Automatic analysis device, specimen processing unit control method, and program

Abstract

The present invention enables continuous operation of a specimen processing unit even when restarting a control unit.　This automatic analysis device is provided with: a specimen processing unit that executes processing on a specimen; and a control unit that controls the operation of the specimen processing unit. The control unit has a control program for controlling the specimen processing unit, and a database (hereinafter referred to as DB) including information obtained by executing the processing on the specimen. In response to input of a command, the control unit duplicates the control program and the DB to a terminal connected to a communication network to which the control unit is connected, and restarts the control unit. While the control unit is restarting, the terminal controls the operation of the specimen processing unit on the basis of the duplicated control program, and updates the duplicated DB. After the control unit has restarted, the control unit or the terminal updates the DB in the control unit on the basis of the updated DB in the terminal, and the control unit resumes control of the operation of the specimen processing unit after the DB in the control unit is updated.

Description

Automatic analyzer, sample processing unit control method, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer, a sample processing unit control method, and a program.

[0002] Automatic sample processing devices that automatically process samples are known. Examples of automatic sample processing devices include automatic analyzers that automatically analyze samples and automatic staining devices that automatically stain samples. Patent Document 1 describes an automatic analyzer that is an example of an automatic sample processing device.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 009463

[0004] The automated sample processing apparatus includes a sample processing unit that processes samples and a control unit that controls the operation of the sample processing unit. The control unit is configured with a computer having a processor, memory, and storage. The storage unit of the control unit stores a sample processing unit control application program (hereinafter, the application program may also be simply referred to as an application). The processor of the control unit reads and executes the sample processing unit control application from the storage unit, thereby functioning as a functional block of the sample processing unit control application.

[0005] Generally, in a computer, when a processor continues to execute an application for a long period of time, unnecessary data gradually accumulates in memory or storage, which may cause the operation to become unstable. Therefore, in an automatic sample processing device, the control unit is restarted periodically or as needed, for example, once a day to once every few days, to ensure stable operation.

[0006] However, when the control unit is restarted, the control unit must terminate the execution of the sample processing unit control application, and during this time, the control unit cannot send instruction information to the sample processing unit. In other words, restarting the control unit prevents the sample processing unit from continuing to operate. As a result, for example, it becomes difficult to process a large number of samples continuously or to accept urgent sample processing requests while the control unit is being restarted.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to enable the sample processing unit to continue operating even when the control unit is restarted.

[0008] Among the inventions disclosed in this application, the outline of representative inventions is as follows.

[0009] A representative embodiment of the invention is an automated analyzer comprising a sample processing unit that performs processing on samples, and a control unit that controls the operation of the sample processing unit, wherein the control unit has a control program for controlling the sample processing unit and a database containing information obtained by performing processing on the samples, and based on a command input, replicates the control program and the database to a terminal connected to a communication network to which the control unit is connected, and restarts the control unit itself, and while the control unit is restarting, the terminal controls the operation of the sample processing unit based on the replicated control program and updates the replicated database, and after the control unit is restarted, the control unit or the terminal updates the database in the control unit based on the updated database in the terminal, and the control unit resumes control of the operation of the sample processing unit after updating the database in the control unit.

[0010] Furthermore, a representative embodiment of the invention is a sample processing unit control method, including: a control unit having a control program for controlling the operation of a sample processing unit that performs processing on a sample and a database containing information obtained by performing processing on the sample, based on a command input, replicating the control program and the database to a terminal connected to a communication network to which the control unit is connected, and restarting the control unit itself; the terminal controlling the operation of the sample processing unit based on the replicated control program while the control unit is restarting, and updating the replicated database; the control unit or the terminal updating the database in the control unit based on the updated database in the terminal after the control unit is restarted; and the control unit resuming control of the operation of the sample processing unit after updating the database in the control unit.

[0011] Furthermore, a representative embodiment of the invention is a program for causing a processor of a control unit, which has a control program for controlling the operation of a sample processing unit that performs processing on a sample, and a database containing information obtained by performing processing on the sample, to execute, based on a command input, the following: replicating the control program and the database to a terminal connected to a communication network to which the control unit is connected, and restarting the control unit itself; causing the processor of the terminal to control the operation of the sample processing unit based on the replicated control program while the control unit is restarting, and updating the replicated database; and causing the processor of the control unit or the terminal to update the database in the control unit based on the updated database in the terminal after the control unit is restarted, and resume control of the operation of the sample processing unit.

[0012] According to the present invention, even if the control unit is restarted, the sample processing unit can continue to operate. Note that other problems, configurations and effects of the invention will become clear from the description of the embodiments set forth below.

[0013] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an automatic analyzer and a terminal. A diagram showing an example of information stored in an automatic analyzer and a terminal. A diagram showing an example of a processing flow in an automatic analyzer and a terminal. A diagram showing time-series changes in information stored in and transmitted and received by an automatic analyzer and a terminal. A diagram showing time-series changes in information stored in and transmitted and received by an automatic analyzer and a terminal. A diagram showing time-series changes in information stored in and transmitted and received by an automatic analyzer and a terminal. A diagram showing time-series changes in information stored in and transmitted and received by an automatic analyzer and a terminal. A diagram showing time-series changes in information stored in and transmitted and received by an automatic analyzer and a terminal. A diagram showing time-series changes in information stored in and transmitted and received by an automatic analyzer and a terminal. A diagram showing time-series changes in information stored in and transmitted and received by an automatic analyzer and a terminal. A diagram showing time-series changes in information stored in and transmitted and received by an automatic analyzer and a terminal. A diagram showing time-series changes in information stored in and transmitted and received by an automatic analyzer and a terminal. A diagram showing time-series changes in information stored in and transmitted and received by an automatic analyzer and a terminal.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the description of the embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical ideas disclosed in this specification. Furthermore, in all drawings used to explain the present invention, components having the same functions are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations thereof may be omitted.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 is an example in which the present invention is applied to an automatic analyzer, which is an example of an automatic sample processing device. The automatic analyzer analyzes the sample by adding a reagent to a sample such as blood, urine, or tissue fluid to generate a reaction solution and measuring the absorbance of the reaction solution. In Embodiment 1, the operation unit is an example of a control unit in the present application. The analysis unit is an example of a sample processing unit in the present application. The analysis unit control application is an example of a sample processing unit control program in the present application. Furthermore, analysis result information is an example of processing result information in the present application.

[0016] <Example of Hardware Configuration of Automated Analyzer and Terminal> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an automatic analyzer and a terminal. As shown in Fig. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 includes an operation unit 10 and an analysis unit 20. The operation unit 10 and the analysis unit 20 are each connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 30, which is a communication network. The operation unit 10 transmits instruction information for operating the analysis unit 20 to the analysis unit 20 via the LAN 30. The analysis unit 20 performs sample analysis processing based on the received instruction information, and transmits analysis history information to the operation unit 10. The analysis history information includes analysis result information indicating the results of sample analysis, analysis progress information indicating the progress of sample analysis processing, etc.

[0017] The operation unit 10 has a computer 100, an operation unit 106, and a display unit 107. The operation unit 106 and the display unit 107 are each connected to the computer 100 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The operation unit 106 is composed of, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The display unit 107 is, for example, a liquid crystal display monitor or an organic EL display monitor. The operation unit 106 and the display unit 107 may be, for example, a touch panel display formed integrally with each other.

[0018] The computer 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, a storage 103, an interface 104, and a communication bus 105. The processor 101, the memory 102, the storage 103, and the interface 104 are each connected to the communication bus 105 and are capable of transmitting and receiving data or communicating with one another. The processor 101 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a combination of these. The memory 102 is, for example, a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The storage 103 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc.

[0019] The storage 103 stores an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS), an analysis unit control application (program), etc. The processor 101 reads the analysis unit control application from the storage 103, expands it in the RAM of the memory 102, and executes it, thereby functioning as a functional block based on the analysis unit control application. The functional block based on the analysis unit control application sends instruction information to the analysis unit 20, causing the analysis unit 20 to operate. Under the control of the processor 101, the interface 104 receives input information from the operation unit 106 and outputs image information to the display unit 107. The interface 104 also transmits and receives various types of information or data to and from other devices connected to the LAN 30 via the LAN 30.

[0020] The analysis unit 20 has a controller 200, a drive unit 206, a mechanism unit 207, and a sensor unit 208. The controller 200 has a processor 201, a memory 202, a storage 203, an interface 204, and a communication bus 205. The processor 201, the memory 202, the storage 203, and the interface 204 are each connected to the communication bus 205, and are capable of transmitting and receiving information or data, or communicating with each other. Note that the storage 203 may be omitted. In this case, various information is stored in the memory 202.

[0021] The processor 201 is, for example, a CPU, an MPU, etc. The memory 202 is, for example, configured with a ROM, a RAM, etc.

[0022] The ROM of the memory 202 or the storage 203 stores an OS, an analytical processing application, and the like.

[0023] The controller 200 includes peripheral circuits (not shown), such as a timer circuit for measuring time and an AD converter for converting between analog and digital signals.

[0024] The driving unit 206 drives the mechanism unit 207 based on a control signal received from the controller 200. The driving unit 206 includes, for example, a motor, an actuator, a pump, a compressor, a switch, and the like.

[0025] The mechanism unit 207 is driven by the drive unit 206 and operates to perform the analysis process of the sample. The mechanism unit 207 includes, for example, a rotation mechanism that rotates reagent containers, sample containers, or reaction containers placed thereon, a dispensing mechanism that dispenses samples or reagents, and a transport mechanism that transports racks of sample containers.

[0026] The sensor unit 208 includes, for example, a sensor that reads the ID provided on the specimen container, a sensor that detects the height position of the dispensing nozzle, and a sensor that measures the light transmittance (absorbance) of the mixed liquid in the reaction container.

[0027] The processor 201 reads out an analytical processing application stored in the ROM of the memory 202 or the storage 203, expands it into the RAM of the memory 202, and executes it, thereby functioning as a functional block based on the analytical processing application. The functional block based on the analytical processing application transmits a drive signal to the drive unit 206 so that sample analysis processing is performed, based on received instruction information or output information from the sensor unit 208. The functional block based on the analytical processing application also temporarily stores sample analysis result information obtained from the sensor unit 208 in the RAM of the memory 202 or the storage 203. The functional block based on the analytical processing application transmits a control signal to the interface 204 so that the stored analysis result information is output to the operation unit 10 via the LAN 30.

[0028] <Other Devices Connected to the LAN> Generally, in addition to the operation unit 10 and the analysis unit 20, other devices are often connected to the LAN 30. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that a first terminal 40 and a second terminal 50 are connected to the LAN 30. The first terminal 40 is, for example, a service PC terminal used for maintenance, etc. The second terminal 50 is, for example, a transport PC terminal that controls a sample transport device. Here, it is assumed that the first terminal 40 has a higher processor processing power and a larger free storage capacity than the second terminal 50.

[0029] The first terminal 40 has a computer 400, an operation unit 406, and a display unit 407. The computer 400 has a processor 401, a memory 402, a storage 403, an interface 404, and a communication bus 405. The storage 403 stores an OS, but does not initially store an analysis unit control application. The storage 403 may also store an application other than the analysis unit control application. The processor 401 reads an application stored in the storage 403, expands it into the memory 402, and executes it, thereby functioning as a functional block of the application.

[0030] In the first embodiment, as will be described later, the first terminal 40 is temporarily used as a substitute for the operation unit 10 while the operation unit 10 is being restarted, thereby enabling the analysis unit 20 to continue operating. However, the first terminal 40 is not prepared in advance as a substitute for the operation unit 10. In other words, the first terminal 40 does not have the analysis unit control application 112 in its initial state. One of the features of the first embodiment is that the first terminal 40, which is not prepared as a substitute for the operation unit 10, can be used as a substitute for the operation unit 10.

[0031] <Information Stored in the Automatic Analyzer and Terminal> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the automatic analyzer and terminal. As shown in Fig. 2, an operating system 111, an analysis unit control application 112, and a screen application 114 are stored in the operation unit 10 that constitutes the automatic analyzer 1. In addition, a database 113 containing various information acquired in accordance with the operation of the functional blocks by the analysis unit control application is generated in the operation unit 10.

[0032] The functional block based on the OS 111 executes processes for managing and controlling the analysis unit control application 112 and the screen application 114. The functional block based on the OS 111 also executes processes for managing the database 113.

[0033] The functional block of the analysis unit control application 112 executes processing to send instruction information to the analysis unit 20 for controlling and operating the analysis unit 20. The functional block of the analysis unit control application 112 executes processing to store analysis history information received from the analysis unit 20 in the database 113. The analysis history information includes analysis result information and analysis progress information. The analysis result information is information that indicates the analysis results of the sample. The analysis progress information is information that indicates the progress of the analysis process when multiple samples are analyzed, and includes, for example, information that identifies samples that have already been analyzed.

[0034] A functional block controlled by the analysis unit control application 112 can switch the entity that controls the analysis unit 20 from a functional block controlled by its own analysis unit control application to a functional block controlled by another analysis unit control application. As will be described later, communication destination information 213 is stored in the analysis unit 20. The communication destination information 213 is information that indicates the communication destination of the analysis unit 20, and is address information of the functional block controlled by the analysis unit control application that controls the analysis unit 20. Therefore, the functional block controlled by the analysis unit control application 112 can switch the entity that controls the analysis unit 20 by rewriting this communication destination information 213.

[0035] Furthermore, the functional block by the analysis unit control application 112 can generate and store copies of the analysis unit control application 112 and database 113 stored in the operation unit 10 in other devices connected to the same LAN as the LAN 30 to which the operation unit 10 is connected. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the copied analysis unit control application 112C and database 113C are stored in the first terminal 40.

[0036] The database 113 includes the above-mentioned analysis history information, that is, analysis result information, analysis progress information, etc. The database 113 is generated by the function blocks of the analysis unit control application 112.

[0037] The functional block of the screen application 114 executes processing for displaying various screens related to sample analysis, such as an analysis unit information screen showing information related to the setting or control of the analysis unit 20, and an analysis result screen showing the analysis results of the sample, on the display surface of the display unit 107. The functional block of the screen application 114 also executes processing for realizing a GUI (Graphical User Interface) used for inputting and outputting information related to sample analysis.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the analysis unit 20 stores an OS 211, an analysis processing application 212, and communication destination information 213.

[0039] The functional block of the OS 211 executes processing for managing and controlling the analytical processing application 212 .

[0040] The functional block of the analytical processing application 212 executes processing for transmitting a drive signal to the drive unit 206 so that the analytical processing of the sample is carried out, based on the instruction information received from the operation unit 10 .

[0041] The OS 211 may be, for example, a so-called embedded OS. The functional block of the analytical processing application 212 may execute some of a plurality of predetermined commands in response to instruction information.

[0042] The communication destination information 213 is address information of a function block by the analysis unit control application that is the communication destination of the analysis unit 20 on the LAN 30. When the communication destination information 213 is rewritten, the function block by the analysis unit control application that is the control entity of the analysis unit 20 is switched. The initial information of the communication destination information 213 is address information of the function block by the analysis unit control application 112 stored in the operation unit 10.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the first terminal 40 stores an OS 411 and other existing applications 412 .

[0044] The functional block based on the OS 411 executes processes for managing and controlling applications that are already stored in the first terminal 40 and applications that will be stored in the future. The functional block based on the OS 411 also executes processes for managing databases that will be stored in the future.

[0045] <Processing flow in each device> Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the automatic analyzer and the terminal, and Figs. 4 to 13 are diagrams showing time-series changes in information stored in and transmitted / received by the automatic analyzer and the terminal, respectively.

[0046] 3, in step S101, a process is performed to determine whether or not a command to start analysis has been received. Specifically, the functional block by the analysis unit control application 112 in the operation unit 10 determines whether or not command information to start analysis has been input from a user or another device. If it is determined that command information to start analysis has been input (S101: Yes), the process proceeds to step S102. If it is determined that command information to start analysis has not been input (S101: No), the process returns to step S101.

[0047] In step S102, processing to start the analysis processing is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 , the functional block of the analysis unit control application 112 in the operation unit 10 transmits instruction information 601 to the analysis unit 20. The functional block of the analysis processing application 212 in the analysis unit 20 initiates sample analysis processing based on the received instruction information 601. The functional block of the analysis processing application 212 transmits analysis history information 604 to the operation unit 10. The functional block of the analysis unit control application 112 in the operation unit 10 stores the received analysis history information 604 in the database 113. Here, the analysis history information 604 is information that includes analysis result information 602 for analyzed samples and analysis progress information 603 that indicates the progress status in executing the analysis processing. The analysis progress information 603 is, for example, information that identifies the analyzed sample and is composed of a sample ID, etc.

[0048] At the time step S102 is executed, the analysis unit 20 is controlled by the operation unit 10, more specifically, by the functional block of the analysis processing application 112 in the operation unit 10.

[0049] In step S103, a process is performed to determine whether or not a command to restart the operation unit 10 has been received. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, a functional block by the analysis unit control application 112 in the operation unit 10 determines whether or not restart command information 605 has been input. Here, if it is determined that restart command information 605 has been input (S103: Yes), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that restart command information has not been input (S103: No), the process proceeds to step S112.

[0050] In step S104, a process for determining a terminal to substitute for the operation unit is performed. Specifically, a functional block by the analysis unit control application 112 in the operation unit 10 determines an alternative terminal to substitute for the operation unit 10. The functional block by the analysis unit control application 112 determines an alternative terminal based on information that identifies a predetermined terminal from among other terminals connected to the same LAN as the LAN 30 to which the operation unit 10 is connected. Also, for example, the functional block by the analysis unit control application 112 determines an alternative terminal from among other terminals connected to the same LAN as the LAN 30 to which the operation unit 10 is connected, based on specification information such as the processing capacity of the processor in the terminal and the free storage capacity of the terminal.

[0051] When determining an alternative terminal based on the terminal specification information, the alternative terminal may be determined to be the terminal with the highest processing capacity among terminals with a certain amount of free storage space or more. For example, the alternative terminal may be determined to be a terminal with free storage space equal to or greater than the capacity of the analysis unit control application and database plus a predetermined margin, and with a processor with processing capacity equal to or greater than that of the processor of the operation unit 10. In the first embodiment, the first terminal 40 is determined to be the alternative terminal.

[0052] In step S105, a process of duplicating the analysis unit control application and database to the alternative terminal is carried out. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, the function block by the analysis unit control application 112 in the operation unit 10 stores an analysis unit control application 112C, which is a copy of the analysis unit control application 112, in the alternative terminal, the first terminal 40. In addition, the function block by the analysis unit control application 112 in the operation unit 10 stores a database 113C, which is a copy of the database 113, in the alternative terminal, the first terminal 40.

[0053] While the analysis unit control application 112 and the database 113 are being replicated, the function block of the analysis processing application 212 sequentially transmits analysis history information 604 obtained by the analysis unit 20 performing sample analysis processing to the operation unit 10. The function block of the analysis unit control application 112 stores the received analysis history information 604 in the operation unit 10.

[0054] Even while the analysis unit control application 112 and the database 113 are being replicated, the functional block of the analysis unit control application 112 continues the process of sending instruction information 601 to the analysis unit 20. The analysis unit 20 continues to operate based on the received instruction information 601.

[0055] In step S106, a process is performed to correct the differences in the database that occurred during the duplication. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 , the functional block by the analysis unit control application 112 in the operation unit 10 corrects the differences that occurred during the duplication of the database 113C based on the analysis history information 604 stored in the operation unit 10 during the duplication of the analysis unit control application 112 and the database 113. At the end of the duplication, the duplicated database 113C retains the content that existed at the start of the duplication. Therefore, a correction is performed to add analysis history information 604 newly obtained during the duplication to the database 113C so that the database 113C is updated to the content that existed at the end of the duplication. In this way, by providing a process to correct the database 113C, the analysis unit 20 can be kept running even while the analysis unit control application 112 and the database 113 are being duplicated.

[0056] Even during the correction of the database 113C, the functional block of the analysis unit control application 112 continues the process of sending the instruction information 601 to the analysis unit 20. The analysis unit 20 continues its operation based on the received instruction information 601.

[0057] In step S107, a process is performed to switch the control entity of the analysis unit from the operation unit side to the alternative terminal side. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 , the function block by the analysis unit control application 112 in the operation unit 10 rewrites the communication destination information 213 stored in the analysis unit 20 to the address information 608 of the function block by the analysis unit control application 112C in the first terminal 40. By rewriting the communication destination information 213, the control entity of the analysis unit 20 switches from the function block by the original analysis unit control application 112 to the function block by the duplicate analysis unit control application 112C. In other words, before the operation unit 10 is restarted, the control entity of the analysis unit 20 is switched from the operation unit 10 side to the first terminal 40 side, which is the alternative terminal.

[0058] Note that the switching of the communication destination of the analysis unit 20, i.e., the switching of the control entity, is basically performed while the analysis unit 20 is in a standby state or between analysis operation cycles in the analysis unit 20. Here, the standby state refers to, for example, a waiting state before starting a process such as analysis of a sample, regardless of whether the sample has been transported to the analysis unit 20, or a temporary stopped state or waiting state after starting a process such as analysis of a sample. An analysis operation cycle refers to, for example, a series of operations in a sample analysis process, such as dispensing a sample, dispensing a reagent, and measuring a physical quantity representing the optical properties of a mixture of the sample and the reagent. In this way, by switching the control entity while the analysis unit 20 is in a standby state or between analysis operation cycles, it is possible to prevent adverse effects on the sample analysis process by the analysis unit 20.

[0059] Furthermore, when switching the control entity of the analysis unit 20, it is preferable to perform the following processing. As shown in Figure 7, the functional block based on the analysis unit control application 112 in the operation unit 10 stores partial instruction information 606, which is instruction information for a certain period corresponding to before and after the switching of the control entity, in the analysis unit 20. The functional block based on the analysis processing application 212 in the analysis unit 20 executes the analysis processing of the sample based on the stored partial instruction information 606 before and after the switching of the control entity. When the control entity is switched, communication is likely to become unstable, but by storing the partial instruction information 606 in the analysis unit 20 in advance in this way, it is possible to prevent the operation of the analysis unit 20 from becoming unstable.

[0060] In step S108, a process of restarting the operation unit is performed. Specifically, the functional block based on the analytical unit control application 112 in the operation unit 10 shuts down and restarts the operation unit 10. During this restart period, as shown in FIG. 9 , the functional block based on the analytical unit control application 112C in the first terminal 40, which is the alternative terminal, sends instruction information 601 to the analysis unit 20. The functional block based on the analytical processing application 212 executes sample analysis processing based on the received instruction information 601. The functional block based on the analytical processing application 212 also sends analysis history information 604, which includes analysis result information 602 and analysis progress information 603, to the analytical unit control application 112C in the first terminal 40. When the operation unit 10 restarts, the processor 101 in the operation unit 10 executes the analytical unit control application 112, and the functional block based on the analytical unit control application 112 starts up.

[0061] Even during the restart of the operation unit 10, the function block of the analysis unit control application 112C continues the process of transmitting the instruction information 601 to the analysis unit 20. The analysis unit 20 continues its operation based on the received instruction information 601.

[0062] In step S109, processing is performed to update the database 113 in the operation unit 10. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10 , the function block implemented by the analysis unit control application 112 in the operation unit 10 updates the database 113 in the operation unit 10 to the latest state based on the contents of the latest database 113C in the first terminal 40, which is the alternative terminal. For example, the function block implemented by the analysis unit control application 112 detects the difference between the database 113C in the first terminal 40 and the database 113 in the operation unit 10, and acquires difference information 607 from the database 113C. The function block implemented by the analysis unit control application 112 updates the database 113 based on the acquired difference information 607.

[0063] Even while the database 113 is being updated, the function block by the analysis unit control application 112C continues the process of sending instruction information 601 to the analysis unit 20. The analysis unit 20 continues its operation based on the received instruction information 601 and sends analysis history information 604 to the first terminal 40. Furthermore, the database 113 in the operation unit 10 may be updated by the function block by the analysis unit control application 112C in the first terminal 40, which is the alternative terminal.

[0064] In step S110, a process for correcting differences in the database that occurred during the update is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 , a functional block based on the analysis unit control application 112 in the operation unit 10 corrects differences that occurred during the update of the database 113 in the operation unit 10, based on the analysis history information 604 stored in the first terminal 40 during the update. At the end of the update, the updated database 113 retains the content at the start of the update. Therefore, a correction is performed to add analysis history information 604 newly obtained during the update to the database 113 so that the database 113 is further updated to the content at the end of the update. In this way, by providing a process for correcting the database 113, the analysis unit 20 can be kept operating even while the database 113 is being updated.

[0065] Even while the database 113 is being corrected, the function block by the analysis unit control application 112C continues the process of sending the instruction information 601 to the analysis unit 20. The analysis unit 20 continues its operation based on the received instruction information 601. Furthermore, the correction of the database 113 in the operation unit 10 may be performed by the function block by the analysis unit control application 112C in the first terminal 40, which is the alternative terminal.

[0066] In step S111, a process is performed to switch the control entity of the analysis unit from the alternative terminal side to the operation unit side. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13 , when the update and correction of the database 113 are completed, the function block by the analysis unit control application 112C in the first terminal 40 rewrites the communication destination information 213 stored in the analysis unit 20 to the address information 610 of the function block by the analysis unit control application 112 in the operation unit 10. This rewriting switches the control entity of the analysis unit 20 from the function block by the duplicated analysis unit control application 112C to the function block by the original analysis unit control application 112. In other words, after the operation unit 10 is restarted, the control entity of the analysis unit 20 is switched from the first terminal 40, which is the alternative terminal, to the operation unit 10 side.

[0067] Note that the switching of the communication destination of the analysis unit 20, i.e., the switching of the control entity, is basically performed while the analysis unit 20 is in a standby state or between analysis operation cycles in the analysis unit 20. In this way, by switching the control entity while the analysis unit 20 is in a standby state or between analysis operation cycles, it is possible to prevent adverse effects on the analysis process of the sample by the analysis unit 20.

[0068] Furthermore, when switching the control entity, it is preferable to perform the following processing. As shown in Figure 12, the functional block based on the analysis unit control application 112 in the operation unit 10 stores partial instruction information 606, which is instruction information for a certain period corresponding to before and after the switching of the control entity, in the analysis unit 20. The functional block based on the analysis processing application 212 in the analysis unit 20 executes the analysis processing of the sample based on the stored partial instruction information 606 before and after the switching of the control entity. When switching the control entity, communication is likely to become unstable, but by storing the partial instruction information 606 in the analysis unit 20 in advance in this way, it is possible to prevent the operation of the analysis unit 20 from becoming unstable.

[0069] When switching the control entity of the analysis unit 20 from the first terminal 40 side, which is the alternative terminal, to the operation unit 10 side, a process similar to the process described above that is performed when switching the control entity of the analysis unit 20 from the operation unit 10 side to the first terminal 40 side, which is the alternative terminal, may be performed. That is, the analysis unit control application 112C in the first terminal 40, which is the alternative terminal, may store partial instruction information 606, which is instruction information for a certain period corresponding to before and after the switch of the control entity, in the analysis unit 20. The functional block by the analysis processing application 212 in the analysis unit 20 executes the analysis process of the sample based on the stored partial instruction information 606 before and after the switch of the control entity.

[0070] When the control entity of the analysis unit 20 switches from the first terminal 40, which is the alternative terminal, to the operation unit 10, the same control as before the analysis unit control application 112 and database 113 were copied to the first terminal 40 is performed. That is, as shown in Fig. 14, the analysis unit control application 112 in the operation unit 10 sends instruction information 601 to the analysis unit 20. The functional block of the analysis processing application 212 in the analysis unit 20 executes the analysis processing of the sample based on the received instruction information 601, and sends analysis history information 604 to the operation unit 10.

[0071] In step S112, a process is performed to determine whether or not to stop the analysis process. Specifically, the analysis unit control application 112 in the operation unit 10 determines whether or not an analysis stop command has been input. The analysis stop command is input due to, for example, a user operation, an equipment error, or the sample to be analyzed being exhausted. If it is determined that an analysis stop command has been input (S112: Yes), the analysis process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that an analysis stop command has not been input (S112: No), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0072] According to this automatic analyzer 1, when the operation unit 10 is restarted, the analysis unit control application 112 and the database 113 are replicated to another terminal (first terminal 40) connected to the same communication network (LAN 30) to which the operation unit 10 is connected. Then, the control entity of the analysis unit 20 is switched from the function block controlled by the analysis unit control application 112 on the operation unit 10 side to the function block controlled by the replicated analysis unit control application 112C. Furthermore, after the operation unit 10 is restarted, the control entity of the analysis unit 20 is switched from the function block controlled by the replicated analysis unit control application 112C to the function block controlled by the analysis unit control application 112 on the operation unit 10 side.

[0073] In this way, when the operation unit 10 is restarted, the control entity of the analysis unit 20 is switched, so that the operation of the analysis unit 20 can be continued without being affected by the restart of the operation unit 10. In other words, even when the operation unit 10 is restarted, the analysis unit 20 can continue to operate.

[0074] The duplicated analysis unit control application 112C and database 113C stored in the first terminal 40, which is the alternative terminal, may be deleted after restarting the operation unit 10. Alternatively, of the analysis unit control application 112C and database 113C stored in the first terminal 40, which is the alternative terminal, only the database 113C may be deleted, and the analysis unit control application 112C may remain stored. The remaining analysis unit control application 112C will be reused the next time the operation unit 10 is restarted.

[0075] Second Embodiment In the automatic analyzer 1, an analysis unit control method in which various functional blocks execute various processes and control the analysis unit is also one embodiment.

[0076] In other words, the sample processing unit control method of embodiment 2 is a sample processing unit control method that includes: a control unit having a control program for controlling the operation of a sample processing unit that performs processing on a sample and a database containing information obtained by performing processing on a sample, based on a command input, copying the control program and the database to a terminal connected to a communication network to which the control unit is connected, and restarting the control unit itself; the terminal controlling the operation of the sample processing unit based on the copied control program while the control unit is restarting, and updating the copied database; the control unit or the terminal updating the database in the control unit based on the updated database in the terminal after restarting the control unit; and the control unit resuming control of the operation of the sample processing unit after updating the database in the control unit.

[0077] In the second embodiment, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0078] Third Embodiment A program for implementing various functional blocks in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment is also an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] That is, the program according to the third embodiment is a program for causing a processor of a control unit, which has a control program for controlling the operation of a sample processing unit that processes samples and a database containing information obtained by processing samples, to copy the control program and the database to a terminal connected to a communication network to which the control unit is connected, based on a command input, and restart the control unit itself, causing the processor of the terminal to control the operation of the sample processing unit based on the copied control program and update the copied database while the control unit is restarting, and causing the processor of the control unit or the terminal to update the database in the control unit based on the updated database in the terminal after the control unit is restarted. Note that a non-transitory tangible storage medium storing the program also constitutes an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] In the third embodiment, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0081] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications of the embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the embodiments of the present invention may be applied to a sample processing device other than an automatic analyzer, such as an automatic staining device.

[0082] 1...automatic analyzer, 10...operation unit, 20...analysis unit, 30...LAN, 40...first terminal, 50...second terminal, 100, 400...computer, 101, 201, 401...processor, 102, 202, 402...memory, 103, 203, 403...storage, 104, 204, 404...interface, 105, 205, 405...communication bus, 106, 406...operation unit, 107, 407...display unit, 111, 211, 411...OS, 112...analysis unit control application, 112C...analysis unit control application application (duplicate), 113...database, 113C...database (duplicate), 114...screen application, 116...staining unit control application, 206...drive unit, 207...mechanism unit, 208...sensor unit, 212...analysis processing application, 213...communication destination information, 412...other existing applications, 601...instruction information, 602...analysis result information, 603...analysis progress information, 604...analysis history information, 605...restart command information, 606...partial instruction information, 607...difference information, 608, 610...address information

Claims

1. An automatic analyzer comprising: a sample processing unit that performs processing on samples; and a control unit that controls the operation of the sample processing unit, wherein the control unit has a control program for controlling the sample processing unit and a database containing information obtained by performing processing on the samples, and based on a command input, copies the control program and the database to a terminal connected to a communication network to which the control unit is connected and restarts the control unit itself, and while the control unit is restarting, the terminal controls the operation of the sample processing unit based on the copied control program and updates the copied database, and after the control unit is restarted, the control unit or the terminal updates the database in the control unit based on the updated database in the terminal, and the control unit resumes control of the operation of the sample processing unit after updating the database in the control unit.

2. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the control entity of the sample processing unit is switched from the control unit to the terminal before restarting of the control unit is initiated, and is switched from the terminal to the control unit after restarting of the control unit is completed.

3. An automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the sample processing unit stores communication destination information indicating the communication destination of the sample processing unit, and the communication destination information is rewritten so that the communication destination becomes the terminal after copying of the control program and the database to the terminal is complete, and is rewritten so that the communication destination becomes the control unit after restarting of the control unit is complete.

4. An automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the sample processing unit receives and stores instruction information for controlling the operation of the sample processing unit during a certain period of time corresponding to before and after the control entity of the sample processing unit is switched, and operates during the certain period of time based on the stored instruction information.

5. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit or the terminal corrects the replicated database in the terminal based on processing result information obtained by processing the sample while the control program in the control unit and the database are being replicated to the terminal.

6. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit or the terminal corrects the updated database in the control unit after the restart of the control unit is completed, based on processing result information obtained by processing the sample while the database in the control unit is being updated.

7. An automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the control entity of the sample processing unit is switched when the sample processing unit is in a standby state or between operation cycles in the sample processing unit.

8. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the sample processing section analyzes the sample using a reagent.

9. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the database contains information indicating the progress of processing for a plurality of specimens.

10. A sample processing unit control method, comprising: a control unit having a control program for controlling the operation of a sample processing unit that performs processing on samples and a database containing information obtained by performing processing on the samples, copying the control program and the database to a terminal connected to a communication network to which the control unit is connected based on a command input, and restarting the control unit itself; the terminal controlling the operation of the sample processing unit based on the copied control program while the control unit is restarting, and updating the copied database; the control unit or the terminal updating the database in the control unit based on the updated database in the terminal after the control unit is restarted; and the control unit resuming control of the operation of the sample processing unit after updating the database in the control unit.

11. A program for causing a processor of a control unit having a control program for controlling the operation of a sample processing unit that processes samples and a database containing information obtained by processing the samples, to execute, based on a command input, the following: copying the control program and the database to a terminal connected to a communication network to which the control unit is connected, and restarting the control unit itself; causing a processor of the terminal to control the operation of the sample processing unit based on the copied control program while the control unit is restarting, and updating the copied database; and causing the processor of the control unit or the terminal to update the database in the control unit based on the updated database in the terminal after the control unit is restarted, and resume control of the operation of the sample processing unit.

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