Systems and methods for use in an in vitro diagnostics setting incorporating existing or additional sensors in an automation system to assess the health and maintenance status of the automation system are disclosed. Such systems include any of a variety of sensors, such as Hall Effect sensors, temperature probes/thermocouples, ohm meters, volt meters, etc., which are in communication with a local or preferably remote monitoring station that can alert a user or maintenance personnel of needed service.

A system is provided to automatically monitor and control the operation of a microfluidic device using machine learning technology. The system receives images of a channel of a microfluidic device collected by a camera during operation of the microfluidic device. Upon receiving an image, the system applies a classifier to the image to classify the operation of the microfluidic device as normal, in which no adjustment to the operation is needed, or as abnormal, in which an adjustment to the operation is needed. When an image is classified as normal, the system may make no adjustment to the microfluidic device. If, however, an image is classified as abnormal, the system may output an indication that the operation is abnormal, output an indication of a needed adjustment, or control the microfluidic device to make the needed adjustment.

The present invention lies in the field of automated analyzers and relates to an automated warning system for potentially erroneous measurement results, which may be caused by the loss of a liquid container during a transport process.

A cause of a decrease in a conveyance speed of a conveyed body is accurately determined. A conveyance device includes: a conveyance plate that can convey a conveyed body along a conveyance surface; a magnetic circuit unit arranged on an opposite side of the conveyance surface of the conveyance plate and having a winding wound around teeth; a position detection unit configured to detect a position of the conveyed body; a current detection unit configured to detect a current in the winding; a data storage unit configured to store data indicating a relationship among a position on a conveyance surface of the conveyance plate, a current flowing through the winding, and a force applied to the conveyed body; and an abnormality determination unit configured to determine an abnormality regarding conveyance of the conveyed body including deterioration or abnormality of the conveyance surface based on the position detected by the position detection unit, the current detected by the current detection unit, and the data.

A sample analyzing apparatus for performing an optical-based measurement on a sample includes a housing, a first light source, excitation optics, a first light detector, emission optics, and a monitoring system, all of which are disposed in the housing. The monitoring system is configured for monitoring a movable component disposed in the housing. The monitoring system includes one or more light sources for illuminating the movable component, and one or more light detectors for detecting light reflected from the movable component in response to being illuminated.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a control system which, when a sensor is not built in a motor, saves the power of the sensor and increases the life thereof by on/off-controlling power supply to the sensor before and after the operation of the motor, and also to provide an automatic analysis device. The control system 201 is provided with sensors 309a, 309b, 602, 603 for monitoring the operation of a motor and a control mechanism for controlling the operation of the motor. The control mechanism is provided with: a function of starting power supply to the sensors 309a, 309b, 602, 603 before a first predetermined time from the time when the motor starts the rotating operation; and a function of stopping the power supply to the sensors 309a, 309b, 602, 603 after a second predetermined time from the time when the motor terminates the rotating operation.

Systems and apparatus with circuits that are configured to detect fallen containers upstream or proximate an intake zone suitable for automated evaluation apparatus using different sensors, including at least one lower sensor and at least one upper sensor which is positioned to project an optical signal at a height corresponding to a top portion of an upright container to thereby allow an increased reliability in detection of different orientations and positions of fallen containers. An optional second lower sensor may be used which is longitudinally spaced apart from the first lower sensor and the lower sensors can transmit optical signals across the container travel path that do not intersect.

A sample analyzing apparatus for performing an optical-based measurement on a sample includes a housing, a first light source, excitation optics, a first light detector, emission optics, and a monitoring system, all of which are disposed in the housing. The monitoring system is configured for monitoring a movable component disposed in the housing. The monitoring system includes one or more light sources for illuminating the movable component, and one or more light detectors for detecting light reflected from the movable component in response to being illuminated.

A system is provided to automatically monitor and control the operation of a microfluidic device using machine learning technology. The system receives images of a channel of a microfluidic device collected by a camera during operation of the microfluidic device. Upon receiving an image, the system applies a classifier to the image to classify the operation of the microfluidic device as normal, in which no adjustment to the operation is needed, or as abnormal, in which an adjustment to the operation is needed. When an image is classified as normal, the system may make no adjustment to the microfluidic device. If, however, an image is classified as abnormal, the system may output an indication that the operation is abnormal, output an indication of a needed adjustment, or control the microfluidic device to make the needed adjustment.

Systems and apparatus with circuits that are configured to detect fallen containers upstream or proximate an intake zone suitable for automated evaluation apparatus using different sensors, including at least one lower sensor and at least one upper sensor which is positioned to project an optical signal at a height corresponding to a top portion of an upright container to thereby allow an increased reliability in detection of different orientations and positions of fallen containers. An optional second lower sensor may be used which is longitudinally spaced apart from the first lower sensor and the lower sensors can transmit optical signals across the container travel path that do not intersect.