Automatic analysis device, automatic analysis system, and analysis information screen switching program

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic analysis device with which the work efficiency of a user can be improved by switching to an appropriate screen at an appropriate timing. For this purpose, the present invention relates to an automatic analysis device comprising: an analysis unit for carrying out analysis; a storage unit for storing analysis information including analysis results or a consumable article status; a display unit for displaying the analysis information; an operation unit for receiving an operation from a user; and a control unit for controlling the analysis unit, the storage unit, the display unit, and the operation unit. Stored in the storage unit are: a screen switching pattern that is predetermined by the operation unit and is composed of a plurality of screens related to the analysis information; and a trigger condition that serves as a trigger for the screen switching pattern. When the trigger condition is satisfied, the control unit automatically starts switching the screen to be displayed on the display unit in accordance with the screen switching pattern stored in the storage unit, regardless of the operation of the operation unit and from the user.

Description

Automatic analyzer, automatic analysis system, and analysis information screen switching program

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer, an automatic analysis system, and an analysis information screen switching program.

[0002] Users, such as laboratory technicians who operate automated analyzers, check information such as consumables and analysis results as part of their routine work. Information is checked using a display unit, such as a monitor, on the automated analyzer. However, if the user has to navigate through multiple screens to reach the desired information, this can be time-consuming and can reduce work efficiency. For this reason, automated analyzers have been proposed that display screens that make it easier for users to check information. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an automated analyzer that displays a selection from multiple types of information (sample measurement information, alarm information, maintenance information) in a permanent display area on the screen, allowing the operator to grasp the information by focusing only on the permanent display area. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 also discloses that when multiple pieces of information are displayed in the permanent display area on the screen, the information can be automatically switched between, and the switching interval can be set to three levels.

[0003] JP 2010-249757 A

[0004] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 merely switches between predetermined types of information at predetermined time intervals, regardless of the device or user situation, and does not necessarily display the desired screen at that time.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer and an automatic analysis system that improves the user's work efficiency by switching to an appropriate screen at an appropriate time.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an automatic analyzer comprising an analysis unit that performs analysis, a memory unit that stores analysis information including analysis results or consumable status, a display unit that displays the analysis information, an operation unit that accepts operations from a user, and a control unit that controls the analysis unit, the memory unit, the display unit, and the operation unit.The memory unit stores a screen switching pattern consisting of multiple screens related to the analysis information, which is predetermined by the operation unit, and a trigger condition that triggers the screen switching pattern.When the trigger condition is met, the control unit automatically starts switching the screen displayed on the display unit in accordance with the screen switching pattern stored in the memory unit, regardless of operation of the operation unit by a user.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic analyzer and an automatic analysis system that improves the work efficiency of the user by switching to an appropriate screen at an appropriate time.

[0008] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an automatic analyzer according to Example 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an analyzer PC. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of manual switching of screens displayed on a display unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a basic setting screen for automatic screen switching. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process of automatic screen switching. FIG. 5 is an example of a detailed setting screen for a screen switching pattern based on a system state (Example 1). FIG. 6 is an example of a screen transition switched in accordance with the contents set in FIG. 8. FIG. 7 is an example of a detailed setting screen for a screen switching pattern based on a user position (Example 1). FIG. 8 is an example of a screen transition switched in accordance with the contents set in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is an example of a detailed setting screen for a screen switching pattern based on a trigger screen (Example 1). FIG. 12 is an example of a detailed setting screen for a screen switching pattern based on a trigger time (Example 1). FIG. 14 is an example of a screen transition switched in accordance with the contents set in FIG. 15. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an automatic analysis system according to Example 2. FIG. 27 is an example of a detailed setting screen for a screen switching pattern based on a system state (Example 2). FIG. 28 is an example of a detailed setting screen for a screen switching pattern based on a sample position (Example 2). FIG. 29 is an example of a detailed setting screen for a screen switching pattern based on a user position (Example 2). 10A and 10B are examples of detailed setting screens for a screen switching pattern based on a trigger screen (Example 2); 10B and 10C are examples of detailed setting screens for a screen switching pattern based on a trigger time (Example 2);

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Configuration of Automated Analyzer> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an automated analyzer according to Example 1. The automated analyzer 100 includes a transport line 1, a sampler unit 2, multiple analysis modules 3 (analysis sections), multiple buffers 4, and an analyzer PC 10. The transport line 1 transports racks carrying samples. The sampler unit 2 is a unit into which racks carrying samples before analysis are loaded and where racks carrying samples after analysis are stored. The analysis modules 3 are modules that perform biochemical analysis, immunoanalysis, etc., and in the example of FIG. 1, there are five: a first analysis module 3a, a second analysis module 3b, a third analysis module 3c, a fourth analysis module 3d, and a fifth analysis module 3e. The buffers 4 are locations where racks are temporarily parked until analysis of the samples is performed, and in the example of FIG. 1, there are three: a first buffer 4a, a second buffer 4b, and a third buffer 4c. The first analysis module 3a and the second analysis module 3b are the same type of analysis module 3 and are connected to the first buffer 4a and the second buffer 4b, respectively. The fourth analysis module 3d and the fifth analysis module 3e are also the same type of analysis module 3 and are connected to the first buffer 4a and the second buffer 4b, respectively. Furthermore, the third analysis module 3c is connected to the third buffer 4c.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the analyzer PC. As shown in FIG. 2, the analyzer PC 10 includes a control unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, and a memory unit 14. The control unit 11 is, for example, a CPU, and controls the operation unit 12, the display unit 13, and the memory unit 14. The control unit 11 is also connected to each mechanism of the analysis unit via an interface, controls the operation of each mechanism, and performs predetermined calculations using measurements received from each analysis unit to obtain analysis results. The display unit 13 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays analysis information to the user, including analysis results and the status of consumables (such as the remaining amount of reagents). The operation unit 12 is, for example, a keyboard or mouse that accepts user operations, such as pressing buttons on various operation screens displayed on the display unit 13 with the mouse cursor, clicking the mouse, or entering numbers and characters into input boxes from the keyboard. The memory unit 14 is composed of a memory 20 and a storage 30.

[0012] The memory 20 conceptually stores programs corresponding to the functions executed by the control unit 11 as a screen switching setting unit 21 and a screen switching output unit 22. The screen switching setting unit 21 sets a screen switching pattern consisting of a plurality of screens related to analysis information, a trigger condition that triggers the screen switching pattern, a lock time, etc., which will be described in detail later. The screen switching output unit 22 switches the screen according to the screen switching pattern set by the screen switching setting unit 21 and outputs it to the display unit 13 when the trigger condition set by the screen switching setting unit 21 is met, which will be described in detail later. Although not shown in the figure, the memory 20 also stores an operation control unit that controls the operation of each mechanism, a measurement value calculation unit that calculates analysis results using measurement values, etc.

[0013] Here, the program may be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like, or may be provided or distributed by being recorded in an installable or executable file on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Furthermore, the program may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided or distributed by being downloaded via the network.

[0014] The storage 30 stores analysis results 31, consumables status 32, screen switching setting information 33, etc. The screen switching setting information 33 stores screen switching patterns and their trigger conditions set by the screen switching setting unit 21.

[0015] In this embodiment, the following describes the screen displayed on the display unit 13 of the analytical device PC 10, but if a mobile terminal carried by a user is communicatively connected to the analytical device PC 10 via a network or the like, the same processing can be applied to the screen displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal. In this case, programs such as the screen switching setting unit 21 and screen switching output unit 22 described above are installed on the mobile terminal, and an application that displays the analytical information of the automatic analyzer is executed on the mobile terminal.

[0016] <Manual Screen Switching> When a user performs a predetermined operation using the operation unit to check the analysis information of the automated analyzer, the control unit outputs a confirmation screen to the display unit. Furthermore, when the user selects predetermined information while looking at the confirmation screen, the control unit outputs details of the selected information to the display unit.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of manual switching of screens displayed on the display unit. As shown in FIG. 3, the confirmation screen is composed of a specific display area 42, which is the target of screen switching, and a basic display area 41, which remains unchanged even when the screen in the specific display area 42 is switched. The example in FIG. 3 shows how the type of consumable is switched using tabs when "Consumable Status" is selected from among the multiple pieces of analysis information displayed in the basic display area 41. In the upper part of FIG. 3, consumable A is selected using the tab, and detailed information about consumable A is displayed in the specific display area 42. In the middle part of FIG. 3, consumable B is selected using the tab, and detailed information about consumable B is displayed in the specific display area 42. In the lower part of FIG. 3, consumable C is selected using the tab, and detailed information about consumable C is displayed in the specific display area 42.

[0018] In this way, a user can manually switch the screen in the specific display area 42 by operating the operation unit 12. However, for users with many routine tasks, manually switching screens can be tedious and may reduce work efficiency. Therefore, the automated analyzer according to this embodiment is equipped with a function that automatically switches to an appropriate screen at an appropriate time. When the automatic screen switching function is ON, the control unit 11 automatically starts switching the screen displayed on the display unit 13 according to a screen switching pattern stored in the memory unit 14 when a predetermined trigger condition is met, regardless of the user's operation of the operation unit 12. Furthermore, after screen switching has begun, if a predetermined operation (e.g., clicking on the screen) is performed using the operation unit 12, the screen currently displayed is locked, and screen switching resumes after a predetermined lock time has elapsed.

[0019] <Basic Settings for Automatic Screen Switching> First, the basic settings for the automatic screen switching function will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a basic settings screen for automatic screen switching. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the following screen switching patterns can be set: switching based on system status, switching based on specimen position, switching based on user position, switching based on trigger screen, and switching based on trigger time. To set details for each screen switching pattern, such as the multiple screens to be displayed, the order in which the screens are displayed, the switching time for each screen, and the trigger conditions that trigger the pattern, the user taps the detailed settings button for the corresponding screen switching pattern. The user can also enable or disable each screen switching pattern and specify a priority order for the screen switching patterns. In the example of FIG. 4, only the trigger screen screen switching pattern is enabled, and only one priority order is specified. However, a priority order may be specified for all screen switching patterns, regardless of whether they are enabled or disabled. The basic settings screen of FIG. 4 also includes a field for entering a lock time. In the example of FIG. 4, the lock time is set to 3 minutes.

[0020] <Basic Processing of Automatic Screen Switching> Next, the basic processing of automatic screen switching will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of automatic screen switching. First, when an event (hereinafter referred to as a trigger event) that satisfies a trigger condition occurs among the screen switching patterns enabled in FIG. 4 (step S500), the control unit 11 (screen switching output unit 22) compares the priority of the trigger event according to the priority order set in FIG. 4 (step S501). If there is another high-priority trigger event, the screen switching output unit 22 terminates the screen switching (step S505). On the other hand, if the trigger event has the highest priority, the screen switching output unit 22 performs screen switching processing according to the detailed settings (step S502). Thereafter, the screen switching output unit 22 checks whether or not an operation has been performed on the display screen (step S503). If the user performs a screen operation (here, not a click or the like for temporarily locking the screen, but an operation to cancel automatic screen switching), the process proceeds to the aforementioned step S505, and the screen switching output unit 22 terminates the screen switching. On the other hand, if the user is not operating the screen, the screen switching output unit 22 checks whether or not there is a next switching screen according to the detailed settings (step S504). If there is no next switching screen, the process proceeds to the aforementioned step S505, and the screen switching output unit 22 ends the screen switching. On the other hand, if there is a next switching screen, the process proceeds to the aforementioned step S501, and the same processing is executed. Note that in the case of screen switching based on the system state or the user position, if the last screen in the screen switching based on the trigger screen is already displayed, it is determined in step S504 that there is no next switching screen. On the other hand, in the case of screen switching based on the trigger time, multiple screens to be displayed are switched in a loop, so even if the last screen is already displayed, it is determined in step S504 that there is a next switching screen.

[0021] <Screen Switching Pattern Based on System Status> FIG. 6 is an example (Example 1) of a detailed setting screen for a screen switching pattern based on a system status. The detailed setting screen of FIG. 6 is a screen that the control unit 11 (screen switching setting unit 21) outputs to the display unit 13 when the detailed setting button for the screen switching pattern based on a system status in FIG. 4 is tapped. When the system status tab is tapped on the detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 6 , multiple candidates are displayed, and by selecting a specific system status from among them, the system status that triggers screen switching can be set. On the other hand, when the switching screen tab is tapped, multiple candidates are displayed, and by selecting a specific screen from among them, the screen to be displayed corresponding to the trigger can be set. In the example of FIG. 6 , it can be seen that the results of selecting "Preparation" as the system status and "Consumables Detailed Information Screen" as the switching screen are listed as the first setting in the set list 50. It can also be seen that the results of selecting "Rack Recovery" as the system status and "Specimen Status Screen" as the switching screen are listed as the second setting in the set list 50. Furthermore, it can be seen that the results of selecting "Stop" as the system status and "System Alarm Screen" as the switching screen are listed as the third setting in the set list 50. Also, each setting in the set list 50 is provided with a delete button, and when the delete button is tapped, the screen switching setting unit 21 deletes the setting. Also, the content set on the detailed setting screen in FIG. 6 is saved in the storage unit as screen switching setting information when the save button is tapped.

[0022] 7 shows an example of screen transitions that are switched in accordance with the settings made in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, first, the screen switching output unit 22, triggered by the automatic analyzer entering a ready state, references the screen switching setting information 33 in the memory unit 14 and causes the display unit 13 to output a consumables detailed information screen. Next, the screen switching output unit 22, triggered by the automatic analyzer entering a rack collection state, references the screen switching setting information 33 in the memory unit 14 and causes the display unit 13 to output a sample status screen. Thereafter, the screen switching output unit 22, triggered by the automatic analyzer entering a stop state, references the screen switching setting information 33 in the memory unit 14 and causes the display unit 13 to output a system alarm screen.

[0023] <Screen Switching Pattern by Sample Position> FIG. 8 is an example (Example 1) of a detailed setting screen for a screen switching pattern by sample position. The detailed setting screen of FIG. 8 is a screen that the control unit 11 (screen switching setting unit 21) outputs to the display unit 13 when the detailed setting button for the screen switching pattern by sample position in FIG. 4 is tapped. On the detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 8 , a trigger condition for screen switching can be set by selecting a specific sample type from multiple candidates displayed by tapping the sample type tab and selecting a specific sample position from multiple candidates displayed by tapping the sample position tab. The trigger condition may be further narrowed down by specifying not only the sample type but also the sample ID of a specific sample. On the other hand, when the switching screen tab is tapped, multiple candidates are displayed, and by selecting a specific screen from among them, the screen to be displayed corresponding to the trigger condition can be set. In the example of FIG. 8 , it can be seen that the results of selecting "Control Sample (C00001-C00300)" as the sample type (sample ID), "First Analysis Module" as the sample location, and "First Analysis Module Consumables Detailed Information Screen" as the switching screen are listed as the first setting in the setting list 50. It can also be seen that the results of selecting "Control Sample (C00001-C00300)" as the sample type (sample ID), "Second Analysis Module" as the sample location, and "Second Analysis Module Consumables Detailed Information Screen" as the switching screen are listed as the second setting in the setting list 50. It can also be seen that the results of selecting "Control Sample (C00001-C00300)" as the sample type (sample ID), "Sampler Unit" as the sample location, and "Control Measurement History Screen" as the switching screen are listed as the third setting in the setting list 50. Furthermore, each setting in the set list 50 is provided with a delete button, and when the delete button is tapped, the screen switching setting unit 21 deletes the setting. Furthermore, when the save button is tapped, the content set on the detailed setting screen in FIG. 8 is saved in the storage unit 14 as screen switching setting information 33.

[0024] 9 shows an example of screen transitions that are switched in accordance with the settings made in FIG. 8 . As shown in FIG. 9 , first, the screen switching output unit 22, triggered by the movement of a sample of a predetermined sample type (sample ID) to the position of the first analysis module, references the screen switching setting information 33 in the memory unit 14 and causes the display unit 13 to output a consumables detailed information screen for the first analysis module. Next, the screen switching output unit 22, triggered by the movement of a sample of a predetermined sample type (sample ID) to the position of the second analysis module, references the screen switching setting information 33 in the memory unit 14 and causes the display unit 13 to output a consumables detailed information screen for the second analysis module. Thereafter, the screen switching output unit 22, triggered by the movement of a sample of a predetermined sample type (sample ID) to the position of the sampler unit, references the screen switching setting information 33 in the memory unit 14 and causes the display unit 13 to output a control measurement history screen.

[0025] <Screen Switching Pattern by User Position> FIG. 10 illustrates an example (Example 1) of a detailed setting screen for a screen switching pattern by user position. The detailed setting screen of FIG. 10 is a screen that the control unit 11 (screen switching setting unit 21) outputs to the display unit 13 when the detailed setting button for the screen switching pattern by user position in FIG. 4 is tapped. On the detailed setting screen illustrated in FIG. 10 , a trigger condition for screen switching can be set by selecting a specific user ID from multiple candidates displayed by tapping the user ID tab and selecting a specific user position from multiple candidates displayed by tapping the user position tab. Meanwhile, when the switching screen tab is tapped, multiple candidates are displayed, and by selecting a specific screen from among them, the screen to be displayed corresponding to the trigger condition can be set. In the example of FIG. 10 , it can be seen that the results of selecting "000001" as the user ID, "First Analysis Module" as the user position, and "First Analysis Module Consumables Detailed Information Screen" as the switching screen are listed as the first setting in the setting list 50. It can also be seen that the results of selecting "000001" as the user ID, "Second Analysis Module" as the user location, and "Second Analysis Module Consumables Detailed Information Screen" as the switching screen are listed as the second setting in the set list 50. It can also be seen that the results of selecting "000001" as the user ID, "Third Analysis Module" as the user location, and "Third Analysis Module Consumables Detailed Information Screen" as the switching screen are listed as the third setting in the set list 50. Each setting in the set list 50 has a delete button, and when the delete button is tapped, the screen switching setting unit 21 deletes the setting. The content set on the detailed setting screen in FIG. 10 is saved in the memory unit 14 as screen switching setting information 33 when the save button is tapped.

[0026] 11 shows an example of a screen transition that is switched in accordance with the settings made in FIG. 10 . As shown in FIG. 11 , first, the screen switching output unit 22, triggered by a user with a predetermined ID moving in front of a first analysis module, references the screen switching setting information 33 in the memory unit 14 and causes the display unit 13 to output a consumables detail information screen for the first analysis module. Next, the screen switching output unit 22, triggered by a user with a predetermined ID moving in front of a second analysis module, references the screen switching setting information 33 in the memory unit 14 and causes the display unit 13 to output a consumables detail information screen for the second analysis module. Thereafter, the screen switching output unit 22, triggered by a user with a predetermined ID moving in front of a third analysis module, references the screen switching setting information 33 in the memory unit 14 and causes the display unit 13 to output a consumables detail information screen for the third analysis module.

[0027] Whether or not the user has moved to a predetermined position is determined using a user detection means such as a sensor or camera installed in the automatic analyzer. The user ID may be determined by a sensor reading an identification medium carried by the user, or by image analysis using a camera. If the output destination of the screen change is a mobile device carried by the user, the user ID may be identified by linking it to the mobile device.

[0028] <Screen Switching Pattern by Trigger Screen> FIG. 12 is an example (Example 1) of a detailed setting screen for a screen switching pattern by a trigger screen. The detailed setting screen of FIG. 12 is a screen that the control unit 11 (screen switching setting unit 21) outputs to the display unit 13 when the detailed setting button for the screen switching pattern by a trigger screen in FIG. 4 is tapped. On the detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 12 , by selecting a predetermined trigger screen from multiple candidates displayed by tapping the trigger screen tab, it is possible to start screen switching when the trigger screen is displayed. On the other hand, when the switching screen tab is tapped, multiple candidates are displayed, and by selecting a predetermined screen from among them, it is possible to set the switching screen to be displayed after the trigger screen. In addition, a desired switching time until switching to the switching screen can be input. For example, when the trigger screen is set to "Consumable A detailed information screen," the switching screen is set to "Consumable B detailed information screen," and the switching time is set to "2 seconds," the "Consumable A detailed information screen" and the "Consumable B detailed information screen" are listed in the first and second items of the set list 50, and the switching time of the "Consumable A detailed information screen" is set to "2 seconds." Then, when the trigger screen is set to "Consumable A detailed information screen," the switching screen is set to "Consumable C detailed information screen," and the switching time of the "Consumable B detailed information screen" is set to "2 seconds," the "Consumable C detailed information screen" is listed in the third item of the set list 50, and the switching time of the "Consumable B detailed information screen" is set to "2 seconds." Each setting in the set list 50 has a delete button. When the delete button is tapped, the screen switching setting unit 21 deletes the setting. The settings made on the detailed setting screen of FIG. 12 are saved in the storage unit 14 as screen switching setting information 33 by tapping the save button.

[0029] Fig. 13 is an example of a screen transition that is switched in accordance with the settings made in Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 13, first, the screen switching output unit 22 is triggered by the display of the consumable A detailed information screen, which was set as the trigger screen, and refers to the screen switching setting information 33 in the storage unit 14. Two seconds after the display of the trigger screen, the screen switching output unit 22 outputs the consumable B detailed information screen to the display unit 13. Thereafter, two seconds after the display of the consumable B detailed information screen, the screen switching output unit 22 outputs the consumable C detailed information screen to the display unit 13. If there are other screens set as switching screens, similar screen switching is performed thereafter, and when the last set screen is displayed, the screen switching ends.

[0030] <Screen Switching Pattern Based on Trigger Time> FIG. 14 illustrates an example (Example 1) of a detailed setting screen for a screen switching pattern based on a trigger time. The detailed setting screen in FIG. 14 is a screen that the control unit 11 (screen switching setting unit 21) outputs to the display unit 13 when the detailed setting button for the screen switching pattern based on a trigger time in FIG. 4 is tapped. By entering a predetermined time in the trigger time field on the detailed setting screen illustrated in FIG. 14 , screen switching can be initiated when no operation has been performed by the operation unit 12 for the trigger time or longer. Meanwhile, by tapping the tab for a switching screen, multiple candidates are displayed. By selecting a desired screen from among the displayed candidates, the switching screen to be displayed after the trigger time has elapsed can be set. Furthermore, a desired time can be set for the switching time from the current switching screen to the next switching screen. For example, if the trigger time is set to "5 minutes," the switching screen is set to "Consumable A Detailed Information Screen," and the switching time is set to "2 seconds," the "Consumable A Detailed Information Screen" is listed first in the set list 50, and the switching time is set to "2 seconds." Thereafter, when the "Consumable B detailed information screen" is set as the switching screen and "2 seconds" as the switching time, the "Consumable B detailed information screen" is listed as the second item in the set list 50, and the switching time is set to "2 seconds." Next, when the "Consumable C detailed information screen" is set as the switching screen and "3 seconds" as the switching time, the "Consumable C detailed information screen" is listed as the third item in the set list 50, and the switching time is set to "3 seconds." Furthermore, each setting in the set list 50 is provided with a delete button, and when the delete button is tapped, the screen switching setting unit 21 deletes the setting. Furthermore, the content set on the detail setting screen of FIG. 14 is saved in the storage unit 14 as screen switching setting information 33 when the save button is tapped.

[0031] FIG. 15 shows an example of a screen transition that is performed in accordance with the settings in FIG. 14 . As shown in FIG. 15 , the screen switching output unit 22 first references the screen switching setting information 33 in the storage unit 14 and outputs a consumable A detailed information screen to the display unit 13, triggered by the absence of any operation by the operation unit 12 for five minutes or more, which is the trigger time. Two seconds after the display of the consumable A detailed information screen, the screen switching output unit 22 outputs a consumable B detailed information screen to the display unit 13. Two seconds after the display of the consumable B detailed information screen, the screen switching output unit 22 outputs a consumable C detailed information screen to the display unit 13. If a screen is set as the next screen to be switched to after the consumable C detailed information screen, the screen switching output unit 22 similarly switches to the next screen three seconds after the display of the consumable C detailed information screen. On the other hand, if the consumable C detailed information screen is the last screen set, the screen switching output unit 22 again outputs the consumable A detailed information screen, which is the first screen set, three seconds after the display of the consumable C detailed information screen, thereby looping the screen switching.

[0032] As described above, according to this embodiment, the appropriate screen is automatically switched to at the appropriate time without the user having to manually operate the screen, thereby improving the user's work efficiency. Note that each of the switching screens shown in Figures 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 may be displayed so as to occupy the entire screen of the display unit 13, or may be displayed so as to occupy a portion of the entire screen, such as the specific display area 42 in Figure 3. However, it is desirable to make the specific display area 42, which is the target of screen switching, larger than the basic display area 41, which is not the target of screen switching, so that the user can easily check the analysis information.

[0033] Example 2 is an automated analysis system in which multiple automated analyzers are communicatively connected to a terminal device for overall management, and is intended to be a system adopted in large-scale clinical testing facilities that require testing of many samples. Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the automated analysis system according to Example 2. As shown in Fig. 16, the automated analysis system includes multiple automated analyzers 100 (a first automated analyzer 100a, a second automated analyzer 100b, and a third automated analyzer 100c) and a terminal device 200 (an information management PC), and the analyzer PC 10 of each automated analyzer is communicatively connected to the terminal device 200.

[0034] The terminal device 200 includes a control unit, a storage unit, a display unit, and an operation unit (not shown), similar to the analysis device PC in Example 1. The control unit is, for example, a CPU, and controls the storage unit, display unit, and operation unit. The control unit also stores analysis information (analysis results, consumable status, alarms, etc.) received from each analysis device PC in the storage unit, and executes each function by reading each program stored in the storage unit. The storage unit is composed of a memory and a storage. The memory stores programs corresponding to each function executed by the control unit as a screen switching setting unit and a screen switching output unit. The roles of the screen switching setting unit and the screen switching output unit are the same as in Example 1. The storage stores analysis information, screen switching setting information, etc. of each automatic analyzer. The display unit is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays analysis information to the user. The operation unit is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.

[0035] The terminal device 200 is installed in a location separate from each automated analyzer, and its user is a supervisor or the like who gives instructions to the operators in front of each automated analyzer. The supervisor or the like does not have to manually operate the screen, as the terminal device 200 automatically switches to the appropriate screen at the appropriate time, making it possible to efficiently check analysis information even in large-scale clinical testing facilities. For this reason, in Example 2, the screen to be switched and the trigger conditions can be set for each analyzer.

[0036] Fig. 17 is an example (Example 2) of a detailed setting screen for screen switching patterns based on the system status. Unlike Example 1 shown in Fig. 6, Fig. 17 allows the system status that triggers screen switching to be set for each automated analyzer, and the screen to be displayed in response to the trigger can also be set for each automated analyzer. While Fig. 17 provides tabs for selecting automated analyzers, the target automated analyzer may also be selected from a tab for the system status or a tab for switching screens.

[0037] Fig. 18 shows an example of a detailed setting screen for a screen switching pattern according to sample position (Example 2). Unlike Example 1 shown in Fig. 8, Fig. 18 allows the sample position, which is a trigger condition for screen switching, to be set for each automatic analyzer, and also allows the screen to be displayed in response to the trigger condition to be set for each automatic analyzer.

[0038] Fig. 19 shows an example of a detailed setting screen for a screen switching pattern according to a user position (Example 2). In Fig. 19, unlike Example 1 shown in Fig. 10, the user position, which is a trigger condition for screen switching, can be set for each automatic analyzer, and the screen to be displayed in response to the trigger condition can also be set for each automatic analyzer.

[0039] Fig. 20 shows an example of a detailed setting screen for a screen switching pattern based on a trigger screen (Example 2). Unlike Example 1 shown in Fig. 12, Fig. 20 allows a trigger screen, which is a trigger condition for screen switching, to be set for each automated analyzer, and also allows screens to be displayed after the trigger screen to be set for each automated analyzer.

[0040] Fig. 21 shows an example of a detailed setting screen for the screen switching pattern based on the trigger time (Example 2). Unlike Example 1 shown in Fig. 14, Fig. 21 allows the screen to be displayed after the trigger time has elapsed to be set for each automatic analyzer.

[0041] The above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is also possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0042] 1...Transport line, 2...Sampler unit, 3...Analysis module, 3a...First analysis module, 3b...Second analysis module, 3c...Third analysis module, 3d...Fourth analysis module, 3e...Fifth analysis module, 4...Buffer, 4a...First buffer, 4b...Second buffer, 4c...Third buffer, 10...Analysis device PC, 11...Control unit, 12...Operation unit, 13...Display unit, 14...Storage unit, 20...Memory, 21...Screen switching setting unit, 22...Screen switching output unit, 30...Storage, 31...Analysis results, 32...Consumables status, 33...Screen switching setting information, 41...Basic display area, 42...Specific display area, 50...Set list, 100...Automated analyzer, 100a...First automated analyzer, 100b...Second automated analyzer, 100c...Third automated analyzer, 200...Terminal device

Claims

1. An automatic analyzer comprising: an analysis unit that performs analysis; a memory unit that stores analysis information including analysis results or consumable status; a display unit that displays the analysis information; an operation unit that accepts operations from a user; and a control unit that controls the analysis unit, the memory unit, the display unit, and the operation unit, wherein the memory unit stores a screen switching pattern consisting of multiple screens related to the analysis information, which is predetermined by the operation unit, and a trigger condition that triggers the screen switching pattern, and when the trigger condition is met, the control unit automatically starts switching the screen displayed on the display unit in accordance with the screen switching pattern stored in the memory unit, regardless of operation of the operation unit by a user.

2. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the trigger condition is at least one of the following: the automatic analyzer has entered a predetermined state; a sample has moved to a predetermined position; a user has moved to a predetermined position; a predetermined screen has been displayed; and no operation has been performed on the operating unit for a predetermined period of time or longer.

3. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that the display unit displays a specific display area that is the subject of screen switching and a basic display area that is a screen that does not change even when the screen of the specific display area is switched.

4. An automatic analyzer according to claim 3, wherein the specific display area is larger than the basic display area.

5. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein, after screen switching has started, when a predetermined operation is performed by the operation unit, the screen displayed at that time is fixed, and when a lock time predetermined by the operation unit has elapsed, screen switching resumes.

6. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the trigger condition is that the automatic analyzer has entered a predetermined state, and the control unit displays a screen relating to the consumables status on the display unit when the automatic analyzer is in a ready state.

7. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the trigger condition is that a sample has moved to a predetermined position, and the screen switching pattern is predetermined to include a sample type, a sample position, and a screen to be displayed when a sample of said sample type has moved to said sample position.

8. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the analysis unit comprises a plurality of analysis modules, the trigger condition is that a user has moved to a predetermined position, and the control unit, when the user moves in front of a predetermined analysis module, displays a screen on the display unit regarding the consumable status of that analysis module.

9. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the trigger condition is that a predetermined screen is displayed or that no operation has been performed on the operation unit for a predetermined period of time or longer, and the screen switching pattern is determined by determining the order in which multiple screens are displayed and the switching time for each screen.

10. An automatic analysis system comprising: a plurality of automatic analyzers; and a terminal device connected to a plurality of said automatic analyzers, wherein said terminal device comprises: a memory unit that stores analysis information including analysis results or consumable status obtained from said plurality of automatic analyzers; a display unit that displays said analysis information; an operation unit that accepts operations from a user; and a control unit that controls said memory unit, said display unit, and said operation unit, wherein said memory unit stores a screen switching pattern consisting of a plurality of screens related to said analysis information, which is predetermined by said operation unit, and a trigger condition that triggers said screen switching pattern, and wherein when said trigger condition is met, said control unit automatically starts switching the screen displayed on said display unit in accordance with the screen switching pattern stored in said memory unit, regardless of operation of the operation unit by a user.

11. An analytical information screen switching program that causes a computer provided in an automatic analyzer or a computer connected to the automatic analyzer to execute the steps of: determining a screen switching pattern consisting of multiple screens related to analytical information including analysis results or consumable status, and a trigger condition that triggers the screen switching pattern; and automatically starting screen switching in accordance with the screen switching pattern when the trigger condition is met, regardless of user operation.

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