Automatic analysis device

Abstract

The present invention provides an automatic analysis device for reducing the risk of device stop and result report delay. The automatic analysis device includes: an analysis operation unit that analyzes a reaction solution obtained by dispensing a reagent and a specimen into a reaction vessel; a control unit that controls the operation of the analysis operation unit; a storage unit that stores the analysis results of the analysis operation unit and information on consumables used by the analysis operation unit; and a display unit that displays the analysis results and inspection information. The control unit performs the following processes: a process of generating a GUI for displaying inspection information, the GUI for displaying inspection information including a first inspection information display area for displaying first inspection information in the inspection information and a second inspection information display area for displaying second inspection information different from the first inspection information in the inspection information; and a process of controlling the display unit to display the first inspection information and the second inspection information in different display manners when the GUI for displaying inspection information is displayed on the screen of the display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analysis device. Background Art

[0002] The automatic analysis device displays not only the analysis results but also all information such as consumables used in the analysis and alarm information on the GUI screen of the display unit. The user (operator) operates a plurality of buttons displayed in this GUI screen to migrate the screen, thereby accessing the information that the user wants to know.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic analysis device that displays a GUI having general function buttons, specific function buttons, and a scrollable text area for displaying messages on the screen. Thus, according to Patent Document 1, by always displaying function buttons on the screen, where the function buttons are for displaying information related to the functions of the automatic analysis device, it is possible to access the screen for displaying information with a minimum amount of operation by the user.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-502179 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, when using the technology of Patent Document 1, the user cannot immediately determine whether an event that requires immediate response has occurred based on the normally displayed screen, which may cause the device to stop or the result report to be delayed. In addition, with the recent multi-functionalization of automatic analysis devices, a large amount of information can be displayed, and thus there is a problem that the user needs to perform complex screen operations before accessing the information that the user wants to know, which takes time.

[0009] In view of such a situation, the present disclosure proposes an automatic analysis device that reduces the risk of device stop and result report delay.

[0010] Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure proposes an automatic analysis device, which includes: an analysis operation unit that analyzes a reaction solution obtained by dispensing a reagent and a sample into a reaction vessel; a control unit that controls the operation of the analysis operation unit; a storage unit that stores the analysis results of the analysis operation unit and information on consumables used by the analysis operation unit; and a display unit that displays the analysis results and inspection information. The control unit performs the following processes: a process of generating a GUI for displaying inspection information, the GUI for displaying inspection information including a first inspection information display area for displaying first inspection information in the inspection information and a second inspection information display area for displaying second inspection information different from the first inspection information in the inspection information; and a process of controlling the display unit to display the first inspection information and the second inspection information in different display modes when the GUI for displaying inspection information is displayed on the screen of the display unit.

[0012] Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the technology of the present disclosure, in an automatic analysis device, the risk of device stoppage or result report delay can be reduced. Description of the Drawings

[0014] Figure 1 Shows a schematic structural example of the automatic analysis device 1.

[0015] Figure 2 Shows a structural example of a GUI 100 for displaying inspection information displayed on the display screen of the display unit 217 of the automatic analysis device 1 to which the inspection information display method of the present embodiment is applied.

[0016] Figure 3 Shows a structural example of a calibration information setting screen 120 for setting calibration information of the consumable 113.

[0017] Figure 4 Shows a structural example of a chemical reagent information setting screen 130 for setting information on the chemical reagent of the consumable 113.

[0018] Figure 5 Shows a configuration example of a consumable information setting screen 140 for setting solid consumable information 127 in the consumable information.

[0019] Figure 6 Shows a structural example of a measurement information setting screen 150 for setting measurement information 114.

[0020] Figure 7 Shows a structural example of an alarm information setting screen 160 for setting alarm information 115.

[0021] Figure 8Shows a structural example of a display speed setting screen 170 for setting the display speed in the first inspection information display unit 101 or the second inspection information display unit 102.

[0022] Figure 9 Is a flowchart for explaining an example of the display process of inspection information in the inspection information display GUI 100.

[0023] Figure 10 Is a flowchart for explaining an example of the editing process of the inspection information to be displayed using various setting screens 120 to 170.

[0024] Figure 11 Is a flowchart for explaining the process of reflecting the display settings in the database.

[0025] Figure 12 Is a flowchart for explaining the inspection information display condition determination process. Detailed implementation mode

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, an immunoassay automatic analyzer will be used as an example for explanation, but it is not limited thereto, and widely includes devices that react a sample with a reagent and analyze the sample based on the result of the reaction. For example, it also includes biochemical automatic analyzers, quality analyzers for clinical examinations, and coagulation analyzers for measuring blood coagulation time. In addition, it can also be applied to composite systems of these devices and biochemical automatic analyzers, immunoassay automatic analyzers, and automatic analysis systems using these devices.

[0027] (1) First embodiment

[0028] <Structural example of the automatic analyzer>

[0029] Figure 1 Shows a schematic structural example of the automatic analyzer 1. As Figure 1 Shown, the automatic analyzer 1 includes a rack conveyor line 202 for transporting the rack 201, a reagent holding unit (reagent cold storage unit) 204, an incubator (reaction plate) 205, a sample dispensing unit (specimen dispensing unit) 206, a reagent dispensing unit 207, a transport unit 208 for transporting consumables, and an analysis unit 209. These units are referred to as analysis operation units.

[0030] The rack 201 is used to store a plurality of sample containers (specimen containers) 210, and is transported on the rack conveyor line 202 in a state where the sample containers 210 are stored. Among them, the sample containers are used to store biological samples (specimens) such as blood and urine.

[0031] The reagent holding unit 204 is a reagent container storage unit that stores and keeps cold a plurality of reagent containers 211 containing various reagents for analyzing a specimen. At least a part of the upper surface of the reagent holding unit 204 is covered by a reagent tray lid 212.

[0032] The incubator 205 has a reaction vessel placement section (not shown: a plurality of holes provided on a tray for placing reaction vessels) and a temperature adjustment mechanism. In the reaction vessel placement section, a plurality of reaction vessels 213 for reacting a specimen with a reagent are placed, and the temperature adjustment mechanism adjusts the temperature of the reaction vessels 213 to a desired temperature.

[0033] The specimen dispensing unit 206 can dispense a specimen from a specimen container 210 into the reaction vessels 213 stored in the incubator 205 by a rotation drive mechanism and an up-and-down drive mechanism. Similarly, the reagent dispensing unit 207 can also dispense a reagent from the reagent container 211 into the reaction vessels 213 stored in the incubator 205 by a rotation drive mechanism and an up-and-down drive mechanism. The analysis unit 209 includes a photomultiplier tube, a light source lamp, a spectroscope, and a photodiode, and has a function of adjusting their temperatures to analyze a reaction solution.

[0034] In addition to the analysis operation unit described above, the automatic analyzer 1 further includes a computer (hereinafter referred to as PC) 20 that controls the operation of the entire automatic analyzer 1. The PC 20 includes a control unit 214, an operation unit 215, a storage device 216, and a display unit (display device) 217.

[0035] The storage device 216 is composed of a hard disk, a memory, etc. In addition, in the storage device 216, for example, temperature ranges corresponding to each unit can also be stored.

[0036] The operation unit 215 is composed of input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard, and is configured such that a user (operator) can input desired data, information, and instructions. For example, in the case where the display unit 217 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, it can be set as a touch screen, and in this case, the display unit 217 constitutes a part of the operation unit 215.

[0037] The control unit 214 can be constituted by dedicated circuit boards as hardware, or can be constituted by software executed by a PC connected to the automatic analysis device 1. In the case of being constituted by hardware, it can be realized by integrating a plurality of arithmetic units for executing processing on a wiring board, a semiconductor chip, or a package. In the case of being constituted by software, it can be realized by running a program for executing desired arithmetic processing on a processor such as a high-speed general-purpose CPU mounted in a PC. The existing device can also be upgraded by a recording medium storing this program. In addition, these devices, circuits, and PCs are connected through a wired or wireless network to appropriately transmit and receive data. In addition, the PC 20 can be connected to an upper-level system such as a clinical examination information system, and can transmit and receive examination information including device status, consumable information, and measurement information.

[0038] <Structural example of GUI>

[0039] Figure 2 This shows a structural example of the GUI (Graphical User Interface) 100 for displaying examination information displayed on the display screen of the display unit 217 of the automatic analysis device 1 to which the examination information display method of the present embodiment is applied. The GUI 100 for displaying examination information includes: (i) an examination information display area 103; (ii) a global icon display area 1001 on the right side of the display unit; and (iii) a detailed information display area 111 in the center of the GUI screen for displaying examination information, as constituent items. Among them, the examination information display area 103 includes a first examination information display unit 101 and a second examination information display unit 102, and the global icon display area 1001 includes icons for migrating to various detailed information screens for measurement results 104, consumable information 105, calibration information 106, precision management information 107, and alarm information 108, a setting button 109, and a measurement start / stop 110, and displays icons for performing various device settings.

[0040] When the user selects an icon displayed in the global icon display area 1001, the display unit 217 displays detailed information corresponding to the selected icon in the detailed information display area 111. Figure 2 This shows an example of selecting the measurement result 104 and displaying the measurement result in the detailed information display area 111. The global icon display area 1001 is an area for displaying fixed items regardless of the display contents of the examination information display area 103 and the detailed information display area 111.

[0041] The inspection information display area 103 is an area that displays the following explanations regardless of the display content of the detailed information display area 111. The inspection information display area 103 is configured to include a first inspection information display unit 101 and a second inspection information display unit 102, and can display inspection information with different display contents in different display manners.

[0042] The transition to the detailed information screen is achieved by the user selecting any one of the display contents displayed in the first inspection information display unit 101 and the second inspection information display unit 102. For example, when the alarm information is selected, it transitions to the detailed display screen of the detailed content of the alarm and its countermeasures. When the measurement information is selected, it transitions to the detailed display screen of the measurement result. In addition, regarding the display of detailed information that the user determines is not necessary to confirm, the user can delete it by selecting the corresponding display content displayed in the first inspection information display unit 101 and the second inspection information display unit 102. At this time, the distinction can be made by differentiating the selection methods for the transition to the detailed information screen and deletion. For example, when the user clicks, it transitions to the detailed information screen. When the user double-clicks, the corresponding detailed information display can be deleted.

[0043] In addition, the inspection information display GUI 100 includes stop / play buttons 128-1 and 128-2. By operating the stop / play buttons 128-1 and 128-2, the user can stop, play, and rewind the display performed in the first inspection information display unit 101 and the second inspection information display unit 102. For example, the stop / play button 128-1 is set for the first inspection information display unit 101, and the stop / play button 128-2 is set for the second inspection information display unit 102, so that the stop action and play action of the display can be performed separately. It can also be configured that when the display unit 217 has a touch screen function (when the display unit 217 forms a part of the operation unit 215), by swiping the screen of the display unit 217, it has the same functions as the stop / play buttons 218-1 and 218-2. When the user misses the displayed information or wants to stop the displayed information for confirmation, the information can be reliably confirmed by having the stop / play button 128.

[0044] In addition, the user can set the inspection information to be displayed. The information that the user wants to know (the types of information that are frequently inspected and considered important) varies depending on the user who uses the automatic analysis device 1. Therefore, displaying unified information (fixed information) (unified display) may result in displaying information that is not needed by the user and may cause the user to miss important information. That is, since the user can set the inspection information to be displayed, it is easier and more efficient to attach a priority order corresponding to the displayed information.

[0045] <Example of setting screen>

[0046] Figures 3 to 8 Shows a structural example of display check information setting screens 120 to 170 for setting check information to be displayed. By selecting the setting button 109 displayed in the global icon display area 1001, the display check information setting screens 120 to 170 can be displayed via various setting screens (not shown).

[0047] Regarding the check information, it can be classified, for example, into device status, consumable information, measurement information, and alarm information. Therefore, various classifications (categories) of check information are displayed in the check information display area 1002 at the upper part of the setting screen. When each classification is selected, more detailed display information can be further selected. For example, the check information display area 1002 is provided with classification setting buttons (e.g., device status 112, consumable information 113, measurement information 114, alarm information 115) that can migrate from the setting screens 120 to 170 related to each classification. When the user selects any one of device status 112, consumable information 113, measurement information 114, and alarm information 115, the control unit 214 displays the setting screen corresponding to the classification setting button. For example, in the classification of device status (Instrument Status) 112, it is possible to set whether to display the status related to the device, such as the device status during measurement, standby, measurement waiting status, etc. In addition, in the classification of consumable information (Inventory) 113, display settings for information related to calibration, assay reagents, solid consumables, and waste can be made. In addition, the measurement information (Test Info) 114 and alarm information (Alarm) 115 will be described later.

[0048] (i) Calibration setting of consumable information (Inventory) 113

[0049] Figure 3 Shows a structural example of the calibration information setting screen 120 for setting the calibration information of consumables (taking assay reagents as an example) 113.

[0050] In the setting 121 of calibration information, for example, display settings for the status (Status) 122 of calibration and the expiration date (Expiration) 123 can be made. In the status (Status) 122 of calibration, the validity / invalidity of calibration is displayed for each corresponding assay. In addition, in the expiration date (Expiration) 123, the expiration date or the number of days until the deadline is displayed.

[0051] (ii) Assay reagent setting of consumable information (Inventory) 113

[0052] Figure 4 Shows a structural example of a reagent information setting screen 130 for setting reagent information of the consumable 113.

[0053] In the classification of the reagent 123, for example, it is possible to set whether to display information related to the remaining amount (Test Count) 124 of the reagent, the expiration date (Expiration) 125, and the on-board expiration date (OBS; the expiration date from the reagent opening date) 126.

[0054] In the remaining amount (Test Count) 124 of the reagent, it is also possible to set the threshold for displaying the remaining amount in the first inspection information display section 101 or the second inspection information display section 102. When the remaining amount of the reagent is lower than this threshold, a display indicating a low remaining amount is made in the first inspection information display section 101 or the second inspection information display section 102, such as displaying Level Low (low level) or the specific remaining amount, etc.

[0055] In the expiration date (Expiration) 125, it is also possible to set the threshold for displaying the number of days until the expiration date in the first inspection information display section 101 or the second inspection information display section 102. When the expiration date of the reagent is lower than this threshold, a display indicating approaching the expiration date is made in the first inspection information display section 101 or the second inspection information display section 102, such as displaying Expire or the specific number of days, etc.

[0056] In the on-board expiration date 126, it is also possible to set the threshold for displaying the number of days until the on-board expiration date in the first inspection information display section 101 or the second inspection information display section 102. When the on-board expiration date of the reagent is lower than this threshold, a display indicating approaching the expiration date is made in the first inspection information display section 101 or the second inspection information display section 102, such as displaying OBS or the specific number of days, etc.

[0057] (iii) Setting of consumable information (Inventory) 113

[0058] Figure 5 Shows a structural example of a consumable information setting screen 140 for setting the solid consumable information (Consumable) 127 in the consumable information (Inventory).

[0059] In the classification of the solid consumable information (Consumable) 127, it is possible to set whether to display the remaining amount of the reaction vessel (Vessel) used in the measurement, the remaining amount of the dispensing tip (Sample Tip) for sample dispensing, the disposable remaining number of the disposable container (Solid Waste) for discarding the reaction vessel and the dispensing tip, and the disposable capacity of the liquid waste tank (Liquid waste) for recovering the waste liquid generated during the measurement, etc., which are consumable-related information.

[0060] Regarding each item, it is also possible to set the threshold value for displaying the remaining amount in the first inspection information display unit 101 or the second inspection information display unit 102. When the remaining amount of each consumable is lower than this threshold value, a display indicating a small remaining amount is made in the first inspection information display unit 101 or the second inspection information display unit 102, for example, abbreviations such as Vessel Short (lack of reaction vessel), Tip Short (lack of dispensing tip), etc. and the specific remaining amount are displayed.

[0061] (iv) Setting screen for the measurement information (Test Info) 114

[0062] Figure 6 Shows a structural example of the measurement information setting screen 150 for setting the measurement information (Test Info) 114.

[0063] In the classification of the measurement information (Test Info) 114, for all the measurement items registered in the automatic analyzer 1, it is possible to select whether to display the measurement result (Result) 116, recheck (Repeat: display related to whether to recheck when the measurement result is considered unsatisfactory) 117, result output time (Time to Result: display based on the time until the result is given, which varies for each reagent and accumulates due to the time required for other measurements performed in the device) 118, and sample error (Abnormal: display for identifying which sample and which reagent combination has an error).

[0064] In the measurement result 116, the qualitative judgment result (positive / negative / grey area) and the quantitative result (concentration) are displayed. In the recheck 117, the occurrence of the recheck and the recheck conditions (dilution rate, etc.) are displayed. In the result output time 118, the time until the result is output is displayed. In the sample error 119, errors caused by the sample such as insufficient sample volume or abnormal aspiration of the sample are displayed.

[0065] (v) Setting screen for the alarm information (Alarm)

[0066] Figure 7Shows an example of the structure of an alarm information setting screen 160 for setting alarm information (Alarm) 115.

[0067] In the classification of alarm (Alarm) 115, it is possible to select whether to display all the alarms defined in the automatic analysis device 1. Regarding the setting, it can be set individually for each alarm, or the display can be set according to the alarm category. Errors in the category "device (System)" are equivalent to unexpected errors that cannot be classified as mechanical errors and software errors, etc. In addition, regarding device errors where it is not known what kind of error it is, it can also be classified as "device (System)".

[0068] (vi) Display speed setting screen

[0069] Figure 8 Shows an example of the structure of a display speed setting screen 170 for setting the display speed in the first inspection information display unit 101 or the second inspection information display unit 102.

[0070] In order to display a large amount of inspection information in a limited display area, in the first inspection information display unit 101 and the second inspection information display unit 102, various inspection information can be displayed while moving various inspection information from the right side to the left side of each inspection information display unit. In addition, it can also move from left to right.

[0071] In addition, in order to improve the visibility of the user, the display speed setting screen 170 can be used to set the display moving speeds of the first inspection information display unit 101 and the second inspection information display unit 102 to different and arbitrary speeds. For example, it can be set so that the information displayed in the first inspection information display unit 101 moves and is displayed at the first speed (high speed), and the information displayed in the second inspection information display unit 102 moves and is displayed at the second speed (normal speed). In addition, when setting the display speed using the display speed setting screen 170, by displaying predetermined example sentences at the set speed in the first inspection information display unit 101 and the second inspection information display unit 102 ( Figure 8 ), the user can confirm whether it is set to be displayed at a speed corresponding to their preferences.

[0072] Moreover, it can also be configured so that the user can emphasize items or items that require the user's response in the information displayed in the first inspection information display unit 101 and the second inspection information display unit 102, such as information related to consumable shortages or sample errors, by, for example, displaying them in a different color from other inspection information, flashing display, rotating display (display with movement), etc. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the user to respond immediately.

[0073] In addition, for the display content set using the display speed setting screen 170, the user can set which of the first inspection information display unit 101 and the second inspection information display unit 102 to display it. For example, by setting to display the information of important matters that require the user's response in the second inspection information display unit 102, it is easier to recognize the priority of the displayed information. At this time, the display speed in the second inspection information display unit 102 can be set faster than that in the first inspection information display unit 101.

[0074] <Details of the display process>

[0075] Figure 9 It is a flowchart for explaining an example of the display process of inspection information in the inspection information display GUI 100. In the following flowcharts, it is assumed that the acting body of each step is the control unit 214 for explanation.

[0076] (i) Step 901

[0077] The control unit 214 determines whether there is an item below the threshold value in the inspection information to be displayed. For example, it can be set to perform this determination process regularly. When there is a display item below the threshold value (when it is "Yes" in step 901), the process transfers to step 902. When there is no display item below the threshold value (when it is "No" in step 901), the control unit 214 regularly executes this determination process.

[0078] (ii) Step 902

[0079] The control unit 214 confirms the content set by the user according to the display speed setting screen 170, and determines whether an emphasis display setting has been made for the target display item. When an emphasis display setting has been made (when it is "Yes" in step 902), the process transfers to step 903. When no emphasis display setting has been made (when it is "No" in step 902), the process transfers to step 906.

[0080] (iii) Step 903

[0081] The control unit 214 confirms the content set by the user according to the display speed setting screen 170, and determines whether the display item to be emphasized is an item that should be displayed in the first inspection information display unit 101 or an item that should be displayed in the second inspection information display unit 102. When this display item is an item that should be displayed in the first inspection information display unit 101 (when it is "Yes" in step 903), the process transfers to step 904. When this display item is an item that should be displayed in the second inspection information display unit 102 (when it is "No" in step 903), the process transfers to step 905.

[0082] (iv) Step 904

[0083] The control unit 214 highlights the inspection information of the display object in the first inspection information display unit 101 of the inspection information display GUI 100.

[0084] (v) Step 905

[0085] The control unit 214 highlights the inspection information of the display object in the second inspection information display unit 102 of the inspection information display GUI 100.

[0086] (vi) Step 906

[0087] The control unit 214 confirms the content set by the user according to the display speed setting screen 170, and determines whether the display item to be displayed is an item that should be displayed in the first inspection information display unit 101 or an item that should be displayed in the second inspection information display unit 102. When the display item is an item that should be displayed in the first inspection information display unit 101 (when it is "Yes" in step 906), the process transfers to step 907. When the display item is an item that should be displayed in the second inspection information display unit 102 (when it is "No" in step 906), the process transfers to step 908.

[0088] (vii) Step 907

[0089] The control unit 214 normally displays the inspection information of the display object in the first inspection information display unit 101 of the inspection information display GUI 100.

[0090] (viii) Step 908

[0091] The control unit 214 normally displays the inspection information of the display object in the second inspection information display unit 102 of the inspection information display GUI 100.

[0092] <Editing Process of Display Inspection Information>

[0093] Figure 10 It is a flowchart for explaining an example of the editing process (addition, deletion, etc.) of the inspection information to be displayed using various setting screens 120 to 170.

[0094] (i) Step 1001

[0095] The control unit 214 determines whether the user has selected any of the inspection information displayed in the first inspection information display unit 101 or the second inspection information display unit 102. When it is determined that the inspection information has been selected (when it is "Yes" in step 1001), the process proceeds to step 1003. When it is determined that the inspection information has not been selected (when it is "No" in step 1001), the process proceeds to step 1002.

[0096] (ii) Step 1002

[0097] The control unit 214 maintains the current display mode and display content in the first inspection information display unit 101 or the second inspection information display unit 102.

[0098] (iii) Step 1003

[0099] The control unit 214 determines whether the operation performed by the user is an instruction to delete the selected inspection information (direct deletion instruction) or an instruction to delete after migrating to a detailed screen (not shown, a screen for showing the detailed content of the inspection information) (confirmation-after-deletion instruction). For example, for the former, the user can give an instruction by double-clicking on the target inspection information, and for the latter, the user can give an instruction by single-clicking on the target inspection information. When an instruction to delete the selected inspection information (direct deletion) is given (when it is "Yes" in step 1003), the process proceeds to step 1004. On the other hand, when an instruction to migrate to the detailed screen associated with the selected inspection information is given (when it is "No" in step 1003), the process proceeds to step 1005.

[0100] (iv) Step 1004

[0101] The control unit 214 deletes the display of the selected inspection information from the first inspection information display unit 101 or the second inspection information display unit 102.

[0102] (v) Step 1005

[0103] The control unit 214 causes the screen to migrate from the inspection information display GUI 100 to the detailed screen associated with the selected inspection information.

[0104] (vi) Step 1006

[0105] The control unit 214 deletes the display of the selected inspection information from the first inspection information display unit 101 or the second inspection information display unit 102, for example, according to the user's deletion approval instruction.

[0106] <Reflection process of display settings>

[0107] The PC 20 stores, for example, in its interior (e.g., in the storage device 216), a database (hereinafter referred to as the DB) related to the inspection information display settings. And when the display settings are changed by the user, the control unit 214 updates the setting information managed in this DB. Figure 11 is a flowchart for explaining the process of reflecting the display settings in the DB.

[0108] (i) Step 1101

[0109] The control unit 214 determines whether the user has indicated to display Figures 3 to 8 any one of the setting screens 120 to 170 shown. When any one of the setting screens is indicated (when it is "Yes" in step 1101), the process proceeds to step 1102. In the case where no setting screen is indicated for display (when it is "No" in step 1101), the control unit 214 stands by until any one of the setting screens is indicated for display.

[0110] (ii) Step 1102

[0111] The control unit 214 reads out the settings associated with the setting screen called up (designated) by the user from the inspection information display settings stored in the DB.

[0112] (iii) Step 1103

[0113] The control unit 214 displays the designated setting screen and the associated settings on the display screen of the display unit 217.

[0114] (iv) Step 1104

[0115] The control unit 214 accepts the setting changes input by the user to the displayed setting screen and changes the settings of each inspection information.

[0116] (v) Steps 1105 and 1106

[0117] The control unit 214 stands by until the user presses a button. When a button is pressed, it is determined whether the Save button 129-1 displayed on the target setting screen is pressed. When it is determined that the Save button 129-1 is pressed (when it is "Yes" in step 1106), the process proceeds to step 1107. When it is determined that a button other than the Save button 129-1 is pressed (when it is "No" in step 1106), the process proceeds to step 1108.

[0118] (vi) Step 1107

[0119] The control unit 214 reads out the settings displayed on the setting screen, and reflects all the setting contents including the changed parts back to the DB again.

[0120] (vii) Step 1108

[0121] The control unit 214 determines whether the pressed button is the Cancel button 129-2. When it is determined that the Cancel button 129-2 has been pressed (when it is "Yes" in Step 1108), the process proceeds to Step 1109. When neither the Save button 129-1 nor the Cancel button 129-2 is pressed, or when it is determined that a button other than these buttons has been pressed (when it is "No" in Step 1108), the process proceeds to Step 1111.

[0122] (viii) Step 1109 and Step 1110

[0123] The control unit 214 does not reflect the settings on the setting screen to the DB, but reads out again the settings related to the retrieved setting screen from the DB (S1109), and returns the settings on the screen to the state (settings) when the setting screen was retrieved (S1110).

[0124] (ix) Step 1111

[0125] Regardless of whether there are changes to the setting screen, the control unit 214 does not reflect the settings input by the user to the DB, but displays the retrieved setting screen.

[0126] (2) Second Embodiment

[0127] The automatic analysis device according to the second embodiment can automatically perform the setting of the display speed and the highlighting display of the inspection information displayed on the first inspection information display unit 101 or the second inspection information display unit 102. In the first embodiment, the user uses Figure 8 the display speed setting screen 170 to be able to specify the display parts for the first inspection information display unit 101 and the second inspection information display unit 102, and can set the display speed or / and the highlighting display.

[0128] However, the setting content involves many aspects and may become complex. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the control unit 214 is configured to automatically set the display speed and the highlighted display of the inspection information to be displayed on the first inspection information display unit 101 or the second inspection information display unit 102 in consideration of the operation status of the device, the measurement entrustment status, and the setting of whether to display the inspection information set by the user. The setting methods and means other than the display speed and the highlighted display of the inspection information are as described above. Since the setting method of the specimen information and the device structure are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0129] <Automatic setting process of display speed and automatic setting process of highlighted display>

[0130] Figure 12 It is a flowchart for explaining the inspection information display condition determination process (automatic setting process of display speed and automatic setting process of highlighted display). By executing the inspection information display condition determination process of the second embodiment, it is possible to expect the technical effects described in the first embodiment without performing complicated settings such as inspection information display settings.

[0131] (i) Step 1201

[0132] The control unit 214 monitors whether an event related to the inspection information for which the user has made a display setting has occurred (for example, the remaining amount of the consumable is lower than the threshold value, etc.) according to the inspection information display setting stored in the DB related to the inspection information display setting (waits until the target event occurs). When an event related to the inspection information for which the user has made a display setting has occurred (when it is "Yes" in step 1201), the process proceeds to step 1202.

[0133] When the user has not set the inspection information to be displayed, the control unit 214 monitors whether an event related to the inspection information has occurred based on the initial setting content stored in the DB in advance.

[0134] (ii) Step 1202

[0135] The control unit 214 determines whether the occurrence event detected in step 1201 is an event that requires immediate user response. The determination of whether immediate response is required is made, for example, based on whether the output of the result will be delayed without user response. For example, when the remaining amount of the reaction vessel as a consumable is below the threshold, user response is required. If the user does not replenish the consumable, the measurement above the current remaining amount cannot continue, the device stops once, and the result output of the sample for which the measurement has been commissioned is delayed. Also, user response is required when abnormal aspiration occurs in a specific sample. In the case of abnormal aspiration due to fibrin, the user must remove the fibrin from the sample and commission the measurement again, resulting in a delay in the further result report. To prevent the delay of the result report, such operations must be responded to by the user immediately after the event occurs. On the other hand, as an example of an event that does not necessarily require immediate user response, the output of the specified measurement item, the occurrence of re-examination, and the report of the result output time can be cited.

[0136] When it is determined that the occurrence event is an event that requires user response (when it is "Yes" in step 1202), the process transfers to step 1203. When it is determined that the occurrence event is an event that does not require user response (when it is "No" in step 1202), the process transfers to step 1206.

[0137] (iii) Steps 1203 and 1204

[0138] The control unit 214 changes the display of the inspection information related to this event to the settings of emphasized display and low-speed display.

[0139] (iv) Step 1205

[0140] The control unit 214 displays the inspection information related to this event (inspection information item) in the first inspection information display unit 101 with low-speed emphasized display. Displaying this item at low speed is to improve the visibility for the user compared to the display judged not to require immediate response.

[0141] (v) Steps 1206 and 1207

[0142] The control unit 214 sets the display of the inspection information related to this event to normal display (without emphasized display) and high-speed display.

[0143] (vi) Step 1208

[0144] The control unit 214 normally displays the inspection information display (inspection information items) related to the event at high speed in the second inspection information display unit 102. This is because immediate response is not required, so visibility does not need to be improved compared to the case where immediate response is required.

[0145] (3) Modification example

[0146] (i) In specimen inspection, shortening the TAT (Turn Around Time: the time required from sample input to result report) is required. When an event related to TAT delay occurs, the event is immediately notified in a manner that is easily recognizable by the user, thereby preventing TAT delay.

[0147] (ii) In the present embodiment, the structure in which the first inspection information display unit 101 and the second inspection information display unit 102 are displayed at the upper part of the display screen of the display unit 217 of the automatic analysis device 1 has been described. However, it is not limited to this method, and the first inspection information display unit 101 and the second inspection information display unit 102 may also be displayed on the display unit of another external PC (not shown) connected to the automatic analysis device 1, for example, on the PC used by the user, middleware, a clinical inspection information management device called LIS (Laboratory Information System), etc. Thus, the user can obtain information related to the status and results of the automatic analysis device 1 without waiting beside the automatic analysis device 1, and can quickly respond in a scenario where user operation is required.

[0148] (4) Summary

[0149] In the automatic analysis device 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 214 is configured to perform the following processes: generating a GUI for inspection information display (GUI 100 for inspection information display) that includes a first inspection information display area (for example, the first inspection information display unit 101) for displaying a plurality of inspection information, a second inspection information display area (for example, the second inspection information display unit 102) for displaying a plurality of inspection information different from the inspection information displayed in the first inspection information display area, and a detailed display area (for example, the detailed information display area 111) for displaying the detailed content of the inspection information; and when displaying the GUI for inspection information display on the screen of the display unit 217, controlling the display unit 217 to scroll and display the inspection information displayed in the first inspection information display area and the inspection information displayed in the second display area at different speeds. Thereby, the information that the operator (user) wants to know can be displayed (notified) in a timely and concise manner, reducing the risk of device stop and result report delay.

[0150] In addition, for example, the storage unit (storage device 216) holds information related to a predetermined condition that requires user response for the inspection information. And the control unit executes a process to emphasize and display the inspection information that matches the predetermined condition when it is determined that user response is required among the multiple inspection information displayed in the first inspection information display unit 101 and the second inspection information display unit 102. Specifically, in the case of emphasizing and displaying, the control unit makes the scrolling display speed of the inspection information that meets the predetermined condition lower than the speed during normal display that is not emphasizing and displaying. Thereby, it is possible to automatically and appropriately (in a manner that is easy for the operator to notice) notify that user response is required, and the operator can respond promptly.

[0151] The control unit 214 is configured to generate a GUI for displaying inspection information such that the detailed content of the inspection information selected from the first and second inspection information display units 101 and 102 is displayed in the detailed display area. In addition, the control unit 214 is configured to respond to the input delete command and delete the corresponding inspection information from the first or second inspection information display unit 101 or 102. In this way, since the content of the GUI is determined centered around the inspection information listed in the first inspection information display unit 101 and the second inspection information display unit 102 (the operator can decide what inspection information to display in each area), it is possible to notify the occurrence of an event relative to the inspection information that the operator deems important.

[0152] The control unit 214 is configured to set operation buttons for separately stopping, resuming, and rewinding the scrolling display of the first and second inspection information display units 101 and 102 in the GUI for displaying inspection information, and detect the operations on these operation buttons to control the scrolling display of the first and second inspection information display units 101 and 102. Thereby, even when the notification of the occurrence of an event for a certain inspection information is missed, it can be confirmed immediately.

[0153] The control unit 214 generates a GUI for setting inspection information for adding, deleting, or changing the inspection information displayed in the GUI 100 for displaying inspection information, and displays it on the above display unit. In response to the user's input to the GUI 100 for setting inspection information, the inspection information displayed in the GUI 100 for displaying inspection information is added, deleted, or changed. Thereby, it is possible to simply change the inspection information displayed in the GUI 100 for displaying inspection information.

[0154] As the GUI 100 for setting inspection information, the control unit 214 generates any one of a first setting GUI (e.g., calibration information setting screen 120) for setting whether to display the operation status of the device as inspection information, a second setting GUI (e.g., consumable information setting screen 140) for setting whether to display consumable information as inspection information, a third setting GUI (e.g., measurement information setting screen 150) for setting whether to display various measurement results as inspection information, and a fourth setting GUI (e.g., alarm information setting screen 160) for setting whether to display warnings of various device errors as inspection information. Thus, optimization of the inspection information display GUI 100 for the operator can be achieved.

[0155] In the above embodiment, an example of displaying the first inspection information display unit 101 and the second inspection information display unit 102 in different display modes is described, that is, an example of different display speeds and an example of different display modes such as emphasized display or normal display. However, various methods such as different fonts and different colors can be considered, for example.

[0156] Description of reference numerals

[0157] 1 Automatic analysis device

[0158] 100 Inspection information display GUI

[0159] 101 First inspection information display unit

[0160] 102 Second inspection information display unit

[0161] 120 Calibration information setting screen

[0162] 130 Chemical reagent information setting screen

[0163] 140 Consumable information setting screen

[0164] 150 Measurement information setting screen

[0165] 160 Alarm information setting screen

[0166] 170 Display speed setting screen

[0167] 201 Rack

[0168] 202 Rack conveyor

[0169] 204 Reagent cold storage unit

[0170] 205 Incubator (reaction plate)

[0171] 206 Sample dispensing mechanism (specimen dispensing mechanism)

[0172] 207 Reagent Dispensing Mechanism

[0173] 210 Sample Container (Specimen Container)

[0174] 211 Reagent Container

[0175] 212 Reagent Tray Cover

[0176] 213 Reaction Vessel

[0177] 214 Control Unit

[0178] 215 Operation Unit

[0179] 216 Storage Device

[0180] 217 Display Unit (Display Device).

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that, the automatic analysis device includes: an analysis operation unit that analyzes a reaction solution obtained by dispensing a reagent and a specimen into a reaction vessel; a control unit that controls the operation of the analysis operation unit; a storage unit that stores the analysis results of the analysis operation unit and information on consumables used by the analysis operation unit; and a display unit that displays the analysis results and inspection information, the inspection information is composed of first inspection information and second inspection information whose information content is different from that of the first inspection information, and it is possible to set the information that does not require user response in the inspection information as the first inspection information, and set the information other than the first inspection information, that is, the information on important matters that require user response, as the second inspection information, the control unit performs the following processing: processing for generating a GUI for displaying inspection information, the GUI for displaying inspection information includes a first inspection information display area for displaying the first inspection information in the inspection information and a second inspection information display area for displaying the second inspection information in the inspection information; and controlling the display unit so that when the GUI for displaying inspection information is displayed on the screen of the display unit, the first inspection information is scrolled and displayed at a normal display speed and a first speed, and the second inspection information is scrolled and displayed at an emphasized display speed and a second speed lower than the first speed.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the GUI for displaying inspection information is a detailed area different from the first inspection information display area and the second inspection information display area, and includes a detailed display area for displaying the detailed content of the first inspection information and / or the second inspection information.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that, the control unit generates the GUI for displaying inspection information so that the detailed content of the inspection information selected from the first inspection information and / or the second inspection information is displayed in the detailed display area.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the control unit deletes the corresponding inspection information from the first inspection information display area and / or the second inspection information display area in response to an input deletion command.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the control unit sets an operation unit for separately stopping, restarting, and rewinding the scrolling display of the first inspection information display area and the second inspection information display area in the GUI for displaying inspection information, and detects the operation of the operation unit to control the scrolling display of the first inspection information display area and the second inspection information display area.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 5, characterized in that, the operation unit is an operation button or a touch screen.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit generates a GUI for setting inspection information for adding, deleting, or changing the inspection information displayed in the inspection information display GUI and displays it on the display unit, and adds, deletes, or changes the inspection information displayed in the inspection information display GUI in response to an input from the user to the inspection information setting GUI.

8. The automatic analysis device according to claim 7, wherein, the control unit generates any one of a first setting GUI, a second setting GUI, a third setting GUI, and a fourth setting GUI as the inspection information setting GUI. The first setting GUI is used to set whether to display the operation state of the device as the inspection information, the second setting GUI is used to set whether to display consumable information as the inspection information, the third setting GUI is used to set whether to display various measurement results as the inspection information, and the fourth setting GUI is used to set whether to display warnings of various device errors as the inspection information.

9. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein, the inspection information includes information on the device state, consumable information, measurement information, and alarm information, the control unit generates the inspection information display GUI such that any one or combination of the inspection information is displayed in the first inspection information display area, and any one or combination of the inspection information other than the inspection information displayed in the first inspection information display area is displayed in the second inspection information display area.

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