Specimen Analyzer Control Reference Automation for Quality Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for determining and applying control reference values to specimen analyzers in test facilities are time-consuming, requiring manual input of measurement results and control reference values by personnel.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a computer connected to a specimen analyzer generates and applies control reference values based on measurement results, eliminating the need for manual input, thereby streamlining the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual input of measurement results and control reference values is performed by personnel, then accuracy and flexibility are maintained, but time consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of control reference value determinationVSAvoidtime required for determining and applying control reference values

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The specimen analyzer automatically determines control reference values by measuring quality control samples and calculating desired values and margins without requiring manual data entry or external computer processing. The system serves itself by integrating the measurement and calculation functions within the analyzer, eliminating the need for personnel to input data manually while maintaining accuracy through automated computational processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the measurement device and the control reference value determination functions into a single integrated system. The specimen analyzer merges the capabilities of measuring quality control samples with the computational ability to calculate control reference values, eliminating the need for separate manual operations and external computer systems, thereby reducing time loss while preserving accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual input operations are performed by personnel, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity and efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in determining control reference valuesVSAvoidefficiency of applying control reference values

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The specimen analyzer autonomously performs the complete process of measuring quality control samples, calculating control reference values, and applying them to itself. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual operations while maintaining the flexibility to determine control reference values adaptively through automated algorithms, thereby significantly improving productivity and efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automated process acts as an accelerator by replacing slow manual operations with rapid computational processes. The specimen analyzer quickly measures samples and calculates control reference values using automated algorithms, accelerating the overall process efficiency while maintaining the adaptability needed for flexible determination of control parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

3Productivity

If automated generation and application of control reference values is implemented, then productivity and time efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of determining and applying control reference valuesVSAvoidcomplexity of specimen analyzer system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces device complexity by merging the measurement and control reference value determination functions into the specimen analyzer itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate external computers and manual operations, achieving automation without proportionally increasing system complexity. The unified design allows the analyzer to handle both measurement and computational tasks within its existing architectural framework

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The specimen analyzer is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a measurement device and as a system capable of determining control reference values. This universal design allows the same device to perform multiple functions (measuring samples and calculating control parameters) without requiring additional specialized equipment, thereby improving productivity while managing device complexity through versatile functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4235184A1Method for applying control refernce value to specimen analyzer, specimen analyzer, and computer program

Publication Date: 2023.08.30 SYSMEX CORP

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AI summary

Disclosed is a method for applying a control reference value regarding a quality control sample to a specimen analyzer by a computer, the method comprising: generating the control reference value on the basis of a measurement result of the quality control sample measured by the specimen analyzer; and applying the control reference value to the specimen analyzer.