is of low stringency and the side-track analyzer is a side-track analyzer with reagents added prior to the sample,

if the target sample is pre-arranged, finishing sample suction of all test items of the target sample and then releasing;

and/or if the target sample is not pre-arranged, releasing the target sample and all samples in front after finishing the drawing of all test items of the pre-arranged sample.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the target sample is of low urgency and the side-track analyzer is one in which the sample is added before the reagent, and wherein the target sample and all samples in front are released after completion of the draw of all test items for the sample currently being drawn.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the target sample is selected to be a median shear and the side-track analyzer is a side-track analyzer with reagents added prior to the sample,

if the pre-arrangement of the target sample is finished, the sample suction of the target sample is finished and then the target sample is released,

and/or if the pre-arrangement of all the test items in the target sample is not finished, releasing the target sample after the sample suction of the pre-arranged test items is finished.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein the target sample is selected as the median cut and the sidetrack analyzer is a sidetrack analyzer with a sample prior to reagent addition, and wherein the target sample is output after completing the draw of the test item currently being drawn.

22. The method of claim 15, wherein the target sample is selected to be of low urgency and the sample holder blot analyzer is one in which reagents are added prior to the sample,

if the pre-arrangement of the sample rack where the target sample is located is finished, releasing the sample rack where the target sample is located after the sample suction of all samples of the sample rack where the target sample is located is finished, and pre-arranging the next sample;

and/or if the pre-arrangement of the sample rack where the target sample is located is not finished, releasing the sample rack where the target sample is located after the sample suction of all test items of the pre-arranged sample is finished.

23. The method of claim 15, wherein the target sample is selected as a low urgency sample and the sample rack blot analyzer is a sample rack blot analyzer where samples are added before reagents, and the sample rack on which the target sample resides is cleared after all test items of the sample being blotted are completed.

24. The method of claim 16, wherein the target sample is selected to be a median cut and the sample holder blot analyzer is a sample holder blot analyzer with reagents added before the sample,

if the pre-arrangement of the sample rack where the target sample is located is finished, releasing the sample rack where the target sample is located after the sample suction of all samples of the sample rack where the target sample is located is finished;

and/or if the pre-arrangement of the sample rack where the target sample is located is not finished, releasing the sample rack where the target sample is located after the sample suction of the pre-arranged test item is finished.

25. The method of claim 16, wherein the target sample is selected to be a median cut and the sample holder blot analyzer is a sample holder blot analyzer with samples added before reagents are added, and the sample holder with the target sample is released after completing the blot of the test item currently being blotted.

26. The method of claim 6, wherein the sample intake analyzer in the sample testing line is a sample rack sample intake analyzer, and after releasing the target sample, performing the following steps on the sample remaining on the sample rack on which the target sample is located:

if the samples of all the test items in the remaining samples are not finished, the remaining samples are reserved, and the priority of the samples on the sample rack is adjusted according to the TAT of the remaining samples;

optionally, if the TAT on the shelf sample is close to the requirement, raising its priority;

optionally, the priority is unchanged if the sample TAT is abundant on the sample rack.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that the order of the samples on the sample rack is determined for the retained samples according to the adjusted priority, and/or new samples are added at vacant positions on the sample rack.

28. A pipeline system, comprising:

an input module for receiving a sample at an input area thereof;

a pretreatment module, wherein the pretreatment module comprises one or more of a centrifugation module, a serum detection module, a decapping module, and a dispensing module; the centrifugal module is used for centrifuging a sample to be centrifuged; the serum detection module is used for detecting whether the serum amount of the sample is enough and/or whether the serum quality of the sample is qualified; the decapping module is used for decapping the centrifuged sample; the separate injection module is used for separating samples;

one or more analysis modules for testing the pre-processed sample;

optionally a post-processing module comprising one or more of a capping/film-adding module, a refrigerator module, and a decapping/decapping module; the film adding/capping module is used for adding films or caps to the samples; the refrigerator module is used for storing samples; the membrane removing/cover removing module is used for removing a membrane or a cover of a sample;

the system comprises a track connecting modules and a scheduling device for scheduling samples among the modules through the track;

a memory for storing a program;

a processor for implementing the method of any one of claims 1 to 26 by executing a program stored by the memory.

29. A pipeline system, comprising:

an input module for receiving a sample at an input area thereof;

a pretreatment module, wherein the pretreatment module comprises one or more of a centrifugation module, a serum detection module, a decapping module, and a dispensing module; the centrifugal module is used for centrifuging a sample to be centrifuged; the serum detection module is used for detecting whether the serum amount of the sample is enough and/or whether the serum quality of the sample is qualified; the decapping module is used for decapping the centrifuged sample; the separate injection module is used for separating samples;

one or more analysis modules for testing the pre-processed sample;

an optional post-processing module for post-processing the sample;

the system comprises a track connecting modules and a scheduling device for scheduling samples among the modules through the track;

and the controller is configured to acquire information of a pipeline needing to temporarily call out a sample, and control the scheduling device to call out the sample from any position in the pipeline system based on the information of the temporarily called out sample so as to output the target sample from the pipeline system.

30. The pipeline system of claim 29, wherein the controller is configured to perform the method of any of claims 1 to 27.

31. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized by comprising a program executable by a processor to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 27.

Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of sample analysis, in particular to a method for temporarily calling out a sample, a pipeline system and a computer readable storage medium.

Background

At present, when a sample is generally required to be tested on a laboratory automation pipeline in clinical research and basic experiments, a scene that the sample needs to be temporarily called out is inevitably encountered during testing, for example: the sample is close to the required return time (TAT) of the clinical laboratory sample test result, and the sample needs to be quickly transferred out to be tested offline; or for other special reasons, the current task of the sample needs to be cancelled and the sample is called out of the system.

When the samples are temporarily called out, scheduling and testing of other samples are likely to be influenced, and the more urgent the requirements on the called samples are, the greater the influence on other samples is.

The current analyzer does not support temporary sample calling or does not consider different influences on other samples when samples with different forcing degrees are called. For departments with small sample size, low requirements on TAT (timing advance), or fewer samples needing to be temporarily called out, the scheduling scheme can meet the requirements; however, for departments with large sample amount, high TAT requirement, or more temporarily called samples, the above scheduling scheme is difficult to meet the department requirement, and a more complete scheduling scheme is required.

Therefore, there is a need for an improvement to the current sample calling scheme to solve the above problems.

Disclosure of Invention

A first aspect of the present application provides a method of temporarily calling out a sample, the method comprising:

receiving a selection operation of a sample, and acquiring information of a target sample needing to be temporarily called out in a pipeline system based on the operation;

receiving a selection operation of a preset scheduling strategy based on the information of the target sample, and determining the scheduling strategy of the target sample based on the selection operation of the preset scheduling strategy;

and controlling a pipeline system to execute a corresponding calling scheme based on the determined scheduling strategy of the target sample so as to output the target sample from the pipeline system.

Optionally, receiving a selection operation of a preset scheduling policy based on the information of the target sample, and determining the scheduling policy of the target sample based on the selection operation of the preset scheduling policy, includes:

acquiring corresponding position information of the target sample in the pipeline system according to the information of the target sample;

and selecting a preset scheduling strategy according to the position information, and determining the scheduling strategy of the target sample based on the selection operation of the preset scheduling strategy.

A second aspect of the present application provides another method of temporarily calling out a sample, the method comprising:

acquiring information of a target sample needing to be temporarily called out in a pipeline system;

determining a scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the information of the target sample and a preset scheduling strategy;

and controlling the pipeline system to execute a corresponding calling scheme based on the determined scheduling strategy of the target sample so as to output the target sample from the pipeline system.

Optionally, the preset scheduling policy is a scheduling policy set in advance by a user or a scheduling policy set by a default of the system.

Optionally, the determining the scheduling policy of the target sample according to a preset scheduling policy according to the information of the target sample includes the following steps:

acquiring corresponding position information of the target sample in the pipeline system according to the information of the target sample;

and determining the scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the position information and a preset scheduling strategy.

A third aspect of the present application provides a method for temporarily calling out a sample, the method comprising:

acquiring information of a target sample needing to be temporarily called out in a pipeline system;

determining a scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the information of the target sample;

and controlling a pipeline system to execute a corresponding calling scheme based on the determined scheduling strategy of the target sample so as to output the target sample from the pipeline system.

Optionally, the determining a scheduling policy of the target sample according to the information of the target sample includes the following steps:

acquiring corresponding position information of the target sample in the pipeline system according to the information of the target sample;

and determining a scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the position information.

Optionally, the determining a scheduling policy of the target sample according to the location information includes the following steps:

and determining a scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the position information and a preset scheduling strategy.

Optionally, the preset scheduling policy includes: if the target sample is positioned on a main track of the assembly line system or a side track of the sample rack sample sucking analyzer, controlling the assembly line system to directly output the target sample;

if the target sample is positioned on a side rail of a side rail sample sucking analyzer or in a sample rack sample sucking analyzer, determining a scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the urgency grade of the target sample;

if the target sample is on or in the side track of the pre-processing module, controlling the pipeline system to directly output the target sample after the target sample is processed by the pre-processing module, or stopping the current operation of the target sample and immediately controlling the pipeline system to directly output the target sample;

and/or if the target sample is on or in the side track of the post-processing module, controlling the pipeline system to directly output the target sample after the target sample is processed by the post-processing module, or stopping the current operation of the target sample and immediately controlling the pipeline system to directly output the target sample.

Optionally, the location information is any location in the pipeline system.

Optionally, any position in the pipeline system is any position in the main rail, the side rail, the inside of the analyzer, the inside of the pre-processing module, and the inside of the post-processing module.

Optionally, the determining a scheduling policy of the target sample according to the urgency level of the target sample includes:

the controller or the processor determines the urgency level of the target sample according to the information of the target sample or determines the urgency level of the target sample based on received user-performed urgency selection operation.

Optionally, the urgency level of the target sample is displayed through a display interface, so that a user can select urgency, and/or the display interface displays the time required for calling out the target sample according to the corresponding urgency level when different urgency levels are selected.

Optionally, the cut-forcing level is divided into at least two levels.

Optionally, the urgency class includes a highest urgency degree and a low urgency degree;

optionally, when the target sample is at the highest cut-forcing degree, immediately passing the target sample or a sample rack where the target sample is located to output the target sample;

optionally, when the target sample is of low urgency, after completing the sample sucking of all the test items of the sample currently being subjected to sample sucking or the sample which has been pre-arranged, the target sample or the sample rack where the target sample is located is released, and the target sample is output, wherein the pre-arranged is that the test reagent is added to the reaction system of the test before the sample.

Optionally, the urgency class further includes a median urgency degree;

and when the target sample is the intermediate forced cutting degree, releasing the target sample or the sample rack where the target sample is located after finishing the sample suction of the test item which is currently sucking the sample or finishing the sample suction of the test item which is pre-arranged, and outputting the target sample.

Optionally, the level of the forced cutting degree further includes a lowest forced cutting degree, and when the target sample is the lowest forced cutting degree, the sample rack in which the target sample is located is released after completing the sample suction of all test items of all samples on the sample rack currently being subjected to sample suction or on the sample rack that has been pre-arranged.

Optionally, where the target sample is of low urgency and the side-track analyzer is one in which reagents are added prior to the sample,

if the target sample is pre-arranged, finishing sample suction of all test items of the target sample and then releasing;

and/or if the target sample is not pre-arranged, releasing the target sample and all samples in front after finishing the drawing of all test items of the pre-arranged sample.

Optionally, when the target sample is of low urgency and the side-track analyzer is one in which the sample is added before the reagent, the target sample and all samples in front are released after completing the sample taking of all test items of the sample currently being taken.

Optionally, when the target sample is selected to be a median cut, and the side-track analyzer is a side-track analyzer in which reagents are added before the sample,

if the pre-arrangement of the target sample is finished, the sample suction of the target sample is finished and then the target sample is released,

and/or if the pre-arrangement of all the test items in the target sample is not finished, releasing the target sample after the sample suction of the pre-arranged test items is finished.

Optionally, when the target sample is selected as the median cut, and the side-track analysis meter is a side-track analysis meter in which a sample is added before a reagent is added, the target sample is released after the sample suction of the test item currently being subjected to sample suction is completed, and the target sample is output.

Optionally, when the target sample is selected to be of low urgency and the sample rack blot analyzer is one in which reagents are added prior to the sample,

if the pre-arrangement of the sample rack where the target sample is located is finished, releasing the sample rack where the target sample is located after the sample suction of all samples of the sample rack where the target sample is located is finished, and pre-arranging the next sample;

and/or if the pre-arrangement of the sample rack where the target sample is located is not finished, releasing the sample rack where the target sample is located after the sample suction of all test items of the pre-arranged sample is finished.

Optionally, when the target sample is selected to be of low urgency and the sample rack blot analyzer is a sample rack blot analyzer in which a sample is added before a reagent, the sample rack in which the target sample is located is released after all the test items of the sample being pipetted are completed.

Optionally, the target sample is selected to be a median cut, and the sample rack sipper analyzer is a sample rack sipper analyzer in which reagents are added before the sample,

if the pre-arrangement of the sample rack where the target sample is located is finished, releasing the sample rack where the target sample is located after the sample suction of all samples of the sample rack where the target sample is located is finished;

and/or if the pre-arrangement of the sample rack where the target sample is located is not finished, releasing the sample rack where the target sample is located after the sample suction of the pre-arranged test item is finished.

Optionally, the target sample is selected as a middle forcing degree, and the sample rack suction analyzer is a sample rack suction analyzer in which a sample is added before a reagent is added, so that the sample rack in which the target sample is located is released after the suction of the test item currently being subjected to the suction is completed.

Optionally, the sample suction analyzer in the sample testing assembly line is a sample rack sample suction analyzer, and after the target sample is released, the following steps are performed on the remaining samples on the sample rack where the target sample is located:

if the samples of all the test items in the remaining samples are not finished, the remaining samples are reserved, and the priority of the samples on the sample rack is adjusted according to the TAT of the remaining samples;

optionally, if the TAT on the shelf sample is close to the requirement, raising its priority;

optionally, the priority is unchanged if the sample TAT is abundant on the sample rack.

Optionally, the order of the samples on the sample rack is determined according to the adjusted priority for the retained samples, and/or new samples are added to the vacant positions on the sample rack.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a pipeline system comprising:

an input module for receiving a sample at an input area thereof;

a pretreatment module, wherein the pretreatment module comprises one or more of a centrifugation module, a serum detection module, a decapping module, and a dispensing module; the centrifugal module is used for centrifuging a sample to be centrifuged; the serum detection module is used for detecting whether the serum amount of the sample is enough and/or whether the serum quality of the sample is qualified; the decapping module is used for decapping the centrifuged sample; the separate injection module is used for separating samples;

one or more analysis modules for testing the pre-processed sample;

optionally a post-processing module comprising one or more of a capping/film-adding module, a refrigerator module, and a decapping/decapping module; the film adding/capping module is used for adding films or caps to the samples; the refrigerator module is used for storing samples; the membrane removing/cover removing module is used for removing a membrane or a cover of a sample;

the system comprises a track connecting modules and a scheduling device for scheduling samples among the modules through the track;

a memory for storing a program;

a processor for implementing any of the methods as described above by executing the program stored by the memory.

A fifth aspect of the present application provides a pipeline system, comprising:

an input module for receiving a sample at an input area thereof;

a pretreatment module, wherein the pretreatment module comprises one or more of a centrifugation module, a serum detection module, a decapping module, and a dispensing module; the centrifugal module is used for centrifuging a sample to be centrifuged; the serum detection module is used for detecting whether the serum amount of the sample is enough and/or whether the serum quality of the sample is qualified; the decapping module is used for decapping the centrifuged sample; the separate injection module is used for separating samples;

one or more analysis modules for testing the pre-processed sample;

an optional post-processing module for post-processing the sample;

the system comprises a track connecting modules and a scheduling device for scheduling samples among the modules through the track;

and the controller is configured to acquire information of a pipeline needing to temporarily call out a sample, and control the scheduling device to call out the sample from any position in the pipeline system based on the information of the temporarily called out sample so as to output the target sample from the pipeline system.

Optionally, the controller is configured to perform any of the methods described above.

A sixth aspect of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium containing a program executable by a processor to implement any one of the methods described above.

According to an embodiment of the application, a method for temporarily calling out samples is provided, in the method, a scheduling strategy of target samples is determined according to target sample information, and a pipeline system is controlled to execute a corresponding calling-out scheme according to the scheduling strategy so as to output the target samples from the pipeline system. The method can control the pipeline system to call a target sample, namely a sample needing to be called temporarily, out of the pipeline system; the influence on other samples when the target sample is temporarily called can be reduced according to the scheduling strategy and the calling scheme, and the requirements of different departments (no matter the sample size is large, the requirement on TAT is high, or the department needing more temporarily called samples, and the like) can be met.

According to another embodiment of the application, a method for temporarily calling out samples is provided, in which a scheduling policy of target samples is determined according to target sample information and a preset scheduling policy, and a pipeline system is controlled to execute a corresponding calling-out scheme according to the scheduling policy, so as to output the target samples from the pipeline system. The method can control the pipeline system to call a target sample, namely a sample needing to be called temporarily, out of the pipeline system; the influence on other samples when the target sample is temporarily called can be reduced according to the scheduling strategy and the calling scheme, and the requirements of different departments (no matter the sample size is large, the requirement on TAT is high, or the department needing more temporarily called samples, and the like) can be met. In addition, the automation degree of temporarily calling out the samples can be further conveniently improved through a preset scheduling strategy, and the efficiency of temporarily calling out the samples is improved.

According to another embodiment of the application, a method for temporarily calling out a sample is provided, in which a selection operation of the sample is received, information of a target sample needing to be temporarily called out in a pipeline system is obtained based on the selection operation, a preset scheduling policy is selected based on the information of the target sample, the scheduling policy of the target sample is determined based on the selection operation of the preset scheduling policy, and the pipeline system is controlled to execute a corresponding calling out scheme, so as to output the target sample from the pipeline system. The method can control the pipeline system to call a target sample, namely a sample needing to be called temporarily, out of the pipeline system; the influence on other samples when the target sample is temporarily called can be reduced according to the scheduling strategy and the calling scheme, and the requirements of different departments (no matter the sample size is large, the requirement on TAT is high, or the department needing more temporarily called samples, and the like) can be met. The man-machine interaction performance of the system can be improved, so that the user can select the system conveniently to select a proper scheduling strategy according to actual needs and make a better decision.

Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of temporarily calling out a sample according to one embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of temporarily calling out a sample according to one embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method of temporarily calling out a sample according to one embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 4 shows a block flow diagram of a method of temporarily calling out samples according to another embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a pipeline system according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a preprocessing module according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of an aftertreatment module according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a pipeline system according to one embodiment of the present application;

fig. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present application more apparent, exemplary embodiments according to the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application and not all embodiments of the present application, and that the present application is not limited by the example embodiments described herein. All other embodiments, which can be derived by a person skilled in the art from the embodiments of the application described in the application without inventive step, shall fall within the scope of protection of the application.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present application. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present application may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features of the art have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the present application.

It is to be understood that the present application is capable of implementation in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the application to those skilled in the art.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The terms first, second, third, etc. are used herein for convenience of description and do not represent limitations in order, etc.

In order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application, detailed steps and detailed structures will be provided in the following description in order to explain the technical solutions proposed in the present application. The following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present application, however, will suggest that the present application may have other embodiments in addition to these detailed descriptions.

When a sample (such as blood, urine, etc.) is tested on a laboratory automation pipeline, a scene that the sample needs to be temporarily called out is inevitably met, for example: when the sample is close to the required TAT time, the sample needs to be quickly called out to carry out offline testing; or for other special reasons, the current task of the sample needs to be cancelled and the sample is called out of the system. The current analyzer does not support temporary sample calling or does not consider different influences on other samples when samples with different forcing degrees are called. For example: for departments with large sample amount, high TAT requirement or more temporarily called samples, the scheduling scheme is difficult to meet the department requirement, and a more perfect scheduling scheme is needed.

In order to solve the above problem, a first aspect of the present invention provides a method for temporarily calling out a sample, as shown in fig. 1, the method including:

step S110: acquiring information of a target sample needing to be temporarily called out in a pipeline system;

step S120: determining a scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the information of the target sample;

step S130: and controlling a pipeline system to execute a corresponding calling scheme based on the determined scheduling strategy of the target sample so as to output the target sample from the pipeline system.

In the method, the scheduling strategy of the target sample is determined according to the information of the target sample (such as sample identification information) which is temporarily called out as required, and the pipeline system is controlled to execute a corresponding calling-out scheme according to the scheduling strategy so as to output the target sample from the pipeline system, so that the sample is not required to be taken out from a certain position of the pipeline system by manual operation, the usability and the automation degree are improved, and convenience is brought to users.

Wherein each container (e.g. test tube) holding a sample has a sample identifier such as an IC tag, a bar code tag, and also can read the ID of its RFID card, etc. The target sample can be determined manually or determined by automatic monitoring of the system (e.g., whether TAT is timed out, etc.), and after the target sample is determined, the related information of the target sample and the related information of the patient can be obtained by scanning, inputting the sample identifier of the target sample, or automatically obtaining the identifier information of the target sample by the system (e.g., a number, a barcode number, etc.). The information related to the target sample comprises at least position information of the target sample in the pipeline system, and besides the position information, one or more of the following information can be included: the target sample may include a package of items to be tested, a progress of the target sample in the pipeline system, whether the target sample is pre-arranged during testing, and other information related to the target sample and the test.

The method can control the assembly line system to automatically execute a corresponding calling scheme according to the scheduling strategy, and can also select or set a reasonable scheduling strategy to reduce the influence on other samples when the target sample is temporarily called out so as to meet the requirements of different departments (for example, whether the sample size is large, the requirement on TAT is high, or the department needing more temporarily called out samples is large, etc.). For better illustration and explanation of the method for temporarily calling out the sample in the present application, the pipeline system and the method for testing the sample in the pipeline system will be described with reference to fig. 5 to 8. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a pipeline system according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a preprocessing module according to an embodiment; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary aftertreatment module; fig. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a pipeline system according to another embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a flow line system according to an embodiment, which includes an input module 10, a preprocessing module 20, one or more analysis modules 30, a post-processing module 40, a track 50, a scheduling device 60, a control device 70, and a display module 80. The track 50 is used to connect the modules, for example, the input module 10, the pre-processing module 20, the one or more analysis modules 30, the post-processing module 40, and the like, and the dispatching device 60 dispatches the samples to the corresponding modules through the track. It should be noted that the post-processing module 40 and the display module 80 are not necessary in some pipeline systems and are optional modules. The input module 10 is used for receiving samples put by users. The input module 10 in the pipeline system is generally the area where the user puts the sample, and when the pipeline system is in operation, the input module 10 can automatically scan the sample put therein, sort the sample, and the like, so as to be processed by the next module, such as the preprocessing module 20. In one embodiment, the input module 10 has an input area for a user to place samples, such as quality control samples and patient samples. In one embodiment, the input module 10 can also identify the sample type, and the specific implementation can be various. In one embodiment, after the input module 10 receives the sample, the type of the sample is identified according to the area where the user puts the sample into the input module or according to the sample rack where the sample is located. For example, it may be preset which area of the input module 10 has samples as quality control samples and which area has samples as patient samples, so that the input module 10 can identify the type of the samples by identifying which area the samples are located in. For example, a specific type of sample rack may be introduced in advance, the type of sample on the sample rack is identified by the sample rack, for example, two types of sample racks are introduced, each type of sample rack corresponds to one type of sample, for example, one type of sample rack corresponds to a quality control sample, one type of sample rack corresponds to a patient sample, and the input module 10 identifies the type of sample rack by identifying the type of sample rack, for example, by identifying a barcode on the sample rack, so as to obtain the type of sample on the sample rack. In one embodiment, after the input module 10 receives a sample from a user, a sample identification module (not shown) may scan a barcode on a container, such as a test tube, containing the sample, so as to obtain information about the sample (e.g., identification information about the sample). In the embodiment of the present application, the sample identifier may be an IC tag, a barcode tag, or an ID of an RFID. The sample identification module sends the sample identification Information to the controller 70 after acquiring the sample identification Information, and the controller 70 may acquire the detection item Information of the sample from a Laboratory Information Management System (LIS) based on the sample identification so as to perform sample detection based on the detection item Information. In addition, the sample identification module may also be disposed at other locations in the pipeline system.

The preprocessing module 20 is used for completing the preprocessing of the sample. In one embodiment, referring to fig. 6, the pre-processing module 20 may include one or more of a centrifuge module 21, a serum detection module 22, a decapping module 23, and a dispensing module 24. The centrifuge modules 21 are used for centrifuging the sample to be centrifuged, and the number of the centrifuge modules 21 may be one or more. The serum test module 22 is used to determine whether the serum amount of the sample is sufficient and/or whether the serum quality of the sample is acceptable, so as to determine whether the centrifuged sample can be used for subsequent determination. The decapping module 23 is used for decapping the centrifuged sample — as will be understood, capping, coating, decapping, and decapping the sample herein, it refers to capping, coating, decapping, and decapping the sample tube containing the sample; typically, the sample is uncapped after centrifugation for subsequent dispensing or pipetting in the dispensing module 24 or in the analysis module. The dispensing module 24 is used to dispense a sample, for example, a sample is divided into a plurality of samples, which are sent to different analysis modules 30 for measurement. The preprocessing module 20 generally has a preprocessing flow: the centrifugal module 21 receives the sample scheduled by the input module 10 and centrifuges the sample; the serum detection module 22 detects serum of the centrifuged sample, and judges whether the serum can be used for subsequent measurement, and if the serum is insufficient in amount or unqualified in quality, the serum cannot be used for subsequent measurement; if the detection is passed, the sample is dispatched to the decapping module 23, the decapping module 23 removes the cap of the sample, if the dispensing module 24 exists, the dispensing module 24 performs the sample splitting on the removed sample, then the sample after the sample splitting is dispatched to the corresponding analysis module 30 for measurement, and if the dispensing module 24 does not exist, the sample is dispatched from the decapping module 23 to the corresponding analysis module 30 for measurement.

The analysis module 30 is used to test the centrifuged and decapped samples. To improve efficiency and test throughput, typically, a pipeline system will have multiple analysis modules 30, and these analysis modules 30 may be the same kind of analysis module, i.e., analysis module for determining the same item, or different kinds of analysis modules, i.e., analysis modules for determining different items, which may be configured according to the needs of users and departments.

The post-processing module 40 is used to complete post-processing of the sample. In one embodiment, referring to fig. 7, the post-treatment module 40 includes one or more of a capping/filming module 41, a refrigerated storage module 42, and a decapping/decapping module 43. The film adding/capping module is used for adding films or caps to the samples; the refrigerated storage module 42 is used for storing samples; the stripping/decapping module is used for stripping or decapping a sample. One typical post-processing flow for post-processing module 40 is: after the sample is aspirated by the analysis module 30, the sample is dispatched to the membrane/capping module 41, and the membrane/capping module 41 performs membrane or capping on the sample after the measurement is completed, and then the sample is dispatched to the cold storage module 42 for storage. If the sample requires retesting, the sample is dispatched from the refrigerated storage module 42, stripped or decapped in a stripping/decapping module 43, and then dispatched to the analysis module 30 for testing.

Referring to fig. 8, as an example of the pipeline system, each module further includes a module buffer, for example, the centrifugal module 21 has a buffer; the track 50 also has a track buffer (a zigzag track in the upper right corner of the figure), and the whole track can be a circular track. It should be noted that there are only one module in many types shown in the figures, but those skilled in the art will understand that there is no limitation on the number, for example, there may be more than one centrifuge module 21, more than one analysis module 30, etc.

The method for temporarily calling out the sample is further described in detail with reference to fig. 1 and 4.

In step S110, first, the target sample that needs to be temporarily called out is determined, and information of the target sample that needs to be temporarily called out is acquired.

In step S120, the determining a scheduling policy of the target sample according to the information of the target sample includes the following steps:

acquiring corresponding position information of the target sample in the pipeline system according to the information of the target sample;

and determining a scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the position information.

In another embodiment, the scheduling policy of the target sample may be determined according to a preset scheduling policy according to the location information. The preset scheduling policy may be a scheduling policy set by default, for example, a corresponding scheduling policy is set according to at least one of a sample type (e.g., blood sample, urine sample, etc.), a sample source (emergency, outpatient, hospitalization, etc.), and project package information at the time of factory shipment. The method comprises the steps of obtaining information of a target sample in the pipeline system, determining at least one of sample type (such as blood sample, urine sample and the like), sample source (emergency, outpatient, hospitalization and the like) and item package information according to the information, and automatically matching a corresponding scheduling strategy according to the information. Or the preset scheduling policy may also be a scheduling policy set in advance by a user. Specifically, a user may first preset a required scheduling policy in the pipeline system, for example, the preset required scheduling policy is set in a controller or a memory; the user may also modify the system default scheduling policy.

As described above, the information of the target sample obtained in step S110 is obtained according to the information of the target sample, and corresponding position information of the target sample in the pipeline system is obtained, that is, the specific position of the target sample in the pipeline system is determined. In the method for temporarily calling out the samples, the position information can be any position in the pipeline system, no matter which situation (such as TAT is close to or online testing is cancelled due to other special reasons) the samples needing to be temporarily called out need to be called out, and no matter which position the samples are in the pipeline system, the system can be controlled to call out the required samples, offline testing or other arrangement can be carried out, so that the requirements of different departments can be met, and the like. In one embodiment, a user may call a target sample (a sample that needs to be temporarily called out) through middleware, input information of the sample through a scanning or input mode (the system may also automatically obtain the target sample, or the user selects the sample from a list provided by the system, and the like, and the specific mode is not limited), view a current state of the sample (such as a position, a test item progress, and the like), and determine a scheduling policy of the target sample through manual selection or system automation, so as to control a scheduling device of the pipeline system to call out the target sample.

Specifically, as described above, the pipeline system includes the pre-processing module 20, one or more analysis modules 30, a post-processing module 40, a track 50, and the like. Further, the track also comprises a main track and a side track, wherein the main track is used for conveying the samples to be tested to the side track, the side track is used for connecting the main track and each module, and the samples to be tested are conveyed to each module through the side track after being conveyed to the side track through the main track so as to be subjected to sample suction and detection. The side rails play a role in connecting the analysis module and buffering transportation, analysis and detection.

Any position in the pipeline system refers to any position in the main track, the side track, the inside of the analyzer, the inside of the pre-processing module and the inside of the post-processing module, and may of course include any position in other pipeline systems not shown.

Further, in the in-line system of the present invention, the analysis module 30 includes an analyzer, which can be further divided into a side rail sampling analyzer and a sample rack sampling analyzer. When the side rail sample suction analyzer (for testing a single tube) is used for testing, the input module conveys a sample test tube to be analyzed to the side rail through the main rail, the sample tube can be buffered at the side rail and waits, and then the side rail sample suction analyzer is used for sampling, analyzing and detecting in a sampling area. When the sample rack sample absorption analyzer is used for testing, a sample to be analyzed is conveyed to the side rails through the main rail by the input module, buffered at the side rails and waits, when the sample is detected, a sample test tube to be analyzed is clamped to the sample rack through the clamping device, the sample rack is sent to the sample rack sample absorption analyzer, and the sample is analyzed and detected after being sampled by the sampling needle.

In one embodiment, the specific scheduling policy (which may be preset), as shown in fig. 4, may be equally divided into different cases according to the location of the target sample, and the type of analyzer, as follows:

1) if the target sample is in the main track, controlling the pipeline system to directly output the target sample, for example, directly planning the target sample to a module with a sample output function, and outputting the sample;

2) if the target sample is in the side track, different processing modes are adopted according to the type of the analyzer, namely a side rail sample sucking analyzer or a sample rack sample sucking analyzer, and the following two conditions are divided:

i: if the target sample is in a side track of a side-track draw analyzer, determining a scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the urgency level of the target sample;

in one embodiment, the urgency of the sample can be determined through automatic judgment of a pipeline system or user human-computer interaction selection, and different calling processes can be implemented according to different urgency degrees and different types of side-rail sample analyzers.

II: if the target sample is located at the side rail of the sample rack pipetting analyzer, at this time, the target sample (e.g. a sample tube containing the target sample) does not enter the interior of the sample rack pipetting analyzer, i.e. the sample tube is not clamped yet and placed on the sample rack, and is in a buffer state, the target sample is released to the main track before the target sample is loaded on the sample rack, and then is programmed to the module with the sample output function.

3) If the target sample is positioned in the sample rack suction analyzer, namely the target sample is loaded on the sample rack and enters the sample rack suction analyzer, determining a scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the urgency level of the target sample;

in a specific embodiment, the urgency of the instrument can be determined through automatic judgment of a system or selection of human-computer interaction of a user, and different calling processes are implemented according to different urgency degrees and different instrument types.

The sample rack is positioned in the sample rack suction analyzer, and when the sample pipe is clamped from the side rail and placed on the sample rack of the sample rack suction analyzer, the sample is considered to enter the sample rack suction analyzer.

4) And if the target sample is in the side rails or the interior of other modules, releasing the target sample to an output module or stopping the current operation of the target sample after finishing corresponding processing, and outputting the target sample.

I: and if the target sample is positioned on or in the side track of the pretreatment module, controlling the pipeline system to directly output the target sample after the target sample is treated by the pretreatment module, or immediately stopping the current operation of the target sample and controlling the pipeline system to directly output the target sample. For example, if the target sample is undergoing centrifugation, the target sample may be output after completion of the centrifugation operation, or if the target sample is in a centrifugation queue, the centrifugation queue may be immediately stopped due to the longer centrifugation time, and the pipeline system may be immediately controlled to directly output the target sample.

II: and if the target sample is on or in the side track of the post-processing module, controlling the pipeline system to directly output the target sample after the target sample is processed by the post-processing module, or stopping the current operation of the target sample and immediately controlling the pipeline system to directly output the target sample. In one embodiment, when a target sample is located on a side rail of a side track draw analyzer or inside a sample rack draw analyzer, a scheduling policy for the target sample needs to be determined based on the urgency class of the target sample. Generally, when a sample with high urgency is called out from a system, all other samples on a scheduling route need to be yielded; when the sample with the second urgency is called out from the system, other samples partially positioned on the dispatching route need to give way for the sample; when the sample with the lowest urgency is called out from the system, the sample is called out only on the premise of ensuring that the influence on other samples is small. Therefore, the relation between the forced tangent degree of the sample and the influence on other samples can be better coordinated, and the requirements under different conditions are met.

The temporary sample calling function in the existing analyzer is single in realization, a sample with high urgency cannot be called out in time, or the sample with low urgency has large influence on other samples when called out. The method and the device divide and plan the urgency level of the target sample. In one embodiment of the present application, the urgency level is divided into at least two levels, for example: the urgency level may be two-level, three-level, four-level, and the like, and may be selected according to actual needs, which is not limited in this embodiment.

Wherein at least one of a sample type (e.g., blood sample, urine sample, etc.), a sample source (e.g., emergency, outpatient, hospitalization, etc.), and project package information can be obtained according to the information of the target sample.

Optionally, the urgency class includes at least a highest urgency degree and a low urgency degree, where.

For example, when determining urgency, the urgency level may be determined according to the target sample source, when the target sample source is an emergency, the urgency level may be the highest urgency, when the sample source is a hospital, the urgency level may be the low urgency, and so on.

The highest urgency degree needs to be called out efficiently and timely, at the urgency level, the type of the analyzer is not distinguished, and whether the target sample is drawing a sample or waiting for the sample, the target sample or the sample rack where the target sample is located is immediately released (immediately stopping the current action such as drawing the sample and the like to release the sample) to output the target sample.

Wherein the low shear degree is in samples as a processing unit, wherein the samples as the processing unit are: one or more test items may exist in a sample to obtain one or more parameters related to the test result, and the sample is output after the sample suction of all the test items in the sample is completed when the sample is taken as a processing unit, which is called taking the sample as the processing unit, and then, in the case of no other description or explanation, the explanation is referred to taking the sample as the processing unit.

For example, if a plurality of test items in one sample include a plurality of test items such as red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and platelet count, the sample can be output only after all of the test items such as red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and platelet count have been completed in a unit of sample treatment.

When the target sample is of low urgency, the target sample or the sample rack where the target sample is located can be released and output after completing the sample suction of all the test items of the sample currently being sucked or the sample which is pre-arranged.

In the present application, the pre-arraying is a reaction system in which a test reagent is added to a test before a sample, that is, a test reagent related to a target sample is added to the reaction system in advance (which may be referred to as a pre-arrayed blot analyzer such as a pre-arrayed side-rail blot analyzer, a pre-arrayed sample rack blot analyzer). In addition to the pre-ejection case, there are cases where the sample is added to the reaction system prior to the reagent in the test (which may be referred to as a non-pre-ejection pipetting analyzer such as a non-pre-ejection side-rail pipetting analyzer, a non-pre-ejection sample holder pipetting analyzer).

Among them, a reaction system in which a test reagent is added to a test before a sample and a reaction system in which a sample is added before a reagent are performed by different types of analyzers, and thus the side-rail blot analyzer may be further classified into a side-rail blot analyzer in which a reagent is added before a sample (may be referred to as a pre-arranged side-rail blot analyzer) and a side-rail blot analyzer in which a sample is added before a reagent (may be referred to as an unprepared side-rail blot analyzer), and the sample-rack blot analyzer is classified into a sample-rack blot analyzer in which a reagent is added before a sample (may be referred to as a pre-arranged sample-rack blot analyzer) and a sample-rack blot analyzer in which a sample is added before a reagent (may be referred to as an unprepared sample-rack blot analyzer).

When the target sample is of low urgency, the detailed description is given for different analyzers and whether to perform pre-ranking, including the following cases:

1) the target sample is of low urgency, and the side-rail sampling analyzer is a side-rail sampling analyzer (which may be called a pre-arranged side-rail sampling analyzer) in which a reagent is added before the sample, that is, the sample needs to be pre-arranged;

if the target sample is pre-arranged, including the sample which is just pre-arranged to the target sample or the sample after the target sample is pre-arranged, the target sample can be released after the sample suction of all the test items of the target sample is finished for the two cases; for the case of a sample that has been pre-arranged to a later stage of the target sample, the testing of the pre-arranged sample may continue after the target sample is released; and/or the presence of a gas in the gas,

and if the target sample is not pre-arranged, releasing the target sample and all the samples in front after finishing the sample suction of all the test items of the pre-arranged sample.

2) When the target sample is of low urgency and the side-track analyzer is one in which the sample is added before the reagent (which may be referred to as an un-prearranged side-track analyzer), the target sample or target sample and all samples in front can be released after the completion of the pipetting of all test items of the sample currently being pipetted. The target specimen or the target specimen and all the specimens in front go to a module with a specimen output function, the other released specimens except the target specimen are re-planned, and the side-rail sample analyzer continues to process the specimens arranged behind the target specimen.

3) If the pre-arrangement of the sample rack in which the target sample is located is completed, the sample rack in which the target sample is located is released after the sample suction of all samples in the sample rack in which the target sample is located is completed, and then the next sample is pre-arranged.

And/or if the pre-arrangement of the sample rack of the target sample is not finished, releasing the sample rack of the target sample or the sample rack in front of the sample rack of the target sample after finishing the sample suction of all test items of the pre-arranged sample.

Specifically, in one embodiment of the present application, if the sample rack of the target sample is sucking, the pre-arrangement of all the test items of the sample being pre-arranged is completed, and then the first sample of the next sample rack of the target sample is pre-arranged. Specifically, a, if the sample is pre-arranged to the next sample rack of the sample rack where the target sample is located, that is, the pre-arrangement of the sample rack where the target sample is located is completed, completing the sample suction of all samples on the sample rack where the target sample is located according to the normal flow. And then the sample rack of the target sample goes to the module with the sample tube unloading function for unloading, and is planned to the module with the sample output function. b. If the pre-arrangement of all the test items of the target sample is not finished or is not pre-arranged to the target sample or the pre-arrangement of all the test items of the target sample is finished, the sample rack where the target sample is located is directly released after the sample suction of all the test items of the sample being pre-arranged is finished, the sample rack goes to a module with a sample tube unloading function to be unloaded, and then the sample rack is planned to a module with a sample output function.

Specifically, in another embodiment of the present application, if the sample rack in which the target sample is located is waiting on the side rail, the pre-arrangement of all the test items of the sample being processed is completed first, and then the first sample of the sample rack next to the sample rack in which the target sample is located is pre-arranged. a. However, there are special cases: and if the sample is pre-arranged to the next sample rack of the sample rack where the target sample is located (the probability is extremely low), namely the pre-arrangement of the sample rack where the target sample is located is finished, finishing the sample suction of all samples on the sample rack where the target sample is located according to a normal flow. And then the sample rack of the target sample goes to the module with the sample tube unloading function for unloading, and is planned to the module with the sample output function. b. If the pre-arrangement of the sample rack in which the target sample is not finished comprises a part of samples on the sample rack in which the target sample is pre-arranged or the sample rack in which the target sample is not pre-arranged yet, outputting the sample rack in which the target sample is arranged after all the test items of the pre-arranged samples are finished, and directly pre-arranging the next sample rack of the sample rack in which the target sample is arranged. And unloading the target sample from the sample rack to the module with the sample tube unloading function, and planning the target sample to the module with the sample output function.

4) When the target sample is of low urgency and the sample rack blot analyzer is a sample rack blot analyzer in which a sample is added before a reagent (which may be referred to as a non-pre-arranged sample rack blot analyzer), the sample rack in which the target sample is placed is released after all the test items of the sample being pipetted are completed.

Specifically, in an embodiment of the present application, if the sample rack of the target sample is sucking, the sucking of all test items of the current sample is completed first, and then the sample needle is lifted, and the sample rack of the target sample is released, and the next sample rack is directly processed. And then, the sample rack where the sample is located is unloaded to the module with the sample tube unloading function in advance, and the unloaded sample tube is planned to the module with the sample output function. And all the items which are not subjected to sample suction of the released sample are completely abandoned, and the sample suction and the test of the subsequent sample are not influenced.

Specifically, in another embodiment of the present application, if the sample rack in which the sample is located is waiting on the side rail, the sample sucking for all the test items of the current sample is completed first, then the sample needle is lifted, the sample rack in which the target sample is located and all the sample racks in front are released, and the next sample rack is directly processed. Then, the sample rack where the target sample is located is unloaded to the module with the sample tube unloading function in advance, and then the target sample is planned to the module with the sample output function; other cleared sample racks follow the instrument schedule. And all the items which are not subjected to sample suction of the released sample are completely abandoned, and the sample suction and the test of the subsequent sample are not influenced.

In one embodiment, to meet different needs (e.g., reduce impact on other samples and/or stringent needs), the urgency levels are divided in more detail, which also includes intermediate urgency levels; wherein, the intermediate forcing degree takes the test item as a processing unit, and the taking the test item as the processing unit means: when the test items are used as processing units, the sample can be output only after the sample suction of the test items in the sample or the sample suction of the test items which are pre-arranged is completed, and the sample does not need to be output after all the test items in the sample are completed.

When the target sample is the intermediate forced cutting degree, after finishing the sample suction of the test item currently sucking the sample or finishing the sample suction of the test item which is pre-arranged, releasing the target sample or the sample rack where the target sample is located, and outputting the target sample.

For example, the plurality of test items in one sample include a plurality of test items such as a red blood cell count, a white blood cell count, and a platelet count, and the sample can be output after the completion of the suction of the test item being sucked or previously discharged among the red blood cell count, the white blood cell count, and the platelet count in the unit of treatment, and it is not necessary to complete all the test items.

When the target sample is the median cut, the side-rail aspiration analyzer is: the side-track draw analyzer with reagent added before the sample (which may be called a pre-arranged side-track draw analyzer) or the side-track draw analyzer with sample added before the reagent added (which may be called a non-pre-arranged side-track draw analyzer) is described in detail, and specifically includes the following cases:

1) when the target sample is a median cut, and the side-track analyzer is a side-track analyzer (which may be called a pre-discharge side-track analyzer) in which a reagent is added before the sample, if the pre-discharge of the target sample is completed, the sample is discharged after the completion of the sample suction of the target sample,

and/or if the pre-arrangement of all the test items in the target sample is not finished, including part of the test items of the target sample which is pre-arranged or the test items of the target sample which is not pre-arranged yet, releasing the target sample after the sample suction of the pre-arranged test items is finished.

Specifically, in an embodiment of the present application, if the target sample is being sampled or waited for, and if the target sample is pre-arranged to the next sample of the target sample, that is, the pre-arrangement of the target sample is completed, the target sample is drawn according to the normal flow and then released, and then the target sample is programmed to the module having the sample output function. If a part of the test items of the target sample has been previously arranged or the test items of the target sample have not been started to be previously arranged, a next sample of the target sample is directly previously arranged. And then the instrument performs sample suction according to the pre-arrangement sequence, skipped samples are directly released, and the target samples are planned to a module with a sample output function.

2) When the target sample is a median cut, and the side-track analysis meter is a side-track analysis meter in which a sample is added before a reagent (which may be called a side-track analysis meter without pre-arrangement), after completing the sample suction of the test item currently being subjected to sample suction, the target sample or the target sample and a sample in front of the target sample are released, and then the target sample goes to a module having a sample output function, and the released samples except the target sample are re-planned. And all the items which are not subjected to sample suction of the released sample are completely abandoned, and the sample suction and the test of the subsequent sample are not influenced.

3) If the pre-arrangement of the sample rack with the target sample is completed (the pre-arrangement of all test items of all samples of the sample rack with the target sample is completed), releasing the sample rack with the target sample after the sample suction of all test items of all samples of the sample rack with the target sample is completed;

and/or if the pre-arrangement of the sample rack where the target sample is located is not finished, including the part of the test items of the sample rack where the target sample is located is pre-arranged or the test items of the sample rack where the target sample is located are not pre-arranged, releasing the sample rack where the target sample is located after the sample suction of the pre-arranged test items is finished.

Specifically, in an embodiment of the present application, if the sample rack in which the target sample is located is sucking the sample and the pre-arrangement of the last sample in the sample rack in which the target sample is located is completed, all the test items of all the samples in the sample rack are completed according to a normal flow. And then unloading the current sample rack to the module with the sample tube unloading function, and planning to the module with the sample output function. If the pre-arrangement of the target sample rack is not finished, including the part of the test items of the sample rack where the target sample is arranged in advance or the test items of the sample rack where the target sample is not arranged in advance, the sample suction of the pre-arranged test items is finished according to the pre-arrangement sequence, then the sample rack where the target sample is located goes to the module with the sample pipe unloading function for unloading, and then the sample rack is planned to the module with the sample output function.

Specifically, in another embodiment of the present invention, if the sample rack in which the sample is located is waiting on the side rail and the pre-arrangement of the sample rack in which the target sample is located is completed, the sample sucking of all the test items of all the samples on the sample rack in which the target sample is located is completed according to the normal flow, and then the sample rack in which the target sample is located goes to the module with the sample tube unloading function for unloading, and is then planned to the module with the sample output function. If the pre-arrangement of the sample rack of the target sample is not finished, including the partial test items of the sample rack of the target sample which is already pre-arranged or the test items of the sample rack of the target sample which is not yet pre-arranged, after the sample suction of the pre-arranged test items is finished, the sample rack of the target sample or the sample rack of the target sample which is located at the sample rack and the sample rack in front of the sample rack are released, the sample rack of the target sample is unloaded from the module with the sample tube unloading function before, and then the sample rack is planned to the module with the sample output function.

4) If the target sample is a middle cut-forcing degree and the sample rack aspiration analyzer is a sample rack aspiration analyzer (which may be called a non-pre-arranged sample rack aspiration analyzer) in which a sample is added before a reagent, the sample rack in which the target sample is located or the sample rack in which the target sample is located and the sample rack in front of the sample rack are released after the aspiration of the test item currently being aspirated is completed. The next sample rack is processed. Then, the sample rack where the sample is located is unloaded to the module with the sample tube unloading function in advance, and then the sample rack is planned to the module with the sample output function; other cleared sample racks follow the instrument schedule. And all the items which are not subjected to sample suction of the released sample are completely abandoned, and the sample suction and the test of the subsequent sample are not influenced.

In one embodiment, for a sample rack aspiration analyzer (including both pre-row and non-pre-row sample rack aspiration analyzers), the class of the cut forcing degree further includes a lowest cut forcing degree, wherein the lowest cut forcing degree is based on a sample rack as a processing unit, and the sample rack as the processing unit means that the sample rack can not be output until all test items of all samples on the sample rack are processed. This explanation is referred to later on in terms of the sample rack as a processing unit without further explanation and explanation.

When the target sample is at the lowest forced cutting degree, the sample rack where the target sample is located is released after finishing the sample suction of all test items of all samples on the sample rack currently being subjected to sample suction or the sample rack which is arranged in advance.

1) If the pre-arrangement of the sample rack with the target sample is completed (the pre-arrangement of all test items of all samples of the sample rack with the target sample is completed), releasing the sample rack with the target sample after the sample sucking of all test items of all samples of the sample rack with the target sample is completed;

and/or if the pre-arrangement of the sample rack where the target sample is located is not finished, the sample rack where the target sample is located is released after the sample suction of all the test items of all the samples on the pre-arranged sample rack is finished, wherein the test items comprise part of test items of the sample rack where the target sample is located which has been pre-arranged or the test items of the sample rack where the target sample is located which has not started to be pre-arranged.

2) If the target sample is the lowest forced cutting degree and the sample rack aspiration analyzer is a sample rack aspiration analyzer (which may be called a non-pre-arranged sample rack aspiration analyzer) in which a sample is added before a reagent, the sample rack in which the target sample is located needs to be released after the aspiration of all samples on the sample rack currently undergoing aspiration is completed.

In the above embodiments, when the analyzer is a sample rack aspiration analyzer, when a sample rack in which a target sample is located and a sample rack before the sample rack are transported to a module having a sample tube unloading function, a sample on the sample rack before the sample rack in which the target sample is located may be unloaded or may not be unloaded, which may be selected according to actual needs, and the leaving of the sample on the sample rack before the sample rack in which the target sample is located may refer to remaining samples on the sample rack in which the subsequent target sample is located to determine a leaving operation strategy according to a completion condition of an item.

In an embodiment of the present application, determining a scheduling policy of the target sample according to the urgency level of the target sample includes:

the pipeline system automatically determines the urgency level of the target sample according to the information of the target sample, for example, the controller or the processor automatically determines or matches the urgency level corresponding to the target sample according to the information of the target sample after the acquired information of the target sample, and of course, in addition to the above manner, the user may select the urgency level, for example, after the information of the target sample is obtained, the user may manually select the urgency level of the temporarily called-up sample based on the information of the target sample.

In a specific embodiment of the present application, the urgency level of the target sample may be displayed through a display interface, so that a user may select the urgency level, and/or the display interface displays a time required to call the target sample down according to the urgency level when a different urgency level is selected. For example, the pipeline system may calculate predicted callout time under each urgency degree according to existing conditions such as performance and load condition of the analyzer, and may display the predicted callout time in an interface for user interaction selection, so that the user may refer to whether to select callout or change urgency level, and the like, so as to improve human-computer interaction performance of the system, and facilitate the user to select a more reasonable scheduling strategy.

In step S130, after determining the scheduling policy of the target sample, executing a corresponding rollout scheme, and outputting the target sample from the pipeline system.

The method further comprises the step of further processing other samples which are output, for example, after the sample rack where the target sample is located reaches the module with the sample tube unloading function, the target sample is unloaded onto an empty sample seat of the buffer rail and goes to the module with the sample output function. And the rest samples on the sample rack of the target sample are determined to be left according to the completion condition of the project:

for example, samples that have completed all test items are unloaded.

And reserving the samples which do not finish all test items and do not start to test, and adjusting the priority of the sample rack according to the TAT: if the TAT of the sample on the sample rack is close to the requirement, the priority of the TAT is promoted; if the on-shelf sample TAT is abundant, the priority is not changed.

The order of the samples on the sample racks can be adjusted according to the priority for the samples reserved on the sample racks, and new samples can be added to the vacant positions on the sample racks. The sample rack is then re-fed into the analyzer and the analyzer's schedule is followed.

The above-described method may be employed to adjust the removal of a sample from a sample rack before the sample rack in which the target sample is placed (which is output along with the sample rack in which the target sample is placed), the priority, and the like.

A second aspect of the present invention provides another method for temporarily calling out a sample, as shown in fig. 2, the method comprising:

step S210: acquiring information of a target sample needing to be temporarily called out in a pipeline system;

step S220: determining a scheduling strategy of the target sample according to the information of the target sample and a preset scheduling strategy;

step S230: and controlling the pipeline system to execute a corresponding calling scheme based on the determined scheduling strategy of the target sample so as to output the target sample from the pipeline system.

In the method, the same steps as those in the method provided by the first aspect of the present invention may refer to or be introduced into the method provided by the first aspect of the present invention, and the explanation and the description below will not be repeated for the same parts, but emphasis is placed on the points where the method is different from the method provided by the first aspect of the present invention.

In the method, the step S210 is the same as the step S110.

In step S220, the preset scheduling policy is a scheduling policy set by default, for example, a corresponding scheduling policy is set according to at least one of a sample type (e.g., blood sample, urine sample, etc.), a sample source (e.g., emergency, outpatient, hospitalization, etc.), and item package information at the time of factory shipment. The method comprises the steps of obtaining information of a target sample in the pipeline system, determining at least one of sample type (such as blood sample, urine sample and the like), sample source (emergency, outpatient, hospitalization and the like) and item package information according to the information, and automatically matching a corresponding scheduling strategy according to the information. Or the preset scheduling strategy is a scheduling strategy preset by a user. Specifically, a user may first preset a required scheduling policy in the pipeline system, for example, the preset required scheduling policy is set in a control device or a memory; the system default scheduling policy may also be modified. The preset scheduling policy may also be as described in the foregoing embodiments, and is not repeated here.

In the method, the step S230 is the same as the step S130.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for temporarily calling out a sample, as shown in fig. 3, the method including:

step S310: receiving a selection operation of a sample, and acquiring information of a target sample needing to be temporarily called out in a pipeline system based on the operation;

step S320: receiving a selection operation of a preset scheduling strategy based on the information of the target sample, and determining the scheduling strategy of the target sample based on the selection operation of the preset scheduling strategy;

step S330: and controlling a pipeline system to execute a corresponding calling scheme based on the determined scheduling strategy of the target sample so as to output the target sample from the pipeline system.

In the method, the same steps as those in the method provided by the first aspect and/or the second aspect of the present invention may be referred to or incorporated into the method provided by the first aspect and/or the second aspect of the present invention without contradiction, and no redundancy for the same parts will be repeated in the following explanation and description, with emphasis placed on the point that the method is different from the method provided by the first aspect and the second aspect of the present invention.

In this step, attention is paid to interaction with the pipeline system, that is, in step S310, a selection operation of the target sample by a user is received, information of the target sample that needs to be temporarily called out in the pipeline system is obtained based on the selection operation, and in this step, the target sample is selected through an operation interface.

In the step S320, a selection operation of a user on a preset scheduling policy based on the information of the target sample is received, and the scheduling policy of the target sample is determined based on the selection operation on the preset scheduling policy.

The preset scheduling policy may also be as described in the foregoing embodiments, and is not repeated here.

Specifically, after the pipeline system receives the selection operation of the user on the target sample and acquires the information of the target sample, the user may select the urgency level in the scheduling policy. The sample information can also be displayed through the display interface for the user to select. The sample information may include a sample identifier, and may further include at least one or more of a sample source, a sample type, a package of items, and the like.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the urgency level of the target sample is displayed through a display interface for the user to select urgency. For example, the pipeline system can calculate predicted callout time under each forced degree according to existing conditions such as performance and load condition of the analyzer, and display the predicted callout time in an interface for user interactive selection for the user to refer to, and improve the human-computer interactive performance of the system by considering whether to call out a sample or change the urgency level and the like, so that the user can select a more appropriate callout strategy and take into account automation.

In the method, the step S330 is the same as the steps S130 and S230.

The fourth aspect of the present invention also provides a pipeline system, including:

an input module for receiving a sample at an input area thereof;

a pretreatment module, wherein the pretreatment module comprises one or more of a centrifugation module, a serum detection module, a decapping module, and a dispensing module; the centrifugal module is used for centrifuging a sample to be centrifuged; the serum detection module is used for detecting whether the serum amount of the sample is enough and/or whether the serum quality of the sample is qualified; the decapping module is used for decapping the centrifuged sample; the separate injection module is used for separating samples;

one or more analysis modules for testing the pre-processed sample;

optionally a post-processing module comprising one or more of a capping/film-adding module, a refrigerator module, and a decapping/decapping module; the film adding/capping module is used for adding films or caps to the samples; the refrigerator module is used for storing samples; the membrane removing/cover removing module is used for removing a membrane or a cover of a sample;

the system comprises a track connecting modules and a scheduling device for scheduling samples among the modules through the track;

a memory for storing a program;

a processor for implementing the method according to any of the embodiments described above (first to third aspects of the present application) by executing the program stored in the memory.

The input module, the preprocessing module, the analysis module, the post-processing module, and the track and scheduling device may refer to corresponding descriptions about corresponding modules in the foregoing (e.g., the first aspect of the present application), and are not described herein again.

The memory may be volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. Among them, the nonvolatile Memory may be a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM), an Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a magnetic random access Memory (FRAM), a Flash Memory (Flash Memory), a magnetic surface Memory, an optical disk, or a Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM); the magnetic surface storage may be disk storage or tape storage. Volatile Memory can be Random Access Memory (RAM), which acts as external cache Memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Synchronous Static Random Access Memory (SSRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDRSDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (ESDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (Enhanced DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SLDRAM), Direct Memory (DRmb Access), and Random Access Memory (DRAM). The memory 402 described in connection with the embodiments of the invention is intended to comprise these and any other suitable types of memory.

The memory in the embodiment of the invention includes but is not limited to: ternary content addressable memories, static random access memories, and the like, are capable of storing a wide variety of data, such as received sensor signals, to support the operation of the control device.

The Processor according to the embodiments of the present invention may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU, or other general-purpose Processor), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an off-the-shelf Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other Programmable logic device, a discrete Gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, or the like.

Embodiments of the invention may be implemented in software modules running on one or more processors, or in a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a microprocessor or Digital Signal Processor (DSP) may be used in practice to implement some or all of the functionality of some of the modules according to embodiments of the present application. The present invention may also be embodied as apparatus programs (e.g., computer programs and computer program products) for performing a portion or all of the methods described herein. Such programs implementing the present invention may be stored on computer-readable media or may be in the form of one or more signals. Such a signal may be downloaded from an internet website or provided on a carrier signal or in any other form.

A fifth aspect of the present application provides a pipeline system, comprising:

an input module for receiving a sample at an input area thereof;

a pretreatment module, wherein the pretreatment module comprises one or more of a centrifugation module, a serum detection module, a decapping module, and a dispensing module; the centrifugal module is used for centrifuging a sample to be centrifuged; the serum detection module is used for detecting whether the serum amount of the sample is enough and/or whether the serum quality of the sample is qualified; the decapping module is used for decapping the centrifuged sample; the separate injection module is used for separating samples;

one or more analysis modules for testing the pre-processed sample;

an optional post-processing module for post-processing the sample;

the system comprises a track connecting modules and a scheduling device for scheduling samples among the modules through the track;

and the control device (or the controller) is configured to acquire information of a sample needing to be temporarily called out in a pipeline, and control the scheduling device to call out the sample from any position in the pipeline system based on the information of the temporarily called out sample so as to output the target sample from the pipeline system.

In one embodiment, the control device or controller may be middleware.

The user can select the output sample through the middleware, can input sample information through scanning, manual operation and the like, can check the state (position, test progress and the like) of the sample, can select the forced degree and the scheduling strategy, and can call the sample out of the system through the middleware control scheduling device.

In other embodiments, the process may be fully automatic, that is, the flow system automatically monitors the need to call out the sample, automatically determines the scheduling policy, and calls out the sample. Or semi-automatically, such as the user selecting a call out sample and/or call out strategy, and then the control system calls out the sample.

Wherein the pipeline system of the fifth aspect of the present application is configured to perform the method of any of the embodiments described above (the first to third aspects of the present application).

The input module, the preprocessing module, the analysis module, the post-processing module, and the track and scheduling device may refer to the corresponding descriptions of the corresponding modules in the foregoing (in the first aspect of the present invention), and are not described herein again.

As shown in fig. 9, the control device includes:

at least one processor 401; and

a memory 402 storing instructions executable by the at least one processor 401, which instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 401, cause the sample analyzer to perform the method of any of the embodiments described above (the first to third aspects of the present application).

The control device 400 may further comprise at least one network interface 404 and a user interface 403. The various components in the control device 400 are coupled together by a bus system 405. It is understood that the bus system 405 is used to enable connection communication between these components. The bus system 405 includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus in addition to a data bus. For clarity of illustration, however, the various buses are labeled as bus system 405 in fig. 9.

The user interface 403 may include, among other things, a display, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a click wheel, a key, a button, a touch pad, or a touch screen.

It will be appreciated that the memory 402 can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, and can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. The memory 402 may particularly refer to the third aspect of the invention. The memory 402 described in connection with the embodiments of the invention is intended to comprise these and any other suitable types of memory.

Memory 402 in embodiments of the present invention includes, but is not limited to: a ternary content addressable memory, static random access memory, or the like, is capable of storing a wide variety of data such as received sensor signals to support the operation of the control device 400.

The Processor 401 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU, or other general-purpose Processor), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an off-the-shelf Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other Programmable logic device, a discrete Gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, or the like.

Embodiments of the invention may be implemented in software modules running on one or more processors, or in a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a microprocessor or Digital Signal Processor (DSP) may be used in practice to implement some or all of the functionality of some of the modules according to embodiments of the present application. The present invention may also be embodied as apparatus programs (e.g., computer programs and computer program products) for performing a portion or all of the methods described herein. Such programs implementing the present invention may be stored on computer-readable media or may be in the form of one or more signals. Such a signal may be downloaded from an internet website or provided on a carrier signal or in any other form.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a computer readable storage medium comprising a program executable by a processor to perform the method of any one of the first to third aspects of the invention.

On which program instructions are stored for performing the respective steps of the method of any one of the first to third aspects of the invention when the program instructions are executed by a computer or processor. The storage medium may include, for example, a memory card of a smart phone, a storage component of a tablet computer, a hard disk of a personal computer, a Read Only Memory (ROM), an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), a portable compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), a USB memory, or any combination of the above storage media. The computer-readable storage medium may be any combination of one or more computer-readable storage media.

Although the example embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the above-described example embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application thereto. Various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art without departing from the scope or spirit of the present application. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present application as claimed in the appended claims.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative elements and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware or combinations of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the implementation. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present application.

In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and method may be implemented in other ways. For example, the above-described device embodiments are merely illustrative, and for example, the division of the units is only one logical functional division, and other divisions may be realized in practice, for example, a plurality of units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be omitted, or not executed.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the application may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the present application, various features of the present application are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the application and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. However, the method of the present application should not be construed to reflect the intent: this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this application.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and all of the processes or elements of any method or apparatus so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where such features are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, rather than other features, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the application and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination.

The various component embodiments of the present application may be implemented in hardware, or in software modules running on one or more processors, or in a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a microprocessor or Digital Signal Processor (DSP) may be used in practice to implement some or all of the functionality of some of the modules according to embodiments of the present application. The present application may also be embodied as apparatus programs (e.g., computer programs and computer program products) for performing a portion or all of the methods described herein. Such programs implementing the present application may be stored on a computer readable medium or may be in the form of one or more signals. Such a signal may be downloaded from an internet website or provided on a carrier signal or in any other form.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the application, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The application may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the unit claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The usage of the words first, second and third, etcetera do not indicate any ordering. These words may be interpreted as names.

The above description is only for the specific embodiments of the present application or the description thereof, and the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of the changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, and shall be covered by the protection scope of the present application. The protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.