Data analysis method and server device

Abstract

The present disclosure makes it possible to quickly execute a proper countermeasure for malfunction when an alarm has occurred in an automatic analysis device being used by a user. The present disclosure provides a data analysis method for providing, by using a computer to a specific automatic analysis device, information on countermeasures for an alarm having occurred in a specific automatic analysis device. This data analysis method (see fig. 4) includes: collecting, from a plurality of automatic analysis devices, alarm countermeasure reference information that includes information on various alarms and information on alarm countermeasures corresponding to the various alarms; and analyzing information on the alarm from the specific automatic analysis device, extracting alarm countermeasures effective for cancelling the alarm from the alarm countermeasure reference information, and transmitting the alarm countermeasures to the specific automatic analysis device. Extracting the alarm countermeasures from the alarm countermeasure reference information and transmitting the alarm countermeasures to the specific automatic analysis device includes: narrowing down the alarm countermeasure reference information on the basis of facility characteristic information including information that is of a usage aspect of the specific automatic analysis device and that is acquired from the specific automatic analysis device, and acquiring information on the countermeasures suitable for the alarm having occurred in the specific automatic analysis device; rearranging the acquired information on the countermeasures suitable for the alarm in accordance with a predetermined standard; and providing, to the specific automatic analysis device via a communication channel, the rearranged information on the countermeasures suitable for the alarm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a data analysis method and a server device.

Background Art

[0002] In an automatic analyzer that analyzes biochemical and immunological components of blood and urine, an alarm is notified when an abnormality is detected during the operation of the device. This alarm is divided into two types: a system alarm and a data alarm. The system alarm is notified when an abnormality on the device such as a pressure sensor abnormality is detected, and the data alarm is notified when an abnormality in the analysis result such as a calibration abnormality is detected. When an alarm is notified, in a conventional automatic analyzer, the alarm name, importance, occurrence location, explanation, and alarm countermeasure method are displayed on the alarm information screen. At this time, there are a plurality of displayed alarm countermeasure methods, which are arranged in the order set by the manufacturer, etc. If all the displayed alarm countermeasure methods are performed in order as they come to hand, in most cases, the operator alone can handle the alarm. However, some alarm countermeasure methods, for example, take one hour. If the displayed alarm countermeasure methods are performed in order as they come to hand, it will take an unnecessary alarm response time. For example, when an alarm occurs in an emergency hospital with only one automatic analyzer, there is a possibility that accurate analysis results cannot be obtained even if an emergency specimen arrives while the alarm response is being carried out. Therefore, shortening the alarm response time by a quick alarm response is required.

[0003] In order to respond to an alarm quickly, it is important to compare the effectiveness of multiple alarm countermeasures and start with the most effective one, and experience in alarm countermeasures is important in determining the effectiveness of an alarm countermeasure. For example, the cause of a linearity anomaly, which is a data alarm, is different, such as water dripping from a cleaning mechanism or variations in light intensity due to the lifespan of a light source lamp. In this way, when the same alarm can have various possible causes, past knowledge is needed to narrow down multiple alarm countermeasures, so alarm countermeasure experience that accumulates past knowledge is necessary. A veteran operator with a lot of experience in responding to alarms can determine a highly effective alarm countermeasure based on past knowledge and the equipment maintenance status, but an operator with little experience in responding to alarms cannot determine a highly effective alarm countermeasure because he or she has little knowledge to determine a highly effective alarm countermeasure.

[0004] As explained above, when an alarm occurs, it is necessary to take the most effective countermeasure and quickly cancel the alarm, but the current situation with automatic analyzers is that operators with little experience in responding to alarms are unable to respond to alarms quickly.

[0005] In response to such a situation, for example, in Patent Document 1, alarm information and alarm countermeasures are collected from devices across the country, and the effectiveness of the alarm countermeasures is compared by sorting the collected alarm countermeasures in descending order of the number of usage cases. Next, to determine which alarm countermeasure should be implemented, the alarm countermeasure considered to be the most effective is notified one by one to shorten the alarm response time. The notified alarm countermeasures are sorted in the order of the most used alarm countermeasures for the same alarm information. For example, if there are three types of countermeasures A to C for an alarm that has occurred, and the past usage counts are 3 for countermeasure A, 5 for countermeasure B, and 10 for countermeasure C, then the displayed alarm countermeasures will be countermeasure C, which has the highest usage count, shown first, followed by countermeasure B, which has the second highest usage count, and finally countermeasure A, which has the third highest usage count. Thus, Patent Document 1 discloses an attempt to shorten the alarm countermeasure time by sorting the alarm countermeasures according to past usage status. Also, if the alarm cannot be effectively addressed even after trying all the displayed alarm countermeasures, the support center of the automatic analyzer manufacturer will be contacted to receive assistance regarding additional countermeasures.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] General operators who operate the automatic analyzer are clinical laboratory technicians who have received specialized education regarding clinical examinations. Also, since the operation methods of automatic analyzers vary depending on the manufacturer and model, the operators receive education from the manufacturer or facility operators, etc.

[0008] However, in order to select a highly effective alarm handling method from among multiple alarm handling methods, not only knowledge of the operation method but also alarm handling experience (where an alarm is something that warns of a malfunction in a device) is important in order to infer a highly effective alarm handling method from past findings and the device maintenance status. Also, in cases where an alarm occurs in an emergency hospital that has only one automatic analysis device, accurate analysis may not be possible even if an emergency specimen arrives while the alarm is being handled. For this reason, ensuring analysis time by shortening the alarm handling time is required. From these situations, it is necessary for even an operator with little alarm handling experience to be able to select a highly effective alarm handling method without having to handle things haphazardly. That is, there is a desire to develop a system in which even an operator with little alarm handling experience can select a highly effective alarm handling method and the alarm handling time is shortened.

[0009] In this regard, in Patent Document 1, only the number of usage times is used to sort alarm handling methods in order of effectiveness. However, the effectiveness of an alarm handling method is not determined only by the number of usage times. For example, if there are a facility that uses a device for 3 hours a day and a facility that uses it for 24 hours a day, even if the device is maintained during the same period, the consumption speed of parts per day is different, and alarms due to part consumption are more likely to occur in the more frequently used device. Thus, depending on the device operation status of the user, the alarms that are likely to occur change, and accordingly, the effectiveness of the alarm handling method also changes. Therefore, it is necessary to perform sorting that reflects the device operation status.

[0010] In addition, it is believed that the frequency of occurrence of abnormalities related to maintenance items increases in devices where maintenance has not been performed for longer than the recommended period. For example, in a device where annual tube replacement is recommended, if a device has its tubes replaced six months ago and a device that has not been replaced for three years, the device that has not been replaced for three years is more likely to generate alarms due to tube cracks, etc. In this way, the frequency of occurrence of abnormalities changes depending on the maintenance status of the device, and the effectiveness of the alarm countermeasure changes accordingly, so it is desirable to sort the devices in a way that reflects their maintenance status.

[0011] In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure proposes a technique that enables a user to quickly take appropriate measures to deal with a malfunction when an alarm occurs while using an automatic analyzer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure provides a data analysis method for using a computer to provide a specific automatic analyzer with information on how to deal with an alarm that has occurred in the specific automatic analyzer, the data analysis method including: collecting, from a plurality of automatic analyzers, alarm handling reference information including information on various alarms and information on how to deal with the alarms corresponding to the various alarms; analyzing the alarm information from the specific automatic analyzer, extracting from the alarm handling reference information an alarm handling method that is effective for canceling the alarm, and transmitting the alarm handling method to the specific automatic analyzer; wherein extracting the alarm handling method from the alarm handling reference information and transmitting the alarm handling method to the specific automatic analyzer includes: narrowing down the alarm handling reference information based on facility characteristic information obtained from the specific automatic analyzer, including information on the mode of use of the specific automatic analyzer, to obtain information on how to deal with an alarm that has occurred in the specific automatic analyzer; sorting the obtained information on how to deal with an alarm according to a predetermined criterion; and providing the sorted information on how to deal with an alarm to the specific automatic analyzer via a communication line.

[0013] Further features related to the present disclosure will become apparent from the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings. Also, aspects of the present disclosure are achieved and realized by elements and combinations of various elements and the aspects of the following detailed description and the appended claims. The description in this specification is merely exemplary and does not limit the scope of the claims or applications of the present disclosure in any sense.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the technology of the present disclosure, a user can accurately and quickly handle defects corresponding to alarms generated by an automatic analyzer in use.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] This embodiment relates to an automatic analyzer for qualitative and quantitative analysis of biological samples. In particular, it discloses a technique that enables even those with little experience in alarm handling to respond quickly when an alarm occurs in an automatic analyzer, and to shorten the alarm response time.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, functionally identical elements may sometimes be denoted by the same number. Note that the accompanying drawings show specific embodiments and implementation examples in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, but these are for the purpose of understanding the present disclosure and are by no means used for limiting the interpretation of the present disclosure.

[0018] In this embodiment, although the description is made in sufficient detail for those skilled in the art to implement the present disclosure, other implementations and forms are also possible, and it is necessary to understand that changes in configuration and structure and replacement of various elements can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the technical idea of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following description should not be construed as being limited thereto.

[0019] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by software running on a general-purpose computer as described later, or may be implemented by dedicated hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0020] In the following description, each piece of information of the present disclosure will be described in the form of a "table" (see, for example, FIG. 6). However, these pieces of information do not necessarily have to be represented in a data structure by a table, and may be represented in other data structures such as a list, a database (DB), a queue, etc. Therefore, in order to indicate that it does not depend on the data structure, "table", "list", "DB", "queue", etc. may sometimes be simply referred to as "information".

[0021] In addition, when describing the content of each piece of information, it is possible to use expressions such as "identification information", "identifier", "name", "ID", and these can be replaced with each other.

[0022] In the following, each process in the embodiment of the present disclosure (for example, each step in FIG. 5) will be described with the "processing unit (corresponding to a processor)" of the support center (server device) as the subject (the operating entity). However, a program corresponding to FIG. 5 may be used as the operating entity. A part or all of the program may be realized by dedicated hardware and may also be modularized. The various programs may be distributed and installed on a plurality of computers by a program distribution server or a storage medium.

[0023] <Overview of the Embodiment> (i) The causes of alarms in the automatic analyzer include, for example, those derived from the device, the specimen, the reagent, the operator, etc. When an alarm occurs, it is difficult for an inexperienced operator to guess the cause of the alarm and implement an effective alarm countermeasure.

[0024] In this embodiment, in a system including a support center (server device) and a plurality of automatic analyzers (automatic analyzers of multiple users) connected via a dedicated line (network), alarm information from devices across the country is stored in the storage unit (e.g., storage device) of the support center. Then, when an alarm occurs in the automatic analyzer, the stored data is utilized to narrow down the data, and the countermeasures to be notified to the operator are sorted in descending order of effectiveness. The data of the sorted alarm countermeasures is transmitted to the target automatic analyzer via the network and displayed on the display screen of the automatic analyzer. The operator (user) can simply implement the sorted alarm countermeasures in order from the top, and can implement them in order from the most effective alarm countermeasures, thus shortening the alarm handling time.

[0025] (ii) Next, an overview of the method for collecting alarm countermeasure information generated by the device will be described (for further details, refer to each embodiment). The alarm countermeasure information to be collected relates to the alarms actually occurring in the automatic analyzer. The information collected from the automatic analyzer is, for example, information on the date of analysis (analysis date and time information), information on which reagent the alarm occurred with, alarm identification information, maintenance status information, alarm countermeasure information, and the like.

[0026] The analysis date is the one stored in the device. Information on which reagent the alarm occurred with is collected by reading the dedicated reagent code of the data where the alarm occurred. The dedicated reagent is a reagent sold based on a contract regarding the business cooperation between the device manufacturer and the reagent manufacturer. The dedicated reagent is a reagent registered to confirm the appropriateness of parameters mutually between the device manufacturer and the reagent manufacturer that have formed the cooperation and to realize a total service including performance guarantee to customers. In addition, the dedicated reagent is assigned a code including information such as the company, item, lot, and prescription of the company selling the reagent, and this is called the dedicated reagent code. By collecting this dedicated reagent code, the reagent can be specified. Since this information reads the bar code of the reagent with the bar code reader, there is no need for the operator to input it.

[0027] Alarm identification information is information that notifies you of the type of alarm that has occurred when an alarm occurs, and includes, for example, the alarm code, alarm type, and alarm number that identify the alarm. By collecting this information, it is possible to identify the alarm that has occurred. This information is included in the device, so there is no need for the operator to enter it.

[0028] Maintenance status information is information that identifies whether maintenance has been performed within the maintenance interval recommended by the manufacturer, and includes the date of maintenance, the recommended maintenance interval, etc. By collecting this information, it is possible to sort alarm countermeasures that reflect the maintenance status. The date of maintenance must be entered after maintenance, etc. Maintenance dates can be entered from the automatic analyzer, so anyone can do so. The alarm handling method information is information such as what kind of alarm occurred at what location in the device and what kind of alarm handling method was taken to cancel the alarm.

[0029] (iii) Alarm handling method information is information that is not collected in conventional devices, so the method of collecting alarm handling method information according to this embodiment will be described below. For example, the alarm is handled in the device where the alarm occurred. After that, alarm handling method information such as the location of the alarm occurrence, the cause of the alarm occurrence, and the handling method is input while looking at the screen of the automatic analyzer. At this time, the input method is a selection method using selectable diagrams and pull-downs, and is basically an input method of selection only. Therefore, input can be made with less effort and with high reproducibility. In addition, in the input by selection method, the options are formatted, so there is no need to change the format for subsequent data processing, and data processing is also easy.

[0030] In this way, by collecting the alarm countermeasure method information obtained from the input of the operator (user) together with the dedicated reagent code-alarm identification information stored in the automatic analyzer, the computer (server device) of the support center can collect from each automatic analyzer information on what kind of alarms occur for each reagent and what kind of alarm countermeasure methods can be used to cancel the alarms. Since the input of the alarm countermeasure method is possible directly from the automatic analyzer, anyone such as the operator, the manufacturer of the automatic analyzer, or the reagent manufacturer can input. These pieces of information are collected (accumulated) in the storage unit (such as a storage device) of the support center using a dedicated line or the like.

[0031] (iv) In this embodiment, the alarm countermeasure method information is narrowed down based on the above-mentioned collected data. Hereinafter, important narrowing conditions will be described. The setting of the narrowing conditions can be set at any time from each automatic analyzer. Anyone such as the operator, the manufacturer of the automatic analyzer, or the reagent manufacturer can input the setting. Once the setting is input, there is no need to input the setting again unless the setting is changed. For example, the narrowing conditions include facility characteristics and search range. The advantages of narrowing down by facility characteristics and search range are as follows. That is, the facility characteristics are information for inputting the facility environment and usage environment (usage mode of the device) for each facility. By narrowing down according to the facility characteristics, it is possible to reflect in the sorting of the alarm countermeasure methods what kinds of abnormalities often occur in similar facilities. For example, items for checking whether abnormalities due to poor maintenance are likely to occur include the usage time zone and the number of usage days in a week. Also, for example, when the device is used for 24 hours, it is difficult to secure time for maintenance, and problems due to poor maintenance are likely to occur. Therefore, in facilities where the device is used for 24 hours, more alarms due to poor maintenance are narrowed down compared to facilities where the device is not used much.

[0032] The search range includes the number of recent data and the search period. By selecting the number of recent data, the trend of recent alarm handling methods can be reflected. And by narrowing down according to the search period, it becomes possible to reflect the trend within the selected data in the sorting of alarm handling methods. For example, since the reaction between a reagent and a sample changes with temperature, the usage temperature is specified in the specifications. In areas where the specifications are exceeded depending on the time, data alarms due to the influence of temperature are more likely to occur during the period when analysis is performed outside the specified temperature compared to the period when analysis is performed within the specified temperature. In such facilities, by sorting for each acquisition period (time), it becomes possible to narrow down reflecting the trend of alarms for each time.

[0033] The filtering process of alarm handling method information using the filtering conditions is performed by the processing unit of the support center (server device). Therefore, the data necessary for filtering is sent from the automatic analyzer to the support center.

[0034] An explanation will be given regarding the data sent from the automatic analyzer to the support center. For example, in Patent Document 1, the information transmitted from the automatic analyzer when an alarm occurs is alarm identification information and automatic analyzer identification information including the device serial number and facility number for identifying the automatic analyzer where the alarm occurred. On the other hand, in this embodiment, in addition to the above information (alarm identification information and automatic analyzer identification information), a dedicated reagent code for identifying the reagent in which the alarm occurred, filtering conditions including facility characteristics and search range which are information for filtering the collected data, and maintenance status information including the date of maintenance and the maintenance recommended period are included. When an alarm occurs, this information is automatically transmitted from the automatic analyzer to the support center via a line (network). The processing of the support center uses the transmitted information to perform filtering of the alarm handling method information stored in the data storage unit (for example, a storage device).

[0035] Regarding the filtering process of alarm countermeasure method information, the processing unit of the support center first uses all past alarm countermeasure method information and searches for data that matches the alarm identification information and the dedicated reagent code of the automatic analyzer (the device operated by the user who wants to know the effective alarm countermeasure method when an alarm occurs) from the automatic analyzer. By performing the search, it is narrowed down to the alarm identification information when the same alarm occurs with the same reagent. Next, the processing unit further filters the data hit by the search by facility characteristics. By filtering by facility characteristics, it is possible to narrow down to the alarm countermeasure method information that occurred in facilities with the same facility characteristics. Subsequently, the processing unit further filters the data by the search range. By filtering by the search range, it is possible to narrow down to the alarm countermeasure method information within the set period.

[0036] After executing the filtering process as described above, the processing unit of the support center performs a sorting process on the alarm handling method data. The sorting process is performed, for example, based on the number of uses or the maintenance status. Specifically, the sorting process is executed using the number of uses for each alarm handling method, maintenance status information including the date of maintenance and the maintenance recommended period. By quantifying the number of uses and the maintenance status and summing them up for each alarm handling method, those with higher scores can be regarded as highly effective alarm handling methods and sorted from the highly effective alarm handling methods. In that case, the score allocation can be determined, for example, as 1 point per use of the alarm handling method. Regarding the maintenance status, if there are maintenance items that exceed the maintenance recommended period, 10 points can be added to the alarm handling method related to that maintenance item. Also, alarms due to poor maintenance are more likely to occur in devices that have not been maintained for a longer period. Therefore, the longer the period without maintenance, the higher the additional score can be set. Also, even among devices that have not been maintained for the same period, the likelihood of alarm occurrence varies for each maintenance item, so the additional score added for each maintenance item can be changed. The likelihood of alarm occurrence for each maintenance item can be reflected by comparing the number of uses of the alarm handling method for devices that have been maintained within the recommended period and the number of uses of the alarm handling method for devices that have not been maintained beyond the recommended period from the collected past alarm handling method data, and showing how much the alarm handling method related to the maintenance item has changed. Calculate the total score (effectiveness) obtained by summing up the score based on the number of uses and the score based on the maintenance status for each alarm handling method as described above, and sort in descending order of effectiveness etc.

[0037] As described above, after an alarm occurs, the alarm countermeasures are automatically narrowed down and sorted, and the operator implements the sorted alarm countermeasures in order from the top. By doing so, the operator will start with the most effective alarm countermeasures. Therefore, even an operator with little experience in alarm response can start with highly effective alarm countermeasures, and the alarm response time is shortened.

[0038] (1) First Embodiment <Overall Configuration Example of Automatic Analyzer> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration example of a multi-item chemical automatic analyzer (hereinafter simply referred to as "automatic analyzer") 100.

[0039] In the automatic analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 1, a large number of specimen containers 101 containing specimens are arranged in a specimen rack 102. The suction and discharge nozzles of the specimen dispensing mechanisms 103 and 104 are connected to a specimen syringe pump 105. The operations of the pump 105 and the dispensing mechanisms 103 and 104 are controlled by a microcomputer 107 that performs operation control of each mechanism unit and calculation of measurement data via an interface 106. A large number of reaction vessels 109 are arranged on a reaction disk 108 to form a reaction line. A spectrophotometer 110 is provided, and the reaction disk 108 is rotationally transferred so that the light beam from the spectrophotometer 110 crosses the rows of the reaction vessels 109. The used reaction vessels 109 are cleaned by a cleaning mechanism 111 and reused. The stirring rods 112 and 113 mix the specimen added to the reaction vessel 109 and the reagent solution corresponding to the analysis item thereof. The measurement signal based on the reaction solution obtained by the spectrophotometer 110 is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by an A / D converter 114 and input to the microcomputer 107.

[0040] On the reagent disk 115, a variety of reagent bottles 116 corresponding to each analysis item are respectively installed along the circumference. That is, the disk 115 is a reagent bottle storage part that can be selectively rotated. A barcode reading part 117 is installed on the disk 115. The reagent dispenser includes reagent probes 118 and 119 and a reagent syringe pump 120. 118 and 119 suck and hold a predetermined amount of the reagent liquid in the reagent bottle 116 stopped at the inhalation position into the suction and discharge nozzle, rotate their suction and discharge nozzles above the reaction vessel row, and stop at the reagent receiving position to discharge the held reagent liquid into the reaction vessel 109. The reagent liquid dispensed at this time is of the type corresponding to the analysis item assigned to each reaction vessel.

[0041] A barcode is printed on the outer wall of each reagent bottle 116. The numbers read from this barcode are called dedicated reagent codes. The dedicated reagent codes include information such as the size of the bottle, the expiration date of the reagent, the company discrimination code for selling the reagent, the specimen item (prescription) discrimination code, and the reagent lot. The reagent information read from each reagent bottle 116 by the barcode reading device 117 is stored in the corresponding memory area of the storage part 121 or the microcomputer 107. As the reagent bottle 116 is stored in the reagent disk 115, the reagent information is read by the barcode reading device 117. At this time, a signal indicating the set position of each reagent bottle is output by the rotation angle detection part provided on the reagent disk and input into the microcomputer 107 via the interface 106. The reagent information, the bottle set position, and the analysis item are stored in association with each other.

[0042] The operator (user) can input various information using the display 122 and the keyboard 123. The measurement results of the analysis items can be confirmed on the display 122. Also, the parameters used for the analysis items are stored in the storage unit 121. Parameters refer to information such as the wavelength, sample volume, calibration method, standard solution concentration, number of standard solutions, check limit value for analysis abnormalities, reagent type, reagent dispensing order, reagent bottle code, reagent solution volume, reagent dispensing amount, maximum analyzable times, and manufacturing date of the reagent used in the spectrophotometer.

[0043] The storage unit 121 (for example, composed of a memory and a storage device) stores, in addition to various parameters, the operating conditions of each mechanism part of the automatic analyzer 100, the analysis parameters of each analysis item, the decision logic for bottle management of each reagent, the maximum analyzable times read from the reagent bottle, the analysis results, and so on.

[0044] The analysis by the automatic analyzer 100 is carried out, for example, in the order of data processing such as sampling, reagent dispensing, stirring, photometry, cleaning of the reaction vessel, and concentration conversion. Five specimen containers 101 containing samples are placed on a single specimen rack 102. The specimen rack 102 is controlled by a microcomputer 107 via an interface 106. Also, by arranging the specimen containers 101 on the specimen rack 102 in the order in which the analysis requests were made, the specimens and the analysis items are associated with each other. Then, it rotates and moves to below the sample probe according to the order of the samples to be analyzed, and a predetermined amount of the specimen in the specimen container 101 is dispensed into the reaction vessel 109 by the operation of the specimen pump 105 connected to the sample probe. The sample probe is cleaned by the sample probe cleaning mechanisms 126 and 127. The reaction vessel 109 into which the specimen has been dispensed moves to the first reagent addition position. A predetermined amount of the reagent aspirated from the reagent bottle 116 is added to the moved reaction vessel 109 by the operation of the reagent pump 120 connected to the reagent probe. The used reagent probe is cleaned by the reagent probe cleaning mechanisms 128 and 129, and the reaction vessel 109 after reagent addition moves to the positions of the stirring mechanisms 124 and 125, and stirring is performed. After stirring, the stirring mechanism cleans the reaction vessel 109 in the stirring mechanism cleaning tanks 130 and 131. When the third reagent is set on the reagent disk 115, such addition - stirring of the reagent is performed for the first to third reagents. The reaction vessel 109 whose contents have been stirred passes through the light beam emitted from the light source, and the absorbance at this time is detected by the spectrophotometer 110. The detected absorbance signal enters the microcomputer 107 via the A / D converter 114 and the interface 106, and is converted into the concentration of the specimen. The data whose concentration has been converted is stored in the storage unit 121 via the interface 106 and is displayed on the display 122. The reaction vessel 109 after photometry is completed moves to the position of the cleaning mechanism 111, is drained inside by the container cleaning pump, and then is cleaned with the cleaning liquid and used for the next analysis.

[0045] <Setting of Narrowing Conditions> In this embodiment (common to the first and second embodiments), the support center (server device) 200 (see FIG. 4) utilizes the information collected from a plurality of automatic analyzers 100, narrows down the alarm handling method at the time of alarm generation by a specific automatic analyzer 100 based on facility characteristics and search range, and sorts the narrowed-down data to notify the operator (user) of the specific automatic analyzer 100 of the alarm handling methods in descending order of effectiveness. For this purpose, filtering conditions are set in each automatic analyzer 100, and the setting content is stored in the storage unit 121 of the automatic analyzer 100. The filtering conditions are used to reflect the tendencies in similar facilities and the trends for each period when notifying the alarm handling method. For example, the filtering conditions are set by the user through a filtering condition setting screen (see FIG. 2: GUI) displayed on the display unit of the automatic analyzer 100, where the facility characteristics (facility characteristics input field) 401 and the search range (search range input field) 402 are set. Since the setting of the filtering conditions can be directly performed from the automatic analyzer 100, anyone such as the operator, device manufacturer, or reagent manufacturer can input the settings.

[0046] (i) Regarding the facility characteristics and search range important for performing the narrowing down FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a screen (GUI) for setting filtering conditions regarding facility characteristics and search range. Here, the facility characteristics mean the facility environment, usage environment, etc. for each facility. According to this embodiment, by narrowing down the alarm handling method according to the facility characteristics, it is possible to reflect in the sorting of the alarm handling methods the element of what kinds of abnormalities often occur in similar facilities. For example, the items of facility characteristics include facility, altitude, usage time zone, number of usage days in a week, device usage years, manufacturer maintenance contract status, acquisition status of ISO certifications such as ISO 15189, or other international certifications, model, etc., and these items are called facility characteristic items. By setting such facility characteristic items, the following effects can be obtained for each item.

[0047] For example, in the facility setting items, options such as hospital, inspection center, and others can be selected. However, since the operation status of the device varies depending on the facility, the tendency of alarm occurrence causes due to differences in operation status can be reflected in the alarm countermeasure method.

[0048] For example, in the altitude item, options such as 1000 m or more and less than 1000 m can be selected. Since the atmospheric pressure decreases as the altitude increases, the difference in altitude affects the suction force of a vacuum pump that utilizes the pressure difference. For example, in the cleaning mechanism 111, a vacuum pump may be used to suck up a cleaning agent for cleaning the reaction vessel. The sucked-up cleaning agent is diluted with water and used as a cleaning solution for cleaning. At that time, in an area with high atmospheric pressure, the force to suck up the cleaning agent becomes weaker compared to an area with low atmospheric pressure, so the cleaning agent in the cleaning solution becomes thinner and the cleaning power decreases slightly. Of course, if it is used within the specifications provided by the manufacturer, there is no impact on the analysis results. However, when combined with other factors that cause a decrease in cleaning power, such as clogging of the nozzles or tubes of the cleaning mechanism, alarms due to insufficient cleaning are more likely to occur in areas with high atmospheric pressure. Thus, the tendency of alarm occurrence causes due to poor cleaning or the like can be reflected in the alarm countermeasure method.

[0049] For example, in the item of usage time zone, options such as daytime, nighttime, 24 hours, etc. can be selected. Since it may not be possible to secure maintenance time during 24-hour operation, the tendency of alarm occurrence causes due to poor maintenance can be reflected in the alarm countermeasure method. For example, in the item of the number of usage days in a week, options such as 1 - 2 days, 3 - 4 days, 5 days or more, etc. can be selected. Since the consumption speed of the device varies depending on the number of days, the tendency of alarm occurrence causes due to poor maintenance can be reflected in the alarm countermeasure method. For example, in the item of the usage years of the device, options such as 1 - 2 years, 3 - 5 years, 6 - 9 years, 10 years or more, etc. can be selected. Since the failure occurrence rate changes depending on the number of years, the tendency of alarm occurrence causes due to device failures can be reflected in the alarm countermeasure method. For example, in the item of the manufacturer's maintenance contract, options such as once every 3 months, once every 6 months, once every half year, once a year, etc. Since the quality of device maintenance changes depending on the presence or absence of a maintenance contract, the tendency of alarm occurrence causes due to defects that cannot be confirmed during normal inspections can be reflected in the alarm countermeasure method.

[0050] For example, in terms of the acquisition status of ISO certifications such as ISO 15189, options such as acquired / not acquired can be cited. Obtaining an ISO certification such as ISO 15189 means that the state of the automatic analyzer 100 is also good and the inspection process is carried out according to procedures. Therefore, the tendency of alarm causes due to regular maintenance and accuracy management can be reflected in the alarm countermeasures.

[0051] For example, in terms of models, model A, model B, etc. can be cited. Depending on the model of the automatic analyzer 100, there are also parts that are not installed, and alarms related to those parts do not occur. Therefore, the tendency of alarms occurring in the models using those parts can be reflected in the alarm countermeasures.

[0052] For example, when selecting inspection center, less than 1000m, 24 hours, 5 days or more, 10th year or more, manufacturer maintenance contract once a year, non-acquisition of ISO certification such as ISO 15189, model A for each facility characteristic item, the utilization rate of the automatic analyzer 100 is high. However, the manufacturer maintenance period (frequency) is as low as once a year for that proportion. Therefore, narrowing is performed by reflecting in the alarm countermeasures the tendency for relatively many alarms due to component deterioration to occur.

[0053] The data narrowed down by facility characteristics can be further narrowed down by the information on the search range. The information on the search range includes "number of recent data" and "search period". For example, when the user selects "number of recent data", the trend of recent alarm countermeasures can be reflected. Also, when the user specifies the "search period", the trend within the selected period can be reflected. By narrowing down the data to be collected for each search period, data collection reflecting the trend in the narrowed period can be performed.

[0054] After setting the facility characteristics and search range, the operator (user) can store the set content in the data storage unit 201 (storage unit 121) of the automatic analyzer 100 by pressing the apply button 403 on the same screen (GUI). Note that anyone can set and input the facility characteristics and search range, and the initial registration may be performed when the device is installed, etc.

[0055] <An example of a malfunction of the automatic analyzer> In this embodiment, as an example of a malfunction (abnormality), assume that a crack occurs in the tube of the cleaning mechanism of the automatic analyzer 100 while analyzing the reagent item AST. When a crack appears in the tube, air flows into the tube through the gap of the crack, and water drips from the tip of the cleaning nozzle by the amount of air that has flowed in. Then, when the dripping water enters the reaction vessel, the concentration of the content in the reaction vessel decreases during the analysis. In this case, a data alarm for linearity abnormality may occur. In this case, alarm countermeasures and data collection after the countermeasures are performed.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a graph (graph in the case of linearity abnormality) indicating the absorbance information corresponding to each photometric point in the reaction of AST. The linearity abnormality alarm is notified, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, in an analysis item using the rate method such as the reaction process of AST, in an analysis item where the entire reaction process after the addition of the secondary reagent normally shows a linear reaction like photometric points 20 to 35, when an analysis result showing a reaction deviating from the linear reaction like photometric points 36 to 38 occurs.

[0057] <Example of system configuration> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of an automatic analysis system 10 (also referred to as an alarm analysis system) that analyzes an abnormality alarm generated by the automatic analyzer 100 in the support center (server device) 200 and provides a method for dealing with the alarm to the automatic analyzer 100. The automatic analysis system 10 includes at least one automatic analyzer 100, a support center (server device) 200, and a line (a network) connecting these.

[0058] The automatic analysis device 100 includes various components shown in FIG. 1. The data storage unit 201 in FIG. 4 corresponds to the storage unit 121 in FIG. 1. The data storage unit 201 includes an analysis result storage area 201a and a device information storage area 201b. The processing unit 202 and the analysis unit 205 in FIG. 4 correspond to the computer 107 in FIG. 1. The display unit 203 in FIG. 4 corresponds to the display 122 in FIG. 1. The input unit 204 in FIG. 4 corresponds to the keyboard 123 in FIG. 1. The communication unit 206 in FIG. 4 corresponds to the communication device 124 in FIG. 1.

[0059] The support center (server device) 200 is composed of a storage device, a memory, etc., and includes a data storage unit 207 that holds past data from all over the country (data on abnormal alarms collected from each automatic analysis device 100 and their alarm handling methods) 207a, and a processing unit 208 composed of a computer (processor) that executes the above-described narrowing-down process, sorting process, and notification process.

[0060] In FIG. 4, first, the analysis unit 205 of the automatic analysis device 100 performs analysis. For example, due to a leak occurring during the analysis, a reaction process of the item AST as shown in FIG. 3 is obtained. As shown in FIG. 3, the analysis of AST is performed normally up to the photometric point 35, but it can be seen that water dripping due to a leak has occurred at the photometric point 36_301. When the dripping water enters the reaction vessel, the concentration of the sample and reagent in the reaction vessel is diluted by the water with an absorbance of 0, so a decrease in absorbance occurs after the photometric point 36_301.

[0061] The result obtained by the analysis unit 205 of the automatic analysis device 100 is processed by the processing unit 202 on the automatic analysis device 100 side. Thereby, it is determined whether the measurement result is abnormal or normal. In this analysis result, the linearity check value (absorbance) for confirming the linearity of the reaction exceeds the parameter setting value for each analysis item stored in the device after the photometric point 36_301 where the absorbance has decreased, and since the linearity of the reaction is lost, a linearity abnormality alarm is generated.

[0062] The linearity abnormality alarm information is stored in the analysis result storage area 201a of the storage unit 201 of the automatic analyzer as part of the analysis result. The storage unit 201 includes an analysis result storage area 201a for storing the analysis result and a device information storage area 201b for storing device information. In the device information storage area 201b, device identification information, dedicated reagent code, analysis date, narrowing-down conditions, and maintenance status information are stored. Note that the device identification information means information including the device serial number and the facility number for identifying the automatic analyzer in which the alarm has occurred, and the device identification information for the whole country is stored in the national past data storage area 207a of the data storage unit 207 of the support center (server device) 200.

[0063] When the analysis result is stored in the data storage unit 201 (analysis result storage area 201a), the automatic analyzer 100 automatically collects alarm handling method information regarding the linearity abnormality alarm using the stored data. The flow of alarm handling method information collection is as follows. First, the processing unit 202 reads out, from the data storage unit 201 (memory unit 121) of the automatic analyzer 100, the analysis result data stored in the analysis result storage area 201a this time, which is the analysis result data in which a linearity abnormality alarm has occurred, together with the device information 201b. The processing unit 202 controls the communication unit 206 of the automatic analyzer 100 and transmits the data read out via the line (network) 210 to the communication unit 209 of the support center 200. The processing unit 208 of the support center 200 searches the data stored in the national past data storage area 207a based on the alarm identification information and the dedicated reagent code included in the data received by the communication unit 209. Note that alarm response information collected in the past is stored in the national past data storage area 207a. The target of the search at this time is "all data in which a linearity abnormality alarm has occurred with the same reagent code". The processing unit 208 on the support center 200 side executes a narrowing-down process on the read (searched) national past data based on the narrowing-down conditions set in Figure 2. The details of the narrowing-down process will be described later (see Figure 5).

[0064] <Details of the narrowing-down process> FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the alarm handling method narrowing process executed in the support center (server device) 200. The operating entity of each step is basically the processing unit (processor or computer) 208, but the corresponding narrowing process program in the flowchart of FIG. 5 may also be used as the operating entity.

[0065] (i) Step 501 The processing unit 208 receives (acquires) information on narrowing conditions regarding facility characteristics and search range from the automatic analysis device 100 where the alarm has occurred. The setting of facility characteristics and search range is performed in advance by each operator (user) in each automatic analysis device 100 via the GUI of FIG. 2. Since the setting content of the narrowing conditions is stored in the storage unit 121 (data storage unit 201) of each automatic analysis device 100, the processing unit 202 of each automatic analysis device 100 acquires the information on the narrowing conditions (facility characteristics and search range) from the storage unit 121 when the alarm occurs, and uses the communication unit 206 to transmit it to the support center (server device) 200. The processing unit 208 of the support center 200 will receive the transmitted information on the narrowing conditions. Note that the support center 200 may receive in advance (for example, at the time when the narrowing conditions are set in each automatic analysis device 100) the information on the set narrowing conditions for each, and associate it with the identification information of the automatic analysis device 100 and hold it in the storage unit 207.

[0066] (ii) Step 502 The processing unit 208 acquires alarm occurrence data to be dealt with from the automatic analysis device 100 where the alarm has occurred. The alarm occurrence data can include measurement result data as shown in FIG. 3, an alarm code, information on the type of device, a device code (including device lot information), and a reagent code (including reagent lot information).

[0067] When an alarm actually occurs in the automatic analyzer 100, the alarm code, the measurement result, the reagent code, and the alarm occurrence date (analysis date) are stored in the analysis result storage area 201a. Then, when an operator (user) of the automatic analyzer 100 inputs an instruction to inquire the support center 200 about the alarm countermeasure method, the processing unit 202 combines the alarm code, the measurement result, the reagent code, the alarm occurrence date, and the information on the device code and the type of the device to generate alarm occurrence data, and transmits it to the support center 200 via the communication unit 206. As a result, the processing unit 208 of the support center 200 acquires the alarm occurrence data.

[0068] (iii) Step 503 The processing unit 208 uses the alarm information (e.g., alarm code) and measurement information (e.g., reagent code and device code) included in the target alarm occurrence data to search the past data of the whole country (accumulating the past alarm countermeasure method data), and acquires the alarm countermeasure method data related to the same alarm information and measurement information.

[0069] (iv) Step 504 The alarm countermeasure method data obtained in step 503 is data corresponding to all facility characteristics and all search ranges (date). Therefore, the alarm countermeasure method data of the automatic analyzer 100 having facility characteristics different from those of the automatic analyzer 100 in which the alarm occurred this time is also included in the search result of step 503.

[0070] Therefore, the processing unit 208 narrows down the alarm countermeasure method data obtained in step 503 to the alarm countermeasure method data in which all the facility characteristics match those of the target (the automatic analyzer 100 that generated the current alarm). In the present embodiment, the setting of the facility items (setting contents according to FIG. 2) is a hospital, less than 1000 m, 24 hours, 5 days or more, the 3rd to 5th year, 1 maintenance contract per year by the manufacturer, no ISO certification such as ISO 15189, and model A. Therefore, the past countermeasure data that matches these setting contents will be acquired.

[0071] (v) Step 505 The processing unit 208 determines whether the number of alarm countermeasure method data obtained (narrowed down) in step 504 is sufficient (more than the required number of data) for data rearrangement. Here, the required number of data for data rearrangement can be, for example, the most recent number of data if narrowing down by the most recent number of data in the search range 402, or 50 specimens (an example) if narrowing down by period. In the present embodiment, since the search range 402 is set to narrow down by the most recent 100 specimens, the required number of data is 100 specimens, which is the most recent number of data.

[0072] If there is the required number of data for rearrangement (Yes in step 505), the process proceeds to step 508. If there is a shortage of the required number of data for rearrangement (No in step 505), the process proceeds to step 506.

[0073] (vi) Step 506 The processing unit 208 determines whether the number of matching facility characteristics between the narrowed-down alarm countermeasure method data and the facility characteristics set in the automatic analyzer 100 for alarm occurrence is 1 or more, that is, whether there is at least one matching facility characteristic. If there is one or more matching facility characteristics (Yes in step 506), the process proceeds to step 507. If there is no matching facility characteristic (No in step 506), the process proceeds to step 510.

[0074] (vii) Step 507 The processing unit 208 reduces the number of matching facility characteristics by one and narrows down the alarm countermeasure method data again. In the present embodiment, for example, the number of facility characteristic items is eight, such as facility, altitude, usage time zone, number of usage days in a week, number of years of device usage, status of manufacturer maintenance contract, acquisition status of ISO certifications such as ISO15189, and model. Therefore, the number of matching facility characteristics is reduced to seven, and the narrowing down of the retrieved data is performed again.

[0075] If the number of data is still insufficient even after re-filtering, the process of checking the number of matching facility characteristic items (step 506) → reducing one facility characteristic and re-filtering the alarm countermeasure method data (step 507) is repeated until the required number of data for filtering (e.g., 100 specimens) can be secured (confirmed in step 505).

[0076] (viii) Step 508 As a result of filtering by facility characteristics, if 100 or more specimens required for the necessary sorting can be secured (Yes in step 505), the processing unit 208 filters the alarm countermeasure method data according to the search range. For example, when the setting of the search range 402 is the most recent 100 specimens, the processing unit 208 can further filter the alarm countermeasure method data filtered by facility characteristics (with 100 or more specimens) to the most recent 100 specimens.

[0077] (ix) Step 509 The processing unit 208 sorts the alarm countermeasure method data filtered by facility characteristics and search range according to the validity determination criteria. The details of the sorting will be described later.

[0078] (x) Step 510 The processing unit 208 notifies the automatic analyzer 100 via the communication unit 209 that there is not enough alarm countermeasure method data to present the alarm countermeasure method to the automatic analyzer 100 for the current alarm occurrence.

[0079] (xi) Step 511 The processing unit 208 sorts the alarm countermeasure methods based on knowledge regardless of the collected alarm countermeasure method data. The alarm countermeasure methods based on knowledge are, for example, general alarm countermeasure methods corresponding to the types of alarm codes or alarm countermeasure methods determined by the manufacturer, etc., and these can be held in the data storage unit 207 in advance. Also, the sorting of the predetermined alarm countermeasure methods is also sorted according to the order of the alarm countermeasure methods considered to be effective for various malfunctions / anomalies (each alarm code) (which can be determined by the manufacturer side).

[0080] (xii) Step 512 The processing unit 208 transmits the rearranged alarm handling method data to the target automatic analyzer 100 using the communication unit 209. The automatic analyzer 100 displays the received alarm handling method data on the display 122 (display unit 203) in the rearranged order.

[0081] (xiii) Others The above-mentioned narrowing-down process and rearrangement process may be automatically performed by the support center (server device) 200, or the automatic analyzer 100 may acquire past data and perform them automatically.

[0082] <Details of the rearrangement process> The rearrangement of the alarm handling method data is performed according to the effectiveness determination criteria. Here, as the effectiveness determination criteria, for example, criteria considering the number of uses and the maintenance status can be mentioned. For example, the number of uses for each alarm handling method of the narrowed-down data, maintenance status information including the date of maintenance and the maintenance recommended period, etc. can be used. Here, as an example, the number of uses and the maintenance status are scored and totaled for each handling method, and the one with a high score is regarded as a highly effective alarm handling method, and a method of rearranging from the highly effective alarm handling method will be described. Hereinafter, the scoring method will be described.

[0083] (i) Scoring of the number of uses First, a method of scoring the number of uses will be described. The number of uses is a value representing how many times each handling method in the narrowed-down alarm handling method data has been used. The counting of the number of uses is performed by the processing unit 208 of the support center (server device) 200. The method of assigning points is, for example, 1 point for each use of the alarm handling method.

[0084] (ii) Scoring of the maintenance status The information on the maintenance status can be scored by multiplying the number of refined alarm handling method data by the maintenance coefficient for each maintenance item. The maintenance coefficient is a coefficient representing the number of days elapsed since the recommended maintenance date and the alarm impact degree for each maintenance item, and can be stored in the form of a table like Figure 6 (a table that holds the maintenance coefficients for each maintenance item and the number of days exceeded) within the support center. The maintenance coefficient is a value obtained by calculating the ratio of the number of times the alarm handling method is used between the devices that have been maintained and those that have not been maintained within the recommended maintenance period from the past alarm handling information, etc.

[0085] As described above, points are assigned to the number of uses and the maintenance status, and the total is calculated for each alarm handling method. The alarm handling method with a high score is regarded as a highly effective alarm handling method, and the alarm handling methods are sorted in descending order of effectiveness.

[0086] (iii) Specific example of scoring Here, an example of scoring based on the number of uses and the maintenance status (when a linearity abnormality alarm occurs) will be described. As alarm handling methods when a linearity abnormality alarm occurs, for example, there are replacement of the solenoid valve (Handling method A), replacement of the tube (Handling method B), replacement of the light source lamp (Handling method C), etc. Also, in this example, 100 pieces of past data narrowed down by the search range 402 will be used. At this time, assuming that the number of times the alarm handling method is used is 20 for Handling method A, 30 for B, and 50 for C, the alarm handling methods are sorted as follows.

[0087] When setting 1 point for each use, the scores based on the number of uses are as follows. The number of uses is 20 for Handling method A, 30 for B, and 50 for C, and the scores are 20 points for Handling method A, 30 points for B, and 50 points for C.

[0088] When the maintenance status is multiplied by the number of data items narrowed down by the maintenance coefficient, the score based on the maintenance status is obtained by the following process. In the automatic analysis apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, assuming that "tube deterioration confirmation", which is one of the maintenance items, has not been performed for three years, the maintenance coefficient is 0.3 from FIG. 6 (reference numeral 611). Also, since the number of data items narrowed down by the setting of the search range 402 is 100, when the maintenance coefficient 0.3 is multiplied by the number of data items 100 narrowed down, the score of the maintenance status is 30 points. This score is not added to all alarm countermeasures, but is added only to the alarm countermeasures related to the maintenance items described in FIG. 6. Since the alarm countermeasure related to "tube deterioration confirmation" for which maintenance has not been performed this time is only "tube replacement" (countermeasure B) (reference numeral 612), the score based on the maintenance status of each alarm countermeasure added in the present embodiment is 0 points for countermeasure A, 30 points for B, and 0 points for C. When there are two or more items for which maintenance has not been performed, the scores of each item are calculated in such a manner, and the scores are added to the alarm countermeasures related to each item.

[0089] When the scores of the above-mentioned usage counts and the scores of the maintenance status are totaled for each countermeasure, for countermeasure A, it is 20 points obtained by adding 20 points of the usage count and 0 points of the maintenance status, for countermeasure B, it is 60 points obtained by adding 30 points of the usage count and 30 points of the maintenance status, and for countermeasure C, it is 50 points obtained by adding 50 points of the usage count and 0 points of the maintenance status. Therefore, in the order of scores (effectiveness) which is the display order of the countermeasures in this example, countermeasure B with 60 points is displayed at the top, followed by countermeasure C with 50 points, and finally countermeasure A with 20 points is rearranged to be displayed. Thus, in the case of this example, it can be seen that the most effective alarm countermeasure is tube replacement.

[0090] As described above, the processing unit 208 of the support center 200 transmits the data in which the alarm countermeasures are narrowed down and sorted, to the target automatic analyzer 100 via the communication unit 209 and the line 210. Note that the target automatic analyzer (in this example, the automatic analyzer in which the linearity alarm has occurred) 100 is specified based on the automatic analyzer identification information including the device serial number and the facility number.

[0091] The sorted alarm countermeasure information is displayed in a list in the order sorted on the analysis result screen of the automatic analyzer 100. The operator (user) checks the cause location of the alarm countermeasure method displayed at the top and takes countermeasures according to the alarm countermeasure method. As a result, it becomes possible to implement from the highly effective alarm countermeasure methods. In this example, since "tube replacement" (countermeasure method B) is the most prioritized alarm countermeasure method, the user checks the occurrence location (system water discharge port of the cleaning mechanism) described together with the alarm countermeasure method, and also checks the cause (liquid leakage) described together. If liquid leakage seems to have occurred, "tube replacement" will be requested for the service. On the other hand, if no liquid leakage has occurred, the second most effective "light source lamp replacement" will be performed. In this way, based on the sorted alarm countermeasure information, by taking countermeasures from the highly effective countermeasure methods, even an operator with little experience in alarm countermeasures can take prompt countermeasures, and it becomes possible to shorten the alarm countermeasure time.

[0092] <Collection Process of Alarm Countermeasure Information> After the alarm is canceled by taking alarm countermeasures, the alarm countermeasure information is collected by the support center 200. When collecting the alarm countermeasure information by the support center 200, the operator (user) of the automatic analyzer 100 selects the alarm countermeasure report button on the analysis result screen (not shown) of the analysis result of the alarm countermeasure, and inputs the necessary information using the countermeasure method acquisition screen (see FIGS. 7 to 9). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the alarm is canceled by "tube replacement" which is the most effective, and data collection is performed.

[0093] The data to be collected are alarm identification information, dedicated reagent code, alarm handling method information, maintenance status information, and analysis date. These pieces of information are grouped together and collected (transmitted) to the support center 200 as one piece of information. Although the alarm identification information, dedicated reagent code, and analysis date are information stored in the device even if not input, it is necessary to input the alarm handling method information and maintenance status. Anyone can perform this input.

[0094] Below, the method of inputting the alarm handling method information and maintenance status will be described. (i) Input of alarm handling method information The input of the alarm handling method information can be performed by selecting the necessary items according to the input screen. For example, if the alarm handling method information (location of occurrence, cause of occurrence, handling method) of this embodiment is "system water discharge port of the cleaning mechanism, crack in the tube, replacement of the tube", the following procedure is followed when inputting this content. First, the user selects where there was a cause of abnormality among the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer (displayed on the input screen) shown in FIG. 7 (a diagram showing the countermeasure acquisition screen (major classification) related to abnormal data). The overall configuration of the automatic analyzer includes a frame 601 showing the front configuration of the device and a frame 607 showing other areas of the cause of abnormality. The front configuration 601 of the device shows the front of the device, and inside it, as options, there are a frame 602 showing the sample supply unit, a frame 603 showing the ion selection electrode unit, a frame (analysis unit upper surface frame) 604 showing the upper surface of the analysis unit, a frame (analysis unit front surface frame) 605 showing the front surface of the analysis unit, and a frame (sample discharge unit frame) 606 showing the sample discharge unit.

[0095] Since it is assumed that the location of the cause this time is the system water discharge port of the cleaning mechanism, the operator (user) selects the frame 604 showing the upper surface of the analysis unit where the cleaning mechanism is located. When the frame 604 showing the upper surface of the analysis unit is selected, next, the countermeasure acquisition screen (FIG. 8) of the upper surface of the analysis unit is displayed on the screen.

[0096] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a countermeasure acquisition screen (medium classification) related to abnormal data (a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the upper surface of the analysis unit). The upper surface of the analysis unit includes reagent probes 701 and 702, sample probes 703 and 704, a cleaning mechanism 705, a reaction vessel 706, a spectrophotometer 707, stirring mechanisms 708 and 709, a reagent disk 710, cleaning tanks 711 to 716, and a barcode reading unit 717. The operator (user) selects from these components which part has an abnormality. In this case, since it is assumed that the cause is the system water discharge port of the cleaning mechanism, the user selects the cleaning mechanism 705. When the cleaning mechanism 705 is selected, FIG. 9 is displayed.

[0097] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the input screen configuration of the cause location, cause of occurrence, and countermeasure (a diagram showing a countermeasure acquisition screen (minor classification) related to abnormal data). On the input screen shown in FIG. 9, there are provided places to select a specific cause location (abnormality occurrence location selection column) 801, cause of occurrence (alarm occurrence cause selection column) 802, and countermeasure (countermeasure selection column) 803 when the data becomes normal. In this case, since a crack has occurred in the tube of the system water discharge port and water has been dripping from the system water discharge port due to its influence, the user selects "system water discharge port 805" as the cause location 801 and "crack in the tube 806" as the cause of occurrence 802. Also, since the problem was solved by replacing the tube, the user selects "tube replacement 807" as the countermeasure 803.

[0098] If there are no options in the columns of the cause location 801, cause of occurrence 802, and countermeasure 803, the user enters the corresponding content in the other column 804. The content entered in the other column 804 is sent to the support center 200. Based on the sent content, service personnel, etc. add options for the cause location 801, cause of occurrence 802, and countermeasure 803. When multiple countermeasures are taken simultaneously, multiple items may be selected.

[0099] (ii) Collection of maintenance status information The collection of maintenance status information is performed by inputting it on the screen, similar to the alarm handling method information. The maintenance status information includes, for example, the maintenance recommended period, the date when maintenance was performed, etc. Since the maintenance recommended period is determined by the manufacturer, it is stored in the support center. The information actually collected is the information on the date when maintenance was performed, and this information is input. Since the input of the maintenance status information is performed from the automatic analyzer 100, anyone can input it. Note that the input of the maintenance status information only requires inputting the year (AD), month, and day when maintenance was performed for each maintenance item. This input is performed each time after maintenance.

[0100] The data to be collected by the support center 200 is once stored in the automatic analyzer 100. The transmission process to the support center 200 is started when the user presses the send button 809 for the last time. For example, the communication unit 206 of the automatic analyzer 100 transmits the alarm identification information, dedicated reagent code, alarm handling method information, and maintenance status information to the support center 200 via the line (network) 210. The transmitted data is stored in the data storage unit 207 of the support center 200 and will be used as past data in future when performing narrowing-down.

[0101] (2) Second Embodiment The second embodiment relates to setting priorities for facility characteristic items and performing narrowing-down processing. Other processes, devices, and system configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0102] (i) Regarding narrowing-down by facility characteristics In the first embodiment, when filtering by facility characteristics, if the number of data is less than the number of the most recent data, the "number of items" of the matching facility characteristic items is reduced, and the filtering is performed again to increase the number of data. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, instead of reducing the "number of items", a priority order is set for the items, and the "facility characteristic item with the lowest priority" is excluded, and the filtering is performed again. The priority order can be set from the automatic analysis device 100. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a filtering condition setting screen according to the second embodiment. In the filtering condition setting screen shown in FIG. 10, a column for setting the order of each facility characteristic item is added to the setting screen of FIG. 2. Note that anyone can set the priority order.

[0103] For example, the priority order of the facility characteristic items in this embodiment is set in the order of the facility being No. 1, followed by the altitude, then the usage time zone, then the number of usage days in a week, then the number of years of device usage, then the status of the manufacturer maintenance contract, then the acquisition status of ISO certifications such as ISO 15189, and then the model. The priority order can be changed at any time from the automatic analysis device 100. In the support center (server device) 200, when filtering is performed with the number of matches of facility characteristics for all of the above 8 items, if the required number of data is not sufficient, the facility characteristic item of the model with the lowest set priority is excluded, and the filtering process is executed again with the 7 items other than the model. As a result of redoing it, if the number of data is not enough for sorting, in the support center (server device) 200, among the remaining 7 facility characteristic items, the acquisition status of ISO certifications such as ISO 15189 with the lowest priority is excluded, and the filtering process is executed again with 6 items other than the model and the acquisition status of ISO certifications such as ISO 15189. This is repeated, and when the number of data in the search range reaches or exceeds the required number for filtering in the search range, the filtering process in the search range is performed.

[0104] (ii) Regarding the filtering process in the search range Also in the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, regarding the search range, narrowing down can be performed based on the number of most recent data or narrowing down by the acquisition period. For example, when acquiring information for a certain period, methods such as setting the acquisition start date and end date of the collection period, or narrowing down methods such as alarm countermeasure method information for March to May for three years can be considered. For example, when inputting information such as alarm countermeasure method information for March to May for three years, the following can be considered for the input field. For example, acquisition start date (select month and day), acquisition end date (select month and day), number of years (select Gregorian calendar or select how many years from the most recent), etc. By performing such narrowing down within such a period, it is possible to reflect the tendency of alarms that are likely to occur in cold and hot seasons. Since the subsequent processing is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description is omitted.

[0105] (3) Summary (i) The support center (server device) 200 according to this embodiment executes a process of narrowing down alarm handling reference information (including information on various alarms collected from a plurality of automatic analyzers and information on alarm handling methods corresponding to the various alarms) based on facility characteristic information including information on the usage mode of a specific automatic analyzer obtained from the specific automatic analyzer, and obtaining information on an alarm handling method that matches an alarm generated by the specific automatic analyzer; a process of sorting the information on the alarm handling method obtained by the process according to a predetermined criterion; and a process of providing the sorted information on the alarm handling method to the specific automatic analyzer via a communication line. Here, the alarm handling reference information is associated with the facility characteristic information of a plurality of automatic analyzers as information collection destinations. Therefore, the server device can narrow down to the information on the alarm handling method associated with the same facility characteristic information as that of a specific automatic analyzer (the device to be analyzed for alarms). Further, as the predetermined criterion, information including at least one of the number of usage times for each alarm handling method or the maintenance status of the specific automatic analyzer can be used. In this way, when an alarm occurs in the automatic analyzer, by performing narrowing down based on the facility characteristics, it becomes possible to sort the alarm handling methods reflecting the tendencies in similar facilities. Further, according to this embodiment, narrowing down may be performed for each search period (which can be set as a narrowing down condition in each automatic analyzer). Thereby, it becomes possible to sort the alarm handling methods reflecting the trend within the period for which narrowing down has been performed. With the above-described contrivances, even an operator with little alarm handling experience can select a more effective alarm handling method, and it becomes possible to shorten the alarm handling time. Note that the information on the number of usage times and the information on the maintenance status can be used to score each alarm handling method. For example, the information on the alarm handling method can be sorted in descending order of the number of usage times.Also, a numerical value determined according to the delay in the maintenance status of a specific automatic analyzer (the score can be changed according to the elapsed time of the recommended maintenance period: it is scored so that the effectiveness of the related countermeasures increases as the elapsed time becomes longer) is used as the score of the alarm countermeasure method related to the maintenance status, and the information of the alarm countermeasure method is sorted according to the score of the alarm countermeasure method. The scores based on the number of uses and the scores based on the maintenance status may be added together to finally determine (sort) the effectiveness of each alarm countermeasure method.

[0106] (ii) If the number of pieces of information on the alarm countermeasure method extracted by the server device (support center 200) is less than a predetermined number as a result of executing the above narrowing-down process, the items of the facility characteristic information may be reduced and the narrowing-down process may be performed again to ensure the reliability of the alarm analysis result. At this time, a priority may be set for each item of the facility characteristic information, and the items of the facility characteristic information may be reduced according to the priority. By setting the priority, the elements that the user values can be reflected in the alarm countermeasure method extraction result in the support center (server device) 200.

[0107] (iii) In the specific automatic analyzer where an alarm has occurred, if the alarm is cancelled (the defect / anomaly is corrected) after implementing the alarm handling method presented by the support center 200, or if the alarm is successfully cancelled by an alarm handling method other than the one presented by the support center 200, the information on the alarm handling method that contributed to cancelling the alarm from the specific automatic analyzer may be added to the alarm handling reference information held in the storage device (database) of the support center. This can improve the accuracy of the alarm analysis results at the support center 200. Also, the support center 200 can receive information on the maintenance implementation date from a plurality of automatic analyzers connected thereto and add it to the alarm handling reference information. In addition to sorting by the number of uses, by sorting the handling methods reflecting the maintenance status, even an operator with little alarm handling experience can respond to alarms more quickly. Regarding the collection of alarm handling method information, instead of collecting whether the alarm could or could not be handled with a pre-created alarm handling method, by collecting the location of occurrence, cause of occurrence, and alarm handling method of the handled alarm respectively, it becomes possible to notify more specific alarm handling method information.

[0108] (iv) The technology of the present disclosure can also be realized by software program code. In this case, a storage medium recording the program code is provided to the system or device, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or device reads the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium storing it constitute the present disclosure. As a storage medium for supplying such program code, for example, a flexible disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM, etc. are used.

[0109] Also, based on the instructions of the program code, an OS (Operating System) running on a computer or the like may perform part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by such processing. Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into the memory on the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, a CPU or the like of the computer may perform part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by such processing.

[0110] Furthermore, by distributing the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the embodiments via a network, it may be stored in a storage means such as a hard disk or memory of a system or device, or a storage medium such as a CD-RW or CD-R, and when in use, a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program code stored in the storage means or the storage medium.

[0111] Note that the processes and technologies described herein are not inherently related to any specific device and can be implemented by any suitable combination of components. A dedicated device may be constructed to execute the technology disclosed in the embodiments. Also, various aspects can be formed by an appropriate combination of a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments, or components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0112] This disclosure describes specific examples, but this does not limit the technology of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that there are many combinations of suitable hardware, software, and firmware for implementing this disclosure.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the control lines and information lines show those considered necessary for explanation, and not necessarily all the control lines and information lines are shown on the product. All components may be interconnected with each other.

[0114] In addition, for those with ordinary knowledge in the art, other implementations of the present disclosure will become apparent by considering the content of the specification and the embodiments. The aspects and / or components of the embodiments can be used alone or in any combination. The specification and specific examples are merely typical, and the scope and spirit of the present disclosure are shown in the subsequent claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0115] 100 Automatic analyzer 200 Support center (server device) 201, 207 Data storage unit 202, 208 Processing unit 203 Display unit 204 Input unit 205 Analysis unit 206, 209 Communication unit

Claims

1. 1. A data analysis method for providing a specific automated analyzer with information on how to deal with an alarm that has occurred in the specific automated analyzer, using a computer, comprising: Collecting alarm handling reference information including information on various alarms and information on alarm handling methods corresponding to the various alarms from a plurality of automatic analyzers; analyzing alarm information from the specific automated analyzer, extracting an effective alarm handling method for canceling the alarm from the alarm handling reference information, and transmitting the extracted alarm handling method to the specific automated analyzer; Extracting the alarm handling method from the alarm handling reference information and transmitting the alarm handling method to the specific automated analyzer, narrowing down the alarm handling reference information based on facility characteristic information including information on a usage mode of the specific automatic analyzer, which is acquired from the specific automatic analyzer, and acquiring information on a handling method suitable for the alarm generated in the specific automatic analyzer; Sorting the acquired information on countermeasures suitable for the alarm according to a predetermined criterion; providing the sorted information on the countermeasures suitable for the alarms to the specific automated analyzer via a communication line; A data analysis method comprising:

2. In claim 1, the alarm handling reference information is associated with facility characteristic information of the plurality of automatic analyzers from which information is collected; The data analysis method, wherein the computer narrows down the information on countermeasures suitable for the alarm that is associated with the same facility characteristic information as the specific automatic analyzer in which the alarm has occurred.

3. In claim 1, The data analysis method, wherein the computer sets information including at least one of the number of uses of each countermeasure suitable for the alarm or the maintenance status of the specific automatic analyzer as the predetermined criterion, and rearranges information on the countermeasures suitable for the alarm in accordance with the criterion.

4. In claim 3, The data analysis method, wherein the computer rearranges the information on the alarm countermeasures in descending order of the number of uses.

5. In claim 3, The data analysis method, wherein the computer sets a numerical value determined according to a delay in the maintenance status of the specific automatic analyzer as a score of the alarm handling method related to the maintenance status, and rearranges information on the handling methods suitable for the alarm according to the score of the alarm handling method.

6. In claim 3, the computer sets the number of uses of each of the alarm handling methods as the first type score of the alarm handling method corresponding thereto, sets a numerical value determined according to the delay in the maintenance status of the specific automatic analyzer as the second type score of the alarm handling method related to the maintenance status, and rearranges the information on the handling methods conforming to the alarm according to the total score of the alarm handling method obtained by adding the first type score and the second type score. A data analysis method.

7. In claim 1, the facility characteristic information includes a plurality of items related to the usage mode of the automatic analyzer, and when the number of pieces of information on the handling methods conforming to the alarm is less than a predetermined number, the computer reduces the items of the facility characteristic information and acquires again the information on the handling methods conforming to the alarm. A data analysis method.

8. In claim 7, priority levels are set for the plurality of items of the facility characteristic information, and the computer reduces the items of the facility characteristic information according to the priority levels. A data analysis method.

9. In claim 1, the facility characteristic information includes a plurality of pieces of information among information on the facility where the automatic analyzer is installed, information on the altitude of the location where the automatic analyzer is installed, information on the daily usage time zone of the automatic analyzer, information on the number of usage days in a week of the automatic analyzer, information on the number of years of use of the automatic analyzer, information on the manufacturer maintenance contract of the automatic analyzer, information on the acquisition status of ISO certification, or information on the model of the automatic analyzer. A data analysis method.

10. In claim 1, the computer associates the information on the alarm handling method that has contributed to the cancellation of the alarm, transmitted from the specific automatic analyzer, with the information on the alarm and the facility characteristic information of the specific automatic analyzer, and adds it to the information on the alarm handling method. A data analysis method.

11. In claim 1, the computer adds the information on the maintenance implementation date of the corresponding automatic analyzer, transmitted from the plurality of automatic analyzers, to the alarm handling reference information. A data analysis method.

12. In claim 1, further, the specific automatic analyzer receives the rearranged information on the handling methods conforming to the alarm, The specific automatic analyzer displays information on countermeasures that match the alarm on a display screen, and prompts the user to execute the countermeasures in the sorted order of the countermeasures that match the alarm. A data analysis method including this.

13. A server device that provides information on countermeasures for an alarm generated by a specific automatic analyzer to the specific automatic analyzer, A processor that analyzes alarm information acquired from a plurality of automatic analyzers, A communication device that transmits information on countermeasures for the alarm to the specific automatic analyzer, and includes: The processor A process of acquiring reference data including information about at least one of the plurality of automatic analyzers, information about reagents, information about the usage environment and usage pattern of the facility where the at least one automatic analyzer is installed, and the corresponding alarm information from at least one of the plurality of automatic analyzers, A process of sorting the information on countermeasures for the alarm for the automatic analyzer in order of execution priority based on the reference data, A server device that executes this.

14. In Claim 13, further, The processor executes a process of transmitting the information on countermeasures for the alarm sorted in the order of execution priority to the specific automatic analyzer to be analyzed using the communication device. A server device.

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