Automatic analysis device and control method for same

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic analysis device that makes it possible to more accurately find the time required for a pre-operation from the reception of an analysis instruction to the start of analysis. This automatic analysis device comprises: an analysis module that analyzes a sample; a control unit that controls the analysis module; and a display unit that displays a state of the analysis module, the automatic analysis device being characterized in that the control unit calculates the remaining time until a pre-operation ends, on the basis of the time required for an operation confirmation of each type of mechanism of the analysis module, and causes the display unit to display the remaining time.

Description

Automatic analyzer and control method thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that analyzes samples such as blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid, and in particular to a function that displays the status of the automatic analyzer.

[0002] Automated analyzers automatically analyze multiple samples according to a preset analysis sequence and analysis conditions, allowing the operator to perform other tasks away from the automated analyzer during the automatic analysis. Some automated analyzers estimate and display the analysis completion time based on the pre-analysis preparation time from when the start of the analysis is instructed until the analysis begins and the analysis time required to perform the analysis. It is preferable for the analysis completion time to be accurately estimated, since an operator who leaves the automated analyzer to perform other tasks and then returns to the automated analyzer just before or after the analysis completion time can efficiently perform tasks such as replacing samples and processing the analysis results.

[0003] Patent Literature 1 discloses an automatic analyzer that accurately estimates and presents an analysis end time. Specifically, the pre-analysis preparation time is stored in association with the analytical conditions, for example, the transition state of the set temperature of a column oven, and the analysis end time is estimated based on the pre-analysis preparation time and analysis time read out in accordance with the transition state of the analytical conditions. If the set temperature does not change, the pre-analysis preparation time is short because there is no need to raise or lower the temperature of the column oven. However, if the set temperature changes, the pre-analysis preparation time is long because time is required for temperature raising and lowering, etc. In other words, the analysis end time is accurately estimated by using the pre-analysis preparation time read out in accordance with the transition state of the analytical conditions.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-227211

[0005] However, Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the time required to check the operation of various mechanisms such as the dispensing probe, reaction disk, etc. If the initial position of the dispensing probe or reaction disk is misaligned or if there is an abnormality in the pressure sensor of the dispensing probe, it will interfere with the analysis, so it is necessary to check the operation of various mechanisms in pre-operation, which is a preparation operation before the analysis.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an automatic analyzer that makes it possible to more accurately determine the time required for pre-operation from the time an analysis instruction is received until the time the analysis starts.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an automatic analyzer comprising an analysis module for analyzing a sample, a control unit for controlling the analysis module, and a display unit for displaying the status of the analysis module, wherein the control unit calculates the remaining time until the completion of pre-operation based on the time required to check the operation of various mechanisms of the analysis module, and displays the remaining time on the display unit.

[0008] The present invention also provides a control method for an automatic analyzer having an analysis module that analyzes samples and a display unit that displays the status of the analysis module, characterized in that the remaining time until the completion of pre-operation is calculated based on the time required to check the operation of various mechanisms of the analysis module, and the remaining time is displayed on the display unit.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic analyzer that can more accurately calculate the time required for pre-operation from when an analysis instruction is received until the analysis starts.

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of Example 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a pre-operation table. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying the remaining time of Example 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for providing supplementary explanation about the remaining time display of Example 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of Example 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a post-operation table. FIG. 7 is a diagram for providing supplementary explanation about the remaining time display of Example 2. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of Example 3. FIG. 9 is a diagram for providing supplementary explanation about the remaining time display of Example 3. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the processing flow of Example 3. FIG. 11 is a diagram for providing supplementary explanation about the remaining time display of Example 3. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of Example 4. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying the remaining time of Example 4. FIG. 14 is a diagram for providing supplementary explanation about the remaining time display of Example 4.

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] An example configuration of an automatic analyzer 100 will be described using Figure 1. The automatic analyzer 100 is an apparatus that performs qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples such as blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid, and includes a transport module 101, an analysis module 111, and an operation module 121. Note that multiple analysis modules 111 may be provided, and the transport module 101 may be omitted. Each module will be described below.

[0013] The transport module 101 is a module that transports a sample rack 104 on which sample containers containing samples are mounted to the analysis module 111, and includes a rack supply tray 102, a rack buffer 103, a transport line 105, and a rack storage tray 106.

[0014] The rack supply tray 102 accumulates sample racks 104 to be loaded into the automatic analyzer 100, and supplies the sample racks 104 to the transport line 105. If the transport module 101 is not present, the sample racks 104 are loaded into the analysis module 111.

[0015] The transport line 105 transports the sample racks 104 between the rack supply tray 102 and rack storage tray 106 and the rack buffer 103. The transport line 105 may be equipped with a sensor that identifies whether or not a sample container is loaded on the sample rack 104, and a barcode reader that reads the barcodes on the sample containers. The barcodes on the sample containers are linked to the identification information of the sample, and the patient can be identified by reading the barcode.

[0016] The rack buffer 103 has a structure for holding the sample racks 104 carried in by the transport line 105 and for transporting a specified sample rack 104 from among them to the analysis module 111 or the transport line 105. For example, the rack buffer 103 has a structure that is a ring with a plurality of slots for holding the sample racks 104 arranged radially, and is rotatable around the central axis of the ring.

[0017] The rack storage tray 106 stores the sample racks 104 sent out from the rack buffer 103 .

[0018] The analysis module 111 is a module that analyzes a sample contained in a sample container, and includes a sample dispensing line 112, a sample dispensing probe 113, an analysis unit, a reaction disk 115, a reagent dispensing probe 116, a reagent disk 117, and an analysis module control unit 119. The analysis unit includes at least one of an electrolyte measurement unit 114, a biochemical measurement unit 118, an immunoassay unit, and a blood coagulation analysis unit.

[0019] The sample dispensing line 112 transports the sample rack 104 taken out from the rack buffer 103 .

[0020] The sample dispensing probe 113 dispenses samples from sample containers mounted on the sample rack 104 transported by the sample dispensing line 112 into reaction containers on the reaction disk 115 and into the electrolyte measurement unit 114. The sample dispensing probe 113 has a structure that allows it to move up and down and rotate in order to dispense the sample from the sample container to the reaction container or the electrolyte measurement unit 114. The electromotive force of the sample is measured in the electrolyte measurement unit 114. After dispensing the sample, the sample dispensing probe 113 is washed in a sample dispensing probe washing tank 113A.

[0021] The reagent disk 117 is a refrigerator that keeps a plurality of reagent bottles containing reagents to be reacted with samples cool. The reagent disk 117 has a rotatable structure so that a specified reagent bottle from among the plurality of reagent bottles can be moved to a position accessible by the reagent dispensing probe 116.

[0022] The reagent dispensing probe 116 dispenses the reagent from the reagent bottle into the reaction vessel into which the sample has been dispensed. The reagent dispensing probe 116 has a structure that allows it to move up and down and rotate in order to dispense the reagent from the reagent bottle into the reaction vessel. After dispensing the reagent, the reagent dispensing probe 116 is washed in a reagent dispensing probe washing tank 116A.

[0023] The reaction disk 115 has multiple reaction vessels and keeps the reaction vessels warm to promote the reaction between the specimen and reagent inside the reaction vessels. The optical properties of the reaction liquid produced by the reaction between the specimen and reagent are measured by the biochemical measurement unit 118. The reaction vessels containing the reaction liquid after measurement are subjected to reaction liquid suction and cleaning in the reaction disk cleaning unit 115A. The reaction disk 115 has a rotatable structure so that the reaction vessels can be moved to positions accessible by the biochemical measurement unit 118, the reaction disk cleaning unit 115A, the specimen dispensing probe 113, and the reagent dispensing probe 116.

[0024] The analysis module control unit 119 controls the operation of various mechanisms of the analysis module 111 and transmits the measurement results of the analysis unit to the operation module 121, and is configured by, for example, an MPU (Micro Processor Unit).

[0025] The operation module 121 is a module that controls the transport module 101 and the analysis module 111 according to instructions from an operator, and includes an input unit 122 , a display unit 123 , a storage unit 124 , and a control unit 125 .

[0026] The input unit 122 is a device into which instructions are input by an operator, and is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like.

[0027] The display unit 123 is a device that displays the analysis conditions set via the input unit 122, the state of the analysis module 111, the measurement results from the analysis unit, etc., and is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal monitor, a touch panel, or the like.

[0028] The storage unit 124 is a device that stores programs and data used to control the transport module 101 and the analysis module 111, measurement results by the analysis unit, etc., and is configured, for example, by a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0029] The control unit 125 is a device that controls each unit and is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Under the control of the control unit 125, the analysis module 111 transitions from standby state to pre-operation, operation, and post-operation in that order. The standby state is a state in which the analysis module 111 waits for an analysis instruction from the operator. Pre-operation is a preparatory operation before analysis, operation is an analysis operation, and post-operation is an operation for transitioning to standby state after analysis.

[0030] An example of the flow of processing executed in the first embodiment will be described step by step with reference to FIG.

[0031] (S201) The control unit 125 receives an analysis instruction input to the input unit 122.

[0032] (S202) The control unit 125 switches the state display of the analysis module 111 from the standby state to the pre-operation state, and causes the analysis module 111 to execute the pre-operation state.

[0033] (S203) The control unit 125 or the analysis module control unit 119 obtains the time required for each item to be executed as a pre-operation. For example, each required time is read from the pre-operation table 301 shown in FIG. 3. The pre-operation table 301 is a table in which pre-operation items 302 correspond to required times 303, and is stored in advance in the storage unit 124. The pre-operation items 302 include processes such as resetting the mechanism, checking the pressure sensor, and registering reagents.

[0034] During mechanism reset, it is confirmed that various mechanisms, such as the sample dispensing line 112, sample dispensing probe 113, reagent dispensing probe 116, reagent disk 117, and reaction disk 115, return to their initial positions, and any mechanism that does not return to its initial position is determined to be abnormal. In other words, mechanism reset is one of the operational checks of various mechanisms. The pre-operation table 301 shown in FIG. 3 stores T1 as the time required for mechanism reset. Note that mechanism reset also includes the collection of sample racks 104 in the analysis module 111, and therefore the required time is uncertain until the number of sample racks 104 is determined.

[0035] In the pressure sensor check, the pressure value of the pressure sensor of the sample dispensing probe 113 or the reagent dispensing probe 116 is confirmed, and if the pressure value is not within the normal range, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the pressure sensor. In other words, the pressure sensor check is one of the operation checks of various mechanisms. The pre-operation table 301 shown in Figure 3 stores T2 as the time required for the pressure sensor check.

[0036] In reagent registration, when a reagent bottle is replaced in standby mode, the data of the replaced reagent bottle is registered. In other words, when there is no reagent bottle replacement, there is no need to perform reagent registration. The pre-operation table 301 shown in FIG. 3 stores T3 as the time required for reagent registration. Note that in reagent registration, the more reagent bottles are replaced, the longer the required time becomes, so the required time is uncertain until the number of replacements is determined.

[0037] (S204) The control unit 125 or the analysis module control unit 119 calculates the time required to execute the pre-operation by accumulating each required time acquired in S203. For example, when each required time is read from the pre-operation table 301 shown in Fig. 3, the time required to execute the pre-operation is T1 + T2 + T3. However, if there is no reagent bottle replacement, the time required to execute the pre-operation is T1 + T2.

[0038] (S205) The control unit 125 calculates the remaining time of the pre-operation based on the time calculated in S204, the start time of the pre-operation, and the current time, and displays the calculated remaining time on the display unit 123. That is, the remaining time is calculated by subtracting the current time from the value obtained by adding the time calculated in S204 to the start time of the pre-operation.

[0039] An example of a screen that displays the remaining time will be described using Figure 4. The screen illustrated in Figure 4 has a work screen that displays analysis conditions, analysis results, etc., and a global screen 401 that includes a status display section 402, a remaining time display section 403, and a date and time display section 404. The status display section 402 displays the status of the automatic analyzer 100, the remaining time display section 403 displays the remaining time, and the date and time display section 404 displays the current date and time. By checking the screen in Figure 4, the operator can grasp the remaining time until the end of pre-operation and the start of analysis, and can therefore move away from the automatic analyzer and perform other work during the remaining time. Returning to the description of Figure 2.

[0040] (S206) The control unit 125 determines whether or not the pre-operation has ended. If the pre-operation has not ended, the process returns to S205, and if it has ended, the process proceeds to S207.

[0041] (S207) The control unit 125 switches the status display of the analysis module 111 from pre-operation to operation, and causes the analysis module 111 to execute the operation. Note that when the operation starts, the display of the remaining time for pre-operation may be stopped, or the remaining time may be displayed as zero.

[0042] The remaining time display in the first embodiment will be further explained with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 shows the display in the status display section 402 and the remaining time display section 403, and the time lapse of the processing executed by the analysis module 111.

[0043] First, in the standby state before an analysis instruction is given by the operator, the status display section 402 displays the standby state, the remaining time display section 403 displays nothing, and no processing is being executed by the analysis module 111.

[0044] Next, when an analysis instruction is given by the operator at time t1, the status display unit 402 switches to display pre-operation, and the remaining time of pre-operation is displayed in the remaining time display unit 403. Furthermore, the analysis module 111 sequentially executes process A, process B, and process C, which are pre-operation items.

[0045] When the pre-operation ends at time t2, the status display section 402 switches to displaying the operation, the remaining time display section 403 goes dark, and the analysis module 111 starts analysis.

[0046] 2, the status of the automatic analyzer 100 and the remaining pre-operation time are displayed on the display unit 123, so an operator who has left the automatic analyzer 100 can return to the area around the analysis start time and confirm that the analysis has started without any problems. Furthermore, the remaining pre-operation time can be calculated more accurately because it is calculated based on the time required to check the operation of various mechanisms.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the display of the remaining time for pre-operation was described. The remaining time display is not limited to pre-operation. In the second embodiment, the display of the remaining time for post-operation will be described. Note that the configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0048] An example of the flow of processing executed in the second embodiment will be described step by step with reference to FIG.

[0049] (S601) The control unit 125 receives the analysis result output from the analysis module 111.

[0050] (S602) The control unit 125 switches the status display of the analysis module 111 from operation to post-operation, and causes the analysis module 111 to execute the post-operation.

[0051] (S603) The control unit 125 acquires the required time for each item to be executed as a post-operation. For example, each required time is read from a post-operation table 701 shown in FIG. 7. The post-operation table 701 is a table in which post-operation items 702 and required times 703 are associated with each other, and is stored in advance in the storage unit 124. The post-operation items 702 include residual liquid processing, cleaning processing, etc.

[0052] In the residual liquid processing, the reaction disk cleaning unit 115A aspirates the post-measurement reaction liquid from the reaction vessels of the reaction disk 115, and then cleans the reaction vessels. Note that the post-operation table 701 illustrated in Fig. 7 stores T4 as the time required for residual liquid processing.

[0053] In the washing process, the sample dispensing probe 113 is washed in the sample dispensing probe washing tank 113A, and the reagent dispensing probe 116 is washed in the reagent dispensing probe washing tank 116A. Note that the post-operation table 701 shown in FIG. 7 stores T5 as the time required for the washing process.

[0054] (S604) The control unit 125 calculates the time required to execute the post-operation by accumulating each required time acquired in S603. For example, when each required time is read from the post-operation table 701 shown in Fig. 7, the time required to execute the pre-operation is T4 + T5. Note that if the residual liquid processing and the cleaning processing can be executed in parallel, the longer of T4 and T5 is used as the time required to execute the pre-operation; for example, if T4 < T5, T5 is used.

[0055] (S605) The control unit 125 calculates the remaining time of the post-operation based on the time calculated in S604, the start time of the post-operation, and the current time, and displays the calculated remaining time on the display unit 123. The calculated remaining time is displayed, for example, in the remaining time display section 403 on the screen shown in FIG.

[0056] (S606) The control unit 125 determines whether or not the post-operation has been completed. If the post-operation has not been completed, the process returns to S605. If the post-operation has been completed, the process proceeds to S607.

[0057] (S607) The control unit 125 switches the state display of the analysis module 111 from post-operation to standby, and transitions the analysis module 111 to standby. Note that when transitioning to standby, the display of the remaining time for post-operation may be stopped, or the remaining time may be displayed as zero.

[0058] The remaining time display in Example 2 will be further explained with reference to Fig. 8. Similar to Fig. 5, Fig. 8 shows the display in the status display section 402 and the remaining time display section 403, and the time lapse of the processing executed by the analysis module 111.

[0059] First, while the analysis module 111 is performing an analysis operation, the status display section 402 displays the operation, and the remaining time display section 403 displays nothing.

[0060] Next, at time t11, when the analysis result is output from the analysis module 111, the status display unit 402 switches to display the post-operation, and the remaining time of the post-operation is displayed in the remaining time display unit 403. Furthermore, the analysis module 111 sequentially executes process X, process Y, and process Z, which are the post-operation items.

[0061] When the post-operation is completed at time t12, the status display section 402 switches to the standby state, the remaining time display section 403 is hidden, and the analysis module 111 goes into the standby state.

[0062] The processing flow described using Figure 6 displays the status of the automatic analyzer 100 and the remaining time for post-operation on the display unit 123, so an operator who has left the automatic analyzer 100 can return around the time it transitions to standby mode and prepare for the next analysis, etc.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the remaining time display when the required time for each pre-operation item has been determined has been described. In the third embodiment, the remaining time display when the required time for each pre-operation item has not been determined will be described. Note that the configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] An example of the flow of processing executed in the third embodiment will be described step by step with reference to Fig. 9. Note that the description of the same processing as in the first embodiment will be simplified.

[0065] (S201) to (S203) As in the first embodiment, when the control unit 125 receives an analysis instruction, it causes the analysis module 111 to execute a pre-operation and acquires the required time for each item.

[0066] (S900) The control unit 125 determines whether all of the required times acquired in S203 have been confirmed. That is, in the case of a mechanism reset, the required time is uncertain until the number of sample racks 104 in the analysis module 111 is confirmed, and in the case of reagent registration, the required time is uncertain until the number of reagent bottle replacements is confirmed. If the required times have not been confirmed, processing returns to S203, and if all required times have been confirmed, processing proceeds to S901.

[0067] (S901) The control unit 125 calculates the time required to execute the pre-operation by accumulating the required time for each of the unexecuted items.

[0068] (S205) to (S207) As in the first embodiment, the control unit 125 causes the display unit 123 to display the remaining time of the pre-operation, and when the pre-operation is finished, causes the analysis module 111 to execute the operation.

[0069] The remaining time display in Example 3 will be further explained with reference to Fig. 10. Similar to Fig. 5, Fig. 10 shows the display in the status display section 402 and the remaining time display section 403, and the time lapse of the processing executed by the analysis module 111.

[0070] First, in the standby state, the state display section 402 displays the standby state, the remaining time display section 403 is not displayed, and no processing is being executed by the analysis module 111 .

[0071] Next, when an analysis instruction is given by the operator at time t1, the status display section 402 switches to display pre-operation. Note that, of the pre-operation items, process D, process E, and process F, the required time for process E is uncertain, so the remaining time display section 403 remains hidden.

[0072] Then, when process E, whose required time is uncertain, is completed at time t3, the remaining time calculated by determining the required time of the pre-operation is displayed in the remaining time display section 403.

[0073] Furthermore, when the pre-operation ends at time t2, the status display section 402 switches to displaying the operation, the remaining time display section 403 goes dark, and the analysis module 111 starts analysis.

[0074] 9, the status of the automatic analyzer 100 is displayed, and after the remaining time for pre-operation has been determined, the remaining time is displayed on the display unit 123, so that an operator who has left the automatic analyzer 100 can return to the area around the analysis start time and confirm that the analysis has started without any problems. Furthermore, the remaining time for pre-operation is calculated based on the time required to check the operation of the various mechanisms, so it can be determined more accurately. Note that the display of the remaining time when the required time for each item of pre-operation has not been determined is not limited to the processing flow of FIG. 9.

[0075] Another example of the flow of processing executed in the third embodiment will be described step by step with reference to Fig. 11. Note that the description of the same processing as in the first embodiment will be simplified.

[0076] (S201) to (S203) As in the first embodiment, when the control unit 125 receives an analysis instruction, it causes the analysis module 111 to execute a pre-operation and acquires the required time for each item.

[0077] (S1100) The control unit 125 determines whether all of the required times acquired in S203 have been confirmed. If the required times have not been confirmed, the process proceeds to S1101. If all required times have been confirmed, the process proceeds to S204.

[0078] (S1101) The control unit 125 sets a longest time for each item whose required time has not been determined. The longest time is stored in advance in the storage unit 124 for each item.

[0079] (S204) to (S205) As in the first embodiment, the control unit 125 causes the display unit 123 to display the remaining time of the pre-operation calculated based on the integrated value of each required time.

[0080] (S1102) The control unit 125 determines whether or not the pre-operation has ended. If the pre-operation has not ended, the process returns to S203, and if it has ended, the process proceeds to S207.

[0081] (S207) As in the first embodiment, the control unit 125 switches the status display of the analysis module 111 to operation and causes the analysis module 111 to execute the operation.

[0082] The remaining time display in Example 3 will be further explained with reference to Fig. 12. Similar to Fig. 5, Fig. 12 shows the display in the status display section 402 and the remaining time display section 403, and the time lapse of the processing executed by the analysis module 111.

[0083] First, in the standby state, the state display section 402 displays the standby state, the remaining time display section 403 is not displayed, and no processing is being executed by the analysis module 111 .

[0084] Next, when an analysis instruction is given by the operator at time t1, the status display section 402 switches to display pre-operation, and the remaining time of pre-operation is displayed in the remaining time display section 403. Of the pre-operation items, process D, process E, and process F, the required time for process E is uncertain, so the remaining time display section 403 displays the longest time.

[0085] Then, when process E, whose required time is uncertain, is completed at time t3, the remaining time calculated by determining the required time of the pre-operation is displayed in the remaining time display section 403.

[0086] Furthermore, when the pre-operation ends at time t2, the status display section 402 switches to displaying the operation, the remaining time display section 403 goes dark, and the analysis module 111 starts analysis.

[0087] 11, the status of the automatic analyzer 100 is displayed, and the remaining time is displayed on the display unit 123 even if the required time for each pre-operation item has not been determined, so an operator who has left the automatic analyzer 100 can return to the area around the analysis start time and confirm that the analysis has started without any problems. Furthermore, the remaining pre-operation time after the required time has been determined can be calculated more accurately because it is calculated based on the time required to check the operation of each mechanism.

[0088] 9, the remaining time is not displayed until the required time is determined, but a more accurate remaining time is displayed, while in FIG. 11, the longest time is displayed until the required time is determined, but the remaining time is displayed from the time the analysis command is issued. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is also possible to allow the operator to select one of them in advance. Also, when the required time for each item of post-operation has not been determined, a form similar to that of Example 3 may be adopted.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the remaining time display was described when a single analysis module 111 was provided. In the fourth embodiment, the remaining time display will be described when multiple analysis modules 111 are provided. Note that the configuration of the automated analyzer 100 is the same as in the first embodiment except for the number of analysis modules 111, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] An example of the flow of processing executed in the fourth embodiment will be described step by step with reference to Fig. 13. Note that the description of the same processing as in the first embodiment will be simplified.

[0091] (S201) to (S202) As in the first embodiment, when the control unit 125 receives an analysis instruction, it switches the status display and causes the analysis module 111 to execute a pre-operation.

[0092] (S1300) The control unit 125 acquires, for each analysis module 111, the time required for each item to be executed as a pre-operation.

[0093] (S1301) The control unit 125 determines whether all of the required times acquired in S1300 have been confirmed. If the required times have not been confirmed, the process returns to S1300. If all required times have been confirmed, the process proceeds to S1302.

[0094] (S1302) The control unit 125 calculates the time required for executing the pre-operation for each analysis module 111 by accumulating the required times acquired in S1301 for each analysis module 111.

[0095] (S1303) The control unit 125 calculates the remaining time of the pre-operation for each analysis module 111 based on the time calculated for each analysis module 111 in S1302, the start time of the pre-operation, and the current time, and causes the display unit 123 to display the calculated remaining time.

[0096] An example of a screen displaying the remaining time will be described using FIG. 14 . The screen illustrated in FIG. 14 includes a global screen 401, similar to the screen in FIG. 4 , and also includes a monitor status screen 1401. The monitor status screen 1401 displays the status of each module in a module status display section 1402, and the remaining time for each module in a remaining time display section 1403. The longest remaining time among the remaining times for each module is also displayed in the remaining time display section 403. In FIG. 14 , the remaining time for analysis module β, 05:07, is longer than the remaining time for analysis module α, 03:50, so the remaining time for analysis module β, 05:07, is displayed in the remaining time display section 403. By checking the screen in FIG. 14 , the operator can grasp the remaining time for each module as well as the remaining time until the start of analysis, and can therefore move away from the automated analyzer and perform other tasks during the remaining time. Returning to the description of FIG. 13 .

[0097] (S1304) The control unit 125 determines whether or not the pre-operation has been completed for all of the analysis modules 111. If the pre-operation has not been completed, the process returns to S1303, and if the pre-operation has been completed, the process proceeds to S207.

[0098] (S207) As in the first embodiment, the control unit 125 switches the status display of the analysis module 111 to operation and causes the analysis module 111 to execute the operation.

[0099] The remaining time display in Example 4 will be further explained with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 shows the display in the status display unit 402 and the remaining time display unit 403, and the remaining time display and the processing executed in analysis module α and analysis module β over time.

[0100] First, in the standby state, the status display unit 402 displays the standby state, the remaining time display unit 403 and the remaining time display in analysis module α and analysis module β are not displayed, and no processing is being executed in analysis module α and analysis module β.

[0101] Next, when an analysis instruction is given by the operator at time t1, the status display unit 402 switches to display pre-operation. Note that, of processes D, E, and F executed by analysis module α and processes G, H, and I executed by analysis module β, the required times for processes E, G, and H are uncertain, so the remaining time display unit 403 remains hidden.

[0102] Then, at time t4, when processes E, G, and H, whose required times are uncertain, are completed, the remaining time calculated by determining the required time of the pre-operation is displayed in the remaining time display unit 403 and in the remaining time displays in analysis module α and analysis module β.

[0103] Next, when the pre-operation of analysis module α ends at time t2, the remaining time display of analysis module α stops.

[0104] Furthermore, when the pre-operation of analysis module β is completed at time t5, the status display unit 402 switches to display operation, the remaining time display of analysis module β and the remaining time display unit 403 become hidden, and analysis begins in analysis modules α and β.

[0105] 13, the status of the automatic analyzer 100 is displayed, and the remaining time for each analysis module and the remaining time for the automatic analyzer 100 are displayed on the display unit 123. Therefore, an operator who has left the automatic analyzer 100 can return around the time when the analysis started and confirm that the analysis started without any problems. Furthermore, the remaining time for pre-operation is calculated based on the time required to check the operation of various mechanisms, so it can be determined more accurately. Furthermore, the remaining time for post-operation may be displayed in the same manner as in Example 4.

[0106] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the components may be modified within the scope of the gist of the invention. Furthermore, multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments may be appropriately combined. Furthermore, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above embodiments.

[0107] 100: automatic analyzer, 101: transport module, 102: rack supply tray, 103: rack buffer, 104: sample rack, 105: transport line, 106: rack storage tray, 111: analysis module, 112: sample dispensing line, 113: sample dispensing probe, 113A: sample dispensing probe washing tank, 114: electrolyte measurement unit, 115: reaction disk, 115A: reaction disk washing unit, 116: reagent dispensing probe, 116A: reagent dispensing probe washing tank, 117: reagent disk, 118: biochemical measurement unit, 11 9: Analysis module control unit, 121: Operation module, 122: Input unit, 123: Display unit, 124: Memory unit, 125: Control unit, 301: Pre-operation table, 302: Pre-operation item, 303: Required time, 401: Global screen, 402: Status display unit, 403: Remaining time display unit, 404: Date and time display unit, 701: Post-operation table, 702: Post-operation item, 703: Required time, 1401: Monitor status screen, 1402: Module status display unit, 1403: Remaining time display unit.

Claims

1. An automatic analyzer comprising an analysis module for analyzing a sample, a control unit for controlling the analysis module, and a display unit for displaying a state of the analysis module, the control unit calculates the remaining time until completion of pre-operation based on the time required to check the operation of various mechanisms of the analysis module, does not display the remaining time until a process in which the time required to check the operation of various mechanisms is uncertain is completed, and displays the remaining time on the display unit after the time required to check the operation of various mechanisms is certain.

2. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 , the control unit stops displaying the remaining time at the start of analysis, newly calculates the remaining time until the end of post-operation based on the time required for cleaning and residual liquid processing performed after the end of analysis, and displays the newly calculated remaining time on the display unit.

3. (delete)

4. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 , The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display the longest remaining time until the time required for checking the operation of each mechanism is determined.

5. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 , The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates a remaining time until a pre-operation is completed for each of a plurality of analysis modules, and causes the display unit to display the remaining time for each analysis module.

6. The automated analyzer according to claim 5, The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display the longest remaining time among the remaining times for each analysis module as the remaining time until the start of analysis.

7. An automatic analyzer comprising an analysis module for analyzing a sample, a control unit for controlling the analysis module, and a display unit for displaying a state of the analysis module, the control unit calculates the remaining time until the post-operation is completed based on the time required for cleaning processing and residual liquid processing performed after the analysis is completed, does not display the remaining time until processing in which the time required for checking the operation of various mechanisms is uncertain is completed, and displays the remaining time on the display unit once the time required for checking the operation of various mechanisms has been determined.

8. A method for controlling an automatic analyzer having an analysis module for analyzing a sample and a display unit for displaying a state of the analysis module, comprising: a control method for calculating a remaining time until completion of pre-operation based on a time required for checking the operation of various mechanisms of the analysis module, not displaying the remaining time until a process in which the time required for checking the operation of various mechanisms is uncertain is completed, and displaying the remaining time on the display unit after the time required for checking the operation of various mechanisms is certain.