Automatic analysis system, information processing system, and information processing device

Abstract

An automatic analysis system (100) comprises: an automatic analysis device (installation device (20)) which is configured to include a plurality of units (a specimen introduction / recovery unit (21), a conveyance line (22), and an analysis unit (23)) provided with a mechanism that is operated by an electric motor and which automatically analyzes a specimen; and a control computer (information processing device (10)) which controls the automatic analysis device and which manages data. The plurality of units each have a processing unit (45) which performs processing for transmitting prescribed information for each unit and processing for transmitting alarm information when an operating abnormality occurs in the electric motor. The control computer has a control unit which, when the operating abnormality occurs, collects and processes device information and the alarm information at that time point and which stores, as log files in a storage unit, the alarm information which provides notification of the operating abnormality, device specific information of the automatic analysis device, operation result information of the electric motor which is operating abnormally, and measurement information of the automatic analysis device.

Description

Automated analysis system, information processing system, and information processing device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automated analysis system, an information processing system, and an information processing device.

[0002] It is desirable for a mounting device equipped with an electric motor that operates each mechanism to facilitate the analysis of the operations performed by the electric motor when an abnormality occurs and to improve the efficiency of the analysis work. For example, as an example of a mounting device, there is an automated analyzer. An automated analyzer is a device that analyzes samples such as blood and urine collected from a subject. When the mounting device is configured as an automated analyzer, the mounting device has a large number of motors as electric motors for operating mechanisms such as a sample dispensing mechanism and a transport line. When an operation abnormality of the motor (electric motor) occurs during the analysis of the sample, the automated analyzer records the operation status information of the motor at the time of the abnormality in a log file or the like and utilizes it for the analysis of the cause of the abnormality. Also, in this case, the automated analyzer records information (analysis information) representing the analysis result of the sample in a log file or the like and utilizes it for verifying the accuracy of the analysis information.

[0003] By the way, in recent years, the functions of the hardware and software installed in automated analyzers have become more complex. Therefore, for the analysis of the cause of the operation abnormality of the motor, not only the log information of the motor operation but also the log information of the device at the time of the abnormality is important. Therefore, an automated analyzer that transmits the log information of the device and the like to an external server has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes an information processing device that transmits component operation information (time, alarm information, etc.) to a maintenance server when the number and frequency of alarms exceed a predetermined condition.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-67014

[0005] As will be described below, it is desirable to reduce the burden on engineers when analyzing the cause of the operation abnormality of the electric motor and the like in the prior art described in Patent Document 1.

[0006] For engineers to analyze the cause of motor malfunctions, it's beneficial to understand not only the motor's operation logs but also the equipment's log information. However, motor operation logs and equipment log information are recorded in separate log files. Therefore, engineers must check these separate log files to understand the motor operation logs and equipment log information, which places a burden on them.

[0007] This disclosure was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and its main purpose is to provide an automated analysis system, an information processing system, and an information processing device that reduce the burden on engineers when performing tasks such as analyzing the causes of malfunctions in electric motors.

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the present disclosure provides an automated analysis system comprising: an automated analyzer that performs automated analysis of a sample, comprising a plurality of units equipped with a mechanism operated by an electric motor; and a control computer that controls the automated analyzer and manages data, wherein each of the plurality of units has a processing unit that transmits predetermined information for each unit and a processing unit that transmits alarm information when an abnormality occurs in the operation of the electric motor; and the control computer has a control unit that, in the event of the abnormality, processes the device information and the alarm information at that time and stores the alarm information notifying the abnormality, device-specific information of the automated analyzer, information on the operation result of the abnormally operating electric motor, and measurement information of the automated analyzer in a storage unit as a log file. Other means will be described later.

[0009] According to this disclosure, the burden on engineers when analyzing the causes of malfunctions in electric motors can be reduced.

[0010] This is a schematic diagram of an automated analysis system according to an embodiment. This is a block diagram of an information processing device used in the embodiment. This is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device. This is a schematic diagram of a sample container used in the embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of alarm information. This is an explanatory diagram of alarm codes included in the alarm information. This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of device information. This is a flowchart showing an example of the overall operation of the automated analysis system. This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when information is stored in the automated analysis system. This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a network between the automated analysis system and an external server. This is a schematic diagram showing a modified version of the automated analysis system.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "these embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing is merely a schematic representation to the extent necessary for a full understanding of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated examples. Furthermore, in each drawing, common or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] This embodiment also aims to provide an automated analysis system, an information processing system, and an information processing device that reduce the burden on engineers when analyzing not only the causes of malfunctions in electric motors, but also information representing the analysis results of samples by the onboard equipment (analysis information).

[0013] <Configuration of the Automated Analysis System> The configuration of the automated analysis system 100 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the automated analysis system 100 according to this embodiment. The automated analysis system 100 is a system having an automated analyzer that analyzes samples such as blood and urine collected from a subject. Here, the description assumes that the mounted device 20, which is equipped with an electric motor 40, is configured as the automated analyzer. Note that this disclosure can also be applied to systems other than the automated analysis system 100. When this disclosure is applied to a system other than the automated analysis system 100, that system will be referred to as an "information processing system" and described accordingly.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the automated analysis system 100 according to this embodiment includes an information processing device 10, a mounting device 20 on which an electric motor 40 is mounted, and a communication line 50 that enables communication between the information processing device 10 and the mounting device 20. In this embodiment, the mounting device 20 will be described as being configured as an automated analysis device.

[0015] The information processing device 10 is a device that manages information (analysis information) representing the operation information of the electric motor 40 and the analysis results of the sample performed by the mounted device 20. The information processing device 10 is connected to the mounted device 20 by a communication line 50 such as standard Ethernet, and transmits and receives necessary data to and from the mounted device 20. The information processing device 10 is also connected to an external server 60 via a wireless or wired communication line (not shown). The external server 60 is a computer operated by a user (engineer). The user (engineer) analyzes the operation of the electric motor 40 and the analysis results of the sample performed by the mounted device 20 by viewing the linked information (facility-specific information D610 in this embodiment) displayed on a display provided on the information processing device 10 or on a display provided on the external server 60.

[0016] The mounted device 20 includes a sample input and recovery unit 21, a transport line 22, and an analysis unit 23. The sample input and recovery unit 21, the transport line 22, and the analysis unit 23 are all equipped with electric motors 40.

[0017] The sample input and recovery unit 21 is a device that combines an input unit 21a for inputting samples (such as blood and urine collected from subjects) into the analysis unit 23 and a recovery unit 21b for recovering samples from the analysis unit 23.

[0018] The transport line 22 is a mechanism for transporting samples. In this embodiment, the transport line 22 has a first transport line 22a and a second transport line 22b. The first transport line 22a is a mechanism for transporting samples from the input section 21a of the sample input and recovery unit 21 to the analysis unit 23. The second transport line 22b is a mechanism for transporting samples from the analysis unit 23 to the recovery section 21b of the sample input and recovery unit 21.

[0019] The analysis unit 23 is a device for analyzing a sample. In this embodiment, it is described that three analysis units 23a, 23b, and 23c are mounted on the mounting device 20. Note that the number of analysis units 23 is not limited to the illustrated example. The mounting device 20 can be configured to have one, two, or three or more analysis units 23. Each analysis unit 23 has a sample dispensing mechanism 24. The sample dispensing mechanism 24 is a mechanism that separates the sample from the specimen and injects it into the sample container 26 (Figure 4). Each analysis unit 23 is electrically connected to the sample input and collection unit 21 and the transport line 22 by a signal line (not shown), such as a standard Ethernet. Each analysis unit 23 also has a processing unit 45 that controls the operation of the transport line 22 and performs sample analysis.

[0020] The mounted device 20 includes, as an electric motor 40, a motor that drives the sample input and recovery unit 21, a motor that drives the transport line 22, and a motor that drives the sample dispensing mechanism 24 of each analysis unit 23.

[0021] <Configuration of the Information Processing Device> The configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described below with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the information processing device 10. Figure 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 900 that implements the functions of the information processing device 10.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 10 is composed of a computer and functions as a management device for the mounted device 20, which is an automatic analysis device, once the control program PR10 is installed. The control program PR10 is a program that enables the computer to function as a management device for the mounted device 20. The control program PR10 is pre-stored on a recording medium 90 or a server (not shown), and is installed on the computer directly or indirectly from these.

[0023] In the example shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11, an information acquisition unit 12, an information storage unit 13, an information transmission unit 14, and a storage unit 16.

[0024] The control unit 11 is a component that controls the operation of the entire information processing device 10. The information acquisition unit 12 is a component that acquires information from external devices such as the mounted device 20 (automatic analysis device) and the external server 60. The information storage unit 13 is a component that stores information. The information storage unit 13 stores, for example, one or more pieces of information from the status information D120 of the electric motor 40, the execution operation information D130 of the electric motor 40, and the analysis information D140 acquired by the mounted device 20, linked with the operation log related information D110 described later. The information transmission unit 14 is a component that transmits information to external devices such as the mounted device 20 (automatic analysis device) and the external server 60. The information transmission unit 14 transmits the information linked by the information storage unit 13 (facility-specific information D610 in this embodiment) to the external server 60 at any time. The memory unit 16 is a component that stores information and programs.

[0025] The storage unit 16 stores information such as log file F101, operation log related information D110, status information D120, execution operation information D130, analysis information D140, alarm information D150, device information D160, facility-specific information D610, and the control program PR10.

[0026] Log file F101 is a file data that stores operation log-related information D110, etc. Operation log-related information D110 is information related to the log status of the information processing device 10. Status information D120 is information representing the operating status of the electric motor 40. Execution operation information D130 is information related to the execution operation of the mounted device 20. Analysis information D140 is information related to the components and state of the sample analyzed by the processing unit 45 of the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer). Alarm information D150 is information that alerts the user (engineer). Device information D160 is information related to the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer). Facility-specific information D610 is facility-specific information such as the facility number and the devices installed in the facility.

[0027] In this embodiment, the operation log-related information D110 includes standby information D121 and operation information D122. Standby information D121 is information indicating whether or not the mounted device 20 is in standby mode. Operation information D122 is information indicating whether or not the mounted device 20 is in operation.

[0028] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the execution operation information D130 includes sample dispensing information D131 and reagent dispensing information D132. The sample dispensing information D131 is information about the sample that has been separated from the specimen and injected into the sample container 26 (Figure 4) by the sample dispensing mechanism 24 of the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer). The reagent dispensing information D132 is information about the reagent that has been injected into the sample container 26 (Figure 4) by the sample dispensing mechanism 24 of the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer).

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the analysis information D140 includes sample type information D141, sample item information D142, and sample dispensing volume information D143. Sample type information D141 is information representing the type of sample. Sample item information D142 is information representing the type of test performed on the sample. Sample dispensing volume information D143 is information representing the dispensing volume of the sample.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the device information D160 includes device-specific information D161, operation result information D162, and measurement information D163. The device-specific information D161 is information specific to the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer). The operation result information D162 is information representing the operation result of the motor (electric motor 40) when an abnormality occurs. The measurement information D163 is information relating to items measured by the mounted device 20, etc.

[0031] The information processing device 10 collects predetermined information from the processing unit 45, which is necessary for creating the log file F101. The predetermined information may be collected actively or passively by the information processing device.

[0032] The information processing device 10 (control computer) according to this embodiment is implemented by a computer 900 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 900 that implements the functions of the information processing device 10 according to the above embodiment. The computer 900 includes a CPU 901, ROM 902, RAM 903, and SSD 904. The computer 900 also includes an input / output interface 905 (labeled as input / output I / F (Interface) in Figure 3), a communication interface 906 (labeled as communication I / F in Figure 3), and a media interface 907 (labeled as media I / F in Figure 3). The computer 900 may have an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) instead of an SSD 904, or it may have an HDD in addition to an SSD 904. In this embodiment, the computer 900 is described as being connected to an input device 910 such as a mouse or keyboard and an output device 911 such as a display.

[0033] The CPU 901 operates based on a program (control program PR10 shown in Figure 3) stored in the ROM 902 or SSD 904 (storage unit 16), and performs control using the various functional means of the processing unit 45 shown in Figure 2. The ROM 902 stores the boot program executed by the CPU 901 when the computer 900 starts up, as well as programs related to the computer 900's hardware. The recording medium 912 corresponds to the recording medium 90 in Figure 2.

[0034] <Configuration of Sample Container> A sample container 26 containing samples such as blood and urine collected from a subject is inserted into the input section 21a (Figure 1) of the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer). The configuration of the sample container 26 into which samples and reagents are injected will be described below with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the sample container 26.

[0035] In the example shown in the left diagram of Figure 4, one sample container 26a is held in one carrier 28a. A sticker bearing the sample ID number 27a is affixed to the side of the sample container 26a.

[0036] In the example shown in the right-hand diagram of Figure 4, multiple sample containers 26b are held in a single carrier 28b. A sticker bearing the sample ID number 27b is affixed to the side of each sample container 26b. Additionally, a sticker bearing the carrier ID number 29b is affixed to the side of the carrier 28b.

[0037] Hereinafter, sample containers 26a and 26b will be collectively referred to as "sample container 26." Sample ID numbers 27a and 27b will be collectively referred to as "sample ID number 27." Carriers 28a and 28b will be collectively referred to as "carrier 28."

[0038] The sample ID numbers 27a and 27b represent information about the samples contained in the sample containers 26a and 26b. The mounted device 20 (automated analyzer) can associate the samples with the analysis items requested in advance by the user (engineer) based on the sample ID numbers 27a and 27b.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1, the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer) transports the sample container 26, which has been placed in the input section 21a, to one of the analysis units 23a, 23b, or 23c via the first transport line 22a. The mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer) uses the sample dispensing mechanism 24 and other components mounted in the analysis units 23a, 23b, or 23c to dispense the sample and reagents separated from the specimen into the sample container 26, and performs measurements of the analysis items requested by the user (engineer).

[0040] After the measurement of the analysis items is completed, the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer) transports the sample container 26 to the recovery unit 21b via the second transport line 22b. Furthermore, each analysis unit 23a, 23b, and 23c of the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer) transmits the measurement results to the information processing device 10 via the communication line 50. The user (engineer) can then confirm the measurement results on the screen displayed on the information processing device 10's display.

[0041] <Alarm Information> When an abnormality occurs in the motor (electric motor 40), the processing unit 45 of the analysis unit 23 having the abnormal motor transmits alarm information D150 (Figure 5) to the information processing device 10 via the communication line 50. The information processing device 10 records the alarm information D150 in the log file F101 within the information processing device 10. The user (engineer) checks the alarm information D150 on the screen of the information processing device 10 and takes action to address the alarm.

[0042] The alarm information D150 will be explained below with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of alarm information D150. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the alarm code included in alarm information D150.

[0043] In the example shown in Figure 5, alarm information D150a includes information such as the time of occurrence, alarm code, alarm message, content, generation mechanism, and motor number. The user (engineer) can check the alarm information D150 on the screen of the information processing device 10 and take action against the alarm. If the user (engineer) wants to know the details of the alarm, they can click on the alarm code on the screen with the mouse. The information processing device 10 then displays a screen on the display showing, for example, alarm information D150b as shown in Figure 6. Alarm information D150b is information that represents the details of the alarm. Alarm information D150b is pre-registered in the storage unit 16 in relation to the alarm code of alarm information D150a. The user (engineer) can understand the details of the alarm by seeing alarm information D150b displayed on the display. Note that the screen shown in Figure 6 is just an example, and the content of the screen can be changed as appropriate depending on the operation. Also, the screen shown in Figure 6 can be returned to the original screen shown in Figure 5 by pressing a button not shown.

[0044] <Device Information> When an abnormality occurs in the motor (motor 40), the processing unit 45 of the analysis unit 23 having the motor in which the abnormality has occurred may transmit, via the communication line 50, in addition to the alarm information D150 (Fig. 5), the device information D160 (Fig. 7) at that time to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 records the alarm information D150 and the device information D160 in the log file F101 in the information processing device 10. The user (engineer) checks the alarm information D150 and the device information D160 on the screen of the information processing device 10 and takes measures against the alarm.

[0045] Hereinafter, referring to Fig. 7, the device information D160 will be described. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the device information.

[0046] In the example shown in Fig. 7, the device information D160 includes information such as the device unique information D161, the operation result information D162, and the measurement information D163. The device unique information D161 is information regarding the device status, such as the device name, the analysis unit name, the device status at the time of abnormality occurrence, and the operation being executed at the time of abnormality occurrence. The operation result information D162 is the operation result of the motor at the time of abnormality occurrence, and the input information for operating the motor and the output information after the motor operation are recorded. The measurement information D163 is information indicating what measurements were being performed at the time of abnormality occurrence, and the sample type, the dispensing volume, the measurement items, etc. are recorded. The measurement information D163 is output only when a sample is being measured. Note that the example shown in Fig. 6 is merely an example, and any information that leads to grasping the device status at the time of abnormality occurrence may be included in the device information D160.

[0047] <Operation of the Automatic Analysis System>The operation of the automatic analysis system 100 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG. 8A is a flowchart showing an example of the overall operation of the automatic analysis system 100. FIG. 8B is a flowchart showing an example of the operation at the time of information acquisition and information storage in the automatic analysis system 100 (that is, the operation at steps S110 to S120 in FIG. 8A). Here, the operation shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B will be described as being performed by the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10. However, the operation shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B may be performed by the processing unit 45 of the mounting device 20 (automatic analysis device), and various types of information generated thereby may be transmitted by the processing unit 45 to the information processing device 10 at an arbitrary timing.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 8A, in the automatic analysis system 100, the information acquisition unit 12 of the information processing device 10 acquires various types of information from the mounting device 20 (automatic analysis device) (step S110). At this time, the information acquisition unit 12 acquires information such as operation log-related information D110, status information D120, execution operation information D130, analysis information D140, alarm information D150, device information D160, and facility-specific information D610.

[0049] Next, the information storage unit 13 of the information processing device 10 associates (links) various types of information with the operation log-related information D110 and stores them in the storage unit 16 (step S120). At this time, the information storage unit 13 stores, for example, any one or a plurality of information among the status information D120 of the electric motor 40, the execution operation information D130 of the electric motor 40, and the analysis information D140 acquired by the mounting device 20, in association with the operation log-related information D110 described later.

[0050] Next, the information storage unit 13 of the information processing device 10 determines whether the number of alarms or the alarm frequency exceeds a predetermined condition (step S130). If the determination in step S130 determines that the number of alarms or the alarm frequency exceeds the predetermined condition ("Yes"), the information transmission unit 14 of the information processing device 10 transmits alarm notification information to an external device (step S140). Here, the external device is an external server 60 (Figure 1) or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet (not shown) owned by the user (engineer). The user (engineer) becomes aware of the motor (electric motor 40) malfunction by receiving the notification information on the external device.

[0051] The user (engineer) then operates the information processing device 10, the external server 60, and a mobile terminal (not shown) to confirm the details of the abnormality that occurred and take action against the alarm. At this time, each piece of information related to the operation of the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer) is linked to the operation log related information D110 and stored in the storage unit 16. In other words, each piece of information related to the operation of the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer) is consolidated into a single operation log related information D110 (log file). Therefore, the user (engineer) can refer to (confirm) all the information used for analysis, such as the operation of the electric motor 40 and the analysis results of the mounted device 20, in one place.

[0052] The information acquisition unit 12 of the information processing device 10 acquires various information from the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer) (step S110 in Figure 8A). Then, if a motor malfunction occurs, the processing unit 45 of the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer) outputs an alarm to the information processing device 10. In this case, as shown in Figure 8B, the information acquisition unit 12 of the information processing device 10 detects the alarm output from the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer) (step S610).

[0053] After step S610, the information acquisition unit 12 of the information processing device 10 collects device-specific information D161 from the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer) (step S620). Next, the information acquisition unit 12 of the information processing device 10 collects operation result information D162 from the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer) (step S630).

[0054] After step S630, the information acquisition unit 12 of the information processing device 10 determines whether the analysis unit 23, which experienced a motor malfunction, is measuring a sample (step S640). If the determination in step S640 is that the analysis unit 23 is measuring a sample ("Yes"), the information acquisition unit 12 of the information processing device 10 collects the measurement information D163 measured by the analysis unit 23 (step S650). On the other hand, if the determination in step S640 is that the analysis unit 23 is not measuring a sample ("No"), the process proceeds to step S660.

[0055] After step S650, the information acquisition unit 12 of the information processing device 10 records the alarm information D150 and the device information D160 in the log file F101 (step S660). Alternatively, if the determination in step S640 determines that the corresponding analysis unit 23 is not measuring a sample ("No"), the information acquisition unit 12 of the information processing device 10 also records the alarm information D150 and the device information D160 in the log file F101 (step S660).

[0056] Through this operation, the information processing device 10 can consolidate and store all the information related to the operation of the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer) into a single operation log related information D110 (log file F101).

[0057] <Operation Screen> The information processing device 10 can display an operation screen 110 on a display (not shown) that includes all the information aggregated and stored in a single operation log-related information D110 (log file F101). The operation screen 110 will be described below with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation screen 110.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 9, the operation screen 110 has an alarm information 111, related information 112, and operation buttons 121, 122, 123, 124, and 125. Operation button 121 is a button to instruct the device to return to the previous page. Operation button 122 is a button to instruct the device to accept the specification of the item selected by the user (engineer). Operation button 123 is a button to instruct the device to display detailed information of the item selected by the user (engineer). Operation button 124 is a button to instruct the device to cancel the user's (engineer's) operation. Operation button 125 is a button to instruct the device to return to the top page.

[0059] In the example shown in Figure 9, alarm information 111 is displayed in the upper area of ​​the operation screen 110. When a user (engineer) selects one of the alarms in the alarm information 111, the information processing device 10 displays related information 112 corresponding to the selected alarm in the area of ​​the operation screen 110 below the alarm information 111. Such an operation screen 110 allows simultaneous viewing of alarm information 111 and related information 112, thereby improving the ease of viewing various information related to the operation of the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer).

[0060] <Example of a network configuration between an automated analysis system and an external server> An example of a network NW between an automated analysis system 100 and an external server will be described below with reference to Figure 10.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 10, the first facility (user facility A) is equipped with a data transfer terminal 500A, multiple (two in the illustrated example) analysis units 23, a sample storage unit 31, and a control unit 32. The second facility (service base B) is equipped with a data server 501B and a data analysis terminal 502B (labeled as "terminal" in Figure 10). A data analysis terminal 503B (labeled as "terminal" in Figure 10) is also located outside both the first facility (user facility A) and the second facility (service base B).

[0062] In the first facility (user facility A), the analysis unit 23 is a unit that analyzes samples. The sample storage unit 31 is a unit that stores samples. The control unit 32 is a unit that controls the sample storage unit 31 and the analysis unit 23. The analysis unit 23 and the sample storage unit 31 are each equipped with an electric motor 40 and a processing unit 45. The control unit 32 receives a transfer instruction R1 of various information (for example, measurement information D163) from external data analysis terminals 502B, 503B, etc. via the data transfer terminal 500A. In response to the transfer instruction R1, the control unit 32 transmits the various information instructed by the transfer instruction R1 to the data analysis terminals 502B, 503B and the data server 501B via the data transfer terminal 500A. The information transmitted at this time is, for example, information such as a log file F101 associated with the measurement information D163 and facility-specific information D610.

[0063] Furthermore, at the second facility (service base B), the data server 501B is a server that manages various types of information in the automated analysis system 100. Also, the data analysis terminal 502B is a terminal device for analyzing data at the second facility.

[0064] Furthermore, the data analysis terminal 503B is a terminal device that analyzes data outside of the first facility (user facility A) and the second facility (service base B).

[0065] As mentioned above, the automated analysis system 100 may include multiple analysis units 23, and the example in Figure 10 shows an example where multiple analysis units 23 are installed at user facility A. These multiple analysis units 23 can be targets for data collection. Furthermore, if the system is configured to allow the remote exchange of various types of data via a network NW, analysis units 23 installed at locations other than user facility A can also be included as targets.

[0066] In this embodiment, the analysis unit 23 transmits the conditions for various data to be collected to the control unit 32 via a network NW such as the Internet, from a data analysis terminal 502B installed at a second facility (service base B). Here, examples of the various data to be collected are described as information such as log file F101, status information D120, and execution operation information D130. Subsequently, the analysis unit 23 transmits to the control unit 32 related information associated with the various data to be collected, such as analysis information D140 and measurement information D163. After this, the control unit 32 transmits the results of the various data to be collected and the related information associated therewith to the data analysis terminal 502B installed at the second facility (service base B) via the network NW.

[0067] This allows the engineer (user) to view the collected results at a terminal (for example, a data analysis terminal 502B (labeled as "terminal" in Figure 10)) located at a second facility (service base B) separate from the first facility (for example, user facility A) where the control unit 32 is installed, and estimate the location of the malfunction in the analysis unit 23. In other words, the engineer (user) can remotely instruct the data collection conditions of the analysis unit 23 without having to go to user facility A where the analysis unit 23 is operating, and identify the cause of the malfunction in the analysis unit 23 from the data collection results before visiting user facility A.

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 10, a configuration is illustrated in which there are multiple sets of analysis units 23, sample storage units 31, and control units 32. However, a configuration in which at least one of the sample storage units 31 and control units 32 is shared by multiple analysis units 23 is also possible.

[0069] The mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer) broadly includes, in addition to the data transfer terminal 500A installed together with the control unit 32 at the first facility (user facility A in Figure 10), a data server 501B, and data analysis terminals 502B, 503B (referred to as terminals in Figure 10) installed at a second facility (service base B or other locations in Figure 10) located away from the first facility, as needed. The network NW in Figure 10 corresponds to the external server 60 in Figure 1. The data transfer terminal 500A is, for example, a computer connected to the network NW and is capable of bidirectional communication with the data server 501B and the data analysis terminals 502B and 503B. The data server 501B and the data analysis terminals 502B and 503B can also be configured as, for example, computers connected to the network NW. In the example shown in Figure 10, the data server 501B is installed at service base B, but it may also be installed at user facility A, or at a location other than user facility A and service base B, as long as it is connected via a network NW in a bidirectional manner. The data analysis terminal 502B is an example of a terminal installed at service base B, and the data analysis terminal 503B is an example of a terminal installed at a second facility other than service base B.

[0070] The control unit 32 transfers the measurement data of the sample performed by the analysis unit 23 to the data server 501B via the data transfer terminal 500A. The measurement data may be transferred in real time (each time measurement is performed, i.e., every cycle) or in batches at pre-set timings (for example, once an hour or once a day).

[0071] <Modified Versions of the Automated Analysis System> A modified version of the automated analysis system 100 will be described below with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing a modified version of the automated analysis system 100. The modified version of the automated analysis system 100 shown in Figure 11 includes a transport unit 300 for transporting the analysis unit 23 and a sample pretreatment system 600 for pre-treating the sample.

[0072] A modified version of the automated analysis system 100 shown in Figure 11 includes a sample pretreatment system 600, a transport unit 300, a rack transport line 301, and a control unit 32. The sample pretreatment system 600 is a system that pretreatments a sample (a patient's biological sample) to make it ready for analysis. The transport unit 300 is a mechanism for transporting sample containers. The rack transport line 301 is a line through which the racks (not shown) of the transport unit 300 are transported. Multiple analysis units 23 (three in the example shown in Figure 11) are arranged along the rack transport line 301.

[0073] The sample pretreatment system 600 comprises a plurality of processing units 601-609 for pretreatment of samples contained in sample containers. A detailed explanation of the processing units 601-609 is omitted, but to briefly explain some of them, the sample container is placed in processing unit 601, and centrifugation is performed in processing unit 602 to separate the serum from the blood clot. Processing unit 603 performs an opening operation to remove the stopper from the sample container, and processing unit 604 performs a dispensing operation to transfer the serum portion from the sample container to another container. Sub-sample containers containing the dispensed serum portion can also become sample containers. Processing unit 605 holds the sample containers recovered from the rack transport line 301 via the sample transfer unit 305. In the sample pretreatment system 600, the rack β1 on which the sample containers are placed is transported between processing units 601-609 by a rack transport line (not shown).

[0074] Sample containers that have been pre-treated in the sample pre-treatment system 600 are transported to the rack transport line 301 by the sample transfer unit 305 and are also retrieved from the rack transport line 301.

[0075] Multiple analysis units 23 are each connected to the transport unit 300 via a sample rack buffer unit 306, and sequentially analyze the samples in the sample containers supplied via the sample rack buffer unit 306.

[0076] The transport unit 300 includes a sample transfer unit 305, a rack transport line 301, and a sample rack buffer unit 306. In this embodiment, the rack transport line 301 is configured to transport racks bidirectionally along a single path, but it may also be composed of two transport lines, one for the forward path and one for the return path, similar to this embodiment.

[0077] The control unit 32 receives various data from the sample pretreatment system 600, the transport unit 300, and the analysis unit 23 via the network NW.

[0078] <Main features of the automatic analysis system, information processing system, and information processing device> The automatic analysis system 100 according to this embodiment can be configured to have the following features.

[0079] (1) As shown in Figure 1, the automated analysis system 100 according to this embodiment comprises an automated analyzer (mounted device 20) and a control computer (information processing device 10). The automated analyzer is a device that performs automated analysis of samples, comprising a plurality of units (sample input and collection unit 21, transport line 22, analysis unit 23) equipped with a mechanism operated by an electric motor 40. The control computer is a computer that controls the automated analyzer and manages data. The plurality of units have a processing unit 45 that performs processing to transmit predetermined information for each unit and processing to transmit alarm information D150 when an abnormality occurs in the operation of the electric motor 40. The control computer has a control unit 11. When an abnormality occurs, the control unit 11 collects and processes the device information D160 and alarm information D150 at that time. Furthermore, the control unit 11 stores alarm information D150 notifying of an operational abnormality, device-specific information D161 of the automatic analyzer, operational result information D162 of the malfunctioning motor 40, and measurement information D163 of the automatic analyzer in the storage unit 16 as a log file F101.

[0080] The automated analysis system 100 according to this embodiment collects and processes device information D160 and alarm information D150. It then stores the alarm information D150 notifying of an operational abnormality, device-specific information D161 of the automated analysis device, operational result information D162 of the malfunctioning motor 40, and measurement information D163 of the automated analysis device in the storage unit 16 as a log file F101. By consolidating each piece of information into a single log file F101 (operation log related information D110), the automated analysis system 100 allows for the simultaneous reference (confirmation) of information used for analysis, such as the operation of the motor 40 and the analysis results of the mounted device 20. Therefore, it can reduce the burden on engineers when analyzing the operation of the motor 40 and the analysis results of the mounted device 20. Furthermore, it enables analysis that is not dependent on (or has a low degree of dependence on) the engineer's skills.

[0081] (2) In the automatic analysis system 100 described in item (1) above, the control computer is capable of setting facility-specific information D610 which is unique to the facility in which the automatic analysis system is operated, and is configured to include the facility-specific information D610 in the log file F101.

[0082] The automated analysis system 100 according to this embodiment can access facility-specific information D610 simply by referring to the log file F101. Therefore, it can reduce the burden on engineers when analyzing the operation of the electric motor 40 and the analysis results of the mounted device 20.

[0083] (3) In the automatic analysis system 100 described in item (1) or item (2) above, the control computer may have a function to output the log file F101 to the external server 60.

[0084] The automated analysis system 100 according to this embodiment outputs a log file F101 containing various types of information to an external server 60. With such an automated analysis system, various types of information can be accessed simply by referring to the log file F101 on the external server 60. Therefore, the burden on engineers when analyzing the operation of the electric motor 40 and the analysis results of the mounted device 20 can be reduced.

[0085] (4) As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system (automatic analysis system 100) according to this embodiment includes a mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer) and an information processing device 10 (control computer). The mounted device 20 is a device on which electric motors 40 that operate each mechanism are mounted. In this embodiment, the description assumes that the mounted device 20 is an automatic analyzer that analyzes biological samples such as blood and urine. The information processing device 10 is a device that manages operation log related information D110 related to the operation log of the mounted device 20. In this embodiment, the description assumes that the information processing device 10 is a control computer. In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 stores the operation log related information D110 in association with one or more pieces of information from among the status information D120 of the electric motor 40, the execution operation information D130 of the electric motor 40, and the analysis information D140 acquired by the mounted device 20. In addition, in this embodiment, the information processing device 10 transmits the associated information (facility-specific information D610 in this embodiment) to an external server 60 at any time.

[0086] The information processing system (automatic analysis system 100) according to this embodiment stores one or more pieces of information from among the status information D120 of the electric motor 40, the execution operation information D130 of the electric motor 40, and the analysis information D140 acquired by the mounted device 20, linked with operation log related information D110. By aggregating each piece of information into a single operation log related information D110 (log file), such an information processing system (automatic analysis system 100) allows for the simultaneous reference (confirmation) of information used for analysis, such as the operation of the electric motor 40 and the analysis results of the mounted device 20. Therefore, the burden on engineers when analyzing the operation of the electric motor 40 and the analysis results of the mounted device 20 can be reduced. Furthermore, analysis that is not dependent on (or has a low degree of dependence on) the engineer's skills can be performed.

[0087] Furthermore, the information processing system (automatic analysis system 100) can easily determine the status of the mounted device 20 when an abnormality occurs, based on the status information D120 of the electric motor 40, thereby improving the efficiency of the analysis work. In this case, the analysis work involves, for example, determining whether the mounted device 20 was in operation or undergoing test maintenance.

[0088] Furthermore, the information processing system (automatic analysis system 100) can easily determine from the execution operation information D130 of the electric motor 40 what kind of operation the mounted device 20 was performing when an abnormality occurred in the mounted device 20, thereby improving the efficiency of the analysis work. In this case, the analysis work refers to, for example, the work of analyzing what parameters the mounted device 20 was using to operate the electric motor 40, such as a motor, when the mounted device 20 was performing the operation of operation sequence No. 001.

[0089] Furthermore, the information processing system (automatic analysis system 100) can easily determine from the analysis information D140 acquired by the mounted device 20 what characteristics the sample or reagent used when the mounted device 20 malfunctioned, thereby improving the efficiency of the analysis work. In this case, the analysis work refers to tasks such as analyzing the viscosity of the sample or reagent, or the amount of sample or reagent aspirated or discharged.

[0090] Therefore, according to the information processing system (automatic analysis system 100) of this embodiment, the burden on engineers when performing tasks such as analyzing the cause of malfunctions in the electric motor 40 can be reduced. Furthermore, the burden on engineers when performing tasks such as analyzing the analysis results of the mounted device 20 can also be reduced.

[0091] (5) As shown in Figure 1, in the information processing system (automatic analysis system 100) described in item (4) above, the mounted device 20 may be configured as an automatic analyzer for analyzing samples. In this case, as shown in Figure 2, the status information D120 may include either or both of the standby information D121 and operation information D122 of the electric motor 40. The execution operation information D130 may include either or both of the sample dispensing information D131 and reagent dispensing information D132. The analysis information D140 acquired by the mounted device 20 may include one or more of the information from sample type information D141, sample item information D142, and sample dispensing volume information D143.

[0092] The information processing system (automatic analysis system 100) according to this embodiment is configured as an automatic analyzer in which the mounted device 20 analyzes a sample. The information processing device 10 stores one or more pieces of information from among the status information D120 of the electric motor 40, the execution operation information D130 of the electric motor 40, and the analysis information D140 acquired by the mounted device 20, in association with operation log related information D110. At that time, the information processing device 10 stores information including either or both of the standby information D121 and operation information D122 of the electric motor 40 as the status information D120 of the electric motor 40. In addition, the information processing device 10 stores information including either or both of the sample dispensing information D131 and reagent dispensing information D132 as the execution operation information D130 of the electric motor 40. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 stores information including one or more of the following as analytical information D140 acquired by the mounted device 20: sample type information D141, sample item information D142, and sample dispensing volume information D143.

[0093] (6) As shown in Figure 2, in the information processing system (automatic analysis system 100) described in item (4) above, the information processing device 10 may store the linked information as facility-specific information D610 unique to the facility.

[0094] The information processing system (automatic analysis system 100) according to this embodiment can store the linked information as facility-specific information D610.

[0095] (7) As shown in Figure 8A, in the information processing system (automatic analysis system 100) described in item (4) above, the information processing device 10 may transmit associated information (facility-specific information D610 in this embodiment) to an external server 60 when the number of alarms or the alarm frequency exceeds a predetermined condition.

[0096] The information processing system (automatic analysis system 100) according to this embodiment can automatically transmit linked information (facility-specific information D610 in this embodiment) to an external server 60.

[0097] (8) As shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment is a device that manages operation log related information D110 related to the operation log of the mounted device 20 (automatic analysis device) which is equipped with an electric motor 40 that operates each mechanism. As shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 10 preferably has the following information storage unit 13 and information transmission unit 14. The information storage unit 13 has the function of linking and storing one or more pieces of information from the status information D120 of the electric motor 40, the execution operation information D130 of the electric motor 40, and the analysis information D140 acquired by the mounted device 20 with the operation log related information D110. The information transmission unit 14 has the function of transmitting the linked information (facility-specific information D610 in this embodiment) to an external server 60 at any time.

[0098] The information processing device 10 according to this embodiment can reduce the burden on engineers when analyzing the operation of the electric motor 40 and the analysis results of the mounted device 20.

[0099] (9) As described above, the processing unit 45 of the mounted device 20 (automatic analyzer) may perform the operations shown in Figures 8A and 8B, and the processing unit 45 may transmit the various information generated thereby to the information processing device 10 at any time. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the automatic analyzer (mounted device 20) according to this embodiment includes an electric motor 40 that operates each mechanism, and a processing unit 45 that manages operation log-related information related to the operation log of the device itself. The processing unit 45 has a function to analyze a sample. The processing unit 45 may store one or more pieces of information from the status information of the electric motor 40, the execution operation information of the electric motor 40, and the analysis information obtained by analyzing the sample, linked with operation log-related information, and transmit the linked information to an external control computer (information processing device 10) at any time.

[0100] The automated analyzer (mounted device 20) according to this embodiment can reduce the burden on engineers when analyzing the operation of the electric motor 40 and the analysis results of the automated analyzer.

[0101] As described above, the automated analysis system 100 according to this embodiment can reduce the burden on engineers when performing tasks such as analyzing the cause of malfunctions in the electric motor 40. It can also reduce the burden on engineers when performing tasks such as analyzing the results of sample analysis by the mounted device 20.

[0102] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes various modifications. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail for the purpose of explaining this disclosure and are not necessarily limited to having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace some of the configurations of the embodiments with other configurations, and it is also possible to add other configurations to the configurations of the embodiments. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace some of the configurations of each configuration with other configurations.

[0103] For example, the device information D160 can be changed to include facility-specific information D610. Alternatively, the user (engineer) can pre-configure the facility-specific information D610 in the information processing device 10. When this configuration is made, the information processing device 10 and the mounted device 20 should record the facility-specific information D610, along with the device information D160, in the log file F101.

[0104] Furthermore, for example, the mounted device 20 has a function to output the log file F101 stored in the information processing device 10 to an external source. This allows the user (engineer) to obtain and view the log file F101 from the mounted device 20.

[0105] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, for example, the case in which the mounted device 20 is configured as an automatic analyzer is assumed. However, the mounted device 20 can be configured as various devices other than an automatic analyzer that are equipped with an electric motor.

[0106] 10 Information Processing Device (Control Computer) 11 Control Unit 16 Storage Unit 20 Mounted Device (Automatic Analyzer) 21 Sample Input / Recovery Unit 21a Input Unit 21b Recovery Unit 22 Transport Line (Unit) 22a First Transport Line 22b Second Transport Line 23, 23a, 23b, 23c Analysis Unit (Unit) 24 Sample Dispensing Mechanism 31 Sample Storage Unit 32 Control Unit 40 Electric Motor 45 Processing Unit 50 Communication Line 60 External Server 90 Recording Medium 100 Automatic Analysis System (Information Processing System) 110 Operation Screen 111 Alarm Information 112 Related Information 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 Operation Buttons 300 Transport Unit 301 Rack Transport Line 305 Sample Transfer Unit 306 Sample Rack Buffer Unit 500A Data transfer terminal 501B Data server 502B, 503B Data analysis terminal (terminal) 600 Sample preprocessing system 601-609 Processing unit A User facility B Service base D110 Operation log related information D120 Status information D121 Standby information D122 Operation information D130 Execution operation information D131 Sample dispensing information D132 Reagent dispensing information D140 Analysis information D141 Sample type information D142 Sample item information D143 Sample dispensing volume information D150, D150a, D150b Alarm information D160 Device information D161 Device-specific information D162 Operation result information D163 Measurement information D610 Facility-specific information (linked information) F101 Log file PR10 Control program R1 Transfer Instructions

Claims

1. An automated analysis system comprising: an automated analyzer that performs automated analysis of a sample, comprising a plurality of units equipped with a mechanism operated by an electric motor; and a control computer that controls the automated analyzer and manages data, wherein each of the plurality of units has a processing unit that transmits predetermined information for each unit and a processing unit that transmits alarm information when an abnormality occurs in the operation of the electric motor; and the control computer has a control unit that, when an abnormality occurs, processes the device information and the alarm information at that time and stores the alarm information notifying the abnormality, device-specific information of the automated analyzer, information on the operation result of the abnormally operating electric motor, and measurement information of the automated analyzer as a log file in a storage unit.

2. An automated analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the control computer is capable of setting facility-specific information specific to the facility in which the automated analysis system is operated, and includes said facility-specific information in the log file.

3. An automated analysis system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control computer has a function to output the log file to an external server.

4. An information processing system comprising: a mounting device equipped with electric motors for operating each mechanism; and a control computer for managing operation log-related information related to the operation log of the mounting device, wherein the control computer stores one or more pieces of information from the status information of the electric motor, the execution information of the electric motor, and the analysis information acquired by the mounting device, linked with the operation log-related information, and transmits the linked information to an external server at any time.

5. An information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the mounted device is configured as an automatic analyzer for analyzing a sample, the status information is information including either or both of the standby information and operation information of the electric motor, the execution operation information is information including either or both of the sample dispensing information and reagent dispensing information, and the analysis information is information including one or more of the information among sample type information, sample item information and sample dispensing volume information.

6. An information processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that the control computer stores the linked information as facility-specific information unique to the facility.

7. An information processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that the control computer transmits the linked information to an external server when the number of alarms or the frequency of alarms exceeds a predetermined condition.

8. An information processing device for managing operation log-related information relating to the operation log of a mounted device equipped with an electric motor that operates each mechanism, comprising: an information storage unit that stores the operation log-related information in association with one or more pieces of information from among the status information of the electric motor, the execution operation information of the electric motor, and the analysis information acquired by the mounted device; and an information transmission unit that transmits the associated information to an external server at any time.

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