Automatic Analyzer Scheduling for Alternating Detection Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers face increased total analysis time when the same detection unit is specified consecutively, leading to underutilization of other detection units and reduced parallel operation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer with a control unit that changes the order of sample dispensing to alternate between detection units, ensuring that different detection units are used for consecutive measurements, thereby optimizing parallel operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the same detection unit is specified consecutively for multiple measurement items, then the detection unit can be used for all measurements, but the total analysis time increases and other detection units remain idle
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the dispensing order based on real-time detection unit availability and measurement item requirements. The control unit continuously monitors which detection units are idle and reorders sample dispensing to utilize available detection units, transforming a static allocation system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of following the conventional approach of processing measurement items in their original specified order, the system inverts the logic by reordering the dispensing sequence to prioritize utilization of idle detection units. This inversion allows the system to process measurements in an optimized sequence rather than the originally specified sequence, thereby reducing idle time.
2Productivity
If multiple detection units are operated in parallel, then the analysis time can be shortened, but the system requires intelligent scheduling to coordinate sample dispensing across multiple units
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements a feedback mechanism where it continuously monitors the status of all detection units (busy/idle) and uses this information to dynamically adjust the dispensing order. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically balance the workload across detection units, ensuring that idle units are utilized without requiring complex external scheduling intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-scheduling by automatically detecting which detection units are idle and reordering its own dispensing operations accordingly. The control unit acts as both the scheduler and the executor, making the system self-organizing rather than requiring external coordination, thereby managing complexity internally while maintaining high productivity.
3Productivity
If the dispensing order is changed to utilize different detection units alternately, then parallel operation efficiency improves, but the original measurement item sequence must be reordered
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the measurement item specifications and the actual dispensing execution. It receives the original measurement sequence, processes it through an optimization algorithm that considers detection unit availability, and generates a reordered dispensing sequence. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity of reordering from the user while maximizing parallel operation efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention has an object to provide an automatic analyzer and a control program that can shorten total analysis time. The automatic analyzer comprises: a sample rack that houses a sample; a sample dispensing mechanism that aspirates the sample from the sample rack and dispenses the sample into a reaction container; a plurality of detection units that detect a reaction liquid in the reaction container; and a control unit that controls the sample dispensing mechanism and the detection units. The control unit checks the measurement item specified for the sample and checks one of the detection units that is specified by the measurement item. When measurements specifying the same detection unit among the detection units are specified consecutively, the order of dispensing by the sample dispensing mechanism is changed so that measurements specifying different detection units are made consecutively.