Automatic analyzer and method of operating the automatic analyzer

Abstract

This automated analysis device comprises an analyzing unit 40 for analyzing a sample, and a control device 20 for controlling operations of each mechanism of the analyzing unit 40, wherein the control device 20 calculates a waiting time that a user should wait until the sample or a consumable required to analyze the sample is replaced, on the basis of a time at which the sample or the consumable is to be used last, in an analysis schedule created at a time point at which a replacement request for the sample or the consumable is accepted. By this means, the present invention provides an automated analysis device, and a method for operating the automated analysis device, capable of improving work efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer and an operation method of an automatic analyzer.

Background Art

[0002] In an automatic analyzer for analyzing biological components, there is a technique that allows a user to directly access the area within the automatic analyzer where each consumable is located and replace the consumable (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to Patent Document 1, after a user requests to stop the analysis operation for consumable replacement, it takes a certain amount of time until the user can access the area where the consumable is located. This time varies depending on the combination of requested items and the analysis situation, and further varies between the sample and the consumable or between the target consumables. That is, the user does not know how much time it will take to become replaceable, and there is a problem that the work efficiency is not good.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer and an operation method of an automatic analyzer that can improve work efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An automated analyzer according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an analysis unit that performs analysis of a sample, and a control unit that controls the operation of each mechanism of the analysis unit, wherein the control unit calculates the waiting time that the user should wait before replacing the sample or consumables based on the time when the sample or consumables are last used in the analysis schedule created at the time a request for replacement of the sample or consumables necessary for the analysis of the sample is received. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automated analyzer and a method for operating the automated analyzer that can improve work efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Configuration diagram of an automated analyzer. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of the system reagent flow path. [Figure 3] A table showing the analysis sequence. [Figure 4] Screen view of the control device. [Figure 5] Screen diagram showing the screen for scheduling the replacement of the control device. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the transitions of the replacement reservation button on the replacement reservation screen for the operating device. [Figure 7] Screen diagram for replacing the control device. [Figure 8] Internal block diagram of the control unit. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating the processing steps of the calculation unit. [Figure 10] A flowchart diagram of the first process of the control unit. [Figure 11] A flowchart diagram of the second process in the control unit. [Figure 12] A sequence diagram showing the flow from when the control device plans and executes the analysis operation. [Figure 13] A sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the operating device and control device when a user makes a reservation for the replacement of consumables. [Figure 14]A sequence diagram showing the process flow from when the user receives permission to replace a consumable to when the consumable is replaced and the analysis operation resumes. [Figure 15] A diagram showing the relationship between the replacement reservation operation and the analysis plan. [Figure 16] A diagram showing the relationship between the replacement permission notification and the analysis plan. [Figure 17] A diagram showing a modified example of the replacement reservation screen.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Embodiments of an automatic analyzer and an operation method of the automatic analyzer will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17. In the drawings used in this specification, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these components may be omitted.

[0010] First, the configuration and operation on which the automatic analyzer 100 is premised will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. First, the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 will be described using FIG. 1.

[0011] The automatic analyzer 100 mainly includes an analysis unit 40 that analyzes a sample, a control device 20 that controls the operation of each mechanism of the analysis unit 40, and an operation device 30 that inputs and displays various information. Among these, the analysis unit 40 includes a sample dispensing mechanism 1, a sample disk 2, a reaction disk 4, a reagent dispensing mechanism 6, a reagent disk 7, a measurement unit 9, a cleaning mechanism 10, and the like.

[0012] The sample disk 2 holds a plurality of sample containers 3 containing samples to be analyzed. The sample disk 2 is rotatable and has a disk shape. The sample disk 2 transports the sample container 3 to be dispensed to the dispensing position of the sample dispensing mechanism 1 by a rotational operation.

[0013] The reaction disk 4 holds a plurality of reaction vessels 5 for performing reactions and measurements. The reaction disk 4 is rotatable and has a disk shape. The reaction vessel 5 held by the reaction disk 4 contains a mixed solution obtained by mixing a sample and a reagent and causing them to react.

[0014] The sample dispensing mechanism 1 sucks the sample from the sample container 3 conveyed to the dispensing position by the sample disk 2. Then, the sample dispensing mechanism 1 dispenses the sucked sample into the reaction vessel 5 held by the reaction disk 4.

[0015] The reagent disk 7 stores a plurality of reagent containers 8 and keeps the reagent containers 8 refrigerated. Each reagent container 8 is filled with a first reagent, a second reagent, a third reagent for mixing with and reacting with the sample, a reagent or a detergent necessary for pretreatment of analysis. The reagent disk 7 is rotatable and has a disk shape.

[0016] The reagent dispensing mechanism 6 is a mechanism that dispenses the reagent or detergent filled in the reagent container 8 into the reaction vessel 5 held by the reaction disk 4. The reagent dispensing mechanism 6 dispenses the reagent or detergent at a predetermined timing in the process including analysis or its pretreatment and cleaning.

[0017] The measuring unit 9 measures the concentration etc. of the substance to be measured from the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent during or after the reaction in the reaction vessel 5. The measuring method includes a method of measuring transmitted light or a method of measuring the amount of light emission etc., and varies depending on the substance to be measured. There is no limitation to the measuring method, and the number thereof is not limited to one, and two or more can be used.

[0018] The cleaning mechanism 10 is composed of a discharge nozzle for discharging cleaning water and a detergent, a suction nozzle for sucking the reaction solution etc. The cleaning mechanism 10 cleans the reaction vessel 5 with cleaning water and a detergent.

[0019] The automatic analyzer 100 includes a top cover 11 that covers each mechanism on its upper surface. In addition to the top cover 11, a sample lid 12 is provided above the sample disk 2, and a reagent lid 13 is provided above the reagent disk 7.

[0020] The sample lid 12 is equipped with a sample lid locking mechanism 14, and the reagent lid 13 is equipped with a reagent lid locking mechanism 15. The sample lid locking mechanism 14 and the reagent lid locking mechanism 15 can each be unlocked and locked independently, and control whether the sample lid 12 and the reagent lid 13 can be opened or closed, respectively.

[0021] When each locking mechanism 14 and 15 is unlocked, the user can open each lid 12 and 13, and access each disk 2 and 7. Each locking mechanism 14 and 15 can be locked when each lid 12 and 13 is closed, and once locked, the user cannot open or close each lid 12 and 13, and access to each disk 2 and 7 is also impossible.

[0022] The operating device 30, which consists of display devices such as a display and input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, and the control device 20, which has a storage unit, CPU, memory, etc., may be composed of a computer, and may be composed of one computer or multiple computers, and is not particularly limited.

[0023] The control device 20 controls the operation of each mechanism within the automatic analyzer 100 and also displays information about the automatic analyzer 100 on the operating device 30 for the user.

[0024] In this embodiment, the control device 20 receives a request to replace a sample or consumables necessary for the analysis of the sample, and calculates the waiting time the user should wait before replacing the sample or consumables based on the time when the sample or consumables were last used in the analysis schedule created at that time. The details will be described later.

[0025] The control of each device by the control device 20 is performed based on various programs recorded in the storage device. The control processing performed by the control device 20 may be combined into a single program, each of which may be divided into multiple programs, or a combination of these. Furthermore, some or all of the programs may be implemented in dedicated hardware or may be modularized.

[0026] The operating device 30 is equipped with a user interface such as a touch panel display, and outputs information to the user and accepts various inputs from the user. In this embodiment, in addition to displaying information about the automated analyzer 100 to the user, the operating device 30 also displays information about the waiting time the user should wait before replacing the sample or consumables. The details will be described later.

[0027] The above describes the configuration of the automated analyzer 100 of this embodiment.

[0028] Furthermore, the configuration of the automated analyzer 100 is not limited to a single analysis module configuration as shown in Figure 1. It may also be configured by connecting two or more analysis modules capable of measuring various identical or different analysis items, or pre-processing modules that perform pre-processing, via a transport device.

[0029] In this embodiment, "consumables necessary for sample analysis" include, but are not limited to, the reagents mentioned above and system reagents contained in external containers. They can also include dispensing tips and disposable reaction vessels used in immunoassays, or components that are consumed during the analytical operation, such as drive motors and spectrometers.

[0030] Next, the system reagents included in the automated analyzer 100 will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the system reagent flow path.

[0031] The system reagents used in the automated analyzer 100 include a detergent dispensed by a cleaning mechanism 10 to clean the reaction vessel. The detergent dispensed by the cleaning mechanism 10 is filled into an external detergent bottle 16. The external detergent bottle 16 is connected to a detergent channel 17, which is connected to the dispensing nozzle of the cleaning mechanism 10. A waste liquid channel 18 is connected to the suction nozzle of the cleaning mechanism 10. The cleaning mechanism 10 dispenses the detergent filled in the external detergent bottle 16 into the reaction vessel 5 via the detergent channel 17. The cleaning mechanism 10 also suctions the detergent dispensed into the reaction vessel 5 and processes it as waste liquid via the waste liquid channel 18.

[0032] The detergent flow path 17 can be closed and opened via the cleaning mechanism 10. When replacing the external detergent bottle 16, the flow path is closed to allow the user to replace the detergent, and after the replacement is complete, the flow path is opened to make the detergent usable.

[0033] The analysis of a sample using the automated analyzer 100 described above (the process of dispensing the sample, mixing it with reagents, reacting it, measuring the absorbance, and determining the concentration) is generally carried out according to the following procedure.

[0034] In the automated analyzer 100, the color development and luminescence that occur due to the reaction between the target component in the sample and the reagent are measured by the measurement unit 9, and the concentration of the target component in the sample is calculated by the control device 20. The general outline of the sample analysis by the automated analyzer 100 is as follows.

[0035] The user places the sample in a sample container 3, such as a test tube, and places it on the sample disk 2. The user requests the desired analytical items to be measured from the operating device 30 and starts the measurement. The sample is drawn from the sample container 3 by the sample dispensing mechanism 1 in the automated analyzer 100 and dispensed into the reaction vessel 5. As mentioned above, the automated analyzer 100 holds reagents in reagent containers 8 within the device, and the reagent dispensing mechanism 6 dispenses the reagents into the reaction vessel 5 containing the sample. From this point onward, the reaction between the sample and reagents proceeds in the reaction vessel 5.

[0036] Within the automated analyzer 100, the measuring unit 9 measures the color and light emission signal values ​​of the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 5 at predetermined positions and timings. The control device 20 performs calculations based on the measured signal values ​​to calculate the concentration of the target component and obtains the measurement result. After the measurement is complete, the reaction vessel 5 is cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 10 as needed to prepare for the next analysis.

[0037] Next, the characteristic configuration and operation of this embodiment will be explained using Figures 3 and onward.

[0038] In the analysis of samples using the automated analyzer 100, reagents may be dispensed multiple times at different timings depending on the analytical item.

[0039] For example, one might dispense a first reagent and measure the signal value, then dispense a second reagent and measure the signal value again, and calculate the concentration of the target component from the multiple measurement results. In this case, as shown in Figure 3, the second reagent is dispensed into the mixture by the reagent dispensing mechanism 6, and then the signal value in the reaction vessel 5 is similarly measured by the measurement unit 9 to calculate the concentration of the target component. Figure 3 shows an example of a series of analyses performed using the above operation.

[0040] Since the automated analyzer 100 holds multiple reaction vessels 5, the above operation allows for the continuous execution of multiple analyses in parallel. Each mechanism performs its target operation within each analysis cycle, which is repeated at regular intervals, as shown in Figure 3.

[0041] Next, the configuration of the operating device 30 will be explained using Figures 4 to 6.

[0042] First, the screen configuration of the operating device 30 will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram of the screen of the operating device.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the screen displayed on the operating device 30 normally shows the exchange reservation button 31 and the analysis start button 32.

[0044] When the user presses the replacement reservation button 31, the control device 20 transitions from the normal screen to the replacement reservation screen 33.

[0045] When the user presses the analysis start button 32, an analysis start request is sent to the control device 20, and the analysis starts or resumes the start of a paused analysis.

[0046] Next, the configuration of the replacement reservation screen 33 will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram of the replacement reservation screen of the operating device.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the exchange reservation screen 33 displays an exchange reservation button 33a for each item to be exchanged (in Figure 5, this refers to the sample, reagent container, and system reagent).

[0048] The replacement reservation button 33a is a button displayed on the operating device 30 for the user to submit a replacement request. Depending on the replacement reservation status, a string corresponding to one of three states is displayed on the button (in Figure 5, "Request (Waiting for reservation)", "Requested (Reserved)", and "Install (Replacement permitted)").

[0049] When the control device 20 recognizes that the replacement reservation button 33a has been pressed, it accepts the replacement request and starts executing the various processes necessary for the replacement. At this time, the control device 20 displays the remaining time (waiting time) until the replacement is permitted as a remaining time display 33b around the replacement reservation button 33a that the user pressed, but only if the replacement reservation button 31 is in the "requested (reserved)" state.

[0050] On the exchange reservation screen 33, the time displayed near the "Requested" exchange reservation button 33a can be shown as a countdown timer until the exchange is approved. However, it is not limited to just a numerical value; it may also be in the form of a progress bar or other format that shows the progress until the exchange is approved. Alternatively, instead of displaying the remaining time, the exchange approval time can be calculated from the remaining time and the current time. time You may display the time.

[0051] Furthermore, while the display of the replacement reservation button 33a was previously changed to the strings "Requested," "Requested," or "Installed," this could also be changed by a change in button color, flashing, or a combination thereof.

[0052] For example, the control device 20 can change the display of the replacement reservation button 33a when the time for the last use of a consumable has been reached. This can take the form of, for example, emitting a sound, changing the display color of the area around the replacement reservation button 33a or the entire screen, or making the display flash. Such visual or auditory notifications are very convenient because they can be seen from a distance when the user is away from the device, making it useful when the user wants to return only after everything is ready.

[0053] Furthermore, if there are multiple exchange reservations, the display can be changed individually for each, or a signal such as a change in sound or color, as described above, can be emitted when all of them become available for exchange.

[0054] The exchange reservation screen 33 displays an exit button 33c, and when the user presses the exit button 33c, the exchange reservation screen 33 closes.

[0055] Next, we will explain the transition of the replacement reservation button 33a using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the transition of the replacement reservation button on the replacement reservation screen of the operating device.

[0056] The exchange reservation button 33a displays "Initial (Exchange Permission)" when analysis is not in progress. It transitions to "Request (Waiting for Reservation)" when analysis begins. When the user presses the exchange reservation button 33a which is displaying "Request (Waiting for Reservation)", an exchange reservation request is sent to the control device 20, and the display of the exchange reservation button 33a transitions to "Requested (Reserved)".

[0057] After some time has elapsed, when the control device 20 receives permission information for the replacement of the item to be replaced, the replacement reservation button 33a will change to "Initiate (Replacement Permission)".

[0058] When the user presses the "Install (Replacement Permission)" replacement reservation button 33a, a replacement start request is sent to the control device 20, and the replacement screen 34 opens.

[0059] Next, the exchange screen 34 will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram of the exchange screen of the operating device 30.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7, the exchange screen 34 displays the exchange procedure 34a, the exchange procedure image 34b, and the complete button 34c. The exchange procedure 34a displays the exchange procedure for the item to be exchanged as text. The exchange procedure image 34b displays an image, video, or slideshow representing the exchange procedure. When the user presses the complete button 34c, the exchange screen 34 closes and the exchange reservation screen 33 is displayed.

[0061] Next, the configuration and function of the control device 20 provided in the automatic analyzer 100 will be explained using Figures 8 to 11. Figure 8 is an internal block diagram of the control device 20, Figure 9 is a flowchart of the processing of the calculation unit 201b of the control device 20, Figure 10 is a flowchart of the first processing of the control unit 201d of the control device 20, and Figure 11 is a flowchart of the second processing of the control unit 201d of the control device 20.

[0062] In Figure 8, the control device 20 includes a processor 201 and a storage unit 202 (hard disk, memory, etc.).

[0063] The memory unit 202 includes an analysis plan table for planning the measurement items requested for each sample and the mechanical operations in each analysis cycle for those items, a plan feasibility flag for holding information on whether the analysis plan is feasible, and an exchange permission table for registering analysis cycles that free up areas where consumables for which exchange reservations have been accepted are located.

[0064] The analysis plan table has a similar structure to the analysis sequence shown in Figure 3, and registers the mechanical actions to be performed in each cycle.

[0065] The processor 201 includes a reception unit 201a, a calculation unit 201b, a planning unit 201c, and a control unit 201d.

[0066] The reception unit 201a exchanges information with the operating device 30, the calculation unit 201b, and the control unit 201d, and updates the information to the storage unit 202.

[0067] When the reception unit 201a receives an analysis start request from the operating device 30, it executes a process to set the plan feasibility flag to "yes".

[0068] Furthermore, when the reception unit 201a receives an exchange reservation request from the operating device 30, it calls the calculation unit 201b, returns the required time calculated by the calculation unit 201b to the operating device 30, and executes a process to set the feasibility flag to "not possible".

[0069] Furthermore, when the reception unit 201a receives exchange permission information from the control unit 201d, it executes a process to transmit the exchange permission information to the operating device 30.

[0070] When the reception unit 201a receives a request to start or end an exchange from the operating device 30, it calls the control unit 201d (passing the type of request, whether it is a start or an end).

[0071] Through these processes, the reception unit 201a receives the analysis start request, exchange reservation request, exchange start request, and exchange end request input from the operating device 30, and notifies the operating device 30 of the waiting time information and exchange permission information.

[0072] The calculation unit 201b exchanges information with the reception unit 201a and refers to or updates the information in the storage unit 202.

[0073] When the calculation unit 201b is called by the reception unit 201a, it first identifies the earliest registered operation cycle for the item to be replaced, as shown in Figure 9 (S101). Next, it calculates the exchange permission time from the current time and the time required until the identified cycle, and returns it to the reception unit 201a (S102). After that, it registers the next cycle after the identified cycle in the location corresponding to the item to be replaced in the exchange permission table (S103). As a result, the calculation unit 201b calculates the time when the item to be replaced becomes available for exchange from the analysis plan table in the storage unit 202, and returns the calculated time information to the reception unit 201a.

[0074] The planning unit 201c receives information from the operating device 30 and references and updates the information in the storage unit 202.

[0075] The planning unit 201c is activated at the end of each analysis cycle. If the planning feasibility flag is set to "yes," it registers the analysis operations of each mechanism in the analysis plan table; otherwise, it completes the process without registration.

[0076] As a result, if the planning feasibility flag is set to "yes", the planning unit 201c plans the mechanism operation according to the content of each analysis item and the planned mechanism operation based on the request item information for each sample notified from the operating device 30, and registers the analysis plan in the analysis plan table of the storage unit 202.

[0077] The control unit 201d exchanges information with the reception unit 201a, refers to the information in the storage unit 202, and controls the operation of each mechanism, such as the sample dispensing mechanism 1, the reagent dispensing mechanism 6, the washing mechanism 10, the sample lid locking mechanism 14, and the reagent lid locking mechanism 15.

[0078] The control unit 201d is activated at the beginning of each analysis cycle and, as shown in Figure 10, first acquires the operation of the current cycle registered in the analysis plan table (S201), and then operates the mechanism corresponding to the acquired operation (S202).

[0079] Next, it is determined whether any of the cycles registered in the exchange authorization table match the current cycle (S203). If a match is determined, the mechanism is controlled to release the area in the exchange authorization table where the matching item to be exchanged exists (S204), and the exchange authorization information for the item to be exchanged is passed to the reception unit 201a (S205), completing the process.

[0080] In response, if it is determined that any of the cycles registered in the exchange permission table does not match the current cycle, the exchange permission information for the item to be exchanged is passed to the reception unit 201a (S205) to complete the process.

[0081] As a result, the control unit 201d refers to the analysis plan table in the memory unit 202 and controls each mechanism to perform the mechanism operation planned for each cycle.

[0082] Furthermore, when the exchange approval cycle for an item for which an exchange reservation has been requested is reached, the exchange approval information is notified to the reception unit 201a.

[0083] First, the control unit 201d is activated by a call from the reception unit 201a and determines whether the item to be replaced is a reagent or a system reagent (S301), as shown in Figure 11. If it is determined to be a reagent, the process proceeds to step S302; if it is determined to be a system reagent, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0084] In step S302, the type of exchange request is determined (S302). If it is determined to be a start, the process proceeds to step S303 to unlock the reagent lid locking mechanism 15 (S303) and complete the process. On the other hand, if it is determined to be a finish, the process proceeds to step S304 to lock the reagent lid locking mechanism 15 (S304) and complete the process.

[0085] Thus, when the waiting time is reached, the control device 20 unlocks the mechanism necessary for replacing the sample or consumables.

[0086] In step S305, the type of replacement request is determined (S305). If it is determined to be a start, the process proceeds to step S306 to close the detergent flow path 17 of the cleaning mechanism 10 (S306) and complete the process. Conversely, if it is determined to be a finish, the process proceeds to step S307 to open the detergent flow path 17 of the cleaning mechanism 10 (S307) and complete the process.

[0087] This allows the user to directly replace each consumable by controlling the cleaning mechanism 10, sample lid locking mechanism 14, and reagent lid locking mechanism 15 in response to a replacement start or replacement end request from the reception unit 201a.

[0088] Next, the processing flow performed by the operating device 30 and the control device 20 will be explained using Figures 12 to 14.

[0089] First, using Figure 12, we will explain how the control device 20 plans and executes the analysis process. Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing the flow from when the control device plans the analysis operation until it is carried out.

[0090] As shown in Figure 12, at the end of each analysis cycle, the planning unit 201c is activated and, before planning, checks the planning feasibility flag in the storage unit 202 to determine whether planning is possible. If it is determined to be possible, it plans the operations and registers them in the analysis plan table of the storage unit 202. At the beginning of the next analysis cycle, the control unit 201d is activated and, by checking the analysis plan table, controls various mechanisms according to the mechanism operations planned for that cycle. These processes are repeated in each analysis cycle, thereby advancing the analysis process.

[0091] Next, using Figure 13, we will explain the processing flow when a user makes a reservation for the replacement of a consumable item during analysis. Figure 13 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the operating device and control device when a user makes a reservation for the replacement of a consumable item.

[0092] As shown in Figure 13, when the user presses the exchange reservation button 33a on the exchange reservation screen 33 that displays "Request" corresponding to a specific item to be replaced, the operating device 30 sends an exchange reservation request to the control device 20.

[0093] In the control device 20, the reception unit 201a receives the replacement reservation request and calls the calculation unit 201b. The calculation unit 201b refers to the analysis plan table to identify the analysis cycle in which the item to be replaced will last be used, and registers the next analysis cycle after the identified analysis cycle as the authorized replacement cycle in the section of the replacement permission table corresponding to the item to be replaced.

[0094] Subsequently, the calculation unit 201b calculates the exchange permission time from the time until the identified analysis cycle and the current time, and returns it to the reception unit 201a. After the reception unit 201a returns the exchange permission time to the operating device 30, it updates the plan feasibility flag in the storage unit 202 to unfeasible.

[0095] When the operating device 30 receives the exchange permission time from the reception unit 201a of the control device 20, it changes the "Requested" display on the pressed exchange reservation button 33a to "Requested" and displays the remaining time obtained from the exchange permission time.

[0096] Next, using Figure 14, we will explain the process flow from when the user is authorized to replace a consumable item that they have reserved for replacement during the analysis operation, to when the user replaces the consumable item and resumes the analysis operation. Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing the process flow from when the user receives permission to replace a consumable item to when they replace the consumable item and resume the analysis operation.

[0097] As shown in Figure 14, the control unit 201d is activated at the beginning of each analysis cycle, performs mechanism operation control based on the analysis plan table described above, and then refers to the replacement permission table to determine whether the current analysis cycle is a replacement permission cycle for each item to be replaced.

[0098] If it is the exchange permission cycle, the reception unit 201a is called and the exchange permission information is notified. The reception unit 201a transmits the notified exchange permission information to the operating device 30. Upon receiving the exchange permission information, the operating device 30 changes the exchange reservation button 33a, which is displayed as "Requested," to "Initiated," corresponding to the item to be exchanged.

[0099] When the user presses the replacement reservation button 33a, which is labeled "Initial," the operating device 30 sends a replacement start request to the control device 20. The control device 20's reception unit 201a receives the replacement start request and calls the control unit 201d. The control unit 201d determines the mechanism to be controlled and the control content according to the content of the replacement start request, and controls the target mechanism. After that, the operating device 30 displays the replacement screen 34. At this point, the user can replace the item to be replaced.

[0100] After the user replaces the item to be replaced, pressing the "Complete" button on the replacement screen 34 sends a replacement completion request from the operating device 30 to the control device 20. The control device 20's reception unit 201a receives the replacement completion request and calls the control unit 201d. The control unit 201d determines the mechanism to be controlled and the control content according to the content of the replacement completion request, and controls the target mechanism. After that, the operating device 30 closes the replacement screen 34.

[0101] When the user presses the analysis start button, an analysis start request is sent from the operating device 30 to the control device 20. The control device 20's reception unit 201a receives the analysis start request and updates the plan feasibility flag in the storage unit 202 to feasible. This restarts the planning of the analysis operation by the planning unit 201c, and the analysis operation resumes.

[0102] Next, using Figures 15 and 16, we will explain the relationship between the exchange operation achieved by the above process and the analysis plan with an example.

[0103] First, using Figure 15, we will explain an example of the behavior of the analysis plan and display change after pressing the exchange reservation button 33a for the "Request" display. Figure 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the exchange reservation operation and the analysis plan.

[0104] In the example shown in Figure 15, one analysis cycle is 10 seconds long, and the first time point is defined as 00:00, 3 seconds after the start of the third analysis cycle. At this first time point, the user makes a reservation to replace the reagent container.

[0105] As shown in Figure 15 (1), when the exchange reservation button 33a with the "Request" label is pressed, the analysis planning by the planning unit 201c stops. As a result, as shown in Figure 15 (2), the unstarted analysis plan is no longer registered in the analysis plan table, and the analysis operations for items dispensed from the fourth analysis cycle onward, which would have been planned, are no longer scheduled.

[0106] Thus, when the control device 20 receives a replacement request, it is desirable to temporarily suspend the dispensing plan for the unprocessed sample in order to enable the replacement work to be carried out as quickly as possible.

[0107] Next, the analysis cycle in which the product to be replaced will be used for the last time in the planned analysis registered in the analysis plan table is identified. In this example, since a reservation for the replacement of the reagent container was made, the 62nd analysis cycle, in which the reagent is dispensed for the last time, is identified, as shown in (3) in Figure 15.

[0108] The next identified analysis cycle, the 63rd analysis cycle, will be an exchange permission cycle. There are 59 analysis cycles and 7 seconds remaining from the first time point until the start of the exchange permission cycle, resulting in a total of 597 seconds remaining.

[0109] Therefore, the time until the final usage timing is calculated and displayed based on the current time and the time required for each process. In this example, as shown in (4) of Figure 15, the remaining time displayed next to the exchange reservation button 33a, which is marked as "requested," is 9 minutes and 57 seconds.

[0110] Next, using Figure 16, we will explain an example of the analysis plan and the behavior of label changes after the exchange permit cycle has begun. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the relationship between the exchange permit notice and the analysis plan.

[0111] As shown in Figure 16, when the current process is considered the beginning of the 63rd analysis cycle, the control unit 201d is activated in the current process, detecting that it is the cycle for authorizing the replacement of the item to be replaced. The replacement authorization information is then notified to the operating device 30, and the replacement reservation button 33a, which was previously displayed as "Requested," changes to display as "Initiated."

[0112] After this, when the user presses the "Introduce" replacement reservation button 33a, the reagent lid lock mechanism 15 is unlocked, allowing the reagent lid 13 to be opened and the user to access the reagent disk 7.

[0113] Since no reagent dispensing operations are planned from this point onward, the reagent disk 7 and reagent dispensing mechanism 6 will not operate, and there will be no interference between the user's replacement work and the mechanism's operation.

[0114] Furthermore, if there are multiple exchange requests, the time required for each exchange to become available is calculated independently, as shown in Figure 15. In this case, it is preferable not to consider the time required for other exchanges, but it may be considered.

[0115] Furthermore, when replacement requests are made for multiple samples or consumables, the control device 20 can display the types of samples or consumables on the operating device 30 in order from those with the shortest waiting time.

[0116] For example, as shown in Figure 17, the replacement reservation screen 33 can be equipped with a replacement flow display area 33d, and when multiple consumables are reserved for replacement, the names of the consumables are displayed in order from the shortest waiting time, allowing the user to understand the order in which the consumables are replaced. In this case, the specific process involves comparing the remaining times in the replacement flow display area 33d and selecting the one with the shortest waiting time. order The only remaining step is to perform the processing required to display the results.

[0117] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0118] The automated analyzer 100 of this embodiment described above comprises an analysis unit 40 that performs analysis of a sample, and a control device 20 that controls the operation of each mechanism of the analysis unit 40. The control device 20 receives a request to replace a sample or consumables necessary for the analysis of the sample, and calculates the waiting time that the user should wait before replacing the sample or consumables based on the time when the sample or consumables were last used in the analysis schedule created at that time.

[0119] This configuration allows the user to access the area within the automated analyzer 100 where each consumable is located and replace it directly. If the user wishes to replace a consumable during analysis, the analysis can be temporarily paused, and after the consumable has been last used in the ongoing analysis, the user is allowed access to the area where the consumable is located, and the waiting time until access is permitted is displayed to the user. Therefore, the user will know how long it will take before the consumable can be replaced, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0120] Furthermore, the control device 20 is equipped with an operating device 30 that displays information about the automatic analyzer 100 and information about waiting times to the user. Because the control device 20 displays the information on the operating device 30, the user can quickly grasp when the parts are ready for replacement and perform tasks accordingly, thereby further improving work efficiency.

[0121] Furthermore, when the control device 20 recognizes that the user has pressed the replacement reservation button 33a displayed on the operating device 30 to request a replacement, it accepts the replacement request and displays the waiting time around the replacement reservation button 33a pressed by the user, making it easy to understand the waiting time until the requested sample or consumable becomes available for replacement.

[0122] Furthermore, when the control device 20 receives a replacement request, it can temporarily suspend the dispensing plan for unprocessed samples, thereby preventing samples from being left unattended after being dispensed.

[0123] Furthermore, the control device 20 changes the display of the replacement reservation button 33a when the time for the last use of a consumable reaches its limit, informing the user that it is ready for replacement and allowing the user to quickly begin the replacement process, thus making the specification more user-friendly.

[0124] Furthermore, when replacement requests are issued for multiple samples or consumables, the control device 20 displays the types of samples or consumables on the operating device 30 in order from those with the shortest waiting time, making it easier to understand how to proceed with multiple replacement operations, thus further improving the efficiency of the replacement work.

[0125] Furthermore, when the waiting time is reached, the control device 20 unlocks the mechanism necessary for replacing the sample or consumable, thereby preventing the lock from being released before replacement is possible and preventing forced replacement work from being performed.

[0126] Furthermore, the control device 20 displays the waiting time in a countdown format, allowing users to quickly understand when the part is ready for replacement.

[0127] <Other> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and applications are possible. The embodiments described above are explained in detail for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1…Specimen dispensing mechanism 2…Specimen disk 3…Specimen container 4…Reaction disk 5…Reaction vessel 6…Reagent dispensing mechanism 7…Reagent disk 8…Reagent containers 9...Measuring part 10…Cleaning mechanism 11…Top cover 12…Specimen lid 13… Reagent lid 14…Specimen lid locking mechanism 15… Reagent lid locking mechanism 16…Detergent bottles for outdoor use 17…Detergent flow path 18…Waste liquid flow path 20…Control device (control unit) 30...Operation device (display section) 31... Exchange Reservation Button 32... Start Analysis button 33... Exchange reservation screen 33a... Exchange reservation button (button) 33b…Remaining time display 33c... Exit button 33d... Exchange flow display area 34...Exchange screen 34a... Replacement procedure 34b... Replacement procedure image 34c...Complete button 40…Analysis Department 100…Automatic analyzer 201… Processor 201a... Reception Department 201b…Calculation part 201c…Planning Department 201d... Control Unit 202...Storage section

Claims

1. The analysis department performs the analysis of the samples, A control unit that controls the operation of each mechanism in the analysis unit, It includes a display unit that displays information about the automated analyzer to the user, The control unit, upon receiving a request to replace the sample or consumables necessary for the analysis of the sample, calculates the waiting time the user should wait before replacing the sample or consumables based on the time the sample or consumables are last used in the analysis schedule created at the time of receipt, displays information regarding the waiting time on the display unit, and, when replacement requests are made for multiple samples or consumables, displays the types of samples or consumables on the display unit in order of shortest waiting time. Automatic analyzer.

2. In the automated analyzer described in claim 1, When the control unit recognizes that the user has pressed the button for issuing the replacement request displayed on the display unit, it accepts the replacement request and displays the waiting time around the button pressed by the user. Automatic analyzer.

3. In the automated analyzer described in claim 1, When the control unit receives the exchange request, it temporarily suspends the dispensing plan for the unstarted sample. Automatic analyzer.

4. In the automated analyzer described in claim 2, The control unit changes the display of the button when the time for the last use of the consumable reaches its limit. Automatic analyzer.

5. In the automated analyzer described in claim 1, When the waiting time is reached, the control unit unlocks the mechanism necessary for replacing the sample or consumables. Automatic analyzer.

6. In the automated analyzer described in claim 2, The control unit displays the waiting time in a countdown format. Automatic analyzer.

7. A method for operating an automated analyzer that analyzes samples, When a request for replacement of the aforementioned sample or consumables necessary for the analysis of the aforementioned sample is received, the system calculates the waiting time the user should wait before replacing the sample or consumables based on the time the sample or consumables are last used in the analysis schedule created at that time, and displays information regarding the automated analyzer and the waiting time on the display unit that displays this information to the user. When replacement requests are made for multiple samples or consumables, the display unit will show the types of samples or consumables in order of shortest waiting time. Operating instructions for an automated analyzer.

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