Automatic analysis device and method for operating automatic analysis device

Abstract

The present invention is provided with: an analysis unit (40) for analyzing a specimen; and a control device (20) for controlling the operation of each mechanism of the analysis unit (40), the control device (20) controlling the operation of each mechanism of the analysis unit (40) on the basis of the time at which the specimen or the consumable required for analysis of the specimen is used last in an analysis schedule created at the time point at which a request for replacement of the specimen or the consumable is accepted. A waiting time that a user should wait before replacing a specimen or a consumable is calculated. As a result, provided are an automatic analysis device capable of improving work efficiency and a method for operating the automatic analysis device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzing device and an operating method of the automatic analyzing device. Background Art

[0002] In an automatic analyzer that analyzes biological components, there is a technology that allows a user to directly access an area within the automatic analyzer where each consumable is stored to replace the consumable (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-122417 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] According to Patent Document 1, it takes a certain amount of time from when a user requests to stop the analysis operation in order to replace consumables until the area where the consumables are located can be accessed, and this time varies depending on the combination of the requested items and the analysis status, and further varies between the specimen and the consumables or the consumables that are the target. In other words, there is a problem that the user does not know at what time the replacement can be performed, which leads to poor work efficiency.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer and an operating method of the automatic analyzer that can improve work efficiency.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] An automatic analysis device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an analysis unit which performs analysis of a specimen; and a control unit which controls the operation of each mechanism of the analysis unit, wherein the control unit calculates the waiting time that a user should wait before replacing the specimen or the consumable based on the time when the specimen or the consumable was last used in an analysis schedule created at the time when a request for replacement of the specimen or the consumable required for the analysis of the specimen was accepted.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic analyzer and an operating method of the automatic analyzer that can improve work efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an automatic analysis device.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the reagent flow paths in the system.

[0015] Figure 3 Is a table showing the analysis order.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a screen image of the operating device.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram of a replacement reservation screen for an operating device.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the transition of the replacement reservation button in the replacement reservation screen of the operating device.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a screen image of the operation device replacement.

[0020] Figure 8 It is the internal block diagram of the control device.

[0021] Fig. 9 It is a processing flow chart of the calculation unit.

[0022] Fig.10 This is a flowchart of the first process of the control unit.

[0023] Fig.11 This is a flowchart of the second process of the control unit.

[0024] Fig.12 This is a sequence diagram showing the flow from when the control device plans and executes the analysis operation.

[0025] Fig.13 This is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing by the operating device and the control device when the user makes a replacement reservation for consumables.

[0026] Fig.14 This is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing from when the user accepts permission to replace consumables to when the consumables are replaced and the analysis operation is resumed.

[0027] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the reservation replacement operation and the analysis plan.

[0028] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the replacement permission notification and the analysis plan.

[0029] Fig.17 It is a diagram showing a modified example of the replacement reservation screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] use Figures 1 to 17Embodiments of the automatic analyzer and the operating method of the automatic analyzer are described. In the drawings used in this specification, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions of these components may be omitted.

[0031] First, use Figures 1 to 3 The following describes the configuration and operation of the automatic analyzer 100. Figure 1 The overall structure of the automatic analyzer 100 will be described.

[0032] The automatic analyzer 100 mainly includes an analyzer 40 for analyzing a sample, a control device 20 for controlling the operation of each mechanism of the analyzer 40, and an operation device 30 for inputting and displaying various information. The analyzer 40 includes a sample dispensing mechanism 1, a sample disk 2, a reaction disk 4, a reagent dispensing mechanism 6, a reagent disk 7, a measuring unit 9, a cleaning mechanism 10, and the like.

[0033] The specimen disk 2 holds a plurality of specimen containers 3 containing specimens to be analyzed. The specimen disk 2 is rotatable and has a disk shape. The specimen disk 2 transports the specimen containers 3 to be dispensed to the dispensing position of the specimen dispensing mechanism 1 by rotating.

[0034] The reaction disk 4 holds a plurality of reaction containers 5 for performing reactions and measurements. The reaction disk 4 is rotatable and has a disk shape. The reaction containers 5 held on the reaction disk 4 contain a mixed solution obtained by mixing and reacting a sample and a reagent.

[0035] The specimen dispensing mechanism 1 aspirates the specimen from the specimen container 3 transported to the dispensing position by the specimen disk 2 . Then, the specimen dispensing mechanism 1 dispenses the aspirated specimen into the reaction container 5 held on the reaction disk 4 .

[0036] The reagent disk 7 stores a plurality of reagent containers 8 and keeps the reagent containers 8 cold. The first reagent, the second reagent, the third reagent, the reagent or the detergent required for the pre-treatment of the analysis for mixing and reacting with the specimen are filled in each reagent container 8. In addition, the reagent disk 7 is rotatable and has a disc shape.

[0037] The reagent dispensing mechanism 6 is a mechanism for dispensing the reagent or detergent filled in the reagent container 8 into the reaction container 5 held on the reaction disk 4. The reagent dispensing mechanism 6 dispenses the reagent or detergent at a predetermined timing in a process including analysis or pretreatment and cleaning thereof.

[0038] The measuring unit 9 measures the concentration of the substance to be measured from the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent in the reaction container 5 or after the reaction. The measuring method includes a method of measuring the transmitted light or a method of measuring the luminescence amount, which varies depending on the substance to be measured. In addition, the measuring method is not limited, and the number is not limited to one, and can be two or more.

[0039] The cleaning mechanism 10 is composed of a discharge nozzle for discharging cleaning water and detergent, a suction nozzle for sucking the reaction liquid, etc. The cleaning mechanism 10 cleans the reaction container 5 with cleaning water and detergent.

[0040] The automatic analyzer 100 includes a top cover 11 on its upper surface to cover various mechanisms. In addition to the top cover 11 , a sample cover 12 is provided above the sample disk 2 , and a reagent cover 13 is provided above the reagent disk 7 .

[0041] The specimen cover 12 includes a specimen cover locking mechanism 14, and the reagent cover 13 includes a reagent cover locking mechanism 15. The specimen cover locking mechanism 14 and the reagent cover locking mechanism 15 can be independently unlocked and locked, and control whether the specimen cover 12 and the reagent cover 13 can be opened and closed.

[0042] When the locking mechanisms 14 and 15 are unlocked, the user can open the covers 12 and 13 and access the disks 2 and 7. When the covers 12 and 13 are closed, the locking mechanisms 14 and 15 can be locked, and the user cannot open or close the covers 12 and 13 or access the disks 2 and 7.

[0043] The control device 20 having an operating device 30 composed of a display device such as a display, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, a storage unit, a CPU, a memory, etc. can be composed of a computer. As a device composed of one computer, it can also be composed of other computers without special limitation.

[0044] The control device 20 is a part that controls the operation of each mechanism in the automatic analyzer 100 and causes the operation device 30 to display information related to the automatic analyzer 100 to the user.

[0045] In this embodiment, the control device 20 receives a request to replace a specimen or consumables required for analysis of the specimen, and calculates a waiting time that a user should wait before replacing the specimen or consumables based on the time when the specimen or consumables was last used in the analysis schedule created at that time. The details are described later.

[0046] The control device 20 controls the actions of each device based on various programs recorded in the storage device. In addition, the control processing of the actions performed by the control device 20 can be summarized into one program, or divided into multiple programs, or a combination thereof. In addition, part or all of the program can be implemented by dedicated hardware or modularized.

[0047] The operating device 30 includes a user interface such as a touch panel display, and receives information output to the user and various inputs from the user. In this embodiment, in addition to displaying information related to the automatic analyzer 100 to the user, the operating device 30 also displays information related to the waiting time that the user should wait before replacing the sample or consumables. The details are described later.

[0048] The above is the configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0049] In addition, the structure of the automatic analysis device 100 is not limited to Figure 1 The single analysis module structure as shown may be configured by connecting two or more analysis modules capable of measuring various identical or different analysis items and a pre-processing module for pre-processing via a transport device.

[0050] The "consumables required for analysis of the specimen" in this embodiment exemplify the above-mentioned reagents, system reagents contained in external containers, etc., but are not limited to these. The dispensing tips used in immunoassay projects, disposable reaction containers, or driving motors of various mechanisms, spectrometers, etc., which are consumed by the analysis action, can also be included as objects.

[0051] Next, use Figure 2 The system reagents included in the automatic analyzer 100 will be described. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the reagent flow paths in the system.

[0052] The system reagent used in the automatic analyzer 100 includes a detergent discharged from the cleaning mechanism 10 for cleaning the reaction container. The detergent discharged from the cleaning mechanism 10 is filled in the external detergent bottle 16. The external detergent bottle 16 is connected to the detergent flow path 17, and the detergent flow path 17 is connected to the discharge nozzle of the cleaning mechanism 10. The waste liquid flow path 18 is connected to the suction nozzle of the cleaning mechanism 10. The cleaning mechanism 10 discharges the detergent filled in the external detergent bottle 16 to the reaction container 5 via the detergent flow path 17. In addition, the cleaning mechanism 10 sucks the detergent discharged to the reaction container 5 and treats it as waste liquid via the waste liquid flow path 18.

[0053] The detergent flow path 17 can be closed and opened by the cleaning mechanism 10. When replacing the external detergent bottle 16, the user can replace the detergent by closing the flow path, and after the replacement, the detergent can be used by opening the flow path.

[0054] The above-described analysis process of the specimen by the automatic analyzer 100 (processing of dispensing the specimen and mixing the reagent to react, measuring the absorbance, and determining the concentration) is generally performed according to the following steps.

[0055] In the automatic analyzer 100, the measuring unit 9 measures coloration, luminescence, etc. caused by the reaction of the target component in the sample with the reagent, and the concentration of the target component in the sample is calculated by the calculation processing of the control device 20. The analysis of the sample by the automatic analyzer 100 is summarized as follows.

[0056] The user puts the specimen into a specimen container 3 such as a test tube and sets it on the specimen disk 2. The user instructs the analysis item to be measured on the specimen from the operation device 30 and starts the measurement. The specimen is sucked from the specimen container 3 by the specimen dispensing mechanism 1 in the automatic analyzer 100 and discharged into the reaction container 5. As described above, the automatic analyzer 100 holds the reagent in the reagent container 8 in the device, and discharges the reagent into the reaction container 5 containing the specimen by the reagent dispensing mechanism 6. Thereafter, the reaction between the specimen and the reagent is carried out in the reaction container 5.

[0057] In the automatic analyzer 100, the color and light signal values ​​of the mixed solution in the reaction container 5 are measured by the measuring unit 9 at a predetermined position and timing. Based on the measured signal values, the concentration of the target component is calculated as the measurement result by the control device 20. The reaction container 5 after the measurement is cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 10 as needed to prepare for the next analysis.

[0058] Next, use Figure 3 The following drawings illustrate the characteristic structure and operation of this embodiment.

[0059] In the analysis of a specimen by the automatic analyzer 100 , reagents may be dispensed a plurality of times at different timings depending on the analysis item.

[0060] For example, after dispensing the first reagent and measuring the signal value, the second reagent may be dispensed and the signal value may be further measured, and the concentration of the target component may be calculated based on the multiple measurement results. Figure 3 As shown, the second reagent is dispensed into the mixed solution by the reagent dispensing mechanism 6, and then the signal value in the reaction container 5 is measured by the measuring unit 9 in the same manner to calculate the concentration of the target component. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a series of procedures for performing a plurality of analyses based on the above-mentioned operation.

[0061] The automatic analysis device 100 holds a plurality of reaction containers 5, and thus can continuously perform a plurality of analyses in parallel through the above-mentioned operations. Figure 3 As shown, each mechanism performs the target action in each analysis cycle repeated at regular intervals.

[0062] Next, use Figures 4 to 6 The structure of the operating device 30 will be described.

[0063] First, use Figure 4 The screen configuration of the operating device 30 will be described. Figure 4 This is a diagram of a screen of an operating device.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, normally, a replacement reservation button 31 and an analysis start button 32 are displayed on the screen displayed on the operating device 30 .

[0065] When the user presses the replacement reservation button 31 , the control device 20 shifts from the normal screen to the replacement reservation screen 33 .

[0066] When the user presses the analysis start button 32, an analysis start request is sent to the control device 20, and the analysis is started or a temporarily stopped analysis is resumed.

[0067] Next, use Figure 5 The structure of the replacement reservation screen 33 will be described. Figure 5 This is a diagram of a replacement reservation screen for an operating device.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown in the replacement reservation screen 33, for each replacement object (in Figure 5 A replacement reservation button 33a is displayed on the display (in the figure: specimen, reagent container, system reagent).

[0069] The replacement reservation button 33a is a button displayed on the operating device 30 for the user to issue a replacement request. Character strings corresponding to three states are displayed on the button according to the replacement reservation status (in Figure 5 "Request (waiting for reservation)", "Requested (reserved)", "Import (allow replacement)").

[0070] The control device 20 accepts the replacement request when recognizing that the replacement reservation button 33a has been pressed, and starts executing various processes required for replacement. At this time, the control device 20 displays the remaining time (waiting time) until the replacement is allowed around the replacement reservation button 33a pressed by the user as the remaining time display 33b only when the replacement reservation button 31 is in the "requested (reserved)" state.

[0071] In the replacement reservation screen 33, the remaining time from the time displayed near the replacement reservation button 33a displayed as "requested" until the replacement is allowed can be displayed in a countdown manner, but is not limited to a numerical value itself, and may also be in the form of a progress bar indicating the progress until the replacement is allowed. In addition, instead of displaying the remaining time, the possible replacement time calculated based on the remaining time and the current time may be displayed.

[0072] The display change of the replacement reservation button 33a is based on the character strings of "request", "requested", and "imported", but this may be a change in button color, a blinking of the button, or a combination thereof.

[0073] For example, the control device 20 can change the display of the replacement reservation button 33a when the time when the consumables were last used is reached, for example, by emitting a sound, changing the display color of the area of ​​the replacement reservation button 33a or the entire screen, flashing the display, etc. If such a visual or auditory notification is used, it can be observed from a distance when leaving the device, so it is very convenient when you want to return after everything is in the ready state.

[0074] Furthermore, when there are a plurality of replacement reservations, the display may be changed individually, or a signal such as the above-mentioned sound or color change may be emitted when all the replacements are ready.

[0075] An end button 33 c is displayed on the replacement reservation screen 33 , and when the user presses the end button 33 c , the replacement reservation screen 33 is closed.

[0076] Next, use Figure 6 The transition of the replacement reservation button 33a will be described. Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the transition of the replacement reservation button in the replacement reservation screen of the operating device.

[0077] The replacement reservation button 33a is displayed as "Import (Replacement Allowed)" except during analysis. It is transferred to "Request (Waiting for Reservation)" when the analysis starts. When the user presses the replacement reservation button 33a of "Request (Waiting for Reservation)", a replacement reservation request is sent to the control device 20, and the display of the replacement reservation button 33a is transferred to "Requested (Reserved)".

[0078] After the time has passed, when the control device 20 receives the replacement permission information of the replacement target product, the replacement reservation button 33a changes to "import (replacement permission)".

[0079] When the user presses the replacement reservation button 33 a of “Import (replacement allowed)”, a replacement start request is transmitted to the control device 20 , and the replacement screen 34 is opened.

[0080] Next, use Figure 7 The replacement screen 34 will be described. Figure 7 It is a diagram of a replacement screen of the operating device 30 .

[0081] like Figure 7 As shown, a replacement step 34a, a replacement step image 34b, and a completion button 34c are displayed in the replacement screen 34. In the replacement step 34a, the replacement step of the replacement object is displayed in a character string. In the replacement step image 34b, an image, a dynamic image, or a slide show showing the replacement step is displayed. When the user presses the completion button 34c, the replacement screen 34 is closed and the replacement reservation screen 33 is displayed.

[0082] Next, use Figures 8 to 11 The configuration and function of the control device 20 included in the automatic analyzer 100 will be described. Figure 8 is an internal block diagram of the control device 20, Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the processing of the calculation unit 201b of the control device 20, Fig.10 is a flowchart of the first process of the control unit 201d of the control device 20. Fig.11 This is a flowchart of the second process of the control unit 201d of the control device 20.

[0083] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, the control device 20 includes a processor 201 and a storage unit 202 (a hard disk, a memory, etc.).

[0084] The storage unit 202 includes: an analysis plan table, which is used to plan the measurement items commissioned for each sample and the mechanism actions in each analysis cycle for them; a plan permission flag, which maintains the permission information of the analysis plan; and a replacement permission table, which records the analysis cycle that will be released from the area where the consumables that have accepted the replacement reservation exist.

[0085] The analysis plan has Figure 3 The analysis sequence shown has the same structure, and the mechanism action to be executed in each cycle is registered.

[0086] The processor 201 includes a receiving unit 201 a , a calculating unit 201 b , a planning unit 201 c , and a controlling unit 201 d .

[0087] The receiving unit 201 a exchanges information with the operating device 30 , the calculating unit 201 b , and the controlling unit 201 d , and updates information in the storage unit 202 .

[0088] When receiving the analysis start request from the operating device 30 , the receiving unit 201 a executes processing to set the plan permission flag to “permitted”.

[0089] When receiving a reservation replacement request from the operating device 30, the receiving unit 201a calls the calculating unit 201b, returns the required time calculated by the calculating unit 201b to the operating device 30, and executes processing to set the plan permission flag to "no".

[0090] Furthermore, upon receiving the replacement permission information from the control unit 201 d , the reception unit 201 a executes a process of transmitting the replacement permission information to the operation device 30 .

[0091] When receiving a replacement start request or a replacement end request from the operating device 30 , the reception unit 201 a executes processing to call the control unit 201 d (transmitting the type of request, whether it is a start or end).

[0092] Through these processes, the accepting unit 201a accepts an analysis start request, a replacement reservation request, a replacement start request, and a replacement end request input from the operating device 30, and notifies the operating device 30 of standby time information and replacement permission information.

[0093] The calculation unit 201 b exchanges information with the reception unit 201 a , and refers to or updates the information in the storage unit 202 .

[0094] When the calculation unit 201b is called from the receiving unit 201a, first, Fig. 9 As shown, among the actions for the replacement object registered in the analysis plan table, the cycle of the action registered first is determined (S101). Next, the allowed replacement time is calculated based on the current time and the time required to reach the determined cycle, and returned to the receiving unit 201a (S102). Thereafter, the next cycle of the determined cycle is registered in the location corresponding to the replacement object in the allowed replacement table (S103). Thus, the calculation unit 201b calculates the time when the replacement object can be replaced based on the analysis plan table of the storage unit 202, and returns the calculated time information to the receiving unit 201a.

[0095] The planning unit 201 c receives information from the operating device 30 , and refers to and updates the storage unit 202 .

[0096] The planning unit 201c executes processing that starts at the end of each analysis cycle, registers the analysis actions of each mechanism in the analysis plan table when the plan permission flag is "yes", and completes the process without registration when the plan permission flag is "no".

[0097] Thus, when the plan availability flag is “yes”, the planning unit 201c plans the mechanism operation based on the request item information for each sample notified from the operating device 30 and the content of each analysis item and the planned mechanism operation, and registers the analysis plan in the analysis plan table of the storage unit 202 .

[0098] The control unit 201d exchanges information with the receiving unit 201a, refers to information in the storage unit 202, and controls the operation of each mechanism such as the specimen dispensing mechanism 1, the reagent dispensing mechanism 6, the washing mechanism 10, the specimen cover locking mechanism 14, and the reagent cover locking mechanism 15.

[0099] The control unit 201d is initially started in each analysis cycle, such as Fig.10 As shown, first, the action of the current cycle registered in the analysis plan table is acquired (S201), and then the mechanism corresponding to the acquired action is operated (S202).

[0100] Next, it is determined whether any of the cycles registered in the allowed replacement table is consistent with the current cycle (S203). When it is determined to be consistent, the control mechanism releases the area where the replacement object that is consistent with the allowed replacement table exists (S204), and passes the allowed replacement information of the replacement object to the receiving unit 201a (S205), completing the processing.

[0101] On the other hand, when it is determined that any of the cycles registered in the replacement permission table does not coincide with the current cycle, the replacement permission information of the replacement target product is handed over to the receiving unit 201a (S205), and the process is completed.

[0102] Thus, the control unit 201d refers to the analysis plan table in the storage unit 202 and controls each mechanism so that the mechanism performs the planned mechanism operation in each cycle.

[0103] Furthermore, when the permitted replacement period of the replacement target product for which the replacement reservation is requested has arrived, the receiving unit 201a is notified of the permitted replacement information.

[0104] First, the control unit 201d is started by a call from the receiving unit 201a. Fig.11 As shown, it is determined whether the replacement target product is a reagent or a system reagent (S301). If it is determined to be a reagent, the process proceeds to step S302, and if it is determined to be a system reagent, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0105] In step S302, the type of request for replacement is determined (S302). When it is determined to be started, the process enters step S303, the reagent cover locking mechanism 15 is unlocked (S303), and the process is completed. On the other hand, when it is determined to be finished, the process enters step S304, the reagent cover locking mechanism 15 is locked (S304), and the process is completed.

[0106] In this way, when the waiting time is reached, the control device 20 releases the lock of the mechanism required for replacement of the specimen or consumables.

[0107] In step S305, the type of replacement request is determined (S305). When it is determined to be started, the process proceeds to step S306, the detergent flow path 17 of the cleaning mechanism 10 is closed (S306), and the process is completed. On the other hand, when it is determined to be finished, the process proceeds to step S307, the detergent flow path 17 of the cleaning mechanism 10 is opened (S307), and the process is completed.

[0108] Thus, the user can directly replace each consumable by controlling the cleaning mechanism 10, the specimen cover locking mechanism 14, and the reagent cover locking mechanism 15 in accordance with a replacement start request or a replacement end request from the receiving unit 201a.

[0109] Next, use Figure 12 to Figure 14 , the flow of processing performed by the operating device 30 and the control device 20 is described.

[0110] First, use Fig.12 , the operation of the control device 20 to plan and execute the analysis process will be described. Fig.12 This is a sequence diagram showing the flow from when the control device plans and executes the analysis operation.

[0111] like Fig.12 As shown, at the end of each analysis cycle, the planning unit 201c is activated, and before planning, the planning is determined by referring to the planning flag of the storage unit 202 to determine whether the planning is possible. After the determination is "possible", the planned action is registered in the analysis plan table of the storage unit 202. At the beginning of the next analysis cycle, the control unit 201d is activated, and the analysis plan table is referred to to control various mechanisms according to the mechanism actions planned in the cycle. By repeating these processes for each analysis cycle, the analysis process is performed.

[0112] Next, use Fig.13 , the processing flow when the user makes a replacement reservation for the replacement object during the analysis action is explained. Fig.13 This is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing by the operating device and the control device when the user schedules replacement of consumables.

[0113] like Fig.13 As shown, when the user presses a replacement reservation button 33 a displayed with “request” corresponding to a specific replacement target product on the replacement reservation screen 33 , a replacement reservation request is transmitted from the operating device 30 to the control device 20 .

[0114] In the control device 20, the receiving unit 201a receives the replacement reservation request and calls the calculation unit 201b. The calculation unit 201b refers to the analysis schedule table, determines the analysis cycle in which the replacement object was last used, and registers the next analysis cycle of the determined analysis cycle as the allowed replacement cycle in the location corresponding to the replacement object in the allowed replacement table.

[0115] After that, the calculation unit 201b calculates the permitted replacement time based on the time until the determined analysis cycle and the current time, and returns it to the reception unit 201a. After returning the permitted replacement time to the operation device 30, the reception unit 201a updates the plan permission flag of the storage unit 202 to "no".

[0116] When receiving the permitted replacement time from the accepting unit 201a of the control device 20, the operating device 30 changes the "request" display of the pressed replacement reservation button 33a to "requested" and displays the remaining time obtained from the permitted replacement time.

[0117] Next, use Fig.14 , a processing flow from allowing a user to replace a replacement object that has been scheduled for replacement during an analysis operation, to the user replacing the replacement object and restarting the analysis operation is described. Fig.14 This is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing from when the user accepts permission to replace consumables to when the consumables are replaced and the analysis operation is resumed.

[0118] like Fig.14 As shown, at the initial start of each analysis cycle, the control unit 201d performs mechanism operation control based on the analysis schedule, and then refers to the permitted replacement table to determine whether the current analysis cycle is a permitted replacement cycle for each replacement target product.

[0119] If it is a permitted replacement period, the receiving unit 201a is called to notify the permitted replacement information. The receiving unit 201a sends the notified permitted replacement information to the operating device 30. The operating device 30 receives the permitted replacement information and changes the replacement reservation button 33a corresponding to the replacement object from the "requested" display to the "import" display.

[0120] Here, when the user presses the replacement reservation button 33a displayed as "Import", the operating device 30 sends a replacement start request to the control device 20. In the control device 20, the receiving unit 201a receives the replacement start request and calls the control unit 201d. The control unit 201d determines the mechanism to be controlled and the control content based on the content of the replacement start request, and controls the mechanism to be controlled. After that, the operating device 30 displays the replacement screen 34. At this time, the user can replace the replacement object.

[0121] When the user presses the completion button on the replacement screen 34 after the replacement object is replaced, a replacement completion request is sent from the operating device 30 to the control device 20. In the control device 20, the receiving unit 201a receives the replacement completion request and calls the control unit 201d. The control unit 201d determines the control target mechanism and the control content based on the content of the replacement completion request, and controls the target mechanism. After that, the operating device 30 closes the replacement screen 34.

[0122] When the user presses the analysis start button, an analysis start request is sent from the operating device 30 to the control device 20. In the control device 20, the receiving unit 201a receives the analysis start request and updates the plan availability flag of the storage unit 202 to "available". As a result, the planning unit 201c restarts the analysis operation and resumes the analysis operation.

[0123] Next, use Fig.15 and Fig.16 , using an example to illustrate the association between the replacement operation achieved through the above-mentioned processing and the analysis plan.

[0124] First, use Fig.15 An example of the operation of changing the analysis plan and display after pressing the "Request" display replacement reservation button 33a will be described. Fig.15 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the reservation replacement operation and the analysis plan.

[0125] exist Fig.15 In the example shown, one analysis cycle is 10 seconds, and the time 00:00, when 3 seconds have passed in the third analysis cycle, is set as the first time. At the first time, the user makes a replacement reservation for the reagent container.

[0126] like Fig.15 As shown in (1) in FIG. 1 , when the replacement reservation button 33a displayed as "Request" is pressed, the analysis plan of the planning unit 201c is stopped. Fig.15 As shown in (2), the unstarted analysis plan is no longer registered in the analysis plan table, and the analysis operation for the item of sample injection after the fourth analysis cycle that should have been originally planned is no longer planned.

[0127] As described above, when receiving a replacement request, the control device 20 preferably temporarily stops the aliquoting plan of the unstarted specimen, thereby realizing the replacement work as quickly as possible.

[0128] After that, the analysis cycle that is the final use timing of the replacement target product in the planned analysis registered in the analysis schedule is determined. Fig.15 As shown in (3), the 62nd analysis cycle in which the reagent is last dispensed is determined.

[0129] The 63rd analysis cycle determined as the next analysis cycle becomes the permitted replacement cycle, and 59 analysis cycles and 7 seconds are counted from the first moment before the permitted replacement cycle starts, so a total of 597 seconds become the remaining time.

[0130] Therefore, the time from the current time and the required time of each process to the final usage timing is calculated and displayed. Fig.15 As shown in (4), the remaining time displayed next to the replacement reservation button 33a displayed as "requested" is 9 minutes and 57 seconds.

[0131] Next, use Fig.16 This section describes an example of an analysis plan and display change operation that allows a change cycle. Fig.16 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the replacement permission notification and the analysis plan.

[0132] like Fig.16 As shown, when the current process is set to the beginning of the 63rd analysis cycle, the control unit 201d is activated in the current process to detect the allowed replacement period of the replacement object, and the operating device 30 is notified of the allowed replacement information, thereby changing the replacement reservation button 33a displayed as "Requested" to "Import".

[0133] Thereafter, when the user presses the replacement reservation button 33 a displayed as “import”, the reagent cover locking mechanism 15 is unlocked, whereby the reagent cover 13 is opened, and the user can access the reagent disk 7 .

[0134] Since no reagent dispensing operation is planned after this time, the reagent disk 7 and the reagent dispensing mechanism 6 do not operate, and the user's replacement operation does not interfere with the mechanism operation.

[0135] In addition, in the case of multiple replacement requests, Fig.15 In this case, it is preferred not to consider the time required for other replacements, but it may be considered.

[0136] Furthermore, when the control device 20 issues a replacement request for a plurality of specimens or consumables, the control device 20 can display the types of specimens or consumables in order from the specimen with the shortest waiting time on the operation device 30 .

[0137] For example, Fig.17 As shown, it can also be in the following form: a replacement process display area 33d is provided on the replacement reservation screen 33, and when multiple consumables are scheduled for replacement, the names of the consumables are displayed in order from the consumables with the shortest waiting time, so that the user can understand the replacement order of the consumables. The specific processing in this case is only to further compare the remaining time in the replacement process display area 33d and perform a quasi-display from the shortest remaining time.

[0138] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0139] The automatic analysis device 100 of the present embodiment described above comprises: an analysis unit 40, which performs analysis of a specimen; and a control device 20, which controls the operation of each mechanism of the analysis unit 40. The control device 20 accepts a request for replacement of a specimen or consumables required for analysis of the specimen, and calculates a waiting time that a user should wait before replacing the specimen or consumables based on the last time the specimen or consumables were used in an analysis schedule prepared at that time point.

[0140] With such a structure, in the automatic analyzer 100 where the user directly replaces the consumables by accessing the area in the automatic analyzer 100 where the consumables are located, if the user wants to replace the consumables during the analysis, the analysis can be temporarily stopped, and after the consumables are finally used in the completed analysis operation, the user is allowed to access the area where the consumables are located, and the user is prompted with the waiting time until the access is allowed. Therefore, the user can know to what extent the replacement can be performed, and thus the work efficiency can be improved.

[0141] In addition, there is an operating device 30 for displaying information related to the automatic analysis device 100 and information related to the waiting time to the user. The control device 2 causes the operating device 30 to display the information, so that the user can clearly understand the timing that can be changed and can perform operations corresponding to the time, etc., thereby achieving further improvement in operating efficiency.

[0142] Furthermore, when the control device 20 recognizes that the user displayed on the operating device 30 has pressed the replacement reservation button 33a for issuing a replacement request, it accepts the replacement request and displays the waiting time around the replacement reservation button 33a pressed by the user, thereby making it easy to understand the waiting time until the specimen or consumable requested for replacement can be replaced.

[0143] Furthermore, when receiving a replacement request, the control device 20 can prevent the specimen from being left in an aliquoted state by temporarily stopping the aliquoting plan of the specimen that has not yet been started.

[0144] Furthermore, the control device 20 changes the display of the replacement reservation button 33a when the consumables are last used, thereby prompting the user that replacement is possible. The user can understand that the replacement work can be started quickly, which can become a more user-friendly specification.

[0145] In addition, when the control device 20 issues a replacement request for multiple specimens or consumables, the types of specimens or consumables are displayed in the operating device 30 in sequence from the specimens or consumables with the shortest waiting time, thereby making it easy to understand how to perform multiple replacement operations better, thereby achieving further improvement in the operability of the replacement operations.

[0146] Furthermore, the control device 20 can prevent an unreasonable replacement operation from being performed due to the lock being released before replacement is possible by releasing the lock of the mechanism required for replacement of the specimen or consumables when the waiting time is reached.

[0147] In addition, the control device 20 displays the waiting time in a countdown manner, so that the timing at which the switch can be made can be understood at a glance.

[0148] <Others>

[0149] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. The above-described embodiment is described in detail to explain the present invention in an easily understandable manner, and is not necessarily limited to having all the described configurations.

[0150] Explanation of symbols

[0151] 1…Specimen dispensing mechanism

[0152] 2…Specimen plate

[0153] 3…sample container

[0154] 4…Reaction plate

[0155] 5…Reaction vessel

[0156] 6…Reagent dispensing mechanism

[0157] 7…Reagent disk

[0158] 8…reagent container

[0159] 9…Measurement Department

[0160] 10…Cleaning mechanism

[0161] 11…Top cover

[0162] 12…Specimen cover

[0163] 13…reagent cover

[0164] 14…Specimen cover locking mechanism

[0165] 15…Reagent cover locking mechanism

[0166] 16…External detergent bottle

[0167] 17…Detergent flow path

[0168] 18…Waste flow path

[0169] 20…Control device (control unit)

[0170] 30…Operation device (display unit)

[0171] 31…Replace the appointment button

[0172] 32…Analysis start button

[0173] 33…Change the reservation screen

[0174] 33a…Change the appointment button (button)

[0175] 33b…Remaining time display

[0176] 33c…End Button

[0177] 33d…Change process display area

[0178] 34…Change screen

[0179] 34a…Replacement steps

[0180] 34b…Change step image

[0181] 34c…Done Button

[0182] 40…Analysis Department

[0183] 100…Automatic analysis device

[0184] 201…Processor

[0185] 201a…Reception Department

[0186] 201b…Department of Computing

[0187] 201c… Planning Department

[0188] 201d…Control Department

[0189] 202 ...storage unit.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that: have: an analysis unit that performs analysis of the sample; and a control unit that controls the actions of the various mechanisms of the analysis unit, The control unit calculates a waiting time that a user should wait before replacing the sample or the consumables required for analysis of the sample based on the time when the sample or the consumables was last used in the analysis schedule created at the time when a replacement request for the sample or the consumables required for analysis of the sample was accepted.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The automatic analyzer further comprises: a display unit that displays information related to the automatic analyzer and information related to the waiting time to the user; The control unit causes the display unit to display information.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When recognizing that the user has pressed a button displayed on the display unit for issuing the replacement request, the control unit accepts the replacement request and displays the waiting time around the button pressed by the user.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit temporarily stops the aliquoting plan of the sample that has not yet been started when accepting the replacement request.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The control section changes the display of the button when the time when the consumable product was last used is reached.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the control unit issues a replacement request for a plurality of the specimens or the consumables, the control unit displays the types of the specimens or the consumables on the display unit in the order of the waiting time from shortest to longest.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit releases the lock of a mechanism required for replacement of the specimen or the consumables when the waiting time has expired.

8. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The control unit displays the waiting time in a countdown manner.

9. A method for operating an automatic analysis device for analyzing a specimen, characterized in that: The waiting time that the user should wait before replacing the sample or the consumable is calculated based on the time when the sample or the consumable was last used in the analysis schedule created at the time when the replacement request for the sample or the consumable is accepted.

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