Automatic analysis system

Abstract

The present disclosure proposes an automatic analysis system (referring to Figure 4) for predicting and presenting the total time taken for processing until the completion of measurement before the execution of preprocessing by an automatic analysis device. On the basis of analysis time-related information relating to the time required from the past transfer of a sample to the at least one analysis unit until the end of the analysis, a sample of at least one sample container held by the at least one holder before being carried into the at least one analysis unit is used as a predicted time calculation target. A process for calculating a predicted time until the end of the analysis; and a process for displaying, on a display screen, the calculated predicted time together with information of the specimen for which the predicted time is to be calculated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to automated analysis systems. Background Art

[0002] Automatic analyzers perform qualitative and quantitative analysis on biological samples such as blood and urine. Conventional automatic analyzers have a function that displays a predicted completion time for the aliquoted sample on a screen when the sample is inserted into the device and dispensed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that, in an automatic analyzer, a rack holding a sample is loaded into the apparatus, and after acceptance processing for each sample is performed, a predicted time until measurement completion is displayed. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-156380 Summary of the Invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0005] However, in existing automated analyzers that display a predicted measurement completion time after aliquoting, operators cannot confirm the predicted time until the measurement is complete before aliquoting the sample. Therefore, to confirm the predicted time, the operator must wait until the automated analyzer completes the sample aliquoting. Furthermore, if the operator wishes to know the predicted measurement completion time for a specific sample, they must wait until the sample is aliquoted. Furthermore, according to the automatic analyzer disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to confirm the estimated time for completion of measurement, the operator needs to wait until the rack is loaded into the apparatus and the specimen acceptance process is completed. In view of this situation, the present disclosure proposes a technique for predicting and presenting the total time required for processing until measurement completion before executing pre-processing in an automatic analyzer. Technical means for solving technical problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides an automatic analysis system, which includes: a rack loading and unloading unit that loads and unloads at least one rack that holds at least one specimen container containing a specimen; at least one analysis unit that analyzes the specimen; a conveying mechanism that conveys the at least one rack to a position in the at least one analysis unit where the specimen is dispensed; a storage unit that stores analysis time-related information related to a time required from the time a specimen was previously transferred to the at least one analysis unit to the completion of analysis; and a control device that controls the operation of the rack loading and unloading unit, the at least one analysis unit, and the conveying mechanism, the control device executing the following processing: a processing for calculating a predicted time until the completion of analysis using the specimen in the at least one specimen container held by the at least one rack before being loaded into the at least one analysis unit as a predicted time calculation target based on the analysis time-related information stored in the storage unit; and a processing for displaying the calculated predicted time on a display screen together with information about the specimen being the predicted time calculation target.

[0007] Other features related to the present disclosure are made clear by the description and drawings of this specification. In addition, the present disclosure is achieved and realized by the combination of elements and various elements, the following detailed description and the appended claims. The descriptions in this specification are merely typical examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present disclosure or the application examples of the present disclosure in any way. Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the technology disclosed in the present invention, before executing pre-processing in an automatic analyzer, the total time required for processing until measurement completion can be predicted and presented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the automatic analysis system 100 according to the present embodiment as viewed from above. Figure 2 This is a flowchart for explaining the data accumulation process required for estimating the total processing time while performing sample analysis. Figure 3A This is a flowchart for explaining the outline of a predicted time calculation process for predicting the total processing time from the start of pre-processing by the device (system) to the end of sample analysis (measurement). Figure 3B Is used to illustrate Figure 3A Flowchart showing details of the processing contents of S302. Figure 4 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the total processing prediction time display screen 1_400 according to the present embodiment. Figure 52_500 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the total processing prediction time display screen 2_500 according to the present embodiment. Figure 6 This is a flowchart for explaining an overview of a process for generating a learning model for predicting a result output time, and a process for calculating and displaying a result output prediction time using the learning model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The present embodiment relates to an automatic analysis system that performs qualitative and quantitative analysis of biological samples such as blood and urine, and also relates to an automatic analysis system that includes, for example, a sample measurement function and a database that accumulates past data.

[0011] Below, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, functionally identical elements may be represented by the same reference numerals. In addition, although the accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments that follow the principles of the present disclosure, these are for understanding the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0012] Although the present disclosure has been described in sufficient detail in this embodiment to enable those skilled in the art to implement the present disclosure, it should be understood that other implementation schemes and methods are also possible, and that changes in composition and structure, as well as replacement of various elements, may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the following description should not be interpreted as being limited to this.

[0013] (1) Implementation Method 1 <Configuration example of an automatic analysis system> Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the automatic analysis system 100 according to the present embodiment as viewed from above. The automatic analysis system 100 includes: a rack loading and unloading unit 1 for loading and unloading racks holding specimens to be measured; rack temporary storage units 3 and 5; dispensing lines 4, 6, and 8 for transporting dispensed racks; analysis units 2a, 2b, and 2c for analyzing the specimens; an operating unit PC (control device) 7; and a conveyor line 9. The automatic analysis system 100 according to this embodiment has a function of at least detecting the insertion of a specimen rack in the rack loading and unloading unit 1. In addition, the automatic analysis system 100 can have a function of identifying the type of specimen carried by the inserted specimen rack. For example, if the specimen rack has an information storage medium such as a barcode or RFID, by providing a reading unit in the automatic analysis system 100 for reading these information storage media, information such as the time when the specimen rack was inserted, the type of specimen rack, and the type of specimen carried by the specimen rack can be identified.

[0014] The analysis units 2a, 2b, and 2c are arranged along the conveyor line 9. These analysis units 2a, 2b, and 2c can be configured as modules (analysis modules). The number of analysis modules can be set arbitrarily. Figure 1 ), as an example, the case where the number of modules is 3. In addition, Figure 1 For example, the specimen may be blood, the analysis unit 2a may be an ISE module, the analysis unit 2b may be a colorimetric (biochemical) module, and the analysis unit 2c may be an immunological module.

[0015] The conveyor line 9 conveys specimen racks placed in the rack loading / unloading section 1 to the analysis sections 2a, 2b, and / or 2c in response to analysis requests from operators. Furthermore, the conveyor line 9 conveys specimen racks holding specimens whose analysis has been completed in the analysis sections 2a, 2b, and 2c to the rack temporary storage section 3 or 5. Furthermore, once racks placed in the rack loading / unloading section 1 but not yet requested for analysis are removed from the rack loading / unloading section 1, the conveyor line 9 conveys them back to (or returns to) the loading / unloading section 1.

[0016] The rack temporary storage parts 3 and 5 are set on the conveyor line 9, which conveys racks carrying standard samples, precision control samples or general specimens. The rack temporary storage parts 3 and 5 are line mechanisms configured to hold more than one specimen rack. In addition, the rack temporary storage parts 3 and 5 can convey the rack to any one of the analysis parts 2a, 2b and 3c, or the rack loading and unloading part 1 again at any timing. That is, the rack temporary storage parts 3 and 5 can accommodate multiple specimens and can be randomly accessed. As the structure of the rack temporary storage parts 3 and 5, for example, it can be a tray-type temporary storage part that can accommodate multiple racks, or it can be a temporary storage part of a type that accommodates multiple racks on each of the multiple lines where the racks are placed and can carry out any rack.

[0017] The operation unit PC (control device) 7 can be composed of a computer for overall management of necessary control within the rack loading and unloading unit 1, the conveyor line 9, and the rack temporary storage units 3 and 5. The operation unit PC (control device) 7 also includes a storage device 71 (see Figure 2 The storage device 71 stores attribute information related to the specimen (such as specimen ID, patient name, requested analysis item, and acceptance number assigned after stent placement). Furthermore, the operation unit PC7 is connected to an operation unit (one form of input device: for example, an operation GUI such as an operation panel) for inputting required information and a display unit (one form of output device) for displaying analysis results.

[0018] The operator (user) puts the rack into the rack loading and unloading section 1. In the rack loading and unloading section 1, when the rack is transferred, the information of the rack (for example, a barcode or QR code (registered trademark), or character string information, etc.) is read by a barcode reader, a camera, etc. to identify the rack. When the entrustment information entered by the operator and the specimen information on the rack are confirmed, the operation unit PC7 controls the conveying line 9 to convey the rack to any one of the analysis units 2a to 2c for analyzing the specimen. Then, in the dispensing line 4, 6 or 8, the reaction container is dispensed from the specimen on the rack. In addition, the reagents required for the analysis, etc. are dispensed, and the analysis is started.

[0019] <Processing of accumulating data required for total processing time prediction while performing sample analysis> Figure 2 This flowchart illustrates the data accumulation process required to estimate the total processing time while performing sample analysis. Here, total processing time refers to the time from the start of system (device) pre-processing to the completion of sample measurement. Furthermore, the operating unit PC (controller) 7, which performs the actions in each step, will be referred to simply as controller 7.

[0020] (i)S201 When the operator operates the operating unit (input device) of the control device 7 and inputs an analysis request (analysis request) (for example, by pressing a measurement start button), the control device 7 starts the sample measurement process. The analysis request can be input by, for example, pressing the measurement start button after a tray containing a plurality of racks holding a plurality of sample containers is placed in the rack loading / unloading unit 1.

[0021] (ii)S202 The control device 7 instructs each analysis unit 2a, 2b and 2c to perform device preprocessing. Device (system) preprocessing refers to the processing required for performing detection and measurement in each analysis unit 2a to 2c, such as moving the probe to the initial position and cleaning each part (processing to return the device to the initial state for measurement). That is, since the state of the device (system) at the stage of accepting the analysis request is unclear, the device preprocessing is a process such as cleaning to put the device itself back in a state where it can be measured in order to facilitate accurate measurement. In addition, at the beginning of the measurement, it is not clear which analysis module will perform the analysis, or there is a possibility of change. Therefore, device preprocessing is performed in all analysis units 2a, 2b and 2c.

[0022] (iii)S210 The control device 7 accumulates the time required from the input of the instruction to start the measurement (input of the analysis request) to the execution of the device preprocessing in the storage device 71. Here, the time required for the device preprocessing can be associated with information related to the date and time, such as the date and time period (in units of one hour) during which the device preprocessing is performed, as well as environmental information such as weather or ambient temperature, and then accumulated in the storage device 71. Furthermore, the execution timing of the process of S210 does not need to be immediately followed by the process of S202; it can be performed after the operator has confirmed the details of the device preprocessing after the measurement is completed. This is also due to the tendency for analyses (measurements) to be performed based on the date and time period, sometimes becoming somewhat patterned. For example, biochemical (colorimetric) analyses are often requested around 10:00 AM on Mondays. In this case, because it takes time to output the biochemical analysis results, the predicted time (described later) obtained through statistical processing (output as an average) becomes longer. Furthermore, if, for example, only one immunoassay is performed on the same date and time period, the measurement results can be output sooner, thus shortening the predicted time. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to take into account the measurement conditions in the date, time zone, and date and time, these measurement conditions are also taken into account in the data and accumulated.

[0023] (iv)S203 When the device pre-processing action (S202) is completed, the rack loading and unloading unit 1 loads the inserted rack into the device in response to the instruction of the control device 7. In addition, the rack loading and unloading unit 1 reads the information of each specimen set on the rack inserted by the operator and identifies the specimen. At this time, the rack loading and unloading unit 1 assigns an acceptance number to each specimen under the control of the control device 7. Regarding the acceptance number, the operator can specify the number from which to assign an acceptance number to each test on the screen (GUI) used to indicate the start of measurement (analysis). In addition, the rack is configured to hold multiple specimen containers, but is not limited to the specimen containers being stored in all holding units (the specimen containers are stored in the rack in the missing state). In this case, the holding units in the rack that do not store specimen containers can also be assigned acceptance numbers. That is, depending on the storage status of the specimen containers in the rack, each specimen may be assigned an acceptance number such as 1, 2, 4, 8, 10...

[0024] (v)S204 When the rack loading process (S203) is completed, the control device 7 instructs at least one of the analysis units 2a, 2b, and 2c of the analysis main body to dispense the sample. In response to this dispensing instruction, at least one of the analysis units 2a, 2b, and 2c dispenses the sample from the target sample container. At this time, the control device 7 measures (acquires) the time from the start of the rack loading process (S203) to the completion of the sample dispensing process (S204).

[0025] (vi)S211 The control device 7 accumulates the time required from the start of the rack loading process for the specimen to be analyzed to the completion of the specimen dispensing process in the storage device 71. Here, the time required from the start of the rack loading process to the completion of the specimen dispensing process can be associated with information related to date and time, such as the date and time period (in units of one hour) during which the rack loading process and the specimen dispensing process were performed, and environmental information such as weather or ambient temperature, and accumulated in the storage device 71. Furthermore, similar to S210, the execution timing of the process of S211 does not need to be immediately after the process of S204, but can be after the operator has confirmed the details of the rack loading process and the specimen dispensing process after the measurement is completed.

[0026] (vii)S205 When the sample dispensing process (S204) is performed, the control device 7 calculates (predicts) the measurement end time. Similar to the process performed in conventional automatic analyzers, this measurement end time is calculated by obtaining the time required by the target analysis unit 2a, 2b, or 2c from the measurement time database (the storage device 71 stores information on the time from the completion of dispensing to the end of measurement) (for example, the average value of the time accumulated in the database) and adding this time to the time when dispensing is completed. Similar to conventional automatic analyzers, this calculation (prediction) of the measurement end time is performed before the sample analysis is completed.

[0027] (viii)S206 The control device 7 displays the measurement end time calculated in S205 on the display screen of the display unit (not shown).

[0028] (ix)S207 When the sample analysis in the analysis unit 2a, 2b, or 2c is completed, the control device 7 outputs (displays on the display screen) the analysis result (measurement result).

[0029] (x)S208 The control device 7 carries out the rack holding the analyzed specimen from the analysis unit 2a, 2b, or 2c.

[0030] (xi)S209 When the unloading of the rack ( S208 ) is completed, the control device 7 completes the measurement process, the accumulation process of the time required for the device pre-processing, and the accumulation process of the time required from the loading to the dispensing.

[0031] <Overview of the predicted time calculation process> Figure 3A This is a flowchart for explaining the outline of the predicted time calculation process for predicting the total processing time from the start of the device (system) pre-processing to the end of the sample analysis (measurement). Figure 2When the data required for the prediction time calculation is accumulated by the data accumulation processing, the prediction time calculation processing can be executed.

[0032] (i)S301 An operation GUI including a measurement start screen is displayed on the display screen of the operating unit PC (control device) 7. When the operator presses a predicted time display button on the measurement start screen, which calculates and displays the total processing predicted time, the control device 7 begins calculating the total processing predicted time. In addition to pressing the measurement result prediction screen display button, the operator can also enter information about the sample type and analysis details into the input fields on the measurement start screen. While this embodiment allows the user to select the measurement timing from the display screen, this is not limiting and other methods are also possible.

[0033] (ii)S302 The control device 7 acquires the accumulated information (the time required for the device pre-processing operation and the time required from the rack loading to the output of the measurement result) accumulated in the storage device 71, and calculates the total processing prediction time based on the acquired information. Figure 3B This will be explained later.

[0034] (iii)S303 The control device 7 displays the total processing predicted time calculated in S302 on the measurement start screen of the operation GUI. The predicted time may not be displayed on the measurement start screen. For example, the predicted time may be automatically displayed when the screen transitions to a specific screen.

[0035] Details of S302 Figure 3B Is used to illustrate Figure 3A Flowchart showing details of the processing contents of S302.

[0036] (i)S3021 The control device 7 references the storage device 71 to obtain cumulative data on the time required for the device preprocessing operation. Furthermore, in this case, cumulative data on the time required for the device (system) preprocessing can be obtained for the same date and time period as the date and time period in which the device (system) preprocessing was performed. For example, if the predicted time display button is pressed at 10:05, cumulative data on the time required for the device preprocessing around 10:00 is obtained. Thus, by setting the date and time period as conditions for obtaining cumulative data, trends in the device (system) during the date and time period and the number of analytical items assigned to the specimen can be taken into account.

[0037] (ii)S3022 The control device 7 calculates the average value of the accumulated data of the required time of the device pre-processing operation acquired in S3021. Here, the average value is calculated, but time data calculated by other statistical processing may also be used.

[0038] (iii)S3023 The control device 7 refers to the storage device 71 to obtain cumulative data on the time required from the introduction of the rack to the output of the measurement results (analysis results). In addition, in this case, the date and time period of the measurement execution can be obtained from the introduction of the rack, and further cumulative data on the time required for the analysis content can be obtained for the same date, time period, and analysis content. For example, based on the time information obtained by adding the average value of the time required for the device pre-processing action to the time when the predicted time display button was pressed (for example, 10:05), the cumulative data on the time required for the measurement execution can be obtained from the introduction of the rack. Thus, by setting the date and time period as the conditions for obtaining cumulative data, it is possible to consider the tendency of the device (system) in the date and time period and the tendency of the number of analysis items entrusted to the specimen. In addition, in the case of an automatic analyzer that can measure both biochemical and immunological items as analysis content, by calculating the predicted time for each biochemical (colorimetric analysis) and immunological analysis, it is possible to make a prediction taking into account the date and time period when more biochemical items are measured.

[0039] (iv)S3024 The control device 7 calculates the average value of the accumulated data of the time required from the rack loading to the output of the measurement result (result output time) acquired in S3023. Although the average value is calculated here, time data calculated by other statistical processing may also be used.

[0040] (v)S3025 The control device 7 adds the average value of the device pre-processing operation time obtained in S3022 and the average value of the result output time obtained in S3024 to calculate the total processing prediction time.

[0041] <Configuration Example of Prediction Time Display Screen 1> Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of the total processing prediction time display screen 1_400 according to this embodiment. The total processing prediction time display screen 1_400 is displayed when the operator presses ( Figure 3A The screen displayed when the predicted time display button is pressed in S301) is an example of the screen structure showing the predicted time calculated before the rack is carried in. Therefore, it is not necessary to assume that Figure 4The total processing predicted time display screen 1_400 is always displayed. The total processing predicted time display screen 1_400 can be used to confirm the approximate measurement end time before the operator starts the measurement. For example, when the operator starts the actual measurement and wants to confirm when the measurement (analysis) of the Xth specimen (for example, the specimen contained in the 150th specimen container mounted on the rack) is completed, the control device 7 responds to the operator's request by displaying the total processing predicted time display screen 1_400 on the display screen and displays the predicted time for the end of the measurement calculated at that time (the total predicted time from device pre-processing to measurement completion).

[0042] The total processing predicted time display screen 1_400 includes information 401 of object data, status 402 indicating the status related to the measurement (status before the bracket is moved in), information 403 of the specimen number or the specimen input order (the specimen number or the specimen input order before the bracket is moved in), predicted time 404 (predicted time before the bracket is moved in) and status details 405 as structural items.

[0043] The object data information 401 displays information about the data referenced for calculating the predicted time, including, for example, information about the date and time period (the date when the display of the total processing predicted time display screen 1_400 begins). Furthermore, as the actual measured values ​​required for outputting past measurement results within the day of the week and time period of the object data, the shortest measurement time until the result is output and the longest measurement time until the result is output can be displayed, respectively (the shortest / longest measurement time: based on the time of past actual measured values ​​including device preprocessing). This allows the operator to identify the shortest and longest times even if an error occurs with the predicted value, thus avoiding unnecessary worry. Furthermore, if the specimen is introduced at around 10 a.m. but the measurement starts at around 11 a.m., the data referenced for calculating the total predicted time can be data from around 11 a.m.

[0044] The column of status 402 displays one of the three states described in status details 405: measurement completed, measurement in progress, and not measured. If the device does not recognize the specimen before the start of the measurement and before the rack is loaded, it is considered not measured. For example, "not measured" indicates a state where the automatic analysis system 100 does not recognize the specimen (a state where the specimen has not been loaded). For example, it can include a state where a tray holding multiple racks is placed on the rack loading and unloading unit 1, or a state where the tray is not placed on the rack loading and unloading unit 1.

[0045] When the status 402 column indicates "Unmeasured", the column of specimen number or specimen insertion order 403 displays the specimen insertion order number starting from 1. The specimen insertion order number is equivalent to the acceptance order number in the rack loading and unloading section 1. The maximum value of the specimen insertion order number can be arbitrarily changed by the operator through a definition file, etc. In addition, the specimen number is equivalent to the specimen identification number obtained by reading the information assigned to the specimen container (for example, a barcode, a Q code (registered trademark), a character string, etc.). In addition, Figure 4 In the display, only the number of the sample insertion order (acceptance number) is displayed. That is, the information assigned to each sample container has not yet been read.

[0046] The column of predicted time 404 displays the predicted time (execution time) from the device pre-processing to the output of the measurement result, based on the sample input order shown in the column of sample number or sample input order 403. Figure 3A and 3B The predicted time 404 is assumed to be the predicted time when the measurement is started at the predicted time when the result is output. Alternatively, the predicted time 404 may be assumed to be the predicted time when the measurement is started from the current time by updating the real-time screen. Furthermore, the predicted time column 404 can be displayed separately for each type of analysis unit 2a, 2b, or 2c included in the automated analysis system 100 (biochemistry (colorimetry), immunology, etc.).

[0047] according to Figure 4 For example, for a specimen with specimen input order = 1, although it is not yet measured, it is predicted that the processing from device pretreatment to biochemical (colorimetric) analysis will be completed in 10:03 minutes, and the processing to immunoassay will be completed in 10:08 minutes. Furthermore, the total processing time prediction display screen 1_400 is not always displayed; it can be used to confirm the approximate predicted end time (the time from device pretreatment to measurement completion) before the start of the prediction. Furthermore, if the operator wishes to check the predicted end time for a specific specimen after the actual measurement has begun, the total processing time prediction display screen 1_400 can be opened to confirm the predicted end time.

[0048] <Configuration Example of Prediction Time Display Screen 2> Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of the total processing prediction time display screen 2_500 according to this embodiment. The total processing prediction time display screen 2_500 is displayed when the operator presses ( Figure 3A The screen displayed when the predicted time display button is pressed in S301) is an example of the screen structure showing the predicted time calculated after the rack is carried in.

[0049] Total processing forecast time display screen 1_400 ( Figure 4) Similarly, the total processing predicted time display screen 2_500 includes information 501 of object data, status 502 indicating a status related to the measurement (status after the bracket is moved in), information 503 of the specimen number or the specimen input order (information of the specimen number or the specimen input order after the bracket is moved in), predicted time 504 (predicted time after the bracket is moved in) and status details 505 as structural items.

[0050] After the rack is loaded, the status 502 column displays the three states of measurement completed, measurement in progress, and unmeasured in the status details 505. For specimens whose measurements have been completed, a "measurement completed" mark is displayed. For specimens whose measurements are in progress, a "measurement in progress" mark is displayed. For specimens whose measurements have not yet been completed, a "unmeasured" mark is displayed.

[0051] The column for specimen number or specimen insertion order 503 displays the specimen number (specimen identification number) when the specimen is loaded into the rack and identified (specimen information is read) by the rack loading and unloading unit 1. In this case, the specimen insertion order (acceptance number) displayed before the rack is loaded (before the specimen information is read) continues to be displayed after the rack is loaded. However, once the specimen number corresponding to the specimen insertion order is determined, the display switches from the specimen insertion order to the specimen number.

[0052] In the column of predicted time 504, for the specimen whose status 502 is measurement completed, the total processing predicted time is not displayed for each type of analysis unit 2a to 2c, but the actual result output time (device preprocessing time + measurement time) is displayed. When there is no analysis request corresponding to the type of analysis unit 2a to 2c, the "unmeasured mark" in the status details 505 is displayed. In addition, when the device status becomes a standby state or a rack acceptance waiting state due to the completion of the measurement, the control device 7 resets the analysis status to "unmeasured" starting from the number (acceptance number) of the specimen (rack) input order 1, and updates the total processing predicted time display screen 2_500. This is to prevent the specimen input order (acceptance number) confirmed before the start of the measurement and during the measurement from becoming inconsistent in the display of the predicted time.

[0053] (2) Implementation Method 2 Figure 6 This is a flowchart for explaining an overview of a process for generating a learning model for predicting a result output time, and a process for calculating and displaying a result output prediction time using the learning model.

[0054] (i) Calculation and display of predicted output time using the learning model (i-1)S601 and S602 When the control device 7 detects that the operator presses the prediction screen display button (instruction of prediction time calculation) (S601), it inputs the information of the time period and date of calculation into the learning model for calculating the result output prediction time to calculate the result output prediction time.

[0055] (i-2)S603 The control device 7 displays the predicted output time calculated in S602 on the display screen.

[0056] (ii) Generation of learning models (ii-1)S604 The control device 7 acquires the accumulated data of the device pre-processing operation (time) from the storage device 71 .

[0057] (ii-2)S605 The control device 7 acquires the accumulated data from the time when the rack is carried in to the time when the measurement result is output (time) from the storage device 71 .

[0058] (ii-3)S606 The control device 7 uses the accumulated data from the device pre-processing operation and the accumulated data from the time the rack is moved in to the output of the measurement result to generate a learning model for calculating the predicted time of the result output. The learning model can be generated based on the accumulated time series data according to the periodicity or trend of the data. The learning model can be generated or updated each time the predicted time is calculated, each time data is added, or periodically every 24 hours. The generated learning model can be stored in a dedicated storage unit such as the storage device 71. In addition, the learning model can be generated / updated and used each time the calculation process of the predicted time of the result output is performed.

[0059] Furthermore, for time series data forecasting (calculating the predicted output time), accuracy can be improved by generating a learning model that considers date and time periods. Representative models for time series forecasting include the MA model, AR model, ARMA model, ARIMA model, and SARIMA model. These forecasting models can be used to improve the accuracy of time series forecasting.

[0060] (3) Summary (i) In this embodiment, the automatic analysis system 100 stores, for each specimen, the time required for the measurement pre-processing operation from the start of the measurement to the loading of the rack, and the time required from the loading of the rack to the completion of the measurement in the storage device 71. In addition, as supplementary information, analysis time-related information such as the date, time period, and commissioned item is also stored in the storage device 71 together with the above-mentioned time information. The control device 7 adds the average value of the time required for the device pre-processing operation in the past and the average value of the time required from the loading of the rack to the completion of the measurement, thereby displaying the time required until the completion of the measurement on the screen of the automatic analysis system 100 for the specimens before loading. In addition, in order to cope with the situation where the number of specimens to be measured before the loading of the rack is unclear, the control device 7 displays the predicted time according to the order in which the specimens are loaded, thereby displaying the predicted time for each specimen. According to this embodiment, the predicted time can be displayed for the specimens before the loading of the rack. Therefore, the operator does not need to wait until the predicted time is displayed. Furthermore, before the rack is loaded, the estimated time display is displayed on the screen according to the order in which the specimens are inserted. This allows the operator to understand the estimated time corresponding to the number of specimens inserted. This allows the operator to foresee the time it will take for the measurement to complete and plan their work accordingly. Furthermore, if the measurement result for a specific specimen is desired, the estimated time until the measurement is completed can be displayed, eliminating the need to wait until the specimen is dispensed. This reduces operator time and improves work efficiency.

[0061] (ii) The functions of the present embodiment can also be implemented by the program code of software. In this case, a storage medium having recorded the program code is provided to a system or device, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or device reads the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code read out from the storage medium itself implements the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment, and the program code itself and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present disclosure. As a storage medium for providing such a program code, for example, a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM, etc. are used.

[0062] Furthermore, based on the instructions of the program code, the OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments can be realized through this processing. In addition, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to the memory on the computer, the CPU of the computer can perform part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, and the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments can be realized through this processing.

[0063] Moreover, the program code of the software that implements the functions of the implementation method can be distributed via a network and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk or memory of the system or device or a storage medium such as CD-RW, CD-R, etc. When in use, the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or device reads out the program code stored in the storage unit or the storage medium and executes it.

[0064] The processes and techniques described herein do not inherently involve any specific apparatus and may be implemented by a combination of components. Furthermore, various types of general-purpose devices may be added. In order to perform the functions of this embodiment, a dedicated apparatus may be constructed. Furthermore, various functions may be formed by appropriately combining the multiple structural elements disclosed in this embodiment. For example, some structural elements may be deleted from all the structural elements shown in the embodiment, or structural elements from different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0065] Although specific embodiments are described in this disclosure, they are intended in all respects to illustrate (understand the technology of the present disclosure) and not to limit. Those with ordinary knowledge in the art will understand that there are many combinations of hardware, software, and firmware suitable for implementing the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the software described can be implemented in a wide range of programming or scripting languages ​​such as assembler, C / C++, Perl, Shell, PHP, Java (registered trademark), etc.

[0066] In addition, in the above embodiment, the control lines and information lines necessary for explanation are shown, but this is not limited to showing all the control lines and information lines necessary for the product. All the structures can be connected to each other.

[0067] In addition, if a person with ordinary knowledge in this technical field can clearly understand other implementations of the present disclosure by studying this embodiment, the description and specific examples are only typical, and the scope and spirit of the present disclosure will be shown in the subsequent claims. Label Description

[0068] 1Standard loading and unloading department 2a, 2b, 2c Analysis Department 3. Temporary storage of brackets 4 points betting line 5. Temporary storage of brackets 6 points betting line 7. Operation unit PC (control device) 8 points betting line 9 transmission lines 71 Storage Devices 100 automatic analysis system 400 Total processing prediction time display screen 1 401 Object Data Information 402 status (before the bracket is moved in) 403 Specimen number or specimen input order (before the rack is moved in) 404 predicted time (before the bracket is moved in) 405 Status Details 500 Total processing prediction time display screen 2 501 Object Data Information 502 status (after the bracket is moved in) 503 Specimen number or specimen input order (after the rack is moved in) 504 predicted time (after the bracket is moved in) 505 status details.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis system, characterized in that: include: a rack carrying-in / out unit that carries in and out at least one rack holding at least one specimen container containing the specimen; at least one analyzing unit configured to analyze the sample; a transport mechanism for transporting at least one of the racks to a position in at least one of the analysis units where the sample is dispensed; a storage unit storing analysis time-related information related to a time required from when a sample was transferred to at least one of the analysis units to when analysis was completed in the past; as well as a control device for controlling the operation of the rack loading and unloading unit, at least one of the analysis units, and the conveying mechanism; The control device performs the following processing: a process of calculating a predicted time until the end of analysis based on the analysis time-related information stored in the storage unit, taking the specimen in the at least one specimen container held by the at least one rack carried in front of the at least one analysis unit as a predicted time calculation target; as well as A process of displaying the calculated predicted time together with information of the sample to be calculated for the predicted time on a display screen.

2. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1, wherein The analysis time-related information includes information on the execution date and execution time period of the past analysis of the sample, which is associated with the past analysis time of the sample. The control device acquires the analysis time-related information corresponding to the date and time period of the analysis request for the sample to be calculated for the predicted time from the storage unit, and calculates the predicted time by statistically processing the acquired analysis time-related information.

3. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1, wherein The storage unit stores, in addition to the analysis time-related information, device preprocessing time information indicating a time of past device preprocessing performed before at least one of the racks was carried into at least one of the analysis units. The control device calculates a predicted time from the time a sample to be calculated as the predicted time is carried into at least one of the analysis units to the time when analysis is completed based on the analysis time-related information and the device preprocessing time information.

4. The automatic analysis system according to claim 2, wherein: The storage unit stores, in addition to the analysis time-related information, device preprocessing time information indicating a time of past device preprocessing performed before at least one of the racks was carried into at least one of the analysis units. The control device calculates a predicted time from the time a sample to be calculated as the predicted time is carried into at least one of the analysis units to the time when analysis is completed based on the analysis time-related information and the device preprocessing time information.

5. The automatic analysis system according to claim 4, wherein: The device preprocessing time information includes information on the execution date and execution time period of the past device preprocessing, which is associated with the time of the past device preprocessing. The control device also obtains the device preprocessing time information corresponding to the date and time period of the analysis request for the specimen for which the predicted time is calculated from the storage unit, and calculates the predicted time by adding the time obtained by statistically processing the obtained device preprocessing time information and the time obtained by statistically processing the obtained analysis time association information.

6. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1, wherein The control device displays the predicted time of the specimens on the display screen according to the order in which the specimen containers are put into the rack loading / unloading unit.

7. The automatic analysis system according to claim 6, wherein: When the rack loading and unloading section obtains specimen identification information by reading the specimen information attached to the specimen container, the control device switches the display of the predicted time of the input order to the predicted time based on the specimen identification information for the specimen corresponding to the specimen identification information.

8. The automatic analysis system according to claim 7, wherein: When the actual measurement of the specimen whose display has been switched to the predicted time based on the specimen identification information is completed and the state of the automatic analysis system becomes a standby state or a stand acceptance waiting state, the control device resets the analysis state in the automatic analysis system to "unmeasured" according to the input order.

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