Display method and sample analyzer

Abstract

To provide a method for display and a sample analyzer that can minutely analyze a physical component.SOLUTION: A method for displaying a result of measuring a sample including a physical component includes the steps of: acquiring measured values of at least three parameters from the physical component; displaying a screen 300 including a three-dimensional dispersion drawing 310 showing the physical component with dots by using the three parameters as axes 311 to 313; and displaying surface plot drawings 371 to 373 for the three-dimensional dispersion drawing 310 in a region different from the three-dimensional drawing 310 of the screen 300.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display method and a sample analyzer. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an analyzer that classifies and analyzes a specimen containing formed elements by the formed elements using flow cytometry. The following Patent Document 1 describes that the classified formed elements are displayed on a screen as a three-dimensional scatter diagram. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-106059 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the 3D dispersion diagram of Patent Document 1, which displays dots corresponding to classified tangible elements in a 3D dispersion diagram, clusters of dots corresponding to different types of tangible elements may overlap, making it difficult to visually identify the distribution of the desired tangible element.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a display method and a sample analyzer that are capable of performing detailed analysis of formed components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The display method according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 7(a)、 7(b), 10、 As shown in Figure 14, A step (S13) of dividing the specimen into a plurality of portions to prepare a plurality of measurement samples, obtaining measurements of at least three parameters from the formed components (S14); The method includes a step (S173) of generating a plurality of two-dimensional scatter diagrams each showing formed elements contained in a plurality of measurement samples with dots, each of which has two of at least three parameters as axes; a step (S173) of displaying the generated plurality of two-dimensional scatter diagrams (231 to 235); a step (S174, S1741) of accepting selection of one of the displayed plurality of two-dimensional scatter diagrams (231 to 235); and a step (S174, S1741) of selecting a two-dimensional scatter diagram obtained from the measurement sample corresponding to the selected two-dimensional scatter diagram.A step (S1741) of displaying a screen (300) including a three-dimensional scatter diagram (310) in which three parameters are axes (311 to 313) and formed elements are shown by dots; and a step of displaying a corresponding three-dimensional scatter diagram (310) in an area of ​​the screen different from the three-dimensional scatter diagram (310). The frequency of the formed elements is shown by the height of each coordinate on the surface with two of the three parameters of the three-dimensional scatter diagram (310) as axes. Surface Plot (371~373) and displaying the result.

[0007] According to the display method of the present invention, a user can analyze formed components in detail by referring to a surface plot diagram together with a three-dimensional scatter diagram.

[0008] The sample analyzer (1) according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 10、 As shown in Figure 14, a sample preparation unit that divides a specimen into a plurality of portions and prepares a plurality of measurement samples; A detection unit (14) that acquires a detection signal from the formed components; The concentration of the formed components contained in each of the plurality of measurement samples is obtained by the detection unit (14). a signal processor (15) for obtaining measurements of at least three parameters from the detection signal; and a display unit (23). The display unit (23) displays a plurality of two-dimensional scatter diagrams (231-235) showing formed elements contained in each of a plurality of measurement samples with dots, each of which has two of at least three parameters as axes, accepts selection of one of the displayed plurality of two-dimensional scatter diagrams (231-235), and displays a value of the formed elements obtained from the measurement sample corresponding to the selected two-dimensional scatter diagram. A screen (300) is displayed including a three-dimensional scatter diagram (310) showing formed elements as dots with three parameters as axes (311 to 313). death ,In a region different from the 3D scatter diagram (310) on the screen, The frequency of the formed elements is shown by the height of each coordinate on the surface with two of the three parameters of the three-dimensional scatter diagram (310) as axes. Further surface plot figures (371-373) are displayed.

[0009] According to the sample analyzer of the present invention, the user can analyze formed elements in detail by referring to the surface plot diagram together with the three-dimensional scatter diagram. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, detailed analysis of formed components can be carried out. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sample analyzer according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of a detection unit according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing of the sample analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process of classifying tangible components according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a database storing classifications indicating the types of components classified by the control unit and measurement values ​​obtained for each component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a table storing whether or not to display each category according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Fig. 7(a) is a flowchart showing detailed processing of S17 in Fig. 3 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 7(b) is a flowchart showing detailed processing of S174 in Fig. 7(a) according to embodiment 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing detailed processing of S1741 in FIG. 7(b) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the display unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the display unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the display unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a screen including a three-dimensional scatter diagram displayed on a display unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 13(a) and (b) are diagrams showing three-dimensional scatter diagrams when the display of the reference region is turned off and on, respectively, according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a screen in a state in which a surface plot diagram is displayed by operating a display switching button according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a diagram showing axis parameters that can be set in the three-dimensional scatter diagram depending on the measurement channel, and parameters that are initially set for the three axes of the three-dimensional scatter diagram, according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 16(a) to (d) are diagrams showing three-dimensional scatter diagrams according to the first display example of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a screen including a three-dimensional scatter diagram according to the second display example of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a screen including a three-dimensional scatter diagram according to the second display example of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a screen including a three-dimensional scatter diagram according to the second display example of the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a screen including a three-dimensional scatter diagram according to the second display example of the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a screen including a three-dimensional scatter diagram according to the second display example of the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a screen including a three-dimensional scatter diagram according to the second display example of the first embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a screen including a three-dimensional scatter diagram according to the second display example of the first embodiment. [Figure 24] Fig. 24(a) is a diagram showing a two-dimensional scatter diagram according to Display Example 3 of Embodiment 1. Fig. 24(b) is a diagram showing a three-dimensional scatter diagram according to Display Example 3 of Embodiment 1. [Diagram 25] 25(a) and (b) are diagrams showing three-dimensional scatter diagrams according to the display example 4 of the first embodiment. [Figure 26] 26(a) and (c) are diagrams showing two-dimensional scatter diagrams according to display example 5 of embodiment 1. Fig. 26(b) and (d) are diagrams showing three-dimensional scatter diagrams according to display example 5 of embodiment 1. [Figure 27] 27(a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the colors of the rectangular parallelepiped faces of the three-dimensional scatter diagram according to the first embodiment. [Figure 28] 28(a) and (b) are diagrams showing three-dimensional scatter diagrams according to the first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 29] 29(a) and (b) are diagrams showing three-dimensional scatter diagrams according to Modification 2-1 of the first embodiment, respectively. [Diagram 30] 30(a) and (b) are diagrams showing three-dimensional scatter diagrams according to Modification 2-2 of the first embodiment, respectively. [Diagram 31] 31(a) and (b) are diagrams each showing a schematic diagram of a two-dimensional scatter diagram according to a display example of the second embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a two-dimensional scatter diagram according to a display example of the second embodiment. [Diagram 33] 33(a) and (b) are diagrams each showing a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional scatter diagram according to a display example of the second embodiment. [Diagram 34] 34(a) and (b) are diagrams each showing a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional scatter diagram according to a display example of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The following embodiment is an application of the present invention to a display method for displaying the results of an analysis of a sample containing formed elements, and to a sample analyzer for analyzing a sample containing formed elements.

[0013] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sample analyzer 1.

[0014] The sample analyzer 1 of the first embodiment is an apparatus for analyzing blood and body fluids as samples. The sample analyzer 1 includes a measurement unit 10 and an information processing unit 20.

[0015] The measurement unit 10 includes a measurement control section 11, a memory section 12, a sample preparation section 13, a detection section 14, and a signal processing section 15.

[0016] The measurement control unit 11 is configured, for example, by a CPU. The measurement control unit 11 receives signals output from each part of the measurement unit 10 and controls each part of the measurement unit 10. The measurement control unit 11 communicates with the information processing unit 20. The storage unit 12 is configured, for example, by a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, etc. The measurement control unit 11 stores signals from the detection unit 14 in the storage unit 12 and performs various processes based on the programs stored in the storage unit 12.

[0017] The sample preparation unit 13 aspirates a specimen from a container and mixes the aspirated specimen with a reagent to prepare various measurement specimens. The specimen to be measured by the sample analyzer 1 is whole blood when the measurement mode is the whole blood mode (WB), low white blood cell mode (LW), or dilution mode (PD), and is body fluid (cerebrospinal fluid, ascites, pleural fluid, synovial fluid, peritoneal dialysis effluent, etc.) when the measurement mode is the body fluid mode (BF). The sample preparation unit 13 prepares a WNR measurement specimen, a WDF measurement specimen, a WPC measurement specimen, a RET measurement specimen, and a PLT-F measurement specimen by mixing a predetermined reagent with the specimen. The WNR measurement specimen is a specimen for measuring the total white blood cell count and the nucleated red blood cell count. The WDF measurement specimen is a specimen for classifying and counting white blood cells. The WPC measurement specimen is a specimen for distinguishing and detecting abnormal cells from mature white blood cells. The RET measurement specimen is a specimen for measuring the reticulocyte count. The PLT-F measurement sample is a sample for optically measuring platelets.

[0018] The detection unit 14 is an optical detection unit that measures each measurement sample prepared in the sample preparation unit 13 and outputs a detection signal. The detection unit 14 irradiates light onto a flow cell through which the measurement sample flows, receives forward scattered light, side scattered light, and side fluorescent light generated from formed components in the measurement sample, and outputs a detection signal based on each light.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the detection unit 14 has a flow cell D1, a sheath flow system D2, a beam spot forming system D3, a forward scattered light receiving system D4, a side scattered light receiving system D5, and a fluorescence receiving system D6.

[0020] The sheath flow system D2 is configured to send the measurement sample wrapped in sheath liquid into the flow cell D1 and generate a liquid flow in the flow cell D1. The beam spot forming system D3 is configured to irradiate the flow cell D1 with light emitted from the light source D31 through a collimator lens D32 and a condenser lens D33. This causes the formed components of the measurement sample contained in the liquid flow passing through the flow cell D1 to be irradiated with the laser light. The beam spot forming system D3 also includes a beam stopper D34. The light source D31 is, for example, a semiconductor laser light source.

[0021] The forward scattered light receiving system D4 is configured to collect the forward scattered light by a forward collecting lens D41, and receive the light that has passed through a pinhole formed in a light shielding plate D42 by a photodiode D43, which is a first optical detector. The photodiode D43 outputs an analog detection signal having a waveform corresponding to the intensity of the received forward scattered light. The side scattered light receiving system D5 is configured to collect the side scattered light by a side collecting lens D51, and to reflect a portion of the light by a dichroic mirror D52, which is received by a photodiode D53, which is a second optical detector. The photodiode D53 outputs an analog detection signal having a waveform corresponding to the intensity of the received side scattered light.

[0022] The fluorescence receiving system D6 is configured to pass the light (fluorescence) that is transmitted through the dichroic mirror D52 among the light generated to the side through a spectral filter D61 and receive the light with an avalanche photodiode D62, which is a third optical detector. The avalanche photodiode D62 outputs an analog detection signal having a waveform corresponding to the intensity of the received fluorescence.

[0023] In addition, the detection unit 14 may output other detection signals based on light scattering in addition to the detection signals based on the forward scattered light and side scattered light described above. The detection signals based on the forward scattered light and side scattered light described above include detection signals defined by the scattering direction of the forward scattered light and side scattered light. The forward scattered light refers to light scattered forward with respect to the traveling direction of the irradiated light when the light is irradiated to a particle. The side scattered light refers to light scattered laterally with respect to the traveling direction of the irradiated light when the light is irradiated to a particle. The side may be any angle different from the scattering angle of the light detected as the forward scattered light. For example, when the light generated at an angle of 0° to 10° with respect to the optical axis of the irradiated light is the forward scattered light to be detected, the light generated at any angle range of 10° or more with respect to the optical axis may be detected as the side scattered light. In the example of FIG. 2, the side scattered light is detected as the side scattered light when the light generated in the direction of about 80° to 100° with respect to the optical axis. The side scattered light may include a plurality of types that differ according to the angle, such as low-angle scattered light and high-angle scattered light. Another detection signal based on light scattering is the axial light loss, which is a detection signal that quantifies the reduction in the amount of light received by the receiver due to light scattering when a particle passes through the laser.

[0024] Measurements based on each measurement sample performed in detection unit 14 are called "measurement channels." More specifically, a measurement channel based on a WNR measurement sample is called a "WNR channel," a measurement channel based on a WDF measurement sample is called a "WDF channel," a measurement channel based on a WPC measurement sample is called a "WPC channel," a measurement channel based on a RET measurement sample is called a "RET channel," and a measurement channel based on a PLT-F measurement sample is called a "PLT-F channel."

[0025] 1, the signal processing unit 15 is composed of a circuit that performs A / D conversion processing on the analog detection signal output from the detection unit 14 to generate a measurement value. The measurement control unit 11 stores the measurement value generated by the signal processing unit 15 in the memory unit 12. When the measurement of one sample is completed, the measurement control unit 11 transmits the measurement value stored in the memory unit 12 to the information processing unit 20.

[0026] The information processing unit 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a display unit 23, and an input unit 24.

[0027] The control unit 21 is configured, for example, by a CPU. The control unit 21 receives signals output from each part of the information processing unit 20 to control each part of the information processing unit 20, and also communicates with the measurement unit 10 to control each part of the measurement unit 10 via the measurement control unit 11. The control unit 21 stores the measurement values ​​received from the measurement unit 10 in the memory unit 22.

[0028] Moreover, the control unit 21 performs a predetermined control in accordance with a control program stored in the storage unit 22. The function of the control program is to analyze and count formed components using the measured values.

[0029] The control unit 21 uses the measurement values ​​to classify the formed elements into a plurality of types, and obtains result values ​​for measurement items such as blood cell count.

[0030] The display unit 23 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal display. The display unit 23 displays various screens in response to signals from the control unit 21.

[0031] The input unit 24 is composed of a keyboard and a mouse. The user operates the mouse of the input unit 24 to perform operations such as clicking and double-clicking on the screen displayed on the display unit 23, thereby inputting instructions to the control unit 21. Note that the display unit 23 and the input unit 24 may be composed of a touch panel display. In this case, the user taps or double-tap on the display surface of the touch panel display instead of clicking or double-clicking.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the processing performed by the sample analyzer 1.

[0033] In step S11, when the control unit 21 receives an instruction to measure a sample, it transmits a measurement start signal to the measurement control unit 11.

[0034] In step S12, when the measurement control section 11 receives a measurement start signal from the control section 21 (S12: YES), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0035] In step S13, the measurement control unit 11 aspirates a specimen from a container, and controls the specimen preparation unit 13 to prepare a WNR measurement specimen, a WDF measurement specimen, a WPC measurement specimen, a RET measurement specimen, and a PLT-F measurement specimen based on the aspirated specimen. The measurement specimens are selectively prepared based on the measurement order of the specimen. In step S14, the measurement control unit 11 measures the WNR measurement specimen, the WDF measurement specimen, the WPC measurement specimen, the RET measurement specimen, and the PLT-F measurement specimen using the detection unit 14.

[0036] The signal processing unit 15 generates a measurement value based on the detection signal obtained in each measurement. Specifically, the signal processing unit 15 obtains the measurement values ​​of multiple parameters for each formed component based on the detection signal of each light of the detection unit 14 for each measurement sample. The measurement values ​​of the parameters include, for example, forward scattered light intensity (FSC), side scattered light intensity (SSC), and side fluorescent light intensity (SFL) obtained as the peak value of the waveform, forward scattered light width (FSCW) obtained as the width of the waveform, SFL_EXT in which SFL is expanded over a wide range, and FSC_LOG in which FSC is converted into a log display. For example, SFL_EXT can be obtained by using a bandwidth wider than the bandwidth used to obtain normal side fluorescent light intensity (SFL) when the signal processing unit 15 converts the analog detection signal output from the avalanche photodiode D62, which is the third optical detector, into a digital signal. The measurement control unit 11 transmits the measurement values ​​of multiple parameters obtained for each formed component to the control unit 21.

[0037] The measured values ​​of the parameters are not limited to the above measured values. For example, the measured values ​​of the parameters may include the width of the side scattered light (SSCW) and the width of the side fluorescent light (SFLW) obtained as the width of the waveform, the area of ​​the forward scattered light (FSCA), the area of ​​the side scattered light (SSCA), and the area of ​​the side fluorescent light (SFLA) obtained as the area of ​​the waveform, and may include measured values ​​obtained by expanding FSC and SSC over a wide range, and measured values ​​obtained by converting SSC and SFL into logarithmic display.

[0038] In step S15, when the control unit 21 receives the measurement value from the measurement control unit 11 (S15: YES), the control unit 21 advances the process to step S16.

[0039] In step S16, the control unit 21 classifies the material components based on the measurement values. Specifically, the process of step S16 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, in step S161, the control unit 21 classifies the formed components (particles) into a plurality of types based on the measured values ​​of a plurality of parameters acquired from the signal processing unit 15. As a method for classifying the particles into a plurality of types using a plurality of parameters, a method can be adopted in which the particles are plotted in a multidimensional coordinate space with the plurality of parameters as axes, at least some particles are classified into a plurality of groups corresponding to the plurality of types, the degree of belonging of each particle to each group is calculated based on the distance between the particle and the center of gravity position of each group, and the particles are reclassified based on the degree of belonging, thereby classifying the plurality of particles into a plurality of types. Such a classification method is described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,555,198. U.S. Patent No. 5,555,198 is incorporated herein by reference. In step S162, the control unit 21 inputs the classification corresponding to each formed component (particle) classified in step S161 into the database shown in FIG. 5.

[0041] For example, the control unit 21 classifies and counts nucleated red blood cells, basophils, white blood cells other than basophils, debris, etc., based on the measurement values ​​related to the WNR channel. The control unit 21 classifies and counts lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils and basophils, immature granulocytes, debris, etc., based on the measurement values ​​related to the WDF channel. The control unit 21 classifies and counts immature cells, abnormal cells, mature white blood cells, etc., based on the measurement values ​​related to the WPC channel. The control unit 21 classifies and counts reticulocytes, mature red blood cells, platelets, etc., based on the measurement values ​​related to the RET channel. The control unit 21 classifies and counts platelets, some red blood cells, some white blood cells, debris, etc., based on the measurement values ​​related to the PLT-F channel.

[0042] The control unit 21 stores the measurement values ​​received from the measurement control unit 11, as well as the classification results of formed elements (particles), result values ​​of measurement items, sample information, and the date and time of measurement, in the memory unit 22 as measurement data (data set).

[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a database that stores classifications indicating the types of formed components (particles) classified by the control unit 21 and measurement values ​​obtained for each formed component.

[0044] 5 are stored as a database for each specimen number and measurement channel in the storage section 22 of the information processing unit 20. The particle number is a number that can identify the detected formed components (particles).

[0045] The classification is a number corresponding to the type of formed element (particle) (lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, neutrophil, basophil, immature granulocyte, immature cell, abnormal cell, mature white blood cell, nucleated red blood cell, reticulocyte, mature red blood cell, platelet, debris, unclassified, etc.). For example, the classification values ​​0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 correspond to neutrophil (NEUT), lymphocyte (LYMPH), monocyte (MONO), eosinophil (EO), immature granulocyte (IG), and debris, respectively.

[0046] FSC, SSC, SFL, FSCW, etc. are the measured values ​​of each parameter. The control unit 21 classifies the formed components (particles) into a plurality of types based on the measured values ​​of a plurality of parameters. The classification is a value indicating the type of classified formed components (particles). The control unit 21 stores the classification and the measured values ​​indicating the type of each formed component (particle) as shown in FIG. 5 in the memory unit 22. Then, the control unit 21 draws dots according to the type of formed component (particle) at the coordinates corresponding to the measured values ​​of the parameters of each formed component (particle) in the two-dimensional scatter diagram or the three-dimensional scatter diagram as described later.

[0047] Furthermore, the control unit 21 stores values ​​relating to the display / non-display of dots shown in Fig. 6 in the storage unit 22 in association with the classification according to the display / non-display setting of dots corresponding to material components (particles) in the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 described below. In the example of Fig. 6, the display / non-display value "1" corresponds to the display of material components (particles), and the display / non-display value "0" corresponds to the non-display of material components (particles).

[0048] Returning to FIG. 3, in step S17, the control unit 21 displays a two-dimensional dispersion diagram, a three-dimensional dispersion diagram, a particle size distribution diagram, a surface plot diagram, etc. on the display unit 23 in accordance with user instructions received via the input unit 24.

[0049] The process of step S17 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 7(a). In the following description, a case where a sample in a whole blood mode (WB) is selected and a three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 for the WDF channel is displayed will be exemplified.

[0050] In step S171, control unit 21 displays screen 100 including the sample number, date, time, measurement mode, item (measurement item), data (result value), etc. shown in Fig. 9 on display unit 23 based on the measurement value acquired in step S14 and the result value of the measurement item acquired in step S16. In step S172, control unit 21 accepts selection of a sample in whole blood mode (WB) in response to a user operation via input unit 24 (for example, an operation of double-clicking on the row of the target sample in measurement data display area 110).

[0051] In step S173, control unit 21 displays two-dimensional scatter plot 231 (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the sample in whole blood mode (WB) whose selection has been accepted, on display unit 23. In step S174, control unit 21 displays three-dimensional scatter plot 310 (see FIG. 12) on display unit 23 in response to a user operation via input unit 24 (for example, an operation of double-clicking on two-dimensional scatter plot 231).

[0052] The process of step S174 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0053] In step S1741, the control unit 21 displays the three-dimensional distribution diagram 310 (see FIG. 12) on the display unit 23 in response to a user operation via the input unit 24. In step S1742, the control unit 21 accepts designation of a particular dot corresponding to a formed element (particle) to be set to be hidden on the three-dimensional distribution diagram 310 in response to a user operation via the input unit 24 (for example, an operation on the type selection area 330 and the area selection area 340). The control unit 21 updates the table shown in FIG. 6 based on the accepted designation of hiding.

[0054] In step S1743, the control unit 21 controls the display of the screen of the display unit 23 so as to hide specific dots corresponding to the specified formed elements (particles) on the three-dimensional distribution diagram 310. In step S1743, the control unit 21 reads out values ​​relating to the display / hide of dots stored in the storage unit 22 in association with the classifications shown in Fig. 6, and displays dots corresponding to formed elements (particles) whose value relating to the display / hide of dots is "1", and hides dots corresponding to formed elements (particles) whose value relating to the display / hide of dots is "0".

[0055] The process of step S1741 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0056] In step S17411, the control unit 21 reads out the measured values ​​of the parameters of the display target components. In step S17411, the display target components are all components for which the measured values ​​are obtained from the optical detector for the target sample and measurement channel, and the parameters of the display target are initially set to parameters corresponding to the coordinates (XYZ coordinate space) required for drawing dots corresponding to the components in a three-dimensional scatter diagram described later. In step S17412, the control unit 21 determines the coordinates (XYZ coordinate space) of the display target components and counts the frequency at each coordinate.

[0057] In step S17413, the control unit 21 draws, on the three-dimensional scatter diagram, dots of a color according to the type of material component with the highest frequency for coordinates with a frequency of 1 or more.

[0058] The process of step S17413 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Since particle numbers 1, 3, and 4 have the same values ​​of FSC, SSC, and SFL, they are plotted at the same coordinates in a three-dimensional coordinate space with FSC-SSC-SFL as the axes. Particle numbers 1 and 3 have a classification value of "0", and particle number 4 has a classification value of "1". In this case, the frequency of the material component with the classification value 0 in the above coordinates is 2, and the frequency of the material component with the classification value 1 is 1. In this case, a dot of a color according to the classification value 0, which is the material component with the highest frequency, is drawn. Note that, when two or more types of material components with the same frequency are plotted at the same coordinates, the color of the dot is determined using another parameter that determines superiority. For example, the color of the group of dots corresponding to the material component closest to the center of gravity coordinates of the group of dots of each material component among two or more types of competing material components may be adopted.

[0059] As will be described with reference to FIG. 9 and subsequent figures, the control unit 21 receives instructions from the user via the input unit 24 and controls the display of the screen in accordance with the received instructions.

[0060] Next, the screen displayed on the display unit 23 in step S17 of FIG. 3 will be described.

[0061] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a screen 100 displayed on the display unit 23. As shown in FIG.

[0062] When the control unit 21 receives an operation to display the screen 100 by the user on the menu screen, the control unit 21 displays the screen 100 on the display unit 23 based on the measurement data stored in the storage unit 22.

[0063] The screen 100 includes a measurement data display area 110 and a measurement item display area 120 .

[0064] The measurement data display area 110 includes items such as the specimen number, date, time, and measurement mode. The user can display other specimens and other items in the measurement data display area 110 by operating buttons and bars that scroll the display area up and down and left and right. The user can also set filter conditions to change the sorting order of the measurement data display area 110 and display specimens that meet the conditions.

[0065] The measurement item display area 120 includes items (measurement items), data (result values), and units as items. The user can display other measurement items in the measurement item display area 120 by operating buttons and bars that scroll the display area up and down.

[0066] When the user clicks on a row extending horizontally in the measurement data display area 110, the row on which the operation was performed is displayed in a different color as shown in Fig. 9, and the result values ​​of the measurement items for the selected sample are displayed in the measurement item display area 120. In addition, when the user double-clicks on a row in the measurement data display area 110, a screen 200 is displayed on the display unit 23 for viewing a list of the result values, etc. for the sample in the row on which the operation was performed.

[0067] 10 and 11 are diagrams that diagrammatically show a screen 200 displayed on the display unit 23. FIG.

[0068] Screen 200 in Fig. 10 is the screen displayed when a double click is performed on a sample in whole blood mode (WB) in Fig. 9, and screen 200 in Fig. 11 is the screen displayed when a double click is performed on a sample in body fluid mode (BF) in Fig. 9. Note that the screens displayed in the low white blood cell mode (LW) and dilution mode (PD) are almost similar to screen 200 in Fig. 10, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 10, a screen 200 in the whole blood mode (WB) includes a sample information area 210, a measurement item display area 220, and a graph display area 230.

[0070] The sample information area 210 displays the sample number and the measurement mode of the sample displayed on the screen 200. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the measurement mode is the whole blood mode (WB), so the measurement item display area 220 and the graph display area 230 display content appropriate for the whole blood mode.

[0071] The measurement item display area 220 displays the result values ​​of the measurement items of the sample displayed on the screen 200. The graph display area 230 displays two-dimensional scatter diagrams 231-235 and particle size distribution diagrams 241, 242. The two-dimensional scatter diagrams 231-235 display dots corresponding to formed elements for the WDF channel, WNR channel, WPC channel, RET channel, and PLT-F channel, respectively, based on the measured values. The colors of the dots on the two-dimensional scatter diagrams 231-235 differ depending on the type of formed element. The particle size distribution diagrams 241, 242 are displayed based on the measured values ​​for red blood cells and platelets, respectively.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 11, the screen 200 in the body fluid mode (BF) comprises a specimen information area 210, a measurement item display area 220, and a graph display area 230, similar to FIG.

[0073] The sample information area 210 displays the sample number and the measurement mode of the sample displayed on the screen 200. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the measurement mode is the body fluid mode (BF), so the measurement item display area 220 and graph display area 230 display content that matches the body fluid mode.

[0074] The measurement item display area 220 displays the result values ​​of the measurement items of the sample displayed on the screen 200. The graph display area 230 displays two-dimensional scatter diagrams 236 and 237 and a particle size distribution diagram 243. The two-dimensional scatter diagram 236, like the two-dimensional scatter diagram 231 in FIG. 10, displays dots corresponding to formed elements related to the WDF channel based on the measured values. The two-dimensional scatter diagram 237, like the two-dimensional scatter diagram 236, is a diagram related to the WDF channel, but has a different scale of the vertical axis (SFL) from that of the two-dimensional scatter diagram 236. Specifically, the upper limit value of the vertical axis of the two-dimensional scatter diagram 237 is larger than the upper limit value of the vertical axis of the two-dimensional scatter diagram 236. The vertical axis of the two-dimensional scatter diagram 237 is SFL_EXT. The colors of the dots on the two-dimensional scatter diagrams 236 and 237 are different for each type of formed element. The particle size distribution diagram 243 is displayed based on the measured values ​​of red blood cells.

[0075] Here, when the user double-clicks on any of the two-dimensional scatter plots 231 to 237 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a screen 300 is displayed on the display unit 23, which displays a three-dimensional scatter plot corresponding to the two-dimensional scatter plot on which the operation was performed.

[0076] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a screen 300 including a three-dimensional scatter diagram displayed on the display unit 23. As shown in FIG.

[0077] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a screen 300 that is displayed when the two-dimensional scatter plot 231 corresponding to a WDF channel is double-clicked.

[0078] The screen 300 comprises a measurement channel display area 301, a measurement mode display area 302, a display switching button 303, a close button 304, a three-dimensional scatter plot 310, two-dimensional scatter plots 321 to 323, a type selection area 330, an area selection area 340, an axis selection area 350, and sample sending buttons 361 and 362.

[0079] The measurement channel display area 301 indicates which measurement channel the information displayed on the screen 300 is for. The measurement mode display area 302 indicates which measurement mode the information displayed on the screen 300 is for. The example shown in Fig. 12 indicates that the measurement channel is the WDF channel and the measurement mode is the whole blood mode (WB).

[0080] The three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 corresponds to the two-dimensional scatter diagram specified by double-clicking when the screen 300 is displayed. Specifically, the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 is displayed by adding other parameters to the two-axis parameters (SSC and SFL in the case of a WDF channel) of the original two-dimensional scatter diagram. The dots on the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 are assigned different colors for each type of dot based on the classification value indicating the type of dot corresponding to the formed element (particle) shown in FIG. 5. When the user performs a drag operation on the display area of ​​the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310, the view angle of the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 is changed according to the drag operation. Note that the view angle of the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 shown in FIG. 12 is the initial setting (default) view angle.

[0081] The three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 is provided with a check box 310a for displaying the reference region.

[0082] 13(a) and (b) are diagrams showing the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 when the display of the reference region is turned off and on, respectively.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 13(a), when the display of the reference region is off, only dots corresponding to formed elements are displayed in the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310. In contrast, when the user checks the check box 310a, the reference region showing the distribution of each dot group is displayed superimposed on the distribution of dots in the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310, as shown in Fig. 13(b). In the example shown in Fig. 13(b), the reference regions 314a to 314d are the reference regions for neutrophils (NEUT), lymphocytes (LYMPH), monocytes (MONO), and eosinophils (EO), respectively.

[0084] The reference regions 314a-314d are given a color that is slightly lighter than the color given to the corresponding group of dots. This allows the user to understand which group of dots the reference regions 314a-314d correspond to while understanding the dots on the 3D scatter diagram 310, even when the reference regions 314a-314d are displayed.

[0085] The reference area displayed in the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 is a distribution area of ​​a group of dots in the case of a healthy person. In other words, the reference area is a typical distribution area (a statistically normal distribution area) of each formed element, and is an area for objectively judging the difference from a healthy person.

[0086] The setting of the reference area may be changed by the user. For example, the reference area may be set to a distribution area of ​​a group of dots based on a sample taken a predetermined number of days or a predetermined number of times before from the subject from whom the sample displayed on the screen 300 was taken. In this case, the reference area is an area for objectively judging the time series changes of each formed element contained in the subject's sample.

[0087] 12, the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 are two-dimensional scatter plots with two of the three axis parameters of the three-axis parameters of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 as axes. The two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 have different combinations of parameters on the two axes. The two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 are arranged in a sub-area 305 located at the right end of the screen 300.

[0088] The display switching button 303 is a button for switching the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 to surface plots 371-373 (see FIG. 14), respectively. When the user clicks the display switching button 303, the surface plots 371-373 are displayed in the sub-area 305 instead of the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323, respectively.

[0089] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of screen 300 in a state in which surface plots 371 to 373 are displayed by operating display switching button 303. As shown in FIG.

[0090] In the surface plots 371-373, the bottom surface (colored surface) is a surface whose axes are two of the three parameters of the three-axis parameters of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310, and the height direction indicates the frequency (number). In the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323, dots corresponding to formed elements with the same measured value are drawn at the same coordinates, making it difficult to grasp the density of the dots. In contrast, in the surface plots 371-373, it is possible to grasp the frequency (number) of how many dots are plotted at the same coordinates, making it easier to grasp the density of the dots.

[0091] Returning to FIG. 12, the type selection area 330 displays a list of types of formed elements classified by the measurement channel of the sample displayed on the screen 300, with a check box provided for each type name. In the case of the WDF channel, as shown in FIG. 12, neutrophils (NEUT), lymphocytes (LYMPH), monocytes (MONO), eosinophils (EO), immature granulocytes (IG), debris, and unclassified are displayed in the type selection area 330. At this time, for the types of dots that are not classified in the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310, the type names and check boxes are displayed in gray so that they cannot be checked, as shown by the dashed-line enclosures in the type selection area 330. In the initial setting, the check boxes for all dot types are checked.

[0092] When the user unchecks a check box in the type selection area 330, the dots of the corresponding type are set to be hidden in the three-dimensional scatter plot 310, the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323, and the surface plots 371-373. On the other hand, when the user checks a check box in the type selection area 330, the dots of the corresponding type are displayed in the three-dimensional scatter plot 310, the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323, and the surface plots 371-373.

[0093] In response to the operation of the check boxes in the type selection region 330, the display of dots in the two-dimensional scatter diagrams 321 to 323 and the surface plot diagrams 371 to 373 does not have to be linked.

[0094] Two icons 341 that can be used to set a rectangular selection and a free selection, respectively, and a check box 342 that can be used to select whether to display or hide the selection range are displayed in the area selection area 340. When the user performs an operation to select one of the two icons 341, the shape of the enclosure on the screen when selecting a dot in the 3D scatter diagram 310 is determined according to the selected icon 341.

[0095] After determining the enclosing shape in the region selection area 340, the user encloses the dots that the user wishes to set as hidden in the cube consisting of the three axes of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310. As a result, all dots that exist within the enclosed region among the dots within the cube are selected. Then, the user unchecks the check box 342. As a result, the dots selected by the enclosing shape on the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 are set as hidden in the three-dimensional scatter plot 310, the two-dimensional scatter plots 321 to 323, and the surface plots 371 to 373. Furthermore, the user can check the check box 342 to make the hidden dots visible again.

[0096] In response to the operation of the region selection region 340, the display of dots in the two-dimensional scatter diagrams 321 to 323 and the surface plot diagrams 371 to 373 does not have to be linked.

[0097] The axis selection area 350 includes pull-down menus 351 to 353 capable of selecting parameters for the three axes of the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310, and labels 351a to 353a arranged corresponding to the pull-down menus 351 to 353, respectively. The pull-down menus 351 to 353 are configured to enable selection of parameters according to the measurement channel. When the screen 300 is newly displayed, the parameters for the three axes of the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 are automatically initialized, and the initial values ​​of the pull-down menus 351 to 353 are also automatically set.

[0098] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing axis parameters that can be set in the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 according to the measurement channel, and parameters that are initially set for the three axes of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310. As shown in FIG.

[0099] For WNR channels, the configurable parameters are SFL, FSC, SSC, and FSCW, and the parameters initially set for the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are SFL, FSC, and SSC, respectively. For WDF channels, the configurable parameters are SSC, SFL, FSC, FSCW, and SFL_EXT, and the parameters initially set for the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are SSC, SFL, and FSC, respectively. Note that for WDF channels, SFL_EXT can be set as an axis only in body fluid mode (BF). For WPC channels, the configurable parameters are SSC, SFL, FSC, and FSCW, and the parameters initially set for the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are SSC, SFL, and FSC, respectively.

[0100] For the RET channel, the configurable parameters are SFL, FSC, SSC, FSCW, SFL_EXT, and FSC_LOG, and the parameters initially set for the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are SFL, FSC, and SSC, respectively. For the PLT-F channel, the configurable parameters are SFL, FSC, SSC, and FSCW, and the parameters initially set for the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are SFL, FSC, and SSC, respectively.

[0101] In the case of FIG. 12, since the screen 300 relating to the WDF channel is newly displayed, the parameters of each axis are set according to the initial settings shown in FIG.

[0102] Returning to FIG. 12, when the user operates the pull-down menus 351-353 in the axis selection area 350 to change the parameters of the axes 311-313 of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310, the two axes of the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 or the two axes of the surface plots 371-373 displayed on the screen 300 are changed to match the parameters of the pull-down menus 351-353.

[0103] Moreover, the axes 311 to 313 of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 correspond to the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, respectively. The axes 311 to 313 are parameters displayed in the pull-down menus 351 to 353, respectively. Here, the axes 311 to 313 are blue, green, and red, respectively, the character colors in the labels 351a, 352a, and 353a are blue, green, and red, respectively, and the character strings in the labels 351a, 352a, and 353a include "blue," "green," and "red," respectively. This allows the user to intuitively grasp which axis of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 corresponds to the axis corresponding to the parameter selected in the pull-down menus 351 to 353.

[0104] In addition, the axes used in the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 and the surface plots 371-373 are also color-coded, and axes of the same parameters are given the same color in the three-dimensional scatter plot 310, the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323, and the surface plots 371-373.

[0105] The sample sending buttons 361 and 362 are buttons for sending to the previous sample and the next sample, respectively. When the user clicks the sample sending buttons 361 and 362, the sample displayed on the screen 300 is sent to the previous sample and the next sample in the sorting order of the screen 100 of Fig. 9, respectively, and information on the sent sample is displayed on the screen 300. Note that, after the sorting order of the samples is changed in advance by setting the filter conditions on the screen 100 of Fig. 9, when the sample sending buttons 361 and 362 on the screen 300 are operated, the sample displayed on the screen 300 is sent to the previous sample or the next sample based on the sorting order changed on the screen 100.

[0106] Close button 304 is a button for closing screen 300. When the user clicks close button 304, screen 300 is closed, and the screen on which the operation to open screen 300 was performed (for example, screen 200 in FIGS. 10 and 11) is displayed on display unit 23.

[0107] When the close button 304 is operated, all of the display conditions of the screen 300 (selection state of the type selection area 330, selection state and display state of the area selection area 340, selection state of the three parameters of the axis selection area 350, the view angle of the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310, and the display state of any of the two-dimensional scatter diagrams 321 to 323 and the surface plot diagrams 371 to 373) are reset. When the screen 300 is displayed next time, the screen 300 is displayed with the initial setting display conditions. Specifically, all check boxes of the type selection area 330 are turned on, the selection area of ​​the area selection area 340 is released, the parameters of the three axes of the axis selection area 350 are set to the initial values ​​shown in FIG. 15, the view angle of the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 is set to the initial setting, and the two-dimensional scatter diagrams 321 to 323 are displayed in the sub-area 305.

[0108] Note that unless the close button 304 is operated, even if the sample sending buttons 361 and 362 are operated, the display state of the screen 300 is maintained so long as it is the same measurement channel and the same measurement mode. How the display state is maintained will be described later with reference to display example 2.

[0109] Next, display examples 1 to 5 of the screen 300 and the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 will be described with reference to Figs. 16(a) to 26(d).

[0110] 16(a) to (d) are diagrams showing a three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 in display example 1. In display example 1, the measurement mode is the whole blood mode (WB), and the measurement channel is the WPC channel.

[0111] As shown in Fig. 16(a), when the view angle is the default, the dot groups 315a of immature and abnormal cells are hidden behind the dot groups 315b of white blood cells that are widely spread in the foreground, making it difficult for the user to confirm the distribution of immature and abnormal cells. Also, when there are multiple dots of different types at the same coordinates, only the dot group of the type with the greater number at that coordinate is displayed, making it impossible to confirm the dot group of the type with the smaller number. In the example shown in Fig. 16(a), there is a possibility that the dot group 315a at the same position is not displayed because there are many dot groups 315b.

[0112] In response to this, the user can hide the dot group 315b of white blood cells by operating a checkbox in the type selection area 330 in Fig. 12, thereby being able to see the dot group 315a of immature cells and abnormal cells hidden behind the dot group 315b of white blood cells, as shown in Fig. 16(b).The user can also see the dot group 315b of immature cells and abnormal cells that was not displayed because it is located at the same coordinates as the white blood cells.

[0113] Furthermore, the user can change the view angle of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 from the state of FIG. 16(b) to set the distribution of dot groups 315a of immature cells and abnormal cells to be more easily visible, as shown in FIG. 16(c).

[0114] Furthermore, from the state shown in FIG. 16(c), the user can operate the checkbox in the type selection area 330 in FIG. 12 to display the white blood cell dot group 315b again, thereby understanding the positional relationship between the immature cell and abnormal cell dot group 315a and the white blood cell dot group 315b, as shown in FIG. 16(d).

[0115] 17 to 23 are diagrams each showing a schematic view of a screen 300 in the second display example.

[0116] When the user double-clicks on the two-dimensional scatter diagram 231 in Fig. 10, the screen 300 is displayed under the initial setting display conditions, as shown in Fig. 17. In Fig. 17, the measurement mode is the whole blood mode (WB), and the measurement channel is the WDF channel. From this state, the user can change the view angle by performing a drag operation on the display area of ​​the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310, as shown in Fig. 18.

[0117] Next, when the user clicks sample sending buttons 361, 362 on screen 300 in Fig. 18, the samples displayed on screen 300 are changed as shown in Fig. 19 according to the arrangement order in the measurement data display area 110 in Fig. 9. At this time, if the measurement mode and measurement channel of screen 300 in Fig. 18 before the transition are the same as the measurement mode and measurement channel of screen 300 in Fig. 19 after the transition, the display conditions of screen 300 are maintained.

[0118] More specifically, when the measurement mode of the specimen before the transition is the same as the measurement mode after the transition, and the specimen after the transition has measurement data of the same measurement channel as the measurement channel displayed on the screen 300 of Fig. 18 before the transition, the display conditions of the screen 300 shown in Fig. 19 after the transition are set to the same as the display conditions of the screen 300 shown in Fig. 18 before the transition. This allows the user to check the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 under the same display conditions for specimens under the same measurement conditions (both the measurement mode and the measurement channel are the same).

[0119] Next, when the user clicks sample sending buttons 361, 362 on screen 300 shown in Fig. 19, the sample displayed on screen 300 is changed as shown in Fig. 20. In Fig. 20, the measurement mode is the body fluid mode (BF), and the measurement channel is the WDF channel. Therefore, since the measurement mode is different from that of screen 300 in Fig. 19 before the transition, screen 300 is displayed under the display conditions for the body fluid mode (BF) and the WDF channel (the initial setting display conditions in Fig. 20). From this state, the user can change the view angle as shown in Fig. 21 by performing a drag operation on the display area of ​​the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310.

[0120] Next, when the user clicks the sample sending buttons 361, 362 on the screen 300 of Fig. 21 to display the sample shown in Fig. 19 on the screen 300 again, the screen 300 is displayed under the same display conditions as in Fig. 19, as shown in Fig. 22. That is, the display conditions for the whole blood mode (WB) and WDF channel are held as the display conditions of the screen 300 of Fig. 19. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 22, when display is performed again in the same measurement mode and measurement channel, the screen 300 is displayed under the same display conditions.

[0121] Next, when the user clicks sample sending buttons 361, 362 on screen 300 in Fig. 22, the sample displayed on screen 300 is changed as shown in Fig. 23. In Fig. 23, the measurement mode is the whole blood mode (WB) and the measurement channel is the WNR channel. Therefore, since the measurement channel is different compared to screen 300 in Fig. 22 before the transition, screen 300 is displayed under the display conditions for the whole blood mode (WB) and WNR channel (the initial setting display conditions in Fig. 23).

[0122] 24(a) and (b) are diagrams showing a two-dimensional scatter plot 231 and a three-dimensional scatter plot 310 in the display example 3. FIG.

[0123] Fig. 24(a) is a two-dimensional scatter plot 231 of the WDF channel on the screen 200 of Fig. 10. In this case, dots corresponding to antibody-producing cells with a large amount of protein may be distributed in region A11 at the upper limit of the vertical axis (SFL) of the two-dimensional scatter plot 231. When dots are densely packed at the end of the axial direction in this way, it is difficult for the user to grasp how many dots are distributed in this region.

[0124] In response to this, the user double-clicks on the two-dimensional scatter diagram 231 to display the screen 300, and then adjusts the view angle of the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 as shown in Fig. 24(b). This allows the user to grasp the dots clustered at the end of the axial direction in more detail. That is, by referring to the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 shown in Fig. 24(b) and checking the distribution of dots in the area A12 corresponding to the area A11, the user can grasp how the dots are distributed toward the upper limit of the vertical axis (SFL), and can grasp how many dots are distributed in the area A12.

[0125] 25(a) and (b) are diagrams showing a three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 in the display example 4. FIG.

[0126] Fig. 25(a) is a three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 of the WNR channel. In the example shown in Fig. 25(a), a group of dots 316a of white blood cells is hidden behind a group of dots 316b of unknown particles that spread widely in the foreground. Furthermore, if the dots of the white blood cells and the dots of the unknown particles exist at the same coordinates, the user cannot confirm the dots of the white blood cells even if he or she changes the view angle of the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310.

[0127] In response to this, the user can operate a check box (see FIG. 12) in the type selection area 330 of the screen 300 to hide the group of unknown particles (dot group) as shown in FIG. 25(b), which allows the user to check in detail the dot group 316a of white blood cells near the area A2 that overlaps with the dots of the unknown particles.

[0128] In addition, when the dot groups 316a and 316b are distributed as shown in FIG. 25(a), the user can confirm the dot group 316a of the white blood cells near the region A2 by another procedure. That is, the user operates the check box in the type selection region 330 to hide the white blood cells, and then operates the icon 341 (see FIG. 12) in the region selection region 340 of the screen 300 to select the vicinity of the region A2 by rectangular selection or free selection. Next, the user unchecks the check box 342 in the region selection region 340 of the screen 300 to hide the dots of the unknown particles displayed near the region A2. Then, the user operates the check box in the type selection region 330 to display the dot group 316a of the white blood cells again. This allows the user to confirm in detail the dot group 316a of the white blood cells near the region A2 that overlaps with the dot group 316b of the unknown particles.

[0129] 26(a) to (d) are diagrams showing two-dimensional scatter diagrams 236 and 237 and a three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 in the display example 5. In FIG.

[0130] As described with reference to FIG. 11, in the WDF channel in the body fluid mode (BF), parameters related to the SFL include SFL of a normal scale and SFL_EXT of a wide range extended scale.

[0131] Fig. 26(a) is a two-dimensional scatter plot 236 of the screen 200 shown in Fig. 11. In the two-dimensional scatter plot 236, the vertical axis is SFL of the normal scale. When the user double-clicks the two-dimensional scatter plot 236, a three-dimensional scatter plot 310 shown in Fig. 26(b) is displayed. In this case, the vertical axis of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 is SFL of the same scale as the two-dimensional scatter plot 236.

[0132] Fig. 26(c) is a two-dimensional scatter plot 237 of the screen 200 shown in Fig. 11. In the two-dimensional scatter plot 237, the vertical axis is SFL_EXT with a scale expanded over a wide range. When the user double-clicks the two-dimensional scatter plot 237, a three-dimensional scatter plot 310 shown in Fig. 26(d) is displayed. At this time, the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 has SFL_EXT with the same scale as the two-dimensional scatter plot 237.

[0133] In the case of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 of Fig. 26(b), the user cannot properly grasp the shape of the dot group that is stuck to the upper limit of the vertical axis (SFL), that is, how the dot group is connected in the vicinity of region A31. However, in the case of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 of Fig. 26(d), region A32 corresponds to region A31. Therefore, according to the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 of Fig. 26(d), the user can properly grasp the shape of the dot group in the vicinity of region A32.

[0134] Next, with reference to Figures 27(a) and (b), a description will be given of the colors of the rectangular parallelepiped faces of the three-dimensional distribution diagram 310. Figures 27(a) and (b) are similar to Figures 16(c) and (b), respectively.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 27(a), the three-dimensional distribution map 310 has axes 311 to 313 corresponding to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The point where the axes 311 to 313 intersect at one point is the origin 317. Here, among the six faces of the rectangular parallelepiped shape, the insides of three faces 318a, 318b, and 318c are each given a different color. The face 318a is a face formed by the axis 311 and the axis 313. The face 318b is a face that is parallel to the face formed by the axis 311 and the axis 312 and does not pass through the origin 317. The face 318c is a face that is parallel to the face formed by the axis 312 and the axis 313 and does not pass through the origin 317.

[0136] In this way, by coloring the faces 318a, 318b, and 318c out of the six faces of the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310, the user can easily understand the view angle at which the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 is displayed. Also, since only three faces out of the six faces are colored, it is possible to avoid the display of the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 becoming complicated.

[0137] Depending on the view angle of the three-dimensional distribution diagram 310, the outer surfaces of the faces 318a, 318b, and 318c may be displayed instead of the inner surfaces. For example, in the case of the view angle shown in FIG. 27(b), the outer surface of the face 318c is displayed. In this way, the faces 318a, 318b, and 318c whose outer surfaces are displayed are made transparent (transparent display). This prevents the colors of the faces 318a, 318b, and 318c from being displayed overlapping, thereby preventing the display of the three-dimensional distribution diagram 310 from becoming complicated.

[0138] <Effects of the First Embodiment> According to the first embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0139] In step S14, measurement values ​​of at least three parameters are obtained from the material components. In step S1741, a screen 300 is displayed including a three-dimensional scatter plot 310 in which the three parameters are axes 311 to 313 and the material components are shown as dots. In step S1743, specific dots among the dots on the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 are hidden in response to a user operation.

[0140] According to this process, the user can hide dots not required for the analysis of the desired material component in the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310. This allows the dots of the material component desired by the user to be easily displayed on the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310, and improves the visibility of the distribution of the material components in the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310. Furthermore, in validating the data (measured values) corresponding to each measurement item displayed in the measurement item display area 120, the user can use the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 to accurately grasp the presence or absence of immature cells or abnormal cells, and the positional relationship and distribution of the dot groups corresponding to each material component, thereby making it possible to more smoothly and accurately analyze the material components.

[0141] In step S16, the components are classified into a plurality of types based on the measured values, as shown in the classification values ​​in FIG. 5. In step S1742, the selection of the classified component types is accepted via the type selection area 330. In step S1743, a specific dot is hidden for each type of component for which the selection has been accepted. In this way, the dots on the three-dimensional distribution diagram 310 can be hidden for each type of component. This makes it easier to grasp the dots of one type by hiding the dots of the other type, for example, when different types of dots overlap on the three-dimensional distribution diagram 310. Therefore, the user can smoothly and accurately proceed with the analysis of the desired type of component.

[0142] In step S174, with the specific dots hidden, the view angle of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 is changed in response to an operation on the three-dimensional scatter plot 310. In this way, the user can change the view angle of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 to grasp the distribution of dots in detail.

[0143] In step S174, the dots on the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 are displayed in different colors according to type, which allows the dots corresponding to each type to be visually and easily understood.

[0144] When a dot is set to be hidden, the selection of a dot to be displayed on the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 is accepted via the type selection area 330 or the area selection area 340. This allows a dot that was once set to be hidden to be displayed again.

[0145] In step S1742, a selection of a specific dot to be hidden on the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 is accepted via the type selection area 330 or the area selection area 340. This allows the user to make the desired dot more visible, and allows the analysis of the dot to proceed smoothly and accurately.

[0146] In step S173, a plurality of two-dimensional scatter diagrams 231-237 having different measurement channels are displayed. Any one of the two-dimensional scatter diagrams 231-237 in Figs. 10 and 11 is selected by performing an operation on the two-dimensional scatter diagram. The three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 displayed in step S174 is the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 corresponding to the measurement channel of the selected two-dimensional scatter diagram 231-237. In this way, the user can smoothly refer to the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 of a given measurement channel while referring to the two-dimensional scatter diagrams 231-237 of the measurement channel.

[0147] In step S174, the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 is displayed using axes of the same scale as the axes used in the selected two-dimensional scatter plots 231 to 237. For example, as shown in Figs. 26(a) and (b), the vertical axis of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 and the vertical axis of the two-dimensional scatter plot 236 are axes of the same scale (normal scale SFL), and as shown in Figs. 26(c) and (d), the vertical axis of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 and the vertical axis of the two-dimensional scatter plot 237 are axes of the same scale (widely extended scale SFL_EXT). In this way, the user can analyze the tangible components using the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 in the same way as the two-dimensional scatter plots 231 to 237.

[0148] In step S174, three axes of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 are selected from four or more multiple parameters via the axis selection area 350. In this way, the user can display the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 with any parameter selected from the multiple parameters as the three axes. This allows the user to perform a more detailed analysis of the tangible components using the three-dimensional scatter plot 310.

[0149] The three axes used in the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 are color-coded, and the color of each axis and the name of the parameter set for each axis are displayed in the axis selection area 350. In this way, even if the view angle of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 changes, the user can smoothly grasp which parameter each axis of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 corresponds to.

[0150] In step S174, the display conditions (display state of dots, axis parameters, and view angle) of the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 are set for each measurement mode of the specimen. For example, when the specimen feed buttons 361 and 362 are operated on the screen 300 of FIG. 19 and another specimen is displayed as shown on the screen 300 of FIG. 20, the measurement modes of FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 are different from each other, so the display conditions are initialized on the screen 300 of FIG. 20. In this way, the user can display the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 for each measurement mode of the specimen under the optimum display conditions set in advance. This allows the user to smoothly start the analysis of formed components using the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310.

[0151] In step S174, the display conditions (dot display state, axis parameters, and view angle) of the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 are set for each measurement channel used in step S14 to acquire the measured value. For example, when the sample feed buttons 361 and 362 are operated on the screen 300 of FIG. 22 and another sample is displayed as shown on the screen 300 of FIG. 23, the display conditions are initialized on the screen 300 of FIG. 23 because the measurement channels of FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 are different from each other. In this way, the user can display the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 for each measurement channel under the optimal display conditions set in advance. This allows the user to smoothly start the analysis of formed components using the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310.

[0152] In step S174, two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 or surface plots 371-373 corresponding to the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 are displayed in an area (sub-area 305) different from the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 on the screen 300. In this way, the user can analyze the formed components in more detail by referring to the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 or surface plots 371-373 together with the three-dimensional scatter plot 310.

[0153] In step S174, two of the three parameters used as the three axes of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 are set as parameters of the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 or the surface plots 371-373. In this way, the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 or the surface plots 371-373 become associated with the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 on one screen 300, so that analysis of tangible components using the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 or the surface plots 371-373 can be smoothly performed.

[0154] In step S174, the setting of parameters to be used as axes of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 is accepted via the axis selection area 350, and the parameters of the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 or the surface plots 371-373 are changed based on the accepted parameters. In this way, when the user changes the parameters of the axes of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310, the parameters of the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 or the surface plots 371-373 are changed to match the parameters of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310. This allows the user to compare the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 with the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 or the surface plots 371-373 using the same parameters, and thus allows the user to smoothly compare the plots.

[0155] In step S174, in conjunction with the step of accepting a designation to hide a specific dot, dots on the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 or surface plots 371-373 corresponding to the specific dot to be hidden are hidden. In this way, the same dots are deleted from the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 and the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 or surface plots 371-373, so that the user can smoothly analyze the formed components using the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 and the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 or surface plots 371-373.

[0156] The axes used in the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 and the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 or the surface plots 371-373 are color-coded, and the same color is used for the axes of the same parameters in the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 and the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 or the surface plots 371-373. In this way, the user can distinguish and understand the axes in the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 and the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 or the surface plots 371-373, and can smoothly perform analysis based on each parameter.

[0157] Reference regions corresponding to the clusters of material components are displayed superimposed on the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310. In the example shown in Fig. 13(b), reference regions 314a to 314d are displayed corresponding to the clusters of material components, respectively. In this way, the user can compare the reference regions with the distribution of dots on the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 to analyze the material components in more detail.

[0158] Specifically, when the reference area is an area for objectively determining the difference from a healthy person, the user can easily grasp the distribution state of each formed element of the specimen relatively by comparing the reference area with the distribution of each formed element of the specimen. This allows the pathological diagnosis based on the formed elements of the specimen to proceed smoothly. In addition, when the reference area is an area for objectively determining the time series change of each formed element contained in the subject's specimen, the user can determine the change in the condition of the subject and decide on a medication policy by grasping how the distribution state of the formed elements contained in the specimen has changed.

[0159] The 3D scatter diagram 310 can be switched to the 3D scatter diagram 310 of another specimen by operating the specimen forwarding buttons 361, 362. In this way, the user can easily compare the 3D scatter diagram 310 of one specimen with the 3D scatter diagram 310 of the other specimen, and can perform a more detailed analysis of the formed elements of one or both specimens.

[0160] The 3D scatter diagram 310 of the other sample is displayed while maintaining the display conditions before switching. For example, when the sample forwarding buttons 361, 362 are operated on the screen 300 of Fig. 18 and another sample is displayed as shown on the screen 300 of Fig. 19, the measurement mode and measurement channel of Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 match, so that the screen 300 of Fig. 19 is displayed while maintaining the display conditions of the screen 300 of Fig. 18. In this way, the user can display the 3D scatter diagram 310 of one sample and the 3D scatter diagram 310 of the other sample under the same display conditions, so that the user can smoothly compare both 3D scatter diagrams 310.

[0161] 16(a) to 26(d), the user can confirm the distribution shape of each group of formed elements by referring to the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 displayed on the screen 300. By being able to confirm the distribution shape in this way, the distribution shape can be used to judge the condition of the subject from whom the specimen was collected.

[0162] In step S14, measurement values ​​are obtained from the components. In step S16, measurement data (data set) including at least three parameters based on the measurement values ​​and attributes of the components (classification values ​​in FIG. 5) are obtained. In step S1741, based on the measurement data (data set), a screen 300 including a three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 showing the components as dots is displayed. In step S1743, the dots on the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 are displayed with their display changed based on the attributes of the components.

[0163] According to this process, dots not necessary for the analysis of a given material component are displayed by changing whether or not they are displayed on the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310. This allows the dots of the given material component to be displayed easily on the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310, and improves the visibility of the distribution of the material components on the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310. Furthermore, in validating the data (measured values) corresponding to each measurement item displayed in the measurement item display area 120, the user can use the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 to accurately grasp the presence or absence of immature cells or abnormal cells, and the positional relationship and distribution of the dot groups corresponding to each material component, thereby making it possible to more smoothly and accurately analyze the material components.

[0164] <Modification 1: Modification regarding the method of specifying dots> In the above embodiment 1, an example was described in which the type of material element was specified and the range of dots at specific coordinates was specified in order to specify the group of dots to be switched between visible and invisible. However, another method can be adopted to specify the group of dots to be switched between visible and invisible.

[0165] 28(a) and (b) are diagrams showing a three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 according to the first modification.

[0166] In the first modification, a pull-down menu 401 for accepting the type of material component for which the display density is to be changed, and a slider bar 402 (hereinafter, referred to as a bar) for changing the display density of dots to be hidden are displayed together with the three-dimensional distribution diagram 310. In the first modification, the density of dots can be changed by operating the displayed bar, and the number of dots to be displayed can be changed continuously within the range of 0 to 1 by changing the density. In FIG. 28(a), the type of material component to be changed is set to "A". Also, the density is set to 1.0, and 100% of the dots of the target material component are displayed. When the user operates the bar to change the density to 0.3, 70% of the target material component is hidden, and only the remaining 30% is displayed, as shown in FIG. 28(b). That is, according to the example shown in FIG. 28(a) and (b), the user can switch between displaying and hiding dots by specifying the density, instead of specifying a specific material component or a specific dot.

[0167] Displaying dots according to the specified density can be realized, for example, by multiplying the frequency of each dot by a coefficient according to the density. For example, in FIG. 28(a), if the density of the component classified as type A (hereinafter referred to as "component A") is changed to 0.3, the frequency is recalculated by multiplying the frequency of component A at each coordinate by a coefficient of 0.3. At coordinate 1, the frequency of component A is reduced from 20 to 6, which is lower than the frequency of the component classified as type B (hereinafter referred to as "component B") at the same coordinate, which is 10, so the color of the dot at coordinate 1 changes from the color of component A to the color of component B. At coordinate 2, the frequency of component A is 0.9, which is less than 1, so the dot disappears. By multiplying the frequency of the dots by a coefficient according to the density, the frequency of all dots can be changed uniformly.

[0168] In this way, the dots of the material component B that could not be seen due to the material component A as shown in FIG. 28(a) become visible as shown in FIG. 28(b).

[0169] Instead of changing the frequency of dots uniformly, the display / non-display may be switched by changing a threshold value according to the frequency of dots. For example, a percentile with the frequency of dots as a score may be specified as a threshold value according to the density specified by the bars in Figs. 28(a) and (b). In this case, for example, when a density of 0.3 is specified, dots with the 70th percentile are hidden in ascending order of frequency. The threshold value for changing the display may be a percentile, an absolute value of the frequency for the coordinates, or a relative value for the maximum frequency.

[0170] As described above, according to the first modification, the density of the displayed dots can be changed. For example, even if the dots of the first tangible component are too dark and the dots of the second tangible component are hidden, the density of the dots of the first tangible component can be lowered to make the distribution of the second tangible component easier to see.

[0171] <Modification 2: Example of changing the dot display format> (2-1:Transparency) In the above embodiment, an example in which the display / non-display of dots is switched is shown, but the display format of the dots may be changed as in the following modified example 2-1.

[0172] 29(a) and (b) are diagrams that diagrammatically show a three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 according to Modification 2-1.

[0173] In the modified example 2-1, a slider bar 403 (hereinafter, referred to as a bar) for changing the transparency is displayed together with the three-dimensional distribution diagram 310. In the modified example 2-1, the transparency of the dots can be changed continuously within a range of 0 to 100% by operating the displayed bar. In FIG. 29(a), the transparency is set to 0%, and the dots of the target tangible components are displayed in the default state. When the user operates the bar to change the transparency to 50%, the dots of the target tangible components are displayed with a transparency of 50% as shown in FIG. 29(b). This causes the dots of tangible component B, which were hidden behind tangible component A, to emerge as shown in FIG. 29(b).

[0174] By making the transparency changeable, a desired group of dots can be observed through the dots of other material elements that are distributed in the same overlapping position on the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310. This is advantageous in that it is easier to compare and observe the distribution of material elements compared to a case where the other overlapping material elements are completely hidden. In addition, by being able to continuously change the transparency, the dots can be displayed at a density desired by the user. In observing a scatter diagram, not only the distribution of a specific group is observed, but also the balance of distribution with other groups is often observed. For example, it is useful in cases where the influence of the spread of the distribution of a lymphocyte group on the distribution of a monocyte group is observed.

[0175] In the examples of Figures 29(a) and (b), the frequency of each dot may be changed in accordance with the change in transparency, as described with reference to Figures 28(a) and (b). Changing the frequency of each dot in accordance with the transparency not only allows another group hidden behind (i.e., in the depth direction of the display screen) to be observed more reliably, but also improves the visibility of the distribution of hidden dots, since the color of the dot of the minority group at a coordinate where two or more groups compete with each other becomes more prominent as the transparency decreases.

[0176] In this case, it is preferable not to uniformly hide the dots even if the frequency of the dots after recalculation becomes less than 1. For example, even if the transparency of material element A is set to 50% and the frequency of the dot of material element A at a certain coordinate becomes less than 1, it is preferable to keep the display of the dot of material element A as long as another material element with a frequency of 1 or more is not plotted at the same coordinate. In this way, even if the transparency is lowered, the extension of the material element remains visible, which is useful for comparing the distribution spread of different types of populations.

[0177] (2-2: Specifying the display order) The change in the display format of the dots is not limited to the above-mentioned modification 2-1, but may be performed as in the following modification 2-2.

[0178] 30(a) and (b) are diagrams showing a three-dimensional distribution diagram 310 and a display order change region 410 according to Modification Example 2-2.

[0179] In the modified example 2-2, a display order change area 410 for changing the display order of dots is displayed on the screen 300 together with the three-dimensional distribution diagram 310. The display order change area 410 includes a plurality of types of tangible components displayed on the three-dimensional distribution diagram 310, a display order, a key for changing the display order, and a check box for specifying whether or not to specify the display order. In the display order change area 410, a plurality of types of tangible components are displayed in a list format.

[0180] The user can select one formed element from the display order change area 410. In the example of FIG. 30(a), "abnormal cells," which is second in the display order, is selected. With one type of formed element selected, the user can change the display order by operating the keys. The example of FIG. 30(b) shows the state in which "abnormal cells" has been changed from second to first in the display order. Furthermore, if the user wishes to specify a display order, they can click and check the checkbox. The checkbox is unchecked by default, in which case no display order is specified.

[0181] In the state where the display order is not specified, as described in the above embodiment, dots of a color according to the frequency of the material element at each coordinate are drawn. In other words, when multiple types of material elements are plotted at the same coordinate, dots of the color of the material element with a higher frequency are displayed, and dots of the color of the material element with a lower frequency are not displayed.

[0182] When the display order is changed and the checkbox is checked, the display priority of dots on the 3D scatter diagram 310 is changed according to the changed order. Specifically, at the same coordinates where different types of formed elements are plotted, dots in the color of the type of formed element with a higher display order are drawn preferentially regardless of the frequency. In FIG. 30(b), since abnormal cells have a higher display priority than white blood cells, dots in the color of abnormal cells are drawn and the color of white blood cells disappears for coordinates where both white blood cells and abnormal cells are plotted.

[0183] By changing the display order, even if dot groups of different types of material ingredients overlap, it is possible to observe the dot group of the desired type of material ingredient. Furthermore, since the dots of other types of material ingredients are not hidden, it is possible to observe the dot group of the desired type of material ingredient in comparison with other types of material ingredients.

[0184] In addition, in Modification 2-2, it may be possible to additionally perform a change in density as in Modification 1, or a change in transparency as in Modification 2-1.

[0185] Also, in the above-mentioned variants 1 and 2, in conjunction with a change in the display format of a particular dot in the three-dimensional scatter plot 310, the dots on the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 or the surface plot diagrams 371-373 that correspond to the dots whose display format has been changed in the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 may be displayed with their display format changed.

[0186] <Embodiment 2> The sample analyzer 1 of the second embodiment is an apparatus for analyzing urine as a sample. The sample analyzer 1 of the second embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the sample analyzer 1 of the first embodiment, but differs from the sample analyzer 1 of the first embodiment in the following points.

[0187] In the second embodiment, the sample preparation unit 13 prepares an SF measurement sample in which red blood cells are not hemolyzed and a CR measurement sample in which red blood cells are hemolyzed by mixing a specific reagent with a urine sample. The formed elements in the urine sample include fat particles, fat cells, red blood cells, white blood cells, sperm, fungi, trichomonas, epithelial cells, bacteria, casts, mucus threads, crystals, etc. In addition to excreted urine, the urine sample includes urine collected from the living body, such as primary urine, urine in the ureter, urine in the bladder, and urine in the urethra.

[0188] The detection unit 14 (optical detection unit) has a configuration capable of receiving depolarized side scattered light. The detection unit 14 measures the SF measurement sample and the CR measurement sample based on the flow cytometry method. The detection unit 14 irradiates light onto each measurement sample flowing through the flow cell D1, receives forward scattered light, side scattered light, depolarized side scattered light, and side fluorescent light generated from formed components in the measurement sample, and outputs a detection signal with a waveform corresponding to the intensity of each received light. The measurement channel based on the SF measurement sample is called the "SF channel," and the measurement channel based on the CR measurement sample is called the "CR channel."

[0189] The signal processing unit 15 acquires measurement values ​​of a plurality of parameters for each formed component based on the detection signals of each light from the detection unit 14. The measurement values ​​of the parameters include, for example, forward scattered light intensity (FSC), which is acquired as a peak value of a waveform, depolarized side scattered light intensity (DSS), side fluorescent light intensity (SFL), and side fluorescent light intensity (SFLH) detected with high sensitivity.

[0190] The control unit 21 classifies the formed elements into a plurality of types using the measurement values ​​based on the detection unit 14, and obtains the result value for each measurement item. The control unit 21 classifies and counts red blood cells, casts, crystals, etc. based on the measurement values ​​related to the SF channel. The control unit 21 stores the classification and measurement values ​​for each formed element, and the display / non-display value corresponding to the classification value in the memory unit 22, in the same manner as in Figs. 5 and 6.

[0191] Next, a display example of the screen displayed on the display unit 23 in step S17 of displaying the screen according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0192] 31(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing two-dimensional scatter diagrams 238 and 239 displayed in the graph display area 230 on the screen 200 similar to that of FIG. 10. Both of the two-dimensional scatter diagrams 238 and 239 are displayed based on the classification and measurement values ​​of each formed component for the SF channel. In the two-dimensional scatter diagram 238, the horizontal axis is SFLH and the vertical axis is FSC. In the two-dimensional scatter diagram 239, the horizontal axis is DSS and the vertical axis is FSC. In the two-dimensional scatter diagrams 238 and 239, the dot groups for each classified type are displayed in different colors.

[0193] In Fig. 31(a) and (b) and Fig. 32 to Fig. 34(b) shown below, for convenience, each group is labeled with the type name of the formed element in the 3D scatter diagram or 2D scatter diagram. Note that such labels including the character string of the type name may be attached to the 3D scatter diagram, 2D scatter diagram, and surface plot diagram of the first and second embodiments. This allows the user to smoothly understand what type name the dot groups colored by type are.

[0194] Here, the user can understand the distribution of red blood cells (RBC) and crystals (X'TAL) to some extent by referring to the two-dimensional scatter diagram 239. However, in reality, as shown in FIG. 32, white blood cells (WBC), bacteria (BACT), and epithelial cells (EC) may be distributed overlapping with the red blood cells (RBC) and crystals (X'TAL). In this case, it becomes difficult to accurately understand the distribution of the red blood cells (RBC) and crystals (X'TAL). In contrast, in the second embodiment, a three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 consisting of three axes is displayed on the screen 300, so that the red blood cells and crystals can be confirmed separately from other formed elements on the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310.

[0195] 33(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing three-dimensional scatter plots 310 displayed on a screen 300 similar to that of FIG. 12. In the three-dimensional scatter plots 310 shown in FIG. 33(a) and (b), the axis 311 is DSS, the axis 312 is FSC, and the axis 313 is SFL. The three-dimensional scatter plots 310 shown in FIG. 33(a) and (b) are displayed based on the two-dimensional scatter plot 238 in FIG. 31(a) or the two-dimensional scatter plot 239 in FIG. 31(b). In the three-dimensional scatter plot 310, the dot groups classified by type are displayed in different colors.

[0196] In Fig. 33(a), the measured values ​​of SFL of white blood cells (WBC), bacteria (BACT), and epithelial cells (EC) are several orders of magnitude larger than the measured values ​​of SFL of red blood cells (RBC) and crystals (X'TAL). Therefore, in the three-dimensional distribution diagram 310 in Fig. 33(a), red blood cells (RBC) and crystals (X'TAL) are distributed separately from white blood cells (WBC), bacteria (BACT), and epithelial cells (EC) in the direction of axis 313 (SFL). Therefore, by changing the view angle, the user can check red blood cells and crystals separately from other formed elements.

[0197] Also, when the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 shown in Fig. 33(a) is displayed, the user can operate the type selection area 330 of the screen 300 to hide the dot groups of white blood cells (WBC), bacteria (BACT), and epithelial cells (EC) as shown in Fig. 33(b). This allows the dot groups of red blood cells (RBC) and crystals (X'TAL) desired by the user to be displayed more clearly on the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310.

[0198] Figures 34(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing three-dimensional scatter plots 310 displayed on a screen 300 similar to that of Figure 12. In the three-dimensional scatter plots 310 shown in Figures 34(a) and (b), axis 311 is SFL, axis 312 is DSS, and axis 313 is FSC.

[0199] When the user performs an operation to hide the dot groups of white blood cells (WBC), bacteria (BACT), and epithelial cells (EC) on the screen 300 of Fig. 33(a), the screen 300 goes into the state shown in Fig. 34(a), for example. In Fig. 34(a), the dot groups of crystals (X'TAL) overlap with the dot groups of red blood cells (RBC) and casters (CAST). From this state, when the user performs an operation to hide the dot groups of crystals (X'TAL), the screen 300 goes into the state shown in Fig. 34(b). This makes it possible to display the dot groups of red blood cells (RBC) and casters (CAST) desired by the user in a more easily visible manner.

[0200] <Other changes> 12 and 14, in the above embodiment, the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 and the surface plots 371-373 were displayed in the sub-region 305 located at the right end of the screen 300. However, the sub-region in which the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 and the surface plots 371-373 are displayed may be any region that is displayed simultaneously with the screen 300 on the display unit 23, and may be a sub-region in another screen that is displayed simultaneously with the screen 300.

[0201] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, labels indicating parameter names may be displayed on the axes 311-313 of the three-dimensional scatter plot 310. Furthermore, labels indicating parameter names may be displayed on each axis of the two-dimensional scatter plots 321-323 and the surface plots 371-373. This allows the user to smoothly grasp what parameter name each axis has.

[0202] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 was displayed after a specified operation was performed by the user via the two-dimensional scatter plots 231-237, but the screen 300 including the three-dimensional scatter plot 310 may be displayed after a specified operation is performed by the user without via the two-dimensional scatter plots 231-237.

[0203] In the above embodiment, the three parameters set in the three-dimensional scatter diagram 310 do not necessarily have to be measured values ​​such as peak values ​​and widths of the waveform of the detection signal from the detection unit 14. For example, one of the three parameters may be a value obtained by calculation of the measured values ​​of the other two parameters, and two of the parameters may be values ​​obtained by calculation of the measured value of the other one parameter. Furthermore, one or more of the three parameters may be values ​​obtained by calculation or analysis of the detection signal from the detection unit 14.

[0204] In the above embodiment, the form of classifying the formed components based on the measured values ​​of multiple parameters obtained from the formed components is exemplified, but the classification method is not limited to this. The type of formed component may be identified by analyzing the waveform data reflecting the morphological characteristics of the formed components using a deep learning algorithm. For example, a waveform-shaped analog detection signal corresponding to the light (scattered light and fluorescence) generated from the formed components flowing through the flow cell D1 is acquired for each formed component, and the analog detection signal is sampled at a predetermined rate (for example, 1024 points at 10 nanosecond intervals), thereby obtaining digital waveform data reflecting the morphological characteristics of each formed component. The waveform data thus acquired can be input to a deep learning algorithm of a neural network structure trained using the waveform data of formed components whose classification is known as teacher data, thereby determining the classification of the formed components corresponding to the waveform data. Such a classification method is disclosed, for example, in International Publication No. 2020 / 196074. International Publication No. 2020 / 196074 and publications based thereon are incorporated herein by reference.

[0205] The embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical ideas defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0206] 1. Sample analyzer 14 Detection section 15 Signal Processing Section 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Display section 24 Input section 231~237 2D dispersion diagram 300 screens 310 3D Scatterplot 311~313 Axis 314a~314d Reference area 321~323 2D dispersion diagram 381~383 Surface plot diagram D1 Flow Cell

Claims

1. A method for displaying a result of measuring a sample containing formed elements, comprising: Dividing the specimen into a plurality of portions to prepare a plurality of measurement samples; Obtaining measurements of at least three parameters from the formed components contained in each of the plurality of measurement samples; generating a plurality of two-dimensional scatter diagrams showing the formed components contained in each of the plurality of measurement samples by dots, each of the plurality of two-dimensional scatter diagrams having axes of two of the at least three parameters; displaying the generated two-dimensional scatter diagrams; A step of accepting a selection of one two-dimensional scatter diagram from among the plurality of two-dimensional scatter diagrams displayed; displaying a screen including a three-dimensional scatter diagram in which the three parameters obtained from the measurement sample corresponding to the selected two-dimensional scatter diagram are used as axes and the formed components are shown as dots; A step of displaying a surface plot diagram corresponding to the three-dimensional scatter diagram in an area of ​​the screen different from the three-dimensional scatter diagram, the surface plot diagram showing the frequency of the tangible component as height at each coordinate on a plane having two of the three parameters of the three-dimensional scatter diagram as axes; Including, how to display.

2. further comprising a step of classifying the particles based on the measurements or waveform data reflecting morphological characteristics of the particles. The display method according to claim 1 .

3. The method further includes changing a view angle of the three-dimensional scatter diagram in response to an operation on the three-dimensional scatter diagram. The display method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The step of displaying the screen including the three-dimensional scatter diagram displays the dots in different colors according to the types of the formed components. The display method according to claim 2.

5. The step of displaying a screen including the three-dimensional scatter diagram includes selecting three axes of the three-dimensional scatter diagram from four or more of the multiple parameters. The display method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The three axes used in the three-dimensional scatter diagram are color-coded, The color of each axis and the parameter name set for each axis are displayed. The display method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The step of displaying a screen including the three-dimensional scatter diagram includes setting display conditions for the three-dimensional scatter diagram for each measurement mode of the sample. The display method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The step of displaying a screen including the three-dimensional scatter diagram includes setting display conditions of the three-dimensional scatter diagram for each measurement channel used in the step of acquiring the measured values. The display method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The step of displaying a screen including the three-dimensional scatter diagram includes accepting settings of the parameters to be used as axes of the three-dimensional scatter diagram; and changing the parameters of the surface plot based on the received parameters in the step of displaying the surface plot. The display method according to claim 8.

10. the step of displaying a screen including the three-dimensional scatter diagram and the step of displaying the surface plot diagram include, in response to a user's operation, hiding or changing the display format of a specific dot among the dots on the three-dimensional scatter diagram and a dot on the surface plot diagram corresponding to the specific dot, respectively. The display method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The axes used in the three-dimensional scatter diagram and the surface plot diagram are color-coded, and the axes of the same parameters in the three-dimensional scatter diagram and the surface plot diagram are assigned a common color. The display method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The method further comprises the step of displaying a reference region corresponding to the cluster of the formed components on the three-dimensional scatter diagram. The display method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The method further includes a step of switching the three-dimensional scatter diagram to the three-dimensional scatter diagram of another specimen by a specimen switching operation. A display method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The step of switching to the three-dimensional scatter diagram of the other specimen includes displaying the three-dimensional scatter diagram of the other specimen while maintaining a display condition before switching. The display method according to claim 13.

15. A sample analyzer for analyzing a sample containing formed elements, a sample preparation unit that divides a specimen into a plurality of portions and prepares a plurality of measurement samples; A detection unit for acquiring a detection signal from the formed component; a signal processing unit that acquires measurement values ​​of at least three parameters from the detection signals acquired by the detection unit from the formed components contained in each of the plurality of measurement samples; A display unit, The display unit is Displaying a plurality of two-dimensional scatter diagrams showing the formed components contained in each of the plurality of measurement samples by dots, each of the plurality of two-dimensional scatter diagrams having axes of two of the at least three parameters; Accepting a selection of one of the two-dimensional scatter diagrams displayed; Displaying a screen including a three-dimensional scatter diagram in which the three parameters obtained from the measurement sample corresponding to the selected two-dimensional scatter diagram are used as axes and the formed components are shown as dots; A surface plot diagram corresponding to the three-dimensional scatter diagram is further displayed in an area of ​​the screen different from the three-dimensional scatter diagram, and the frequency of the tangible component is indicated by height at each coordinate on a plane having two of the three parameters of the three-dimensional scatter diagram as axes. Sample analyzer.

16. A control unit that classifies the formed components based on the measurement values. The sample analyzer of claim 15.

17. the display unit, in response to a user's operation, hides or changes the display format of a specific dot among the dots on the three-dimensional scatter diagram and a dot on the surface plot diagram corresponding to the specific dot, The sample analyzer according to claim 15 or 16.

18. The axes used in the three-dimensional scatter diagram and the surface plot diagram are color-coded, and the axes of the same parameters in the three-dimensional scatter diagram and the surface plot diagram are assigned a common color.

18. The sample analyzer according to any one of claims 15 to 17.

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