Analysis device, determination method, and prediction method

Abstract

In order to determine the state of an LED light source and predict the replacement time of the LED light source using the time from the lighting of the LED light source until the light quantity is stable, the present invention is provided with: a reaction cell (108) that accommodates a reaction solution (107) to be analyzed; an LED light source (301) that irradiates the liquid in the reaction tank (108) with light; a detector array (3022) that detects light radiated from the liquid by irradiating the reaction solution (107) with light from the LED light source (301); and a data processing unit (203) that determines the state of the LED light source (301) by using a time t required after the LED light source (301) is turned on until the amount of light from the LED light source (301) is stabilized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an analysis device including an LED light source that irradiates light on an analysis object, a determination method for determining the state of the LED light source, and a prediction method for predicting the replacement timing of the LED light source. Background Art

[0002] There are analysis devices for analyzing the component amounts of proteins, sugars, lipids, enzymes, hormones, inorganic ions, disease markers, etc. contained in biological samples such as blood and urine. In the analysis device, generally, a specimen and a reagent are dispensed into a container for liquid storage, and the test items are analyzed based on changes in optical properties such as absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence. In the absorbance analysis of the analysis device, light from a light source is irradiated on a sample or a reaction solution in which a sample and a reagent are mixed, and a light receiving element measures the amount of transmitted light at a single or multiple measurement wavelengths that have passed through the sample or the reaction solution, and calculates the absorbance. Then, the component amount is obtained based on the relationship between the calculated absorbance and the concentration.

[0003] For the light source of absorbance analysis, in order to cope with many test items, a wide emission spectrum is desired, and in order to perform high-precision absorbance measurement, it is desired to stably obtain a light amount of a certain level or more at the measurement wavelength. Therefore, in the past, xenon lamps, halogen lamps, etc. have been used.

[0004] In order to reduce the replacement frequency of the light source, in recent years, as the light source for absorbance analysis, light emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as LEDs) that are expected to have a long life have been studied. However, similar to xenon lamps, halogen lamps, etc., even when an LED is used as the light source for absorbance analysis, if used for a long time, materials such as the light emitting chip, phosphor, and resin will change over time, and the light amount will gradually decrease. Therefore, in the case of using an LED light source, a determination method suitable for the state of the LED light source and a prediction method for the replacement timing are also required.

[0005] Generally, regarding the prediction of the replacement timing of an LED light source used in lighting fixtures, etc., the replacement timing is sometimes set when the light amount of the LED light source becomes below a threshold value (for example, 70%) of the initial light amount. In addition, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of "accumulating the lighting time during the lighting of the LED, and notifying that the life of the LED has reached when the accumulated lighting time reaches a preset life time". In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses an "LED deterioration measurement device that determines the deterioration state of an LED based on the forward voltage-forward current characteristics of the LED".

[0006] Prior Art Documents

[0007] Patent Documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-39836

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-32793 Summary of the Invention

[0010] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] Similar to the state determination and replacement timing prediction of existing light sources, when the light quantity of an LED light source falls below a threshold value (e.g., 70%) of the initial light quantity and is set as the deteriorated state and replacement timing, there may be a deviation in the initial light quantity due to individual differences of the LED light sources. There is a possibility that even if the light quantity falls below the threshold value of the initial light quantity, due to the deviation of the initial light quantity, replacement may occur even if the light quantity sufficient to maintain the analysis performance of the analysis device is available. In addition, there is a possibility that when the lighting time of the LED light source reaches a preset lifetime and is set as the deteriorated state and replacement timing, due to individual differences of the LED light source, usage environment conditions, etc., replacement may occur even if the light quantity sufficient to maintain the analysis performance of the analysis device is available. Thus, in the existing state determination and replacement timing prediction, even if the state varies for each individual LED light source due to individual differences of the LED light source, usage environment conditions, etc., it is impossible to determine the state of the LED light source and predict the replacement timing for each LED light source. In addition, as in Patent Document 2, in order to utilize the forward voltage-forward current characteristics, a new measurement system for monitoring the current and voltage applied to the LED light source is required.

[0012] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to use the time from when the LED light source is turned on until the light quantity becomes stable to determine the state of the LED light source and predict the replacement timing of the LED light source.

[0013] Means for Solving the Problems

[0014] The analysis device of the present disclosure includes: a container that houses a liquid to be analyzed; an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) light source that irradiates light on the liquid in the container; a light detector that detects light radiated from the liquid by irradiating the liquid with light from the LED light source; and a data processing unit that determines the state of the LED light source using the time required from when the LED light source is turned on until the light quantity of the light from the LED light source becomes stable.

[0015] In addition, the analysis device of the present disclosure includes: a container that houses a liquid to be analyzed; an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) light source that irradiates light onto the liquid in the container; a light detector that detects light radiated from the liquid by irradiating the liquid with light from the LED light source; and a data processing unit that predicts the replacement timing of the LED light source based on the correlation between the time required for the light amount of the light from the LED light source to stabilize after turning on the LED light source and the energization time of the LED light source.

[0016] In addition, the determination method of the present disclosure determines the state of the LED light source of an analysis device, and the analysis device includes: a container that houses a liquid to be analyzed; an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) light source that irradiates light onto the liquid in the container; and a light detector that detects light radiated from the liquid by irradiating the liquid with light from the LED light source. The determination method includes: turning on the LED light source; measuring the time required for the light amount of the light from the LED light source to stabilize after turning on the LED light source; and using the measured time to determine the state of the LED light source.

[0017] In addition, the prediction method of the present disclosure predicts the replacement timing of the LED light source of an analysis device, and the analysis device includes: a container that houses a liquid to be analyzed; an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) light source that irradiates light onto the liquid in the container; and a light detector that detects light radiated from the liquid by irradiating the liquid with light from the LED light source. The prediction method includes: turning on the LED light source; measuring the time required for the light amount of the light from the LED light source to stabilize after turning on the LED light source; and predicting the replacement timing of the LED light source based on the correlation between the measured time and the energization time of the LED light source.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present disclosure, the time from turning on the LED light source until the light amount stabilizes can be used to determine the state of the LED light source and predict the replacement timing of the LED light source. Other problems, structures, and effects will be clarified in the following description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall structure of the automatic analysis device 100.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a hardware block diagram of the data processing unit 203.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the content of the history data 2033a.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structural example of the absorbance measurement unit 113 that measures absorbance in the automatic analyzer 100.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic analyzer 100.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the details of the state determination process.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the details of the replacement timing prediction process.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the results of the light quantity change immediately after lighting of white LEDs with power-on times of 0 hours and 10,000 hours.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the correlation between the power-on time of the LED and the time from when the LED is lit until the light quantity stabilizes. Detailed Embodiments

[0029] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, it goes without saying that the constituent elements (including element steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential except in cases where they are particularly specified and cases where they are clearly considered essential in principle.

[0030] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] (Automatic Analyzer 100)

[0032] Use Figure 1 to explain the outline of the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment. Figure 1 The automatic analyzer 100 includes: three types of disks, namely a sample disk 103, a reagent disk 106, and a reaction disk 109; a dispensing mechanism that moves samples and reagents between these disks; and a control unit 201 that controls these. In addition, the automatic analyzer 100 includes: a light quantity measurement circuit 202 that measures the absorbance of the liquid (reaction solution) to be measured and analyzed; a data processing unit 203 that processes the measurement data measured by the light quantity measurement circuit 202; and an input unit 204 and an output unit 205 that serve as interfaces with the data processing unit 203. In addition, the dispensing mechanism includes a sample dispensing mechanism 110 and a reagent dispensing mechanism 111.

[0033] The data processing unit 203 stores the measurement data measured by the light quantity measurement circuit 202, or analyzes the stored measurement data. The analysis result is output to the output unit 205, for example. The details of the data processing unit 203 will be described later.

[0034] The input unit 204 and the output unit 205 input and output data between them and the data processing unit 203. The input unit 204 is an information input device such as a keyboard, a touch panel, and a keypad. The output unit 205 is an information output device for outputting the analysis result of the automatic analysis device 100, and is a display or the like, for example.

[0035] A plurality of sample cups 102, which are containers for accommodating the sample 101, are arranged on the circumference of the sample disk 103. The sample 101 is blood, for example. A plurality of reagent bottles 105, which are containers for accommodating the reagent 104, are arranged on the circumference of the reagent disk 106. A plurality of reaction cells 108, which are containers for accommodating the reaction solution 107 to be analyzed, in which the sample 101 and the reagent 104 are mixed, are arranged on the circumference of the reaction disk 109.

[0036] The sample dispensing mechanism 110 is a mechanism used when moving a certain amount of the sample 101 from the sample cup 102 to the reaction cell 108. The sample dispensing mechanism 110 is composed of, for example, a nozzle for ejecting or sucking a solution, a robot for positioning and transporting the nozzle to a given position, a pump for ejecting or sucking the solution from the nozzle to the nozzle, and a flow path connecting the nozzle and the pump.

[0037] The reagent dispensing mechanism 111 is a mechanism used when moving a certain amount of the reagent 104 from the reagent bottle 105 to the reaction cell 108. The reagent dispensing mechanism 111 is also composed of, for example, a nozzle for ejecting or sucking a solution, a robot for positioning and transporting the nozzle to a given position, a pump for ejecting or sucking the solution from the nozzle to the nozzle, and a flow path connecting the nozzle and the pump.

[0038] The solution stirring unit 112 is a mechanism unit for stirring the sample 101 and the reagent 104 in the reaction cell 108 to mix them. The cleaning unit 114 is a mechanism unit for discharging the reaction solution 107 from the reaction cell 108 after the analysis process and then cleaning the reaction cell 108. After the cleaning of the reaction cell 108 is completed, the next sample 101 is dispensed again from the sample dispensing mechanism 110, and a new reagent 104 is dispensed from the reagent dispensing mechanism 111 for use in other reaction processes.

[0039] In the reaction disk 109, the reaction cell 108 is immersed in a thermostatic fluid 115 in a thermostatic bath in which the temperature and the flow rate are controlled. Therefore, the temperature of the reaction cell 108 and the reaction solution 107 therein is maintained at a fixed temperature by the control unit 201 also during the movement performed by the reaction disk 109. The thermostatic fluid 115 uses water or air, for example.

[0040] A photometric measurement unit 113 that performs photometric analysis in the automatic analyzer 100 is disposed on a part of the circumference of the reaction disk 109.

[0041] (Data processing unit 203)

[0042] Figure 2 This is a hardware block diagram of the data processing unit 203. The data processing unit 203 includes a processor 2031, a main storage unit 2032, an auxiliary storage unit 2033, and an input / output I / F 2034. The processor 2031 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC, or the like. The main storage unit 2032 is a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like and is used as a working area for the processor 2031. The auxiliary storage unit 2033 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or a combination thereof, and stores various programs and various data. The input / output I / F 2034 is an interface that communicatively connects the data processing unit 203 and peripheral devices of the data processing unit 203 (for example, the control unit 201, the light quantity measurement circuit 202, the input unit 204, and the output unit 205).

[0043] The auxiliary storage unit 2033 of the present embodiment stores history data 2033a, a state determination program 2033b, and a replacement time prediction program 2033c. The state determination program 2033b is a program that determines the state of the LED light source 301 using the time t required for the light quantity from the LED light source 301 (refer to Figure 4 ) to become stable (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "the time t until the light quantity becomes stable"). The processor 2031 executes the state determination program 2033b to determine the state of the LED light source 301 using the time t required for the light quantity from the LED light source 301 to become stable, and outputs a determination result. Further, the replacement time prediction program 2033c is a program that predicts the replacement time of the LED light source 301 based on the correlation between the time t until the light quantity becomes stable and the energization time T of the LED light source 301. The processor 2031 executes the replacement time prediction program 2033c to predict the replacement time of the LED light source 301 using the time t required for the light quantity from the LED light source 301 to become stable, and outputs a prediction result.

[0044] In addition, the auxiliary storage unit 2033 can store measurement data measured by the light quantity measurement circuit 202, an analysis program for analyzing the measurement data, analysis results obtained by the analysis program, and the like.

[0045] (History data 2033a)

[0046] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the content of the history data 2033a. In the history data 2033a, the energization time T of the LED light source 301 and the time t required for the light quantity from the LED light source 301 to become stable, which is the time measured at the energization time T, are stored in correspondence. In Figure 3 example, the time t until the light quantity becomes stable is measured every 1000 hours. However, the measurement interval of the time t until the light quantity becomes stable is not limited to 1000 hours, and can be shorter than 1000 hours or longer than 1000 hours. In addition, in Figure 3 example, the time t until the light quantity becomes stable is measured at equal intervals. However, the measurement interval of the time t until the light quantity becomes stable may not be at equal intervals. In addition, instead of the energization time T of the LED light source 301 or on the basis of the energization time T of the LED light source 301, the operating time of the automatic analysis device 100 can be used.

[0047] If the time t until the light quantity becomes stable is newly measured, the measured time t until the light quantity becomes stable and the energization time T are stored in correspondence in a new record of the history data 2033a.

[0048] (Absorbance measurement unit 113)

[0049] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a structural example of the absorbance measurement unit 113 that measures absorbance in the automatic analysis device 100. In the automatic analysis device 100 of the present embodiment, an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) light source 301 is used as the light source unit for absorbance measurement. The irradiation light generated from the LED light source 301 exits along the optical axis 401 and is condensed by the condenser lens 403 and irradiated onto the reaction solution 107 in the reaction cell 108. At this time, in order to make the light quantity distribution uniform within the light irradiation surface, a light source side slit 402 may be arranged to limit the width of the light emitted from the LED light source 301.

[0050] The light passing through the reaction solution 107 in the reaction cell 108 is diffracted by the diffraction grating 3021 in the spectroscope 302 and received by the detector array 3022 having a number of light receivers. The detector array 3022 is an example of a light detector. At this time, since the light that does not pass through the reaction solution 107 becomes noise, a spectroscope-side slit 404 is sometimes arranged to prevent such stray light from entering the spectroscope 302. In the present embodiment, the detector array 3022 detects the light passing through the reaction solution 107, but the detector array 3022 (light detector) only needs to detect the light radiated from the reaction solution 107 (for example, optical characteristics such as light absorption, fluorescence, luminescence, etc.).

[0051] The detector array 3022 receives light of multiple measurement wavelengths. The light received by the detector array 3022 is converted into an electrical signal (light reception signal) and stored as measurement data in the auxiliary storage unit 2033 of the data processing unit 203 via the light quantity measurement circuit 202.

[0052] On the other hand, the absorbance measurement unit 113 is also used at the time t until the light quantity from the LED light source 301 becomes stable. At the time t until the light quantity becomes stable, the reaction cell 108 is not provided on the optical axis 401, or a reaction cell 108 not containing the reaction solution 107 is provided. The irradiation light generated from the LED light source 301 exits along the optical axis 401 and is condensed by the condenser lens 403. The condensed light is diffracted by the diffraction grating 3021 and received by the detector array 3022. The light received by the detector array 3022 is converted into an electrical signal (light reception signal) and stored as history record data 2033a in the auxiliary storage unit 2033 of the data processing unit 203 via the light quantity measurement circuit 202.

[0053] (Example of the control of the automatic analyzer 100 by the control unit 201)

[0054] In the calculation of the component amounts of proteins, sugars, lipids, etc. contained in the sample 101, as an example, it is performed through the following steps. First, the control unit 201 instructs the cleaning unit 114 to clean the reaction cell 108. Next, the control unit 201 instructs the sample dispensing mechanism 110 to dispense a certain amount of the sample 101 in the sample cup 102 into the reaction cell 108. Next, the control unit 201 instructs the reagent dispensing mechanism 111 to dispense a certain amount of the reagent 104 in the reagent bottle 105 into the reaction cell 108.

[0055] When dispensing each solution, the control unit 201 instructs the drive units of the respective trays to rotationally drive the sample tray 103, the reagent tray 106, and the reaction tray 109. At this time, the sample cups 102, the reagent bottles 105, and the reaction cells 108 are positioned at given dispensing positions corresponding to the drive timings of the respective dispensing mechanisms corresponding thereto.

[0056] Next, the control unit 201 instructs the solution stirring unit 112 to stir the sample 101 and the reagent 104 dispensed into the reaction cell 108 to generate a reaction solution 107. By the rotation of the reaction tray 109, the reaction cell 108 containing the reaction solution 107 passes through the measurement position where the absorbance measurement unit 113 is disposed. Every time it passes through the measurement position, the amount of transmitted light from the reaction solution 107 is measured via the absorbance measurement unit 113. The measurement data is sequentially output to the auxiliary storage unit 2033 and accumulated as reaction process data.

[0057] During the accumulation of the reaction process data, if necessary, another reagent 104 is additionally dispensed into the reaction cell 108 by the reagent dispensing mechanism 111, stirred by the solution stirring unit 112, and then measured for a fixed time. Thus, the reaction process data obtained at fixed time intervals is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 2033.

[0058] (Operation Flow of the Automatic Analyzer 100)

[0059] Figure 5 It is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic analyzer 100. When the automatic analyzer 100 turns on the power (S501), it starts the preheating process (S502). The preheating process includes the startup of various software and the operation check of each unit before analysis. The time required for this preheating process is called the preheating time.

[0060] In addition, the automatic analyzer 100 turns on the LED light source 301 during the preheating process (S503). The amount of light emitted from the LED light source 301 takes time to stabilize from when the LED light source 301 is turned on. At least before the preheating process is completed, the light from the LED light source 301 cannot be used in absorbance analysis. The time t until the light amount stabilizes is different for each LED used in the LED light source 301 due to the startup characteristics of the LED light source 301. In the present embodiment, focusing on the startup characteristics of the LED light source 301, the time t until the light amount stabilizes due to the startup characteristics of the LED light source 301 is used in the prediction of the state of the LED light source 301 and the replacement timing of the LED light source 301.

[0061] The absorbance measurement unit 113 measures the light amount of the LED light source 301, and the data processing unit 203 calculates the time t until the light amount stabilizes based on the measured light amount (S504).

[0062] The data processing unit 203 stores, in the history data 2033a, the calculated time t until the light quantity becomes stable in association with the energization time T of the LED light source 301 (S505). The energization time T of the LED light source 301 is stored, for example, in the auxiliary storage unit 2033 of the data processing unit 203. The data processing unit 203 acquires the energization time T of the LED light source 301 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 2033, and stores, in the history data 2033a, the calculated time t until the light quantity becomes stable in association with the acquired energization time T of the LED light source 301.

[0063] Then, the data processing unit 203 executes a state determination process for determining the state of the LED light source 301 (S506). The details of the state determination process will be described later.

[0064] In addition, the data processing unit 203 executes a replacement period prediction process for predicting the replacement period of the LED light source 301 (S507). The details of the replacement period prediction will be described later.

[0065] In addition, although the automatic analysis device 100 of the present embodiment executes both the state determination process (S506) and the replacement period prediction process (S507), it may execute only either the state determination process (S506) or the replacement period prediction process (S507).

[0066] When the preheating process is completed and the automatic analysis device 100 becomes in a state where analysis can be performed, the automatic analysis device 100 irradiates the reaction solution 107 with light from the LED light source 301, and starts an absorbance analysis for measuring the absorbance of the reaction solution 107 in the reaction cell 108 (S508).

[0067] (Method for Determining the State of the LED Light Source 301)

[0068] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the details of the state determination process. For example, the processor 2031 of the data processing unit 203 executes each step of the Figure 6 flowchart by executing the state determination program 2033b stored in the auxiliary storage unit 2033.

[0069] The data processing unit 203 compares the time t until the light quantity becomes stable, calculated in S504, with a reference value (S601). The reference value is stored, for example, in the auxiliary storage unit 2033 of the data processing unit 203.

[0070] The data processing unit 203 determines whether the time t until the light quantity becomes stable is less than or equal to the reference value according to the comparison result of S601 (S602).

[0071] When it is determined that the time t until the light quantity becomes stable is equal to or less than the reference value (S602: Yes), the data processing unit 203 determines the state of the LED light source 301 (S603). For example, the data processing unit 203 can determine the state of the LED light source 301 based on the magnitude of the difference between the time t until the light quantity becomes stable and the reference value, or can determine the state of the LED light source 301 based on the time t until the light quantity becomes stable. The state of the LED light source 301 is, for example, a degradation state indicating the degree of degradation of the LED light source 301, a usage state indicating the degree of use of the LED light source 301, and the like.

[0072] The data processing unit 203 outputs (displays) the determined state of the LED light source 301 to the output unit 205 (display) (S604).

[0073] On the other hand, when it is determined that the time t until the light quantity becomes stable is greater than the reference value (S602: No), the data processing unit 203 outputs (displays) a warning to the output unit 205 (display) (S605). For example, the data processing unit 203 can also display on the output unit 205 (display) a warning prompting replacement of the LED light source 301, a warning indicating that the replacement period of the LED light source 301 has arrived, and the like. In addition, the data processing unit 203 can also output from the output unit 205 (lamp, speaker) that outputs the state of the LED light source 301 light, sound, light and sound indicating that the replacement period of the LED light source 301 has arrived, which prompt replacement of the LED light source 301.

[0074] In Figure 6 In the example, although the light absorption analysis of S508 can be performed after outputting a warning (S605), it is also possible to prohibit the implementation of the light absorption analysis of S508 when a warning is output. In addition, it is also possible to manage separately the analysis results of the light absorption analysis performed on the basis of outputting a warning and the analysis results of the light absorption analysis performed without a warning.

[0075] (Method for predicting the replacement period of the LED light source 301)

[0076] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the details of the replacement period prediction process. For example, the processor of the data processing unit 203 executes each step of the Figure 7 flowchart by executing the replacement period prediction program 2033c stored in the auxiliary storage unit 2033.

[0077] First, the data processing unit 203 refers to the history data 2033a of the auxiliary storage unit 2033 (S701).

[0078] The data processing unit 203 obtains the time t until the light quantity stabilizes for each energization time T of the LED light source 301 from the historical record data 2033a, and uses the obtained time t until the light quantity stabilizes for each energization time T of the LED light source 301 to derive an approximate straight line (S702). This approximate straight line is derived using the least squares method or the like. Additionally, in the example of Figure 7 , linear approximation is performed, but exponential approximation, logarithmic approximation, polynomial approximation, power approximation, or moving average approximation can also be performed.

[0079] The data processing unit 203 predicts the replacement time of the LED light source 301 from the derived approximate straight line (S703). For example, the data processing unit 203 calculates the energization time T until the upper limit value of the time t until the approximate straight line reaches the stable light quantity, and sets the calculated energization time T as the replacement time.

[0080] Then, the data processing unit 203 outputs (displays) the replacement time to the output unit 205 (display) (S704). For example, the data processing unit 203 outputs (displays) the remaining energization time until the replacement of the LED light source 301, the remaining operating time of the automatic analysis device 100, the replacement date and time for recommending the replacement of the LED light source 301, etc. as the replacement time to the output unit 205 (display).

[0081] (Effects of this Embodiment)

[0082] In this embodiment, by using the time t (start-up characteristics) until the light quantity stabilizes of the LED light source 301, it is possible to determine the state of each individual of the LED light source 301 while reflecting the state of the LED light source 301 that changes over time with the energization time, and predict the replacement time. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the maintenance cost required for light source replacement and the workload burden of operations other than the daily operations of the operator by reducing the replacement frequency of the LED light source 301. In addition, it reduces the light sources that are discarded even though the light quantity is sufficient due to reasons such as the working time exceeding a fixed time, and also helps to reduce the environmental burden.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, different from the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, a new measurement system for monitoring the current and voltage applied to the LED light source 301 is not required.

[0084] Next, regarding the method for determining the state and predicting the replacement time of the LED light source 301 as the light source unit, hereinafter, it will be described with reference to Example 1, Example 2, and Example 3. In this disclosure, based on the understanding that there is a difference in the time from when the LED is lit until the light quantity stabilizes corresponding to the energization time of the LED light source 301, the state of the LED light source 301 is determined and the replacement time is predicted.

[0085] <Example 1>

[0086] In Example 1, a phenomenon was confirmed in which there is a difference in the time from when the LED is lit until the light quantity stabilizes corresponding to the energization time of the LED. Therefore, a spectroscope (USB2000 small fiber optic spectroscope, manufactured by Ocean Insight) was used to measure the change in the light quantity immediately after the LED used in the light source unit (LED light source 301) was lit. Here, a white LED that emits light with a broadband wavelength (about 370 nm to 800 nm) from a light-emitting chip that emits ultraviolet light and a phosphor provided on the light-emitting chip was used.

[0087] Figure 8 It is a graph showing the results of the change in the light quantity immediately after the white LED with an energization time of 0 hours (new product) and 10,000 hours (for 10,000-hour measurement) is lit. The horizontal axis is the time (sec) from when the LED is lit, and the vertical axis is the light quantity change amount (%) when the light quantity after a given time (1,800 sec (after 30 minutes)) has elapsed from when the LED is lit is set to 100%. In this example, as an example of setting the light quantity when the light quantity stabilizes after a given time from when the LED is lit as a reference, the light quantity after 30 minutes from when the LED is lit is set to 100%. Among them, the definition of the "given time" is not limited to this. Depending on the size of the automatic analysis device, if it is small, it can be determined to be about 10 minutes, and if it is large, it can be determined to be about 90 minutes. For example, the given time is shorter than the warm-up time from when the automatic analysis device 100 is started until it becomes a state where the automatic analysis device 100 can perform measurement. In this way, since the state determination and replacement timing prediction of the LED light source 301 can be performed within the warm-up time, a decrease in the throughput of the absorption analysis can be prevented.

[0088] In this example, the time until the light quantity change value per unit time is within the above-mentioned reference range is calculated as the time t until the light quantity stabilizes. This range, for example, when it is set to "±0.1%" centered on the above-mentioned reference (the light quantity after 30 minutes from when the LED is lit), becomes 99.9% to 100.1%. Figure 8In the example of (a), the time t until the first wavelength, the second wavelength, and the third wavelength of the LED with a power-on time of 0 hours are all within a given range is 11.97 minutes. In addition, in (b), the time until the first wavelength, the second wavelength, and the third wavelength of the LED with a power-on time of 10,000 hours are all within a given range is 23.57 minutes. Therefore, in the LED with a power-on time of 10,000 hours, a phenomenon where the time t from when the LED is lit until the light quantity stabilizes becomes longer is confirmed. Here, as the three wavelengths emitted from the white LED used in the automatic analysis device, the results of the first wavelength (376 ± 5 nm), the second wavelength (415 ± 5 nm), and the third wavelength (700 ± 5 nm) are shown. However, the wavelengths used in the automatic analysis device vary depending on the reagent corresponding to the measurement item, the characteristics of the photodiode (light detector) installed in the photometer, etc. Therefore, the wavelengths used in the measurement of the time t until the light quantity stabilizes are determined based on the wavelengths used in the analysis of the reaction solution. In addition, it is possible to observe the time until the light quantity stabilizes by focusing on only one wavelength, or to observe the time until the light quantity stabilizes among multiple wavelengths. Furthermore, in an LED having a light-emitting chip such as a white LED, sometimes the wavelength close to the wavelength of the light-emitting chip reflects the characteristics of the LED element. Also, in the case of an LED composed of a single light-emitting chip in the future, or when the emitted lights of two or more LEDs are combined, the point of focusing on the time t until the light quantity stabilizes can also be applied without change.

[0089] Figure 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the power-on time T of the LED and the time t from when the LED is lit until the light quantity stabilizes. In the above-mentioned view, due to factors such as the aging changes of the light-emitting chip, phosphor, resin, etc., and the thermal influence from the surrounding environment, it is a characteristic change corresponding to the power-on time T. Therefore, when calculating the time t until the light quantity stabilizes for each power-on time of the LED light source 301 mounted on the automatic analysis device, as Figure 9 shown, the power-on time T of the LED and the time t until the light quantity stabilizes show a linear relationship. As Figure 9As shown by the dotted line, the correlation between the time t from LED lighting to light quantity stabilization and the energization time T can be characterized by an approximate straight line calculated based on multiple actual data. Based on this approximate straight line, the energization time T1 when the time t to light quantity stabilization exceeds the upper limit value is calculated, and this T1 is set as the replacement time. Additionally, depending on the situation, if it is not an approximate straight line but an approximate curve, the correlation coefficient will be higher. Therefore, the calculation method of the correlation can be appropriately changed through the operation of each device. Consider that there are individual differences in the initial light quantity of the LED element and the internal state of the element. In this embodiment, by deriving the correlation between the time t from LED lighting to light quantity stabilization and the energization time T from actual data for each LED used in the LED light source 301, the optimal replacement time for each individual can be calculated, and the replacement frequency of the LED light source 301 can be reduced.

[0090] <Example 2>

[0091] In Example 2, the correlation between the energization time T of the LED and the time t from LED lighting to light quantity stabilization was investigated. Typical LEDs were also used in white LEDs that emit light with a broadband wavelength (about 370 nm to 800 nm) from a light-emitting chip that emits ultraviolet light and a phosphor provided on the light-emitting chip. Also, a spectroscope (MCPD-9800, manufactured by Otsuka Electronics) and an integrating sphere were used to measure the light quantity change of the LED used in the LED light source 301 immediately after lighting. Additionally, in order to keep the temperature of the LED fixed, the mounting substrate of the LED was controlled at 37°C using a Peltier element.

[0092] Table 1 shows the results of the energization time T of the LED and the time t from LED lighting to light quantity stabilization. When the light quantity at light quantity stabilization after a fixed time has elapsed since LED lighting (here, 30 minutes after LED lighting) is set as the reference (100%), considering the resolution of the measurement system, the time when the light quantity change value is within 100 ± 0.2% is set as the time t (sec) to light quantity stabilization. Regarding the wavelength, as an example, for the light quantity change of the first wavelength of Figure 8 i.e., 376 ± 5 nm, the time t to light quantity stabilization was calculated. As shown in Table 1, it was confirmed that as the energization time T of the LED increases, the time t to light quantity stabilization becomes longer. Therefore, as Figure 9 shows, it can be known that there is a roughly linear correlation between the energization time T of the LED and the time t from LED lighting to light quantity stabilization.

[0093] [Table 1]

[0094]

[0095] <Example 3>

[0096] As an example of defining the time until the light quantity to the LED becomes stable, a case of using the variation amount of the light quantity per unit time is described. Similar to Example 1, a white LED that emits light with a broadband wavelength (from about 370 nm to 800 nm) from a light-emitting chip that emits ultraviolet light and a phosphor disposed on the light-emitting chip is used. Further, a spectroscope (USB2000 small fiber optic spectroscope, manufactured by Ocean Insight) is used to measure the light quantity variation of the LED used in the LED light source 301 immediately after lighting.

[0097] Table 2 shows the results of the variation amount of the light quantity every 60 seconds immediately after lighting of the white LED with the energization time of 0 hours and 10,000 hours. The variation amount of the light quantity every 60 seconds is obtained as the inclination per unit time when the light quantity variation amount for 60 seconds is fitted by the least squares method using a linear function. Here, as an example, the result of the first wavelength of 376 ± 5 nm is shown. Figure 8 The result of the first wavelength of 376 ± 5 nm is shown.

[0098] [Table 2]

[0099]

[0100] The unit time here is not limited to 60 seconds, and the definition is not limited. It is synonymous with the inclination of the light quantity variation when the LED is lit as shown in the evaluation. The variation amount per unit time is large immediately after the LED is lit and gradually converges to a small value. As shown in Table 2, in each of the variation amounts of the light quantity every 60 seconds immediately after lighting, the value of the LED with the energization time of 10,000 hours is larger than that of the LED with the energization time of 0 hours. Based on this result, since there is a difference in the light quantity stability when the LED is lit based on the energization time, the value can be used as a reference for the replacement time. In the LED light source 301 mounted as the light source of the automatic analysis device 100, the variation amount of the light quantity per unit time (inclination) is calculated, and the time until the light quantity variation amount reaches below the threshold value is defined as the time t until the light quantity becomes stable. The threshold value here refers to the upper limit value of the light quantity variation amount that can maintain the analysis performance on the device. The time t from the lighting of the LED to the stabilization of the light quantity calculated in this embodiment is also the same as in Example 1, as Figure 8 shown. Figure 9As shown, the relevant energy of the energization time T can be calculated by an approximate straight line. The energization time T1 when the time t until the light quantity becomes stable exceeds a certain predetermined value can be calculated based on this approximate straight line, and T1 is set as the replacement time. In addition, it can also be set as the following system: Even if the time until the light quantity becomes stable in Example 1 satisfies the reference value, when the light quantity variation amount per fixed time in Example 3 does not satisfy the reference value, the absorption analysis is interrupted. That is, by combining the comparison of the measured value of the light quantity variation amount per fixed time with the reference value in addition to the comparison of the measured value of the time until the light quantity becomes stable with the reference value, it is possible to predict the replacement time that follows the analysis performance required for the absorption analysis.

[0101] In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modification examples. For example, the above-described example embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present disclosure and are not necessarily limited to having all the structures described. In addition, a part of the structure of a certain embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment, and in addition, the structure of another embodiment can be added to the structure of a certain embodiment. In addition, addition, deletion, and replacement of other structures can be performed on a part of the structure of each embodiment.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, the time t until the light quantity of the LED light source 301 becomes stable is calculated during the preheating process, and the state determination process and the replacement time prediction process of the LED light source 301 are executed, but the timing for executing the state determination process and the replacement time prediction process is not limited to during the preheating process. For example, the state determination process and the replacement time prediction process of the LED light source 301 can also be executed in the maintenance mode, or can be executed after a fixed time has passed or after a certain number of inspections have been performed.

[0103] Description of Reference Numerals

[0104] 101: Sample

[0105] 102: Sample cup

[0106] 103: Sample tray

[0107] 104: Reagent

[0108] 105: Reagent bottle

[0109] 106: Reagent tray

[0110] 107: Reaction solution

[0111] 108: Reaction cell

[0112] 109: Reaction tray

[0113] 110: Sample dispensing mechanism

[0114] 111: Reagent dispensing mechanism

[0115] 112: Solution stirring section

[0116] 113: Absorbance measurement section

[0117] 114: Cleaning section

[0118] 115: Constant temperature fluid

[0119] 201: Control section

[0120] 202: Light quantity measurement circuit

[0121] 203: Data processing section

[0122] 2031: Processor

[0123] 2032: Main storage section

[0124] 2033: Auxiliary storage section

[0125] 2033a: History data

[0126] 2033b: Status determination program

[0127] 2033c: Replacement time prediction program

[0128] 2034: Input / output I / F

[0129] 204: Input section

[0130] 205: Output section

[0131] 301: LED light source

[0132] 302: Spectrometer

[0133] 3021: Diffraction grating

[0134] 3022: Detector array

[0135] 401: Optical axis

[0136] 402: Light source side slit

[0137] 403: Condensing lens

[0138] 404: Spectrometer side slit.

Claims

1. An analysis device, characterized in that: have: A container that contains a liquid to be analyzed; an LED light source that irradiates light to the liquid in the container; a light detector that detects light radiated from the liquid by irradiating the liquid with light from the LED light source; and The data processing unit determines the state of the LED light source using the time required from when the LED light source is turned on until the light amount of the light from the LED light source becomes stable.

2. The analysis device according to claim 1, wherein The data processing unit performs the following processing: A replacement time of the LED light source is predicted based on a correlation between the time and a power-on time of the LED light source.

3. The analysis device according to claim 2, wherein: The data processing unit performs the following processing: The time is measured according to each power-on time of the LED light source, An approximate straight line is derived from the time of each power-on time of the LED light source, A replacement timing of the LED light source is predicted based on the approximate straight line and a predetermined upper limit value of the time.

4. The analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The time is the time from when the LED light source is turned on until the amount of light fluctuation per unit time falls within a range based on the amount of light after a predetermined time has passed since the LED light source was turned on.

5. The analysis device according to claim 4, wherein: The predetermined time is shorter than a warm-up time from when the analyzing device is activated until the analyzing device becomes capable of performing measurement.

6. The analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The time is the time from when the LED light source is turned on until the amount of light amount change per unit time becomes equal to or less than a threshold value.

7. The analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The photodetector can measure the amount of light of multiple wavelengths. The wavelength used in the measurement of the time is determined based on a wavelength used in the analysis of the liquid among the plurality of wavelengths.

8. The analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The photodetector can measure the amount of light of multiple wavelengths. The wavelength used in measuring the time is closest to the wavelength of the light emitting chip of the LED light source.

9. The analysis device according to claim 1, wherein: The data processing unit outputs the determined state of the LED light source.

10. An analysis device, characterized in that: have: A container that contains a liquid to be analyzed; an LED light source that irradiates light to the liquid in the container; a light detector that detects light radiated from the liquid by irradiating the liquid with light from the LED light source; and A data processing unit predicts a replacement time of the LED light source based on a correlation between a time required for the LED light source to be lit until the light quantity of the light from the LED light source is stabilized and a power-on time of the LED light source.

11. The analysis device according to claim 10, wherein: The data processing unit performs the following processing: The time is measured according to each power-on time of the LED light source, An approximate straight line is derived from the time of each power-on time of the LED light source, A replacement timing of the LED light source is predicted based on the approximate straight line and a predetermined upper limit value of the time.

12. The analysis device according to claim 10, wherein: The time is the time from when the LED light source is turned on until the amount of light fluctuation per unit time falls within a range based on the amount of light after a predetermined time has passed since the LED light source was turned on.

13. The analysis device according to claim 12, wherein: The predetermined time is shorter than a warm-up time from when the analyzing device is activated until the analyzing device becomes capable of performing measurement.

14. The analysis device according to claim 10, wherein: The time is the time from when the LED light source is turned on until the amount of light amount change per unit time becomes equal to or less than a threshold value.

15. The analysis device according to claim 10, wherein: The photodetector can measure the amount of light of multiple wavelengths. The wavelength used in the measurement of the time is determined based on a wavelength used in the analysis of the liquid among the plurality of wavelengths.

16. The analysis device according to claim 10, wherein: The photodetector can measure the amount of light of multiple wavelengths. The wavelength used in measuring the time is closest to the wavelength of the light emitting chip of the LED light source.

17. The analysis device according to claim 10, wherein: The data processing unit outputs the predicted replacement time of the LED light source.

18. A method for determining the state of an LED light source of an analysis device, The analysis device comprises: A container that contains a liquid to be analyzed; An LED light source that irradiates light to the liquid in the container; and a light detector that detects light radiated from the liquid by irradiating the liquid with light from the LED light source, The determination method is characterized by having: Lighting up the LED light source; measuring the time required after the LED light source is turned on until the amount of light from the LED light source becomes stable; as well as The measured time is used to determine the state of the LED light source.

19. A prediction method for predicting the replacement period of an LED light source of an analysis device, The analysis device comprises: A container that contains a liquid to be analyzed; An LED light source that irradiates light to the liquid in the container; and a light detector that detects light radiated from the liquid by irradiating the liquid with light from the LED light source, The prediction method is characterized by having: Lighting up the LED light source; measuring the time required after the LED light source is turned on until the amount of light from the LED light source becomes stable; as well as A replacement time of the LED light source is predicted based on a correlation between the measured time and a power-on time of the LED light source.

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