Automatic analyzer

Abstract

To improve photometric accuracy.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer according to an embodiment includes a reaction disk, a light source, a detector, a selection unit, a photometric data generation unit, and an analysis unit. The reaction disk holds a reaction container containing a reaction liquid in which a sample and a reagent are mixed. The light source generates light. The detector detects the light generated from the light source and transmitted through the reaction liquid in a plurality of channels corresponding to a plurality of wavelengths, and outputs a detection signal of the detected light. The selection unit selects one or more priority channels among the plurality of channels. The photometric data generation unit does not generate photometric data based on the detection signal of the channel other than the one or more priority channels, and generates photometric data based on the detection signal of the one or more priority channels. The analysis unit generates an analysis result based on the generated photometric data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings relate to an automated analyzer. [Background technology]

[0002] An automatic analyzer is a device that optically and electrically measures the concentration or activity of components contained in blood or urine by utilizing chemical reactions with test reagents.

[0003] In recent years, there has been a demand for increasing the number of photometry measurements per rotation of the reaction disk in order to improve photometry accuracy. However, as the rotation speed of the reaction disk increases, the time available for photometry per rotation of the reaction disk decreases, making it difficult to increase the number of photometry measurements with conventional processing performance. Furthermore, improving processing performance requires costs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-080055 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to improve photometric accuracy. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of the configurations shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An automated analyzer according to an embodiment includes a reaction disk, a light source, a detector, a selection unit, a photometric data generation unit, and an analysis unit. The reaction disk holds a reaction vessel containing a reaction liquid in which a sample and a reagent are mixed. The light source generates light. The detector detects light emitted from the light source and transmitted through the reaction liquid in multiple channels corresponding to multiple wavelengths, and outputs a detection signal of the detected light. The selection unit selects one or more priority channels from the multiple channels. The photometric data generation unit does not generate photometric data based on detection signals of channels other than the one or more priority channels, but generates photometric data based on detection signals of the one or more priority channels. The analysis unit generates analysis results based on the generated photometric data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of photometric data generation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing calculation points according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a first photometry operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the second photometry operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a third photometry operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display screen that displays the analysis results according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display screen that displays an abnormality position according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of photometric operation switching control according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the automatic analyzer will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0009] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. The automatic analyzer 1 includes an analysis mechanism 2, a drive mechanism 3, an input interface 4, an output interface 5, a memory circuit 6, a communication interface 7, and a control circuit 8.

[0010] The analysis mechanism 2 mixes a sample, such as a standard sample or a test sample, with reagents used for each test item set for the sample. The analysis mechanism 2 includes a photometric unit that measures the photometric value of the mixture of the sample and the reagent. The mixture may also be called a reaction liquid. The photometric unit generates photometric data by measuring the photometric value of the mixture. The analysis mechanism 2 generates analysis results including test item values ​​related to the component analysis of the sample based on the photometric data generated by the photometric unit. The analysis results may also include results related to the above analyses related to the reaction vessel and / or the detector.

[0011] The drive mechanism 3 is realized by gears, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, a lead screw, etc. The drive mechanism 3 drives the analysis mechanism 2 under the control of the control circuit 8.

[0012] The input interface 4 is realized by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, and a touchpad that inputs instructions by touching the operation surface. The input interface 4, for example, accepts settings such as analysis parameters for each test item related to a sample requested to be measured by a user. The input interface 4 is connected to the control circuit 8, converts operation instructions input by the user into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the control circuit 8. Note that in this specification, the input interface 4 is not limited to an interface having physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an example of the input interface 4 also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to operation instructions input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analyzer 1 and outputs the electrical signals to the control circuit 8.

[0013] The output interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 8 and outputs a signal supplied from the control circuit 8. The output interface 5 is realized by, for example, a display circuit, a printed circuit, an audio device, or the like.

[0014] The display circuit includes, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, and a plasma display. The display circuit may also include a processing circuit that converts data representing a display object into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside. The printing circuit includes, for example, a printer. The printing circuit may also include an output circuit that outputs data representing a print object to the outside. The audio device may also include an output circuit that outputs an audio signal to the outside. The output interface 5 may be realized as a touch panel or a touch screen together with the input interface 4.

[0015] The storage circuit 6 includes a processor-readable storage medium such as a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, or a semiconductor memory. The storage circuit 6 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single storage device. For example, the storage circuit 6 may be realized by multiple storage devices.

[0016] The communication interface 7 is connected to, for example, a hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 performs data communication with a Hospital Information System (HIS) via the hospital network NW. Note that the communication interface 7 may also perform data communication with a Laboratory Information System (LIS) via an LIS connected to the hospital network NW.

[0017] The control circuit 8 controls the drive device 3 and drives the analysis mechanism 2. The control circuit 8 is a processor that functions as the core of the automatic analyzer 1. The control circuit 8 executes an operating program stored in the memory circuit 6, thereby realizing functions corresponding to the operating program. The functions of the control circuit 8 will be described later. The control circuit 8 may also include a memory area that stores at least a portion of the data stored in the memory circuit 6.

[0018] In this embodiment, each function is described as being realized by a single processor, but this is not limiting. For example, a control circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize each function. The above description of each function executed by control circuit 8 also applies to the following embodiments and modifications.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 shown in Fig. 1. The analysis mechanism 2 shown in Fig. 2 includes a reaction disk 201, a sample disk 203, a first reagent storage 204, and a second reagent storage 205. The analysis mechanism 2 also includes a sample dispensing arm 206, a sample dispensing probe 207, a first reagent dispensing arm 208, a first reagent dispensing probe 209, a second reagent dispensing arm 210, a second reagent dispensing probe 211, an electrode unit 212, a photometry unit 213, a cleaning unit 214, and a stirring unit 215.

[0020] The reaction disk 201 holds a plurality of reaction vessels 216. The reaction disk 201 transports the plurality of reaction vessels 216 along a predetermined path such as a circular path. Specifically, the reaction disk 201 is rotated and stopped alternately at predetermined time intervals (hereinafter referred to as one period or one cycle), for example, every 4.5 seconds, by the drive mechanism 3. The reaction vessels 216 are made of, for example, glass, polypropylene (PP), or acrylic. Note that a sample dispensing position, a first reagent dispensing position, a second reagent dispensing position, an agitation position, etc. are set at a plurality of positions on the reaction disk 201.

[0021] The reaction disk 201 has a thermostatic bath (not shown) therein for maintaining the reaction vessel 216 at a predetermined temperature. The thermostatic bath stores a heat medium set to a predetermined temperature, and the reaction vessel 216 is immersed in the stored heat medium to raise the temperature of the mixed liquid contained in the reaction vessel 216.

[0022] The sample disk 203 holds a plurality of sample containers that contain samples requested to be measured. The sample disk 203 transports the plurality of sample containers along a predetermined path, such as a circular path. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the sample disk 203 is disposed adjacent to the reaction disk 201. A sample suction position is set at a predetermined position on the sample disk 203. The sample disk 203 may also be covered with a removable cover.

[0023] The first reagent storage 204 holds a plurality of reagent containers containing a first reagent that reacts with a predetermined component contained in a sample. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first reagent storage 204 is arranged adjacent to the reaction disk 201. A first reagent rack is rotatably provided within the first reagent storage 204. The first reagent rack holds a plurality of reagent containers arranged in a circular ring shape. The first reagent rack is rotated by a drive mechanism 3. A first reagent aspirating position is set at a predetermined position on the first reagent storage 204. A second reagent may also be stored in the first reagent storage 204. The second reagent is a reagent that is dispensed after the first reagent is dispensed. The reagent containers may also be called reagent bottles. The first reagent storage 204 may also be covered with a removable reagent cover.

[0024] The second reagent storage 205 holds a plurality of reagent containers containing a second reagent. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the second reagent storage 205 is arranged inside the reaction disk 201. A second reagent rack is rotatably provided inside the second reagent storage 205. The second reagent rack holds a plurality of reagent containers arranged in a circular ring shape. The second reagent rack is rotated by the drive mechanism 3. A second reagent suction position is set at a predetermined position on the second reagent storage. The second reagent storage 205 may be covered with a removable reagent cover.

[0025] Next, the sample dispensing arm 206, sample dispensing probe 207, first reagent dispensing arm 208, first reagent dispensing probe 209, second reagent dispensing arm 210, second reagent dispensing probe 211, electrode unit 212, photometry unit 213, cleaning unit 214, and stirring unit 215 will be described.

[0026] The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided, for example, between the reaction disk 201 and the sample disk 203. The sample dispensing arm 206 holds a sample dispensing probe 207 at one end. The sample dispensing arm 206 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 to position the sample probe 207 directly above the opening of a sample container held on the sample disk 203 (sample suction position), and is lowered to a position where the sample dispensing probe 207 can aspirate the sample. The sample dispensing probe 207 aspirates the sample under the control of the control circuit 8. The sample dispensing arm 206 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 to raise the sample dispensing probe 207. The sample dispensing arm 206 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 to rotate, thereby moving the sample dispensing probe 207 to directly above the opening of a reaction container 216 held on the reaction disk 201 (sample discharge position). The sample dispensing arm 206 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 to lower the sample dispensing probe 207, which is located at the sample discharge position, to a position where the sample can be discharged. The sample dispensing probe 207 discharges the sample aspirated into the reaction vessel 216 under the control of the control circuit 8. The sample dispensing arm 206 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 to raise the sample dispensing probe 207. The sample dispensing arm 206 and the sample dispensing probe 207 perform a series of dispensing operations of raising, lowering, rotating, aspirating, and dispensing, for example, once per cycle.

[0027] The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided, for example, between the reaction disk 201 and the first reagent storage 204. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 holds a first reagent dispensing probe 209 at one end. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 to position the first reagent dispensing probe 209 directly above the opening of a reagent container held in the first reagent rack (first reagent aspirating position), and is lowered to a position where the first reagent dispensing probe 209 can aspirate the first reagent. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 aspirates the first reagent from the reagent container under the control of the control circuit 8. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 to raise the first reagent dispensing probe 209. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 to rotate, thereby moving the first reagent dispensing probe 209 to directly above the opening of a reaction vessel 216 held on the reaction disk 201 (first reagent dispensing position). The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 to lower the first reagent dispensing probe 209, which is located at the first reagent dispensing position, to a position where it can dispense the first reagent. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 dispenses the first reagent aspirated into the reaction vessel 216 under the control of the control circuit 8. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 to raise the first reagent dispensing probe 209. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 and the first reagent dispensing probe 209 perform a series of dispensing operations of raising, lowering, rotating, aspirating, and dispensing, for example, once per cycle. This series of dispensing operations is also performed in the same way when the first reagent dispensing probe 209 dispenses the second reagent.

[0028] The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided, for example, between the reaction disk 201 and the second reagent storage 205. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 holds a second reagent dispensing probe 211 at one end. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 to position the second reagent dispensing probe 211 directly above the opening of a reagent container held in the second reagent rack (second reagent aspirating position), and is lowered to a position where the second reagent dispensing probe 211 can aspirate the second reagent. The second reagent dispensing probe 211 aspirates the second reagent from the reagent container under the control of the control circuit 8. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 to raise the second reagent dispensing probe 211. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 to rotate, thereby moving the second reagent dispensing probe 211 to directly above the opening of a reaction vessel 216 held on the reaction disk 201 (second reagent dispensing position). The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 to lower the second reagent dispensing probe 211, which is located at the second reagent dispensing position, to a position where it can dispense the second reagent. The second reagent dispensing probe 211 dispenses the second reagent aspirated into the reaction vessel 216 under the control of the control circuit 8. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 to raise the second reagent dispensing probe 211. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 and the second reagent dispensing probe 211 perform a series of dispensing operations of raising, lowering, rotating, aspirating, and dispensing, for example, once per cycle.

[0029] The electrode unit 212 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The electrode unit 212 measures the electrolyte concentration of a mixture of a sample and a reagent discharged into a reaction container 216. The electrode unit 212 has an ion selective electrode (ISE) and a reference electrode. Under the control of the control circuit 8, the electrode unit 212 measures the potential between the ISE and the reference electrode for the mixture containing the ions to be measured.

[0030] The photometric unit 213 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The photometric unit 213 optically measures a predetermined component in a mixture of a sample and a reagent dispensed into a reaction vessel 216. The photometric unit 213 irradiates light from a light source. The irradiated light enters the reaction vessel 216 through a first side wall and exits through a second side wall opposite the first side wall. The photometric unit 213 detects the light emitted from the reaction vessel 216 using a photodetector. The photometric unit 213 reads the detection signal from the photodetector via a multiplexer and generates photometric data based on the detection signal. The photometric data is, for example, a representative value of the detection signal for each wavelength at one calculation point. Specifically, the photometric data may be an ensemble average or median of a set of multiple digital data based on multiple detection signals of channels at one calculation point. Below, a case where two or more priority channels including a dominant wavelength and a subordinate wavelength used for component analysis are selected will be described. However, the number of priority channels selected is not limited to two or more. For example, this embodiment is also applicable when one priority channel is selected as the dominant wavelength.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of photometric data generation by the photometric unit 213. As shown in FIG. 3, the photometric unit 213 includes a light source 231, a photodetector 232, a multiplexer 233, an A / D converter 234, and a processing circuit 235. The light source 231 generates light. The light transmitted through the reaction solution contained in the reaction vessel 216 is dispersed into multiple wavelengths via a prism or the like. The photodetector 232 detects the light generated by the light source 231 and transmitted through the reaction solution in multiple channels corresponding to the multiple wavelengths and outputs a detection signal of the detected light. The control circuit 8 selects two or more priority channels and transmits information of the two or more priority channels to the multiplexer 233. The multiplexer 233 reads out detection signals from the multiple channels of the photodetector 232, limiting the received signals to the two or more priority channels. The multiplexer 233 may also be referred to as a reader. The A / D converter 234 converts the detection signals read from two or more priority channels into digital data for each channel. The processing circuit 235 generates photometric data based on the digital data and generates analysis results based on the generated photometric data. Note that a priority channel does not have to be selected. If a priority channel is not selected, the control circuit 8 controls the photometric unit 213 to generate photometric data for all channels of the photodetector 232. The control circuit 8 can also select a priority channel for each calculation point.

[0032] The cleaning unit 214 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The cleaning unit 214 cleans the inside of the reaction vessel 216 after the measurement of the mixed liquid has been completed by the electrode unit 212 or the photometry unit 213. The cleaning unit 214 is provided with a cleaning liquid supply pump (not shown) that supplies a cleaning liquid for cleaning the reaction vessel 216. The cleaning unit 214 also has a cleaning nozzle that discharges the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply pump into the reaction vessel 216 and sucks up the mixed liquid and each liquid in the reaction vessel 216.

[0033] The stirring unit 215 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The stirring unit 215 has a stirring bar, and uses this stirring bar to stir a mixture of a sample and a first reagent contained in a reaction container 216 located at a stirring position on the reaction disk 201. Alternatively, the stirring unit 215 stirs a mixture of a sample, a first reagent, and a second reagent contained in the reaction container 216.

[0034] Next, the functions of the control circuit 8 according to the first embodiment will be described. For example, the control circuit 8 executes a control program to have a system control function 81, a photometry control function 82, an input function 83, an analysis control function 84, a display control function 85, and an abnormality position identification function 86. Note that the first embodiment describes a case in which the system control function 81, photometry control function 82, input function 83, analysis control function 84, display control function 85, and abnormality position identification function 86 are realized by a single processor, but this is not limiting. For example, the control circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and the system control function 81, photometry control function 82, input function 83, analysis control function 84, display control function 85, and abnormality position identification function 86 may be realized by each processor executing a control program.

[0035] Using the system control function 81, the control circuit 8 comprehensively controls each part of the automatic analyzer 1 based on, for example, input information input from the input interface 4. Specifically, the control circuit 8 controls the rotational movement of the reaction disk 201, the rotational movement and dispensing movement of the sample dispensing probe 207, the rotational movement and dispensing movement of the first reagent dispensing probe 209, and the rotational movement and dispensing movement of the second reagent dispensing probe 211, etc.

[0036] By implementing the photometric control function 82, the control circuit 8 controls each component to execute the inspection process according to the first embodiment. In the inspection process according to the first embodiment, the control circuit 8 implements the photometric control function 82 to select two or more priority channels from among the multiple channels of the photodetector. A priority channel is a channel for which the accuracy of the photometric data is desired to be improved compared to other channels. By implementing the photometric control function 82, the control circuit 8 controls the analysis mechanism 2 to generate photometric data based on the detection signals of the priority channels, rather than generating photometric data based on the detection signals of the priority channels. As an example, the control circuit 8 controls the multiplexer 233 to read out the detection signals of only the priority channel to be read out from among the two or more priority channels.

[0037] The priority channels are not limited to being used for controlling the multiplexer, but may be used to define the allocation of the processing capacity of the control circuit 8.

[0038] The control circuit 8 receives various pieces of information through the input control function 83. For example, the control circuit 8 receives two or more priority channels.

[0039] By implementing the analysis control function 84, the control circuit 8 analyzes the sample for various test items. As an example, the control circuit 8 generates an analysis result of the sample.

[0040] By implementing the display control function 85, the control circuit 8 displays various information related to the photometric data. As an example, the control circuit 8 outputs the analysis results.

[0041] By implementing the abnormality position identifying function 86, the control circuit 8 identifies the position of the abnormality in the reaction vessel 216. As an example, the control circuit 8 identifies the abnormality position in the reaction vessel 216 based on photometric data.

[0042] Next, the photometric processing of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment configured as above will be described in detail.

[0043] Hereinafter, the phrase "under the control of the control circuit 8" when the control circuit 8 controls each part and the phrase "driven by the drive mechanism 3" when the drive mechanism 3 drives each part will be omitted.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a calculation point. FIG. 4 includes a graph illustrating the waveform of the intensity of light detected by the photodetector at one calculation point for one reaction vessel. The vertical axis of the graph represents the intensity of light detected by the photodetector. The horizontal axis of the graph represents time. The graph shows the intensity of light detected by the photodetector over time when light passes through the reaction vessel 216. As shown in FIG. 4, the intensity of the detected light changes according to the change in the amount of light blocked from the light source as the reaction disk 201 rotates.

[0045] During the period from time t1 to time t2, part of the light traveling from the light source to the photodetector is blocked by the housing of the reaction disk 201, and the remainder passes through the reaction vessel 216. As the amount of light passing through the reaction vessel 216 increases over time, the intensity of the detected light also increases.

[0046] During the period from time t2 to time t3, all of the light traveling from the light source to the photodetector passes through the reaction vessel 216. At this time, the intensity of the light transmitted through the reaction vessel 216 is approximately constant. The time at which the light intensity is maintained at an approximately constant value is called a calculation point. A calculation point is defined for each reaction vessel 216. The photometric unit 213 measures the light transmitted through the reaction vessel 216 to generate photometric data at the calculation point. The light transmitted through the reaction vessel 216 is separated into spectra and detected in multiple channels of the photodetector. The detection signals detected in each channel of the photodetector are processed and sequentially stored in the memory circuit 6.

[0047] During the period from time t3 to time t4, part of the light traveling from the light source to the photodetector is blocked by the housing of the reaction disk 201, and the remainder passes through the reaction vessel 216. As the light passing through the reaction vessel 216 decreases over time, the intensity of the detected light also decreases.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating channel data processing in a normal inspection process. Channel data processing involves reading out detection signals from the target channel and converting the read-out detection signals into digital data. As shown in FIG. 5, the channel data processing switches the target channel for each unit processing time. The unit processing time is defined, for example, by the time required for an A / D converter to convert the detection signal of one channel into digital data. The first row of the table shown in FIG. 5 indicates each channel of the photodetector. The second row indicates the center wavelength detected by the channel in the first row. As shown in FIG. 5, the photodetector has channels corresponding to, for example, 16 wavelengths. The 16 wavelengths include wavelengths used for component analysis of each inspection item and wavelengths used for detecting abnormalities related to the reaction vessel 216 and / or the photodetector.

[0049] The binary timing diagrams with open and closed symbols indicate the order in which channel data processing is performed. The closed channels represent channels for which channel data processing is performed during the unit processing time. The open channels represent channels for which channel data processing is not performed during the unit processing time.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, the control circuit 8 controls the photometry unit 213 to process channel data by sequentially switching the channel to be processed, starting from the channel that detects short wavelengths toward the channel that detects long wavelengths. Processing channel data for all channels of the photodetector one at a time is called a repetition unit 51. The photometry unit 213 repeats the channel data processing of the repetition unit 51 a predetermined number of times for each calculation point. As shown in FIG. 5, the repetition unit 51 is 16 times of channel data processing. This channel data processing sequence is called the normal photometry operation.

[0051] In the normal photometry operation shown in FIG. 5, the process is repeated four times, so four sets of digital data for wavelengths corresponding to each channel are generated for one calculation point. The photometry unit 213 generates a representative value of the digital data for each channel at one calculation point as photometric data. Note that the order of channel data processing and the number of repetitions are not limited to those described above. In the normal photometry operation, the order of processing detection signals from each channel may be any order as long as channel data for multiple channels is processed at least once. Furthermore, the number of repetitions may be set to the number of times that can be repeated within the calculation point.

[0052] When the channel data processing is performed, an analysis result is generated based on the photometric data of each channel, and the analysis result is stored in the memory circuit 6.

[0053] The control circuit 8 selects two or more priority channels from among the multiple channels of the photodetector by implementing the photometry control function 82. More specifically, the priority channels are two or more but fewer than the total number of channels installed in the photodetector. The priority channels may be selected according to a user instruction, or may be automatically selected according to the inspection item. When the priority channels are automatically selected, it is preferable to implement this by reading from the memory circuit 6 a look-up table (LUT) that defines the priority channels corresponding to the inspection item.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating channel data processing using priority channels. The first row of the table shown in FIG. 6 indicates each channel of the photodetector. The second row indicates the center wavelength detected by the channel in the first row. The binary timing diagram with open and closed boxes indicates the order in which channel data processing is performed on the channels. The closed boxes indicate channels for which channel data processing is performed during the unit processing time. The open boxes indicate channels for which channel data processing is not performed during the unit processing time. As shown in FIG. 6, the timing intervals representing the unit processing time are approximately the same as those in FIG. 5. Assume that "Ch5" and "Ch12" are selected as priority channels. For example, "Ch5" is a channel that detects the dominant wavelength used in component analysis. "Ch12" is a channel that detects the sub-wavelength used in component analysis. The repeating unit 61 shown in FIG. 6 is two rounds of channel data processing.

[0055] 6, the control circuit 8 controls the photometry unit 213 to process channel data by sequentially switching the channel to be processed from among the channel "Ch5" that detects the dominant wavelength included in the priority channels and the channel "Ch12" that detects the secondary wavelength. The sequence of channel data processing using the priority channel is called a priority photometry operation. The priority photometry operation increases the number of times channel data of the priority channel is processed at one calculation point, while decreasing the number of times channel data of channels other than the priority channel is processed at one calculation point.

[0056] Specifically, in normal photometry operation, channel data processing for each of the 16 wavelengths is performed four times. In prioritized photometry operation, channel data processing for the two wavelengths, the dominant wavelength and the subordinate wavelength, which are the prioritized channels, is performed 32 times each, and channel data processing for the wavelengths of channels other than the prioritized channels is performed zero times. By performing prioritized photometry operation on the photometry unit 216, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the photometry data for the prioritized channels compared to normal photometry operation, without improving the processing capacity of the photometry unit 213.

[0057] The priority channels are not limited to channels corresponding to the dominant and subordinate wavelengths used in the component analysis, and may further include channels for use in detecting abnormalities related to the reaction vessel and / or the photodetector, in addition to the channels corresponding to the dominant and subordinate wavelengths used in the component analysis.

[0058] FIG. 7 illustrates channel data processing using priority channels. The first row of the table shown in FIG. 7 indicates each channel of the photodetector. The second row indicates the center wavelength detected by the channel in the first row. The binary timing diagram with open and closed boxes indicates the order in which channel data processing is performed on the channels. The closed boxes indicate channels for which channel data processing is performed during the unit processing time. The open boxes indicate channels for which channel data processing is not performed during the unit processing time. As shown in FIG. 7, the timing intervals representing the unit processing time are approximately the same as those in FIG. 5. Assume that "Ch5," "Ch12," "Ch1," and "Ch16" are selected as priority channels. For example, "Ch5" is a channel for detecting the dominant wavelength used in component analysis. "Ch12" is a channel for detecting the sub-wavelength used in component analysis. "Ch1" is a channel for detecting abnormalities related to the reaction vessel 216 and / or the photodetector. "Ch16" is a channel for detecting abnormalities related to the reaction vessel 216 and / or the photodetector. The repeat unit shown in FIG. 7 is similar to repeat unit 51 shown in FIG.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 7, the control circuit 8 controls the photometry unit 213 to sequentially switch the channel to be processed from among "Ch5," "Ch12," "Ch1," and "Ch16" included in the priority channels and process the channel data. The priority photometry operation shown in Fig. 7 reduces the number of times channel data is processed for channels other than the priority channel at one calculation point, but increases the number of times channel data is processed for channels used for component analysis included in the priority channel at one calculation point. In addition, the number of times channel data is processed for channels used for detecting abnormalities included in the priority channel is the same as in the normal photometry operation.

[0060] Specifically, in normal photometry operation, channel data processing for each of the 16 wavelengths is performed four times. In prioritized photometry operation, channel data processing for each of the two wavelengths, the dominant wavelength and the subordinate wavelength, included in the prioritized channels is performed 28 times. Channel data processing for each of the two wavelengths used to detect abnormalities in the reaction vessel 216 and / or the photodetector included in the prioritized channels is performed four times. Channel data processing for wavelengths of channels other than the prioritized channels is performed zero times. By including a channel for use in component analysis and a channel for use in abnormality detection in the prioritized channels, it is possible to generate photometric data for abnormality detection while improving the accuracy of photometric data for component analysis compared to normal photometry operation, without improving the processing capacity of the photometry unit 213.

[0061] The order of processing the detection signals from each channel and the number of times channel data is processed are not limited to the above. In the weighted metering operation, the order of processing the detection signals from each channel may be any order as long as the channel data for each weighted channel is processed at least once. Furthermore, the number of times channel data is processed may vary for each channel as long as the channel data for each weighted channel is processed at least once.

[0062] The control circuit 8 displays the analysis results by implementing a display control function 85.

[0063] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display screen I1 that displays the analysis results. The display screen I1 is displayed, for example, on the output interface 5. As shown in Fig. 8, the display screen I1 displays a display field I11 and a display field I12.

[0064] Display field I11 displays analysis results such as sample, specimen, test item, and test item value. As shown in FIG. 8, the sample may be displayed with the character string "sample" together with a character string indicating the type of sample. Examples of sample types include blood and urine. As shown in FIG. 8, the specimen may be displayed with the character string "specimen" together with information that can identify the specimen. Examples of information that can identify the specimen include the name of the specimen or a sample ID. As shown in FIG. 8, the test item may be displayed with the character string "test item", a character string that indicates the type of test item, and a test item value corresponding to the type of test item. Examples of types of test items include sugar, cholesterol, protein, and / or enzymes.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 8, a character string indicating "analysis results" may be displayed in the display field I11.

[0066] Furthermore, the type of photometry operation is displayed in display field I12. The type of photometry operation is, for example, normal photometry operation or weighted photometry operation. When a character string indicating "weighted photometry operation" is displayed in display field I12, it is preferable that the weighted channel selected for the weighted photometry operation is also displayed. By displaying the analysis results and the type of photometry operation together, the user can easily confirm the level of photometry accuracy in the analysis results.

[0067] The control circuit 8 identifies the abnormal position of the reaction vessel 216 by implementing the abnormal position identification function 86. The abnormal position is the position of the reaction vessel 216 in the rotation direction of the reaction disk 201 at which an abnormal value is measured, where the detected light intensity is lower than the normal value due to a scratch on the reaction vessel 216 or foreign matter attached to the reaction vessel 216. The control circuit 8 performs photometry operations multiple times at one calculation point, as shown in FIG. 4, etc., and detects the position of the reaction vessel 216 corresponding to the photometry operation at which the abnormal value was detected, as the abnormal position.

[0068] 9 is a diagram illustrating a display screen I2 that displays the abnormality position. The display screen I2 in FIG. 9 displays a display field I21 and a display field I22.

[0069] A schematic diagram I216 showing the abnormal position of the reaction vessel is displayed in the display field I21. The schematic diagram I216 shows the reaction vessel 216 divided in the rotation direction of the reaction disk 201 by the number of photometry operations performed at one calculation point. The hatched area shown in the schematic diagram I216 indicates the abnormal position. A character string indicating that the position is abnormal may be displayed near the hatched area. By displaying the abnormal position, the user can easily confirm the abnormal position of the reaction vessel 216.

[0070] Display field I22 displays a character string indicating that an abnormality has been detected, a character string indicating the reaction vessel 216 in which the abnormality was detected, and the photometric operation in which the abnormality was detected. Display field I22 also displays the measured abnormal value and the normal value previously acquired. By displaying the abnormal value and the normal value together, the user can quantitatively confirm the abnormality.

[0071] Here, the first embodiment will be compared with a comparative example in which only normal photometry is performed. By performing normal photometry, photometric data is generated for each calculation point based on the detection signals from all channels. Compared to the comparative example, this embodiment generates photometric data for only two or more priority channels from among multiple channels, thereby increasing the number of times channel data for the priority channels is processed per calculation point. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of the photometric data for the priority channels without increasing the processing power of hardware resources. (Second embodiment) The automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment is treated as performing photometry using weighted photometry. The automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment performs photometry by switching between normal photometry and weighted photometry. The automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment will be described below. However, components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will be described only when necessary.

[0072] By implementing the photometry control function 82, the control circuit 8 controls each unit to execute the inspection process according to the second embodiment. In the inspection process according to the second embodiment, the control circuit 8 implements the photometry control function 82 to switch the channel to be selected from the multiple channels of the photodetector to two or more priority channels when the calculation point from the start of photometry reaches a specific calculation point. In other words, by implementing the photometry control function 82, the control circuit 8 switches the type of photometry operation from normal photometry operation to priority photometry operation during photometry.

[0073] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating switching control of the type of photometric operation according to the second embodiment. The vertical axis of the graph in FIG. 10 represents the degree of reaction between the sample and the reagent contained in the reaction solution. The degree of reaction corresponds to the absorbance or fluorescence intensity based on the photometric data. The horizontal axis of the graph represents time. The graph shows the degree of reaction for each calculation point from the start of photometry T1 to the end of photometry T4. Time T1 in FIG. 10 is the time when the first reagent is dispensed. Time T2 is the time when the second reagent is dispensed. Time T3 is the time when the photometric operation is switched. Time T4 is the time when photometry ends.

[0074] At time T1, a first reagent is dispensed into the sample. After the first reagent is dispensed into the sample, the mixture of the sample and the first reagent is stirred by the stirring unit 215. Also, at time T1, the photometric unit 213 starts photometry using normal photometric operation. At time T2, a second reagent is dispensed into the mixture of the sample and the first reagent. After the second reagent is dispensed, the mixture of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent is stirred by the stirring unit 215. As shown in FIG. 10 , after the dispensing and stirring of the second reagent are performed at time T2, the reaction rate increases over time and converges when the reaction reaches a plateau. Because the reaction rate is unstable, the photometric data generated between time T1 and time T3 is not used in the calculation of component analysis. By performing normal photometric operation between time T1 and time T3, it is possible to detect abnormalities using the generated photometric data.

[0075] At time T3, the control circuit 8 controls the photometry unit 213 to switch from normal photometry to weighted photometry. For example, at time T3, the control circuit 8 transmits a signal to the photometry unit 213 to switch to weighted photometry. Upon receiving the signal, the photometry unit 213 switches the type of photometry from normal photometry to weighted photometry. The calculation point at which the photometry switches is called a specific calculation point. From time T3 to time T4, the photometry unit 213 measures the reaction solution using weighted photometry. Because the reaction reaches a plateau during this period, stable test item values ​​are obtained. By performing weighted photometry during this period, the photometry unit 213 can generate highly accurate analysis results based on the generated photometry data.

[0076] At time T3, a known experimental value for each reagent may be set in advance, or a user-desired value may be set according to a user instruction by implementing input function 83 of control circuit 8. After time T4, the inside of reaction vessel 216 may be cleaned by cleaning unit 214. Furthermore, the specific calculation point is not limited to the calculation point shown in Fig. 10. The specific calculation point may be set to any calculation point.

[0077] Here, the second embodiment will be compared with a comparative example in which the type of photometry operation is not switched. The comparative example continues photometry using normal photometry operation or weighted photometry operation. In contrast to the comparative example, this embodiment allows for switching the type of photometry operation, making it possible to use a photometry operation according to the purpose of the photometry data. In particular, by switching the type of photometry operation according to the time from the start of photometry, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the photometry data used for analysis results and anomaly detection.

[0078] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to improve the photometric accuracy.

[0079] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to a circuit such as a CPU, a GPU, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). A processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. Note that instead of storing a program in a memory circuit, the program may be directly embedded in the processor circuit. In this case, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. On the other hand, if the processor is, for example, an ASIC, the function is directly embedded in the processor circuit as a logic circuit instead of storing the program in a memory circuit. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its function.

[0080] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1...Automatic analyzer 2…Analysis mechanism 3...Drive mechanism 4...Input interface 5...Output interface 6...Memory circuit 7. Communication interface 8...Control circuit 81...System control function 82...Photometric control function 83... Input function 84...Analysis control function 85...Display control function 86…Abnormal position identification function

Claims

1. a reaction disk for holding a reaction vessel containing a reaction liquid in which a sample and a reagent are mixed; a light source that generates light; a detector that detects light emitted from the light source and transmitted through the reaction solution in a plurality of channels corresponding to a plurality of wavelengths, and outputs a detection signal of the detected light; a selection unit for selecting one or more priority channels from the plurality of channels; a photometric data generating unit that does not generate photometric data based on detection signals of channels other than the one or more priority channels, but generates photometric data based on detection signals of the one or more priority channels; an analysis unit that generates an analysis result based on the generated photometric data; An automatic analyzer comprising:

2. The photometric data generation unit a reader for reading out the detected signals from the detector in a limited manner from the one or more focused channels; an A / D converter that converts the read detection signals of the one or more priority channels into digital data; a processing circuit for generating the photometric data based on the digital data of the one or more emphasis channels; The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.

3. 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the reader reads out the detection signals from a priority channel to be read out of the one or more priority channels by sequentially switching the priority channel for each unit processing time within a calculation point.

4. 4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, wherein said unit processing time is defined by the time required for said A / D converter to convert the detection signal of one channel into digital data.

5. The automatic analyzer of claim 2, wherein the photometric data generation unit generates photometric data based on the detection signals of the one or more priority channels instead of generating photometric data based on the detection signals of channels other than the one or more priority channels, thereby increasing the number of times photometric data is generated based on the detection signals of the one or more priority channels per calculation point.

6. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the selection unit is capable of selecting the priority channel for each calculation point.

7. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the priority channels include a channel corresponding to a dominant wavelength used in component analysis of the reaction solution.

8. 8. The automatic analyzer according to claim 7, wherein the priority channels are two or more channels including, in addition to the main wavelength, a channel corresponding to a sub-wavelength used for component analysis of the reaction liquid.

9. The automated analyzer according to claim 7 , wherein the priority channels further include a channel for use in detecting an abnormality related to the reaction vessel and / or the detector.

10. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the selection unit switches the channel to be selected from the plurality of channels to the one or more priority channels when a calculation point from the start of photometry reaches a specific calculation point.

11. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 , further comprising a display unit that displays the analysis results.

12. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the analysis results include results relating to component analysis of the reaction liquid.

13. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the analysis results include results relating to the analysis of abnormalities relating to the reaction vessel and / or the detector.

14. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the selection unit selects the priority channels in accordance with an instruction from a user.

15. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the photometric data is a representative value of the detection signal for each channel detected within each calculation point.

16. the photometric data generating unit generates a plurality of digital data corresponding to a plurality of photometric operations at one calculation point; The automatic analyzer according to claim 2 , further comprising an abnormality position specifying unit that specifies an abnormal position among a plurality of positions of the reaction vessel in the rotation direction of the reaction disk based on the plurality of digital data.

17. The automated analyzer according to claim 16 , further comprising a display control unit that displays the abnormality position.

18. An input unit for inputting test items used in the analysis results is further provided, The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the selection unit automatically selects the priority channel according to the test item.

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