Consumable replenishment support device

Abstract

To reduce the operator's effort to confirm whether the type and quantity of consumables picked up are sufficient for the next analysis process to be executed on a sample analysis device.SOLUTION: An identification unit for consumables requiring replenishment 68 identifies the types and quantities of consumables requiring replenishment, which is consumables to be replenished to a sample analysis device 14 for the next analysis process on the basis of the types and quantities of remaining consumables currently installed in the sample analysis device 14, which are consumables, and the types and quantities of necessary consumables required for the next analysis process to be performed in the sample analysis device 14. A ready-to-use consumables identification unit 70 identifies the types and quantities of ready-to-use consumables picked up by an operator. A ready-to-use consumables comparison unit 72 compares the types and quantities of consumables to be replenished with the types and quantities of ready-to-use consumables. A notification processing unit 62 displays the comparison results of the ready-to-use consumables comparison unit 72 on a display 54.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a consumable replenishment support device that supports replenishment of consumables to a specimen analysis device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a specimen analysis device that analyzes specimens such as blood and urine is known. In a specimen analysis device, disposable members are used. In this specification, the disposable members used in a specimen analysis device are called consumables. Examples of consumables include reagents, chips (attached to nozzles for aspirating specimens), chip racks, cuvettes (reaction vessels), detergent solutions, or cleaning solutions. These consumables are replenished to the specimen analysis device by an operator. In this specification, consumables that have been replenished to the specimen analysis device and are in a usable state are expressed as consumables installed in the specimen analysis device.

[0003] Conventionally, technologies for notifying an operator of the appropriate replenishment timing of consumables have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a specimen analysis device that predicts the predicted usage amount of a reagent on the current day based on the transition data of reagent consumption in each day of the week and each time zone in the past, and notifies the user of the replenishment timing of the reagent based on the remaining amount of the reagent in the current specimen analysis device and the predicted usage amount. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an analysis device that calculates the expected time until a plurality of reagents run out from a full state based on the past measurement history, and notifies the user of the replenishment timing of the reagent based on the remaining amount of the reagent in the current specimen analysis device and the past measurement history. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a specimen analysis system including an operation unit PC that controls a specimen analysis device and a tablet terminal that can be carried by an operator and is communicably connected to the operation unit PC, and displays a reagent preparation list including information indicating the remaining amount of the reagent in the specimen analysis device on the display unit of the tablet terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-209329 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-060327 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2018 / 0516782 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] When replenishing consumables in a specimen analyzer, first, the operator collects the consumables that are considered necessary for replenishing the specimen analyzer from a warehouse, a cold storage, etc. and brings them in front of the specimen analyzer. In this specification, such an operation of preparing to install consumables from a warehouse, a cold storage, etc. into the specimen analyzer is called pickup. The operator replenishes the specimen analyzer with the consumables picked up.

[0006] Here, conventionally, the operator visually confirmed whether the types and amounts of the consumables picked up were sufficient for the analysis process to be executed next in the specimen analyzer. For this confirmation, it was necessary to comprehensively judge from the types and amounts of the consumables currently installed (remaining) in the specimen analyzer, the types and amounts of the consumables required for the analysis process to be executed next in the specimen analyzer, and the types and amounts of the consumables picked up. Therefore, the operator had to take time for this confirmation.

[0007] In particular, when the content of the analysis process performed by the specimen analyzer varies (for example, when the content of the analysis process differs depending on the day), the types and amounts of the consumables required for the next analysis process vary, so the problem of taking time for the confirmation of the picked-up consumables becomes more prominent.

[0008] The purpose of the consumable replenishment support device according to the present embodiment is to reduce the labor of the operator for confirming whether the types and amounts of the picked-up consumables are sufficient for the analysis process to be executed next by the specimen analyzer.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The consumable replenishment support device disclosed in this specification is a consumable replenishment support device that supports the replenishment of consumables to a specimen analyzer that analyzes a specimen, and includes a remaining consumable specifying unit that specifies the types and amounts of the remaining consumables, which are the consumables currently installed in the specimen analyzer; a required consumable specifying unit that specifies the types and amounts of the required consumables, which are the consumables required for the analysis process to be executed next in the specimen analyzer; a replenishment required consumable specifying unit that specifies the types and amounts of the replenishment required consumables, which are the consumables to be replenished to the specimen analyzer for the next analysis process, based on the types and amounts of the remaining consumables and the types and amounts of the required consumables; a prepared consumable specifying unit that specifies the types and amounts of the prepared consumables, which are the consumables prepared by the operator; a prepared consumable comparison unit that compares the types and amounts of the replenishment required consumables with the types and amounts of the prepared consumables; and a notification processing unit that notifies the operator of the comparison result obtained by the prepared consumable comparison unit.

[0010] The prepared consumable specifying unit may further specify the expiration date of the prepared consumables, and the notification processing unit may notify the operator of the expiration date of the prepared consumables.

[0011] The remaining consumable specifying unit may further specify the lot number of the remaining consumables, the prepared consumable specifying unit may further specify the lot number of the prepared consumables, and the notification processing unit may notify the operator of the lot number of the remaining consumables and the lot number of the prepared consumables.

[0012] The notification processing unit may display the comparison result on the display of the mobile terminal used by the operator.

[0013] The notification processing unit causes the preparation consumables to be displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. The preparation consumable comparison unit registers the preparation consumables selected by the operator on the mobile terminal as consumables in a replenishable state. The notification processing unit may display, on the display, as the comparison result, a plurality of the consumables to be replenished and information indicating whether each of the consumables to be replenished is in a replenishable state.

[0014] After the preparation consumables are replenished, a replenished consumable specifying unit that specifies the type and amount of the replenished consumables, which are the consumables installed in the specimen analyzer, and a replenished consumable comparison unit that compares the type and amount of the necessary consumables with the type and amount of the replenished consumables are further provided. The notification processing unit may notify the operator of the comparison result by the replenished consumable comparison unit.

[0015] The replenished consumable comparison unit specifies the installable amount, which is the amount that can be installed in the specimen analyzer for each of the consumables. When the amount of a certain type of replenished consumable is less than the amount of the necessary consumables of that type, based on the installable amount, it is determined whether the consumables of that type can be further replenished in the specimen analyzer. The notification processing unit may notify the operator whether the necessary consumables of a certain type can be further replenished in the specimen analyzer when the amount of the replenished consumables of that type is less than the amount of the necessary consumables of that type.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the consumable replenishment support device disclosed in this specification, it is possible to reduce the labor of the operator for confirming whether the type and amount of the picked-up consumables are sufficient for the analysis process to be executed next by the specimen analyzer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a consumable replenishment support system 10 according to this embodiment. The consumable replenishment support system 10 includes a management server 12, a specimen analyzer 14, and a mobile terminal 16 as a consumable replenishment support device. The management server 12, the specimen analyzer 14, and the mobile terminal 16 are communicably connected to each other via a communication line 18 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0019] The management server 12 is configured by, for example, a server computer or the like. The management server 12 is a server that manages the specimen analyzer 14. Specifically, the management server 12 manages a device ID that uniquely identifies the specimen analyzer 14 to be managed, the type (model number) of the specimen analyzer 14, and the content of the analysis process that can be executed by the specimen analyzer 14. The management server 12 can manage a plurality of specimen analyzers 14. In this embodiment, the management server 12 manages a plurality of specimen analyzers 14 included in a plurality of specimen analysis systems (details will be described later) provided in one facility.

[0020] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the memory 20 of the management server 12 stores consumable information 22, installation information 24, installable quantity information 26, and analysis history 28.

[0021] The consumable information 22 is information indicating the types and amounts of consumables required to execute each analysis process executable by the specimen analyzer 14 to be managed for a predetermined number of tests (for example, for one test). The consumable information 22 is created in advance based on the specifications of the specimen analyzer 14 and stored in the memory 20.

[0022] The installation information 24 is information indicating the types and amounts of consumables installed in the specimen analyzer 14. The installation information 24 is appropriately updated based on information transmitted from the specimen analyzer 14 described later. Further, the installation information 24 may further indicate the lot numbers of the consumables installed in the specimen analyzer 14. The lot numbers of the consumables installed in the specimen analyzer 14 can be detected by, for example, a barcode reader or an RFID reader provided in the specimen analyzer 14.

[0023] The installable quantity information 26 is information indicating the installable quantity of each consumable in the specimen analyzer 14. The installable quantity information 26 is created in advance based on the specifications of the specimen analyzer 14 and stored in the memory 20.

[0024] The analysis history 28 is information indicating the content of the analysis processes executed in the past by the specimen analyzer 14. The analysis history 28 is appropriately updated based on information transmitted from the specimen analyzer 14.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the specimen analyzer 14 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the x-direction is the horizontal direction, the y-direction is the horizontal direction perpendicular to the x-direction, and the z-direction represents the vertical direction. The specimen analyzer 14 is a device that analyzes a specimen. For example, it is a device that measures the concentration of a target substance in a specimen using an antigen-antibody reaction. Examples of the specimen include blood (specifically, whole blood, serum, or plasma) or urine collected from the human body.

[0026] In this specification, one specimen analyzer 14 may be referred to as one module. Also, in this specification, a combination of a plurality of modules is referred to as a specimen analysis system. The plurality of modules included in the specimen analysis system may be of the same type or of different types from each other. According to a specimen analysis system including a plurality of modules of the same type, the analysis processing ability can be increased compared to a single module. Also, according to a specimen analysis system in which a plurality of different modules are combined, a series of analysis processes of a plurality of types can be executed collectively. In one facility, a plurality of specimen analysis systems may be installed. As described above, the management server 12 according to the present embodiment manages a plurality of modules (that is, the specimen analyzers 14) included in a plurality of specimen analysis systems. In the following description of the specimen analyzer 14, description will be made focusing on one module.

[0027] The specimen analyzer 14 includes a conveyance unit 30, a specimen dispensing position 32, a consumable replenishment unit 34, a consumable installation unit 36, a reaction tank 38, a measurement unit 40, a cuvette conveyance mechanism 42, a specimen dispensing mechanism 44, a reagent dispensing mechanism 46, and a control unit 48.

[0028] The conveying unit 30 conveys a rack Ra that holds a specimen container containing a specimen. For the conveyance of the rack Ra in the conveying unit 30, a belt conveying mechanism, a claw conveying mechanism, or the like is used. The conveying unit 30 includes a receiving unit 30a, an xy conveying unit 30b, and a discharging unit 30c. An operator inserts and places a rack Ra holding a plurality of specimens before analysis into the receiving unit 30a. The receiving unit 30a conveys the rack Ra in the +y direction. The xy conveying unit 30b conveys the rack Ra in the x direction and the y direction. Specifically, the xy conveying unit 30b conveys a rack Ra holding a plurality of specimens before analysis from the receiving unit 30a to the specimen dispensing position 32, and conveys a rack Ra holding a plurality of specimens after analysis to the discharging unit 30c. The discharging unit 30c conveys a rack Ra holding a plurality of specimens after analysis in the -y direction. The operator takes out the rack Ra from the discharging unit 30c.

[0029] The specimen is aspirated by the specimen dispensing mechanism 44 from the specimen container held by the rack Ra conveyed to the specimen dispensing position 32.

[0030] The consumable replenishment unit 34 is a replenishment port for consumables used in the specimen analyzer 14. The consumable replenishment unit 34 is provided at the lower part on the front side of the apparatus. Each consumable is replenished to the consumable replenishment unit 34 by an operator. Examples of consumables include, but are not limited to, reagents (or cartridges containing reagents), chips, cuvettes, detergent solutions, or cleaning solutions. Note that the reagents include types such as diluents, substrate solutions, magnetic particle solutions, labeled body fluids, or pretreatment solutions.

[0031] The consumables replenished to the consumable replenishment unit 34 are conveyed from the consumable replenishment unit 34 to each consumable installation unit 36 by each conveying mechanism. For example, the chips replenished to the consumable replenishment unit 34 are conveyed to the chip installation unit 36a. Also, an operator may directly supply consumables to the consumable installation unit 36. For example, the operator supplies reagents to the reagent installation unit 36b, supplies cuvettes to the cuvette installation unit 36c, and supplies substrate solutions to the substrate solution installation unit 36d. The consumables conveyed to each consumable installation unit 36 become the consumables installed in the specimen analyzer 14.

[0032] In the configuration example of FIG. 2, the reaction tank 38 has an annular turntable, and a plurality of reaction vessels are set on the turntable. In the reaction tank 38, for example, positions for setting reaction vessels, positions for injecting specimens, positions for injecting reagents, positions for stirring, positions for performing B / F (Bound / Free) separation, positions for taking out specimen containers, etc. are defined. While rotating the turntable, a series of processes are executed in parallel for individual specimens. In FIG. 2, illustrations of a plurality of facilities required when executing those processes are omitted. The reaction vessel taken out from the reaction tank 38 is sent to the measurement unit 40.

[0033] In the measurement unit 40, luminescence due to the enzymatic reaction of the labeled antibody bound to the target substance contained in the reaction vessel is detected. Based on the detected luminescence amount, concentration calculation and the like are executed.

[0034] The cuvette transport mechanism 42 includes an arm portion having a long shape in one direction. The arm portion is rotatable in the xy plane with one end as the rotation center. A mechanism for gripping a cuvette is provided on the other end side of the arm portion. The cuvette transport mechanism 42 transports the cuvette from the cuvette installation portion 36c to the reaction tank 38 and from the reaction tank 38 to the measurement unit 40.

[0035] Similar to the cuvette transport mechanism 42, the specimen dispensing mechanism 44 includes an arm portion having a long shape in one direction that is rotatable in the xy plane with one end as the rotation center. A nozzle 44a is provided on the other end side of the arm portion. The nozzle 44a is composed of, for example, a metal nozzle base and a resin chip detachably attached to the tip thereof. The chip is a disposable chip that is exchanged and discarded for each specimen, that is, a consumable. The chip is supplied from the chip installation portion 36a. The specimen dispensing mechanism 44 sucks the target specimen from the specimen container held by the rack Ra placed at the specimen dispensing position 32. Thereafter, the specimen dispensing mechanism 44 discharges the sucked specimen into a specific reaction vessel placed in the reaction tank 38.

[0036] The reagent dispensing mechanism 46 also includes an arm portion that is long in one direction and rotatable in the xy plane about one end as the rotation center. A nozzle 46a is provided on the other end side of the arm portion. The nozzle 46a is composed of, for example, a metal pipe. After reagent dispensing, the nozzle 46a is cleaned with a detergent solution, which is a consumable. The reagent dispensing mechanism 46 sucks the target reagent from a cartridge or reagent bottle installed on the reagent installation portion 36b. Then, the reagent dispensing mechanism 46 discharges the sucked reagent into a specific reaction vessel placed in the reaction tank 38.

[0037] The control unit 48 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the control unit 48 controls each part of the specimen analyzer 14.

[0038] The control unit 48 detects the types and quantities of consumables installed in the specimen analyzer 14 and transmits information indicating them to the management server 12. Thereby, the installation information 24 stored in the memory 20 of the management server 12 is updated. For example, the control unit 48 can calculate the types and quantities of consumables installed in the specimen analyzer 14 based on the types and quantities of consumables replenished by the operator and the usage amounts of each consumable. If information indicating the types and quantities of consumables used when each analysis process is executed once is held, the control unit 48 can calculate the usage amounts of each consumable based on the content of the analysis process executed by the specimen analyzer 14 and the number of executions of the analysis process. Alternatively, a sensor for detecting the types and quantities of consumables installed in the specimen analyzer 14 may be provided in the specimen analyzer 14, and the control unit 48 may detect the types and quantities of consumables installed in the specimen analyzer 14 by the sensor. Also, the control unit 48 may detect the lot numbers of the consumables installed in the specimen analyzer 14 and transmit information indicating them to the management server 12.

[0039] Furthermore, each time an analysis process is completed by the specimen analyzer 14, the control unit 48 transmits information indicating the content of the analysis process to the management server 12. Thereby, the analysis history 28 stored in the memory 20 of the management server 12 is updated.

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the mobile terminal 16 according to the present embodiment. The mobile terminal 16 is a device that can be carried by an operator, and is, for example, a tablet terminal or a smartphone.

[0041] The communication interface 50 is composed of, for example, a network adapter or the like. The communication interface 50 functions to communicate with other devices (for example, the management server 12 and the specimen analysis device 14) via the communication line 18.

[0042] The input interface 52 is composed of, for example, buttons, a touch panel, or the like. The input interface 52 is used to input an operator's instruction to the mobile terminal 16.

[0043] The display 54 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like. Various screens are displayed on the display 54 in accordance with instructions from the processor 60 described later.

[0044] The camera 56 is composed of, for example, a lens and an imaging device (CCD (Charge Coupled Device)) or the like. The camera 56 acquires captured image data representing an object by capturing the object.

[0045] The memory 58 includes an eMMC (embedded Multi Media Card) or a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like. A consumable replenishment support program for operating each part of the mobile terminal 16 is stored in the memory 58. Note that the consumable replenishment support program can also be stored in a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a CD-ROM. The mobile terminal 16 can read and execute the consumable replenishment support program from such a storage medium.

[0046] The processor 60 is configured to include at least one of a general-purpose processor (such as a CPU, etc.) and a dedicated processor (such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a programmable logic device, etc.). The processor 60 may be constituted not by a single processing device but by the cooperation of a plurality of physically separated processing devices. The processor 60 exhibits each function shown in FIG. 3 according to the consumable replenishment support program stored in the memory 58.

[0047] The replenishment of consumables to the specimen analyzer 14 is supported by the functions exhibited by the processor 60. In this embodiment, the case where the functions of the processor 60 are exhibited when an operator replenishes the specimen analyzer 14 with consumables for the analysis process on the next operating day after all the analysis processes for one day using the specimen analyzer 14 are completed will be described. However, the timing at which the functions of the processor 60 are exhibited is not limited to this, and it may be at any time after the analysis process is completed in the specimen analyzer 14 and before the next analysis process is executed in the specimen analyzer 14. Hereinafter, each function exhibited by the processor 60 will be described. The processor 60 executes the following processes for each of the plurality of specimen analyzers 14 managed by the management server 12.

[0048] The notification processing unit 62 notifies the operator of the processing results of each function of the processor 60 described below. In this embodiment, the notification processing unit 62 notifies the operator of the processing results of the processor 60 by causing a screen showing the processing results of the processor 60 to be displayed on the display 54 of the mobile terminal 16. First, the notification processing unit 62 causes the list creation button Li (see FIG. 4) to be displayed on the display 54.

[0049] The remaining consumable specifying unit 64 specifies the types and amounts of the remaining consumables, which are the consumables installed in the specimen analyzer 14 at present (in this example, after the completion of the daily analysis process). Specifically, the remaining consumable specifying unit 64 accesses the management server 12 in response to the operator's operation of the list creation button Li, and specifies the types and amounts of the remaining consumables based on the installation information 24 stored in the memory 20 of the management server 12. Further, the remaining consumable specifying unit 64 may specify the lot numbers of the remaining consumables based on the installation information 24.

[0050] The necessary consumable specific part 66 specifies the types and amounts of necessary consumables that are consumables required for the analysis process to be executed next time (in this example, the next operation day) in the specimen analyzer 14. In the present embodiment, in response to the operator operating the list creation button Li, the necessary consumable specific part 66 accesses the management server 12 and, based on the consumable information 22 and the analysis history 28 stored in the memory 20 of the management server 12, specifies the types and amounts of necessary consumables. For example, if the analysis history 28 shows that in the specimen analyzer 14, analysis process α is often executed 600 tests on Monday, analysis process β is often executed 500 tests on Tuesday, and analysis process γ is often executed 700 tests on Wednesday, and the content of the analysis process and the number of tests are determined according to the day of the week, then the necessary consumable specific part 66 can specify the content of the analysis process and the test volume to be performed on the next operation day according to the day of the week of the next operation day and the analysis history 28. For example, if the next operation day is Monday, the necessary consumable specific part 66 can specify that analysis process α will be executed 600 tests on the next operation day. Then, for each analysis process, the necessary consumable specific part 66 can specify the types and amounts of necessary consumables based on the consumable information 22 indicating the types and amounts of consumables required to execute a predetermined number of tests (for example, for 1 test) and the content and test volume of the analysis process on the specified next operation day. Note that the operator may input information indicating the types and amounts of necessary consumables from the input interface 52, and the necessary consumable specific part 66 may specify the types and amounts of necessary consumables based on the input information. Also, information indicating the types and amounts of necessary consumables may be specified using a necessary consumable estimation model that has learned the analysis history 28 as teacher data.

[0051] The consumable to be replenished specifying unit 68 specifies the type and quantity of the consumable to be replenished to the specimen analyzer 14 for the next analysis process based on the type and quantity of the remaining consumables specified by the remaining consumables specifying unit 64 and the type and quantity of the necessary consumables specified by the necessary consumables specifying unit 66. Specifically, the consumable to be replenished specifying unit 68 compares the type and quantity of the remaining consumables with the type and quantity of the necessary consumables, and specifies the shortage of the remaining consumables compared to the necessary consumables as the consumable to be replenished. Taking a simple example, if the remaining consumables are specified as 50 tests of consumable X, 100 tests of consumable Y, and 200 tests of consumable Z, and the necessary consumables are specified as 200 tests of consumable X, 200 tests of consumable Y, and 200 tests of consumable Z, the consumable to be replenished specifying unit 68 specifies 150 tests of consumable X and 100 tests of consumable Y as the consumables to be replenished.

[0052] The notification processing unit 62 causes the display 54 to display the type and quantity of the consumable to be replenished specified by the consumable to be replenished specifying unit 68. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the type and quantity of the consumable to be replenished. When the list creation button Li is operated by the operator, the notification processing unit 62 causes the screen shown in FIG. 4 to be displayed on the display 54.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the notification processing unit 62 causes the display 54 to display not only the type and quantity of the consumable to be replenished but also a screen including various information. The display screen shown in FIG. 4 will be described in order from the top. First, the notification processing unit 62 causes the display 54 to display the next process content information NeA indicating the content and test quantity of the analysis process to be performed on the next operation day specified by the necessary consumables specifying unit 66, and the necessary consumables information NeC indicating the type and quantity of the necessary consumables. Note that "AFP" shown in FIG. 4 indicates the type of the consumable. In the example of FIG. 4, only one type of consumable ("AFP" only) is shown, but a plurality of types of consumables may be displayed on the screen.

[0054] In this embodiment, for each module (Module 1 to 4) managed by the management server 12, the next processing content information NeA and the necessary consumable information NeC (the numerical values shown below each character of "Module 1 to 4") are displayed. Also, for each specimen analysis system (System 1, 2) including a plurality of modules, the next processing content information NeA and the necessary consumable information NeC (the numerical values shown below the character "total") are displayed. Further, the next processing content information NeA and the necessary consumable information NeC (the numerical values shown below the character "grand total") for the entire facility including a plurality of specimen analysis systems are displayed.

[0055] Also, the notification processing unit 62 causes the display 54 to display the remaining consumable information Rem indicating the type and quantity of the remaining consumables identified by the remaining consumable identification unit 64. In this embodiment, the remaining consumable information Rem is displayed for each module. In the example of FIG. 4, the remaining consumable information Rem is represented by a quadrangular figure with a white interior or partially or entirely shaded, and a circled number displayed at the lower right of the figure.

[0056] The circled number represents the installed quantity of the consumable for each specimen analysis device 14. For example, as in the example of FIG. 4, if the circled number is "3", it indicates that the installed quantity of the AFP reagent is 3.

[0057] And the shaded ratio inside the quadrangle represents the ratio of the remaining quantity of the consumable (AFP in the example of FIG. 4) currently installed in each specimen analysis device 14 to the installed quantity for each module, that is, each specimen analysis device 14. For example, assuming that 200 tests are possible with one AFP reagent, as in Module 4 of FIG. 4, if the circled number is "3" (i.e., 3 AFP reagents are installed) and the inside of the quadrangle is entirely shaded, it means that in Module 4, the remaining quantity of the consumable is the same as the installed quantity (i.e., 600 tests). As in Module 3 of FIG. 4, if three-quarters of the quadrangle is shaded, it means that the remaining quantity of the consumable is three-quarters of the installed quantity (i.e., 450 tests).

[0058] The remaining consumable information Rem may be displayed numerically as shown at the lower part of the screen in FIG. 4.

[0059] The consumable to be replenished information Rep is displayed at the lower part of the screen in FIG. 4. In the example of FIG. 4, the required amount of consumables for Modules 1 to 4 is 600 tests each. The remaining amount of consumables for Model 1 is 210 tests, for Model 2 is 405 tests, for Model 3 is 450 tests, and for Model 4 is 600 tests. Therefore, as the consumable to be replenished information Rep, it is shown that the amount of consumables to be replenished for Model 1 is 390 tests, for Model 2 is 195 tests, for Model 3 is 150 tests, and for Model 4 is 0 tests.

[0060] When the amount contained in one package (for example, one box) of the consumable is known, the notification processing unit 62 may display, as the consumable to be replenished information Rep, the number of packages sufficient to replenish the amount of consumables to be replenished. For example, when AFP contains 200 tests per box, the notification processing unit 62 may display, as the consumable to be replenished information Rep, as the number of boxes required to replenish the amount of consumables to be replenished for Model 1 is 2 boxes, for Model 2 is 1 box, for Model 3 is 1 box, and for Model 4 is 0 boxes. In the example of FIG. 4, the required number of boxes for each module is also displayed on the right side of the square figure as the remaining consumable information Rem. Further, in the example of FIG. 4, the required number of boxes for the specimen analysis systems (System1, 2) (the numerical value shown below the character "Total") is displayed, and also the required number of boxes for the entire facility (the numerical value shown below the character "Grand Total") is displayed.

[0061] Also, the notification processing unit 62 may cause the display 54 to display the lot number RLo of the remaining consumables identified by the remaining consumable specifying unit 64.

[0062] By having the notification processing unit 62 display at least the replenishment required consumable information Rep on the display 54, the operator can easily grasp the types and quantities of the replenishment required consumables. Also, in this embodiment, since the replenishment required consumable information Rep is displayed on the display 54 of the mobile terminal 16, the operator does not need to separately memo or print the types and quantities of the replenishment required consumables on paper.

[0063] The operator prepares the consumables with reference to the replenishment required consumable information Rep. Specifically, the operator collects the consumables from a warehouse, a refrigerator, etc. and brings them in front of the specimen analyzer 14 with reference to the replenishment required consumable information Rep. That is, the operator picks up the consumables. In this specification, the consumables picked up by the operator and before replenishment to the specimen analyzer 14 are called preparatory consumables.

[0064] The preparatory consumable specifying unit 70 specifies the types and quantities of the preparatory consumables. In this embodiment, the operator operates the pickup confirmation button Pi displayed on the display 54 to activate the camera 56 of the mobile terminal 16. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the preparatory consumables are photographed with the camera 56. The preparatory consumable specifying unit 70 specifies the types and quantities of the preparatory consumables shown in the photographed image by analyzing the photographed image taken by the camera 56. As a method for specifying the types and quantities of the preparatory consumables by image analysis, for example, it can be performed by reading barcodes, QR codes (registered trademarks), etc. described on the packages of the preparatory consumables. Alternatively, the types and quantities of the preparatory consumables may be specified by recognizing the packages of the preparatory consumables using a learning model such as a convolutional neural network (CNN).

[0065] In addition, the preparatory consumable specifying unit 70 may specify the expiration date of the preparatory consumables. The expiration date of the preparatory consumables can be specified by analyzing the captured image taken by the camera 56 and reading barcodes, QR codes, etc. described on the package of the preparatory consumables. Alternatively, a learning model may be used to read the expiration date described on the package of the preparatory consumables.

[0066] Furthermore, the preparatory consumable specifying unit 70 may specify the lot number of the preparatory consumables. Similar to the expiration date, the lot number of the preparatory consumables can be specified by analyzing the captured image taken by the camera 56 and reading barcodes, QR codes, etc. described on the package of the preparatory consumables. Alternatively, a learning model may be used to read the lot number described on the package of the preparatory consumables.

[0067] Note that the preparatory consumable specifying unit 70 may specify the type and quantity of the preparatory consumables, the expiration date, and the lot number by methods other than analyzing the captured image of the camera 56. For example, the operator may read the barcode described on the package of the preparatory consumables with a barcode reader to specify the type and quantity of the preparatory consumables, the expiration date, and the lot number. Also, the type and quantity of the preparatory consumables, the expiration date, and the lot number may be specified by reading the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) attached to the preparatory consumables. Alternatively, information indicating the type and quantity of the preparatory consumables, the expiration date, and the lot number may be input from the input interface 52 by the operator, and the preparatory consumable specifying unit 70 may specify the type and quantity of the preparatory consumables, the expiration date, and the lot number based on the input information.

[0068] The replenishment consumable comparison unit 72 compares the types and amounts of the replenishment-required consumables specified by the replenishment-required consumable identification unit 68 with the types and amounts of the ready consumables specified by the ready consumable identification unit 70. Specifically, the replenishment consumable comparison unit 72 identifies the shortage of ready consumables with respect to the replenishment-required consumables as shortage consumables, and identifies the excess of ready consumables with respect to the replenishment-required consumables as excess consumables. For example, if the replenishment-required consumables are identified as 400 test portions of consumable X, 300 test portions of consumable Y, and 200 test portions of consumable Z, and the ready consumables are identified as 400 test portions of consumable X, 200 test portions of consumable Y, and 300 test portions of consumable Z, the replenishment consumable comparison unit 72 identifies 100 test portions of consumable Y as shortage consumables and 100 test portions of consumable Z as excess consumables.

[0069] The notification processing unit 62 notifies the operator of the comparison result by the replenishment consumable comparison unit 72. In the present embodiment, the notification processing unit 62 causes a screen showing the comparison result to be displayed on the display 54 of the mobile terminal 16.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the comparison result by the replenishment consumable comparison unit 72. In the present embodiment, the notification processing unit 62 causes the display 54 to display the read consumable information RC indicating the types and amounts of the read consumables, the shortage consumable information SC indicating the types and amounts of the shortage consumables, and the excess consumable information OC indicating the types and amounts of the excess consumables. Note that the read consumables are the consumables among the ready consumables specified by the ready consumable identification unit 70 that are not excess consumables.

[0071] By checking the screen, the operator can easily grasp whether the ready consumables picked up by the operator are sufficient for the replenishment-required consumables. That is, the labor of the operator for confirming whether the types and amounts of the picked-up ready consumables are sufficient for the analysis process to be executed next by the specimen analyzer 14 is reduced.

[0072] The notification processing unit 62 may cause the display 54 to display the expiration date E of the preparatory consumables specified by the preparatory consumable specifying unit 70. Thereby, the operator can easily grasp the expiration date of the preparatory consumables that he or she was about to replenish to the specimen analyzer 14. For example, when the expiration date of the preparatory consumables has passed, the operator can refrain from replenishing the preparatory consumables to the specimen analyzer 14. Further, the preparatory consumable comparison unit 72 compares the current time with the expiration date of the preparatory consumables to determine whether the expiration date of the preparatory consumables has passed. When the expiration date of the preparatory consumables has passed, the notification processing unit 62 may warn the operator by a method such as causing a message to be displayed on the display 54.

[0073] For example, in the case of consumables such as reagents, their characteristics may vary for each manufacturing lot. In order to prevent differences in analysis results due to such differences in characteristics, calibration of the specimen analyzer 14 may be performed at the timing when the lot number for specifying the manufacturing lot of the consumables is switched. Therefore, from the viewpoint of reducing the number of calibrations, it is desirable to replenish the specimen analyzer 14 with consumables having the same lot number as the remaining consumables as much as possible.

[0074] Therefore, the notification processing unit 62 may cause the display 54 to display the lot number ILo of the preparatory consumables specified by the preparatory consumable specifying unit 70. Based on the lot number RLo of the remaining consumables (see FIG. 4) previously displayed on the display 54 and the lot number ILo of the preparatory consumables displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 6, if there are preparatory consumables with the same lot number as the remaining consumables, the operator can replenish the specimen analyzer 14 with the preparatory consumables.

[0075] In this embodiment, the notification processing unit 62 causes the display 54 to display a check box C corresponding to each of the consumables to be read. By checking the check box C, the operator can select the consumables to be read. When the operator checks the check box C and then operates the registration button Reg, the replenishment consumable comparison unit 72 registers (holds in the memory 58) the consumables to be read selected by the operator as replenishable consumables.

[0076] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display of the pickup status of consumables that need to be replenished. When the registration button Reg is operated by the operator, the notification processing unit 62 causes the display 54 to display a screen showing the pickup status of consumables that need to be replenished. On this screen, in addition to the remaining consumable information Rem and the consumable information Rep that need to be replenished, the pickup status PSt of each consumable that needs to be replenished (in other words, whether each consumable that needs to be replenished is in a replenishable state) is shown.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 7, the notification processing unit 62 displays an icon PSt1 indicating completion of pickup in association with the consumables that need to be replenished, for which all of the required replenishment amounts have been registered as being in a replenishable state, among the consumables that need to be replenished. On the other hand, the notification processing unit 62 displays an icon PSt2 indicating incomplete pickup in association with the consumables that need to be replenished, for which all of the required replenishment amounts have not yet been registered as being in a replenishable state, among the consumables that need to be replenished. In this way, by notifying the operator of the pickup status PSt, the operator can easily grasp the pickup status of the consumables that need to be replenished.

[0078] If there are consumables in short supply, the operator picks up the consumables in short supply. Then, when the operator operates the additional reading button Rea, the camera 56 is activated, and the operator photographs the replenishment consumables picked up this time with the camera 56. As a result, the replenishment consumable identification unit 70 re-identifies the type and amount of the replenishment consumables picked up this time.

[0079] The replenishment consumable comparison unit 72 compares the result of subtracting the registered replenishment consumables from the replenishment-required consumables specified by the replenishment-required consumable identification unit 68 with the types and quantities of the replenishment consumables re-identified by the replenishment consumable identification unit 70. The notification processing unit 62 causes the display 54 to display the result of the re-comparison by the replenishment consumable comparison unit 72, as in the screen shown in FIG. 6. On the screen displayed on the display 54, the operator checks the check box C corresponding to the read consumable and operates the registration button Reg.

[0080] By repeating such operations, the operator proceeds with the picking up of the replenishment consumables for the replenishment-required consumables. When the operator determines that the replenishment consumables have been sufficiently picked up, the operator replenishes the specimen analyzer 14 with the replenishment consumables. When the replenishment consumables are replenished to the specimen analyzer 14, the control unit 48 of the specimen analyzer 14 detects the types and quantities of the consumables installed in the specimen analyzer 14 after the replenishment, and transmits information indicating the same to the management server 12. Then, the installed information 24 of the management server 12 is updated.

[0081] After the replenishment consumables are replenished to the specimen analyzer 14, when the installation confirmation button Se is operated by the operator, the post-replenishment consumable identification unit 74 identifies the types and quantities of the post-replenishment consumables, which are the consumables installed in the specimen analyzer 14 after the replenishment of the replenishment consumables. Specifically, similar to the remaining consumable identification unit 64, the post-replenishment consumable identification unit 74 accesses the management server 12 and identifies the types and quantities of the post-replenishment consumables based on the installed information 24 stored in the memory 20 of the management server 12.

[0082] The post-replenishment consumable comparison unit 76 compares the types and quantities of the required consumables specified by the required consumable identification unit 66 with the types and quantities of the post-replenishment consumables specified by the post-replenishment consumable identification unit 74. Specifically, the post-replenishment consumable comparison unit 76 determines whether the post-replenishment consumables are insufficient or excessive with respect to the required consumables.

[0083] The notification processing unit 62 notifies the operator of the comparison result by the post - replenishment consumable comparison unit 76. In the present embodiment, the notification processing unit 62 causes the comparison result to be displayed on the display 54 of the mobile terminal 16. In the present embodiment, when the erection confirmation button Se is operated by the operator, the notification processing unit 62 causes the screen shown in FIG. 8 to be displayed on the display 54. On the screen, the notification processing unit 62 shows, as the comparison result, the erection status SSt of each necessary consumable (in other words, whether each necessary consumable has the amount of consumables required for the next analysis process erected).

[0084] As shown in FIG. 8, the notification processing unit 62 displays an icon SSt1 indicating that the amount of consumables required for the next analysis process has been erected, in association with the necessary consumables for which all of the required erection amounts have been erected among the necessary consumables. On the other hand, the notification processing unit 62 displays an icon SSt2 indicating that the amount of consumables required for the next analysis process has not been erected, in association with the necessary consumables for which all of the required erection amounts have not been erected among the necessary consumables. In this way, by notifying the operator of the erection status SSt, the operator can easily grasp the erection status of the consumables for the next analysis process.

[0085] When the amount of a certain type of post - replenishment consumable is less than the amount of the necessary consumable of that type, the post - replenishment consumable comparison unit 76 may determine whether the necessary consumable of that type can be further replenished to the specimen analyzer 14. In this case, first, the post - replenishment consumable comparison unit 76 identifies the installable amount of the consumable in the specimen analyzer 14 based on the installable amount information 26 stored in the memory 20 of the management server 12. Then, if the identified installable amount is more than the amount of the post - replenishment consumable of that type, it is determined that the necessary consumable of that type can be further replenished to the specimen analyzer 14. On the other hand, if the identified installable amount is the same as the amount of the post - replenishment consumable of that type, it is determined that the necessary consumable of that type cannot be further replenished to the specimen analyzer 14.

[0086] When the amount of a certain type of replenished consumable is less than the amount of the necessary consumable of that type, the notification processing unit 62 may notify the operator whether it is possible to further replenish the necessary consumable of that type to the specimen analyzer 14. For example, referring to FIG. 8, when the amount of the replenished consumable for the necessary consumable "BF cleaning liquid" is less than the required amount, the notification processing unit 62 displays, as the installation availability information Slo indicating whether it is possible to further replenish the necessary consumable "BF cleaning liquid" to the specimen analyzer 14, the availability status of the installation location for installing the necessary consumable "BF cleaning liquid". Thereby, the operator can easily grasp whether further replenishment of the necessary consumable is possible. If further replenishment of the necessary consumable is possible, the operator can replenish it. On the other hand, if replenishment is not possible, since replenishment will be required during the next analysis process, measures such as preparing a spare of the necessary consumable near the specimen analyzer 14 can be taken.

[0087] The outline of the consumable replenishment support system 10 according to this embodiment is as described above. Hereinafter, according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the processing flow of the mobile terminal 16 according to this embodiment will be described. After all the analysis processes for one day by the specimen analyzer 14 are completed, when the list creation button Li displayed on the display 54 of the mobile terminal 16 is operated by the operator, the flowchart starts.

[0088] In step S10, the remaining consumable specifying unit 64 specifies the type and amount of the remaining consumables, which are the consumables currently installed in the specimen analyzer 14, based on the installation information 24.

[0089] In step S12, the necessary consumable specifying unit 66 specifies the type and amount of the necessary consumables, which are the consumables required for the next analysis process in the specimen analyzer 14, based on the consumable information 22 and the analysis history 28.

[0090] In step S14, based on the types and amounts of the remaining consumables identified in step S10 and the types and amounts of the necessary consumables identified in step S12, the consumable-to-be-supplemented identification unit 68 identifies the types and amounts of the consumables to be supplemented to the specimen analyzer 14 for the next analysis process.

[0091] In step S16, as shown in FIG. 4, the notification processing unit 62 causes the types and amounts of the consumables to be supplemented identified in step S14 to be displayed on the display 54. The operator who has confirmed the screen picks up the ready consumables.

[0092] In step S18, the ready consumable identification unit 70 identifies the types and amounts of the ready consumables by analyzing the captured image taken by the camera 56 (see FIG. 5).

[0093] In step S20, the ready consumable comparison unit 72 compares the types and amounts of the consumables to be supplemented identified in step S14 with the types and amounts of the ready consumables identified in step S18.

[0094] In step S22, as shown in FIG. 6, the notification processing unit 62 causes a screen showing the comparison result in step S20 to be displayed on the display 54.

[0095] In step S24, the ready consumable comparison unit 72 determines whether the registration button Reg (see FIG. 6) displayed on the display 54 has been operated by the operator. If it has been operated, the process proceeds to step S26; if it has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S28.

[0096] In step S26, the ready consumable comparison unit 72 registers the ready consumables checked (i.e., selected by the operator) in the check box C (see FIG. 6) by the operator as consumables in a replenishable state. Then, the notification processing unit 62 causes a screen (see FIG. 7) showing the pickup status of the consumables to be supplemented to be displayed on the display 54.

[0097] In step S28, the post-replenishment consumable specifying unit 74 determines an operator's operation on the screen shown in FIG. 7. When the additional reading button Rea is operated by the operator, the process returns to step S18 and repeats from the specification of the preparatory consumables again.

[0098] When the operator completes the replenishment of the preparatory consumables to the specimen analyzer 14, the installation information 24 stored in the memory 20 of the management server 12 is updated. Then, when the operator who has completed the replenishment of the preparatory consumables operates the installation confirmation button Se, the process proceeds to step S30.

[0099] In step S30, based on the updated installation information 24, the post-replenishment consumable specifying unit 74 specifies the type and quantity of the post-replenishment consumables, which are the consumables installed in the specimen analyzer 14 after the replenishment of the preparatory consumables.

[0100] In step S32, the post-replenishment consumable comparison unit 76 compares the type and quantity of the required consumables specified in step S12 with the type and quantity of the post-replenishment consumables specified in step S30.

[0101] In step S34, as shown in FIG. 8, the notification processing unit 62 causes the display 54 to display a screen showing the comparison result in step S32.

[0102] As described above, the consumable replenishment support device according to the present disclosure has been described. However, the consumable replenishment support device according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0103] For example, in the above embodiment, the consumable replenishment support device was the mobile terminal 16. However, as the consumable replenishment support device, other devices, such as a stationary personal computer, etc., may also be used. In that case, the preparation consumable specifying unit 70 specifies the type and quantity of the preparation consumables based on a photographed image of the preparation consumables taken by the operator with a separate camera. Alternatively, by reading a barcode, QR code, etc. described on the package of the preparation consumables with a barcode reader connected to the device by wire or wirelessly, the type and quantity of the preparation consumables may be specified. Alternatively, the type and quantity of the preparation consumables may be specified based on information input to the device by the operator.

[0104] Also, the functions of the remaining consumable specifying unit 64, necessary consumable specifying unit 66, consumable to be replenished specifying unit 68, preparation consumable specifying unit 70, preparation consumable comparing unit 72, post-replenishment consumable specifying unit 74, and post-replenishment consumable comparing unit 76, which the processor 60 has, may be performed by other devices. For example, these functions may be performed by the control unit 48 of the specimen analyzer 14. Also, each of these functions may be distributed and performed in a plurality of devices.

[0105] Also, in the above embodiment, the consumable information 22, installation information 24, installable quantity information 26, and analysis history 28 were stored in the memory 20 of the management server 12. However, these pieces of information may be stored in the memory 58 of the specimen analyzer 14. In this case, the mobile terminal 16 communicates directly with the specimen analyzer 14, and the mobile terminal 16 directly acquires each of the above pieces of information from the specimen analyzer 14. Therefore, in this case, the management server 12 becomes unnecessary in the consumable replenishment support system 10.

Explanation of Signs

[0106] 10 Consumable replenishment support system, 12 Management server, 14 Specimen analyzer, 16 Mobile terminal, 22 Consumable information, 24 Installation information, 26 Installable quantity information, 28 Analysis history, 550 Communication interface, 52 Input interface, 54 Display, 56 Camera, 58 Memory, 60 Processor, 62 Notification processing unit, 64 Remaining consumable identification unit, 66 Required consumable identification unit, 68 Consumable to be replenished identification unit, 70 Consumable for preparation identification unit, 72 Consumable for preparation comparison unit, 74 Consumable after replenishment identification unit, 76 Consumable after replenishment comparison unit.

Claims

1. A consumable replenishment support device for supporting replenishment of consumables to a specimen analysis device that analyzes a specimen, comprising: a remaining consumable identification unit that identifies the types and amounts of the remaining consumables, which are the consumables currently installed in the specimen analysis device; a required consumable identification unit that identifies the types and amounts of the required consumables, which are the consumables necessary for the analysis process to be executed next in the specimen analysis device; a replenishment required consumable identification unit that identifies the types and amounts of the replenishment required consumables, which are the consumables to be replenished to the specimen analysis device for the next analysis process, based on the types and amounts of the remaining consumables and the types and amounts of the required consumables; a prepared consumable identification unit that identifies the types and amounts of the prepared consumables, which are the consumables prepared by an operator; a prepared consumable comparison unit that compares the types and amounts of the replenishment required consumables with the types and amounts of the prepared consumables; a notification processing unit that notifies the operator of the comparison result obtained by the prepared consumable comparison unit; A consumable replenishment support device, characterized by comprising the above components.

2. The prepared consumable identification unit further identifies the expiration date of the prepared consumables, and the notification processing unit notifies the operator of the expiration date of the prepared consumables. The consumable replenishment support device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The remaining consumable identification unit further identifies the lot numbers of the remaining consumables, the prepared consumable identification unit further identifies the lot numbers of the prepared consumables, and the notification processing unit notifies the operator of the lot numbers of the remaining consumables and the lot numbers of the prepared consumables. The consumable replenishment support device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. The notification processing unit causes the comparison result to be displayed on the display of a mobile terminal used by the operator. The consumable replenishment support device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

5. The notification processing unit causes the prepared consumables to be displayed on the display of the mobile terminal, the prepared consumable comparison unit registers the prepared consumables selected by the operator in the mobile terminal as replenishable consumables, and the notification processing unit causes the display to show, as the comparison result, a plurality of the replenishment required consumables and information indicating whether each of the replenishment required consumables is in a replenishable state. The consumable replenishment support device according to claim 4, characterized by the above.

6. After the preparation consumables are replenished, a replenished consumable specifying unit that specifies the type and amount of the replenished consumables, which are the consumables installed in the specimen analyzer; a replenished consumable comparing unit that compares the type and amount of the required consumables with the type and amount of the replenished consumables; further comprising: the notification processing unit notifies the operator of the comparison result by the replenished consumable comparing unit; The consumable replenishment support device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

7. The replenished consumable comparing unit specifies the installable amount, which is the amount that can be installed in the specimen analyzer, for each of the consumables. When the amount of a certain type of replenished consumables is less than the amount of the required consumables of that type, based on the installable amount, it determines whether it is possible to further replenish the specimen analyzer with the consumables of that type; When the amount of a certain type of replenished consumables is less than the amount of the required consumables of that type, the notification processing unit notifies the operator whether it is possible to further replenish the specimen analyzer with the required consumables of that type; The consumable replenishment support device according to claim 6, characterized in that.

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