Automatic Analyzer Sample Scheduling for Parallel Detection Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers face prolonged analysis times due to consecutive specification of the same detection unit, leading to underutilization of parallel detection units.
Innovation Solution
The automatic analyzer and control program alternately change the order of sample dispensing to prevent consecutive use of the same detection unit, enabling parallel operation of multiple detection units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the same detection unit is specified consecutively for a series of measurement items, then the detection unit can be operated sequentially with simple control, but the other detection units remain idle and the total analysis time is lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the allocation of detection units to measurement items based on real-time scheduling needs. Instead of static assignment, the system continuously optimizes which detection unit handles which measurement item to maximize parallel operation and minimize idle time, thereby reducing total analysis time while maintaining manageable control complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of detection unit allocation by introducing a scheduling mechanism that assigns different detection units to different measurement items based on their availability and workload. This parameter optimization enables better utilization of multiple detection units and reduces the total analysis time
2Productivity
If multiple detection units are operated in parallel, then the analysis time can be shortened, but the allocation of measurement items to specific detection units becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the workload by dividing measurement items among multiple detection units. Each detection unit is assigned specific measurement items based on a scheduling algorithm that balances the load and enables parallel processing. This segmentation allows multiple detection units to operate simultaneously on different measurement items, shortening the overall analysis time while the control unit manages the segmentation logic
3Productivity
If only one detection unit is used consecutively for multiple measurement items, then the control logic is simple, but the other detection units are underutilized and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements a universal scheduling mechanism that can allocate any detection unit to any measurement item based on current system state. This multi-functional allocation approach allows the system to flexibly utilize all detection units for different measurement items, improving overall utilization efficiency while the control unit manages the complexity of switching between different unit assignments
Data Source
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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.