JP2009036513A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problems of an analyzer in which one device is constituted of a plurality of analysis modules by concentration of examination rooms, wherein, when the number of analysis modules is increased, an information amount on one screen is increased to become difficult to see, and when a plurality of screens are constituted in order to acquired high visibility, the number of times of pushing-down of a button is increased to complicate operation, and when the number of modules is increased, charts are reduced, and when the modules have many kinds and similar hues, discrimination becomes difficult to induce a visual error, and to thereby waste much retrieval time. <P>SOLUTION: The automatic analyzer includes a display means for displaying the same arrangement state as an actual physical arrangement of specimen containers or reagent containers on at least either of a specimen rack on which the specimen containers are installed or a reagent disk on which the reagent containers are installed, a designation means for designating the kind of specimens or reagents classified beforehand, and a control means for controlling the display means so that a specimen or a reagent designated by the designation means is displayed discriminably from others. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that performs qualitative / quantitative analysis of biological samples such as blood and urine, and more particularly to an automatic analyzer that includes a display screen for performing search and extraction operations necessary for operation of the apparatus.

  Automatic analyzers that perform qualitative / quantitative analysis of biological samples such as blood and urine are remarkably widespread mainly in large hospitals and testing centers because of their rapid and quantitative analysis. In the conventional automatic analyzer, the arrangement information, the management number, and the inventory amount of the reagent mounted on the main body of the apparatus are schematically displayed on the display screen, and the reagent whose state is to be confirmed is designated on the display screen. By configuring the reagent confirmation operation to be started and displaying the confirmation result on the display screen, a reagent status screen that shows the state of the reagent at a glance is provided, thereby improving the usability of the device operator. There is something like that.

  In Patent Document 1, there is an automatic analyzer capable of performing a search by setting a condition that characterizes a sample of an analysis result. The fact that search is possible is a visual confirmation from the displayed list.

  Patent Document 2 describes an automatic analyzer characterized in that a display indicating that an abnormality of the analyzer is generated is ranked according to a predetermined criterion for the abnormality. A list is displayed according to the importance of the alarm. Since the standard is set on the device side, it cannot be changed.

JP 07-159212 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-2602031

  In the above-mentioned conventional technology, settings are made until display, but searching and extracting from a lot of displayed information tries to find out more details about what items of reagents are missing. Window display is required. Although there is a legend display, it is currently impossible to narrow down information using that display.

  Selection / non-selection to the screen display is performed inside the apparatus, and the operator reads from the displayed information. Or, even if the condition for selection can be set, it is often done on a sub-screen. The setting on the sub-screen is cumbersome and may not be used after all.

  On the other hand, there is a problem that the search and extraction functions have not caught up with the increase in the amount of information in the analyzer due to the diversification and enhancement of examinations, and the usability of operators has decreased.

  Analyzing devices have been developed to centralize laboratories and integrate multiple fields. A plurality of analysis modules constitute one apparatus, and each analysis module needs to have information on consumables, reagents, and samples necessary for apparatus operation. At present, the information is displayed on the overview screen where the entire state of the apparatus can be viewed. If the device is large or the number of modules is large, the amount of information on one screen will increase and it will be difficult to see, and it will be necessary to move between multiple screens. Is harder to find. In the case of an apparatus displaying information in a figure, the figure becomes small when there are many modules, and the classification becomes difficult when there are many kinds and colors are close. When displayed for each module, button operation increases. Even if it is selected, the detailed information is viewed on a separate window, and there is no expansion to the list after extraction, and eventually the entire result screen may be returned.

  In addition, measurement result information increases as the multi-sample high-speed processing of the analyzer is performed. Although it is necessary to increase the amount of information displayed on the screen, the amount that can be displayed on one screen is limited, so the amount of scrolling also increases. In order to extract necessary information from them, it takes time to operate even on a single screen. In the extraction method, conditions must be set on a separate screen and multiple conditions must be entered, making it difficult to use. When another operator operates the screen later, the extraction condition must be confirmed. After all, no extraction is used, and you have to check the list visually while making a hit.

  Another issue is the environment surrounding clinical testing. Recently, pre-examination examinations are performed in outpatient examinations, and an increasing number of hospitals make treatment policies based on the examination results. In the medical fee change in FY2006, a special quick inspection insurance was added. The patient will not go to the hospital just to hear the results, reducing the burden on the patient.

  As a request for an examination room on the hospital side, it is required to give a result within one hour after an examination request is issued. In response to hospital demands, many hospital laboratories aim to report within 30 minutes of specimen arrival. Therefore, the key is how smoothly the inspection proceeds. Although it is desirable that all the samples can be completed by one measurement, in practice, it is necessary to re-examine with 20 to 20% of samples. Some autoanalyzers automatically retest when data is alarmed, but may not be retested automatically due to sample shortage, sample probe clogging, reagent shortage, barcode reading error, etc. .

  In that case, it is necessary to search for the corresponding sample and re-examine it manually. Even if the measurement result is checked and a re-examination is required due to a deviation from other item results or a deviation from the previous value, a re-examination is required manually. For manual retesting, it is necessary to check the location of the corresponding rack on the screen and then search for the corresponding sample in the sample storage unit. If a sample such as a rack number or sample ID is not searched for, it may cause a medical error. For inspection technicians, mistakes are not allowed, but this is not possible automatically. However, since one measurement takes at least 10 minutes or more, it is necessary to quickly search for a target specimen and perform measurement again. If it takes time to search from the screen with the sample information stored in the rack storage buffer or by relying on the rack number or sample ID on the measurement result screen, the mental irritability of the operator may not be measured. . Smooth specimen search has become essential for busy routine testing.

  The same is true for missing reagents, detergents, and consumables as well as specimens. If a reagent shortage occurs during measurement, the item that uses the reagent cannot be measured and is returned to the rack storage unit. The alarm only knows the inspection item number, so when you check for an empty reagent on the reagent overview screen and select a position that is displayed as empty, you will know the item name and the position number on the reagent disk for the first time. ing. In order to replace the reagent, it is necessary to once put the apparatus in a standby state. Therefore, the sample being measured must wait until the measurement is completed. After that, the reagent can finally be replaced. Furthermore, when the apparatus is increased in size and modularized, the information becomes more complicated and complicated, and it is desired to check at a time, but unnecessary information has also increased.

  Recently, most of the hospitals have a 24-hour system, and there are many unskilled operators rather than specialized engineers. It has been demanded that the operation screen is simplified and that it is guided correctly by an intuitive operation. However, along with the advancement of functions, the screen configuration is complicated and there are many types, which hinders intuitive operation.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer having an easy-to-use user interface.

  The configuration of the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows.

  Display means for displaying the same arrangement state as the actual physical arrangement of the sample container or reagent container and / or a pre-classified sample or at least one of the sample rack for laying the sample container and the reagent disk for laying the reagent container An automatic analyzer comprising: designation means for designating the type of reagent; and control means for controlling the display means so as to distinguish and display the sample or reagent designated by the designation means.

  Based on the above, the following functions may be provided.

  All device information is stored in the storage unit. Information to be displayed is set in the storage unit in advance when setting from the input unit. It is displayed on the screen according to the setting. When a large amount of information has a plurality of states, if the display area does not change, it is necessary to scroll or increase the number of screens. If there are multiple states, the columns are displayed separately. Just using a legend to visually identify the type does not improve searchability. Therefore, a means is provided that can be selected for each legend display type. The means of selection was explained with illustrations and illustrations in the legend, displayed sensuously or visually so that even operators unfamiliar with the device could understand it, enabling intuitive operation. As legend selection means, check boxes are enabled / disabled, differences in hue due to button presses, differences in unevenness of legend buttons, changes in the shape of the legend area, and the like. What is clearly selected needs to change visually.

  The information display after selection is performed so that the selected information is visually distinguished in the corresponding figures and tables. The methods include color inversion, color, separation, enlargement and reduction, movement of the figure, area shape change, list display of only the selection type, and the like.

  Further, the information corresponding to the selected information among the information stored in the storage unit is edited and displayed again, and the edited information can be printed.

  If a large amount of information has multiple states, simply using a legend to visually identify the difference in type will not improve searchability. Therefore, by providing a means that can be selected for each type of legend display and displaying it on the screen sensuously or visually, it is possible for an unfamiliar operator to understand and intuitive operation can be performed. In the information display after selection, since the selected information is distinguished in the corresponding figures and tables, information necessary for device operation can be determined visually on the same screen. According to the present invention, the time required for searching can be reduced, and the operator's stress is eliminated. In the case of analyzers used in laboratories, it takes a long time to look at the screen. By making necessary information stand out and visually excluding unnecessary information, misjudgment can be avoided, which can greatly contribute to improvement in operability.

  Further, the information corresponding to the selected information among the information stored in the storage unit is edited and displayed again, and the edited information can be printed. According to the present invention, only the extracted target information can be confirmed in a concentrated manner, and mistakes and oversights in the visual confirmation operation can be reduced.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows the appearance of the analyzer. The analyzer shown in FIG. 1 mainly includes a sample transport unit 1, a reagent disk 2, a reaction disk 3, a reaction tank 4, a sampling mechanism 5, a reagent pipetting mechanism 6, a stirring mechanism 7, and a photometric mechanism. 8, a cleaning mechanism 9, a display unit 10, an input unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

  In FIG. 1, the sample transport unit 1 is provided with a sample supply buffer 16, a sample storage buffer 18, a transport line 17, a rack rotor 19, and a sample line 20. When sample containers 14 containing samples are installed in a plurality of sample racks 15 and the sample racks 15 are set in the sample supply buffer 16 and started, the sample racks 15 pass through the transport line 17 and the rack rotor 19 to reach the sample line. 20 is sent.

  In FIG. 1, the sampling mechanism 5 includes a probe (not shown), an arm 26 attached to the support shaft, and a drive that enables reciprocation between the sample line 20 and the reaction disk 3 about the support shaft. Mechanism.

  Then, the sampling mechanism 5 supplies the sample to the reaction container 24 in the sample container 14 of the sample rack 15 that is transferred to a fixed position of the sample line 20 in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

  In FIG. 1, a plurality of reagent bottles 21 in which a reagent for mixing and reacting with a sample is placed on the reagent disk 2 are fixed and arranged on the circumference of the circular disk 22. The periphery of the reagent bottle 21 is a temperature controlled cold storage.

  The reagent disk 2 is rotated in the circumferential direction so as to be positioned by a drive mechanism including a motor, a rotating shaft and the like (not shown).

  In FIG. 1, the reaction disk 3 is provided with a plurality of reaction container holders holding reaction containers 24 for containing a sample and a reagent, and the circumferential rotation and stop of the reaction disk 3 are repeated in a constant cycle by a drive mechanism. Then, the reaction vessel 24 is intermittently transferred.

  Moreover, in FIG. 1, the reaction tank 4 is installed along the movement locus | trajectory of the reaction container 24, and in order to accelerate | stimulate the chemical reaction with a sample and a reagent, for example in the reaction container 24 by the temperature-controlled constant temperature water. This is a thermostatic bath that controls the reaction solution at a constant temperature. The reaction vessel 24 moves in the reaction vessel 4.

  Similar to the sampling mechanism 5 described above, the reagent pipetting mechanism 6 reciprocates between the probe disk 27, the arm 29 attached to the support shaft 28, and the reagent disk 2 and the reaction disk 3 about the support shaft 28. And a drive mechanism that enables it.

  Then, the reagent pipetting mechanism 6 supplies the reagent in the reagent bottle 21 that is transferred to a fixed position with the rotation of the reagent disk 2 into the reaction container 24 according to a predetermined sequence.

  Note that different types of samples and reagents are placed in each of the sample container 14 and the reagent bottle 21, and a necessary amount is supplied to the reaction container 24.

  In FIG. 1, the display unit 10 displays various screens such as analysis item setting information and measurement results. The input unit 11 inputs various information such as analysis conditions and maintenance. The storage unit 12 stores a predetermined sequence (program) for controlling each mechanism, and various information such as analysis items and measurement results. In addition to the description of FIG. 1, a syringe, a pump, and the like are included as components, and all of them including the syringe are controlled by the control unit 13 according to a sequence stored in the storage unit 12. There may be two types of storage unit 12, a storage device inside the device and a storage device in the personal computer of the operation unit. In that case, the storage device in the analyzer is always connected to the storage device of the operation unit and the communication cable to exchange information. This embodiment is an example in which the storage unit of a personal computer in the operation unit is used as the storage unit 12. 1 can be connected to a display, a liquid crystal monitor, or the like.

  The storage unit 12 records the remaining amount and state of items such as reagents, detergents, diluents, consumables, etc. required for device operation, and conveys and displays information via the control unit periodically or when there is a change. Displayed in part 10.

  In FIG. 2, the configuration of the current specimen storage unit information display screen will be described. An area 31 for displaying rack storage monitor information and an area 32 for displaying a legend are displayed on the same screen. The legend is displayed to explain the state of information and cannot be selected. In order to display the detailed information 33 for each piece of information, the information is checked visually from the list of a large number of rack monitor information areas 31 using the legend symbols. If there is information that can be specified, the search information is displayed in the detailed information display area 33 when a search button is pressed and a condition is entered in a separate window and searched. If there are multiple rack trays in a large device, it is necessary to search for each.

  An example of information display in the sample storage buffer 18 will be described in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, sample rack monitor information 41 stored in the sample storage buffer 18 in the storage unit 12 is recorded and displayed on the display unit 10. Sample states include measurement failure, bar code reading error, sample shortage, empty, no sample container, measurement in progress, measurement completed, host sent, etc. Is displayed in the sample rack monitor information 41. The legend display area 42 displays a legend with explanations so that the state of the figure can be understood. Each figure (symbol) in the legend display area 42 can be selected like a button. One or more selections can be made, and the selection is displayed so that it can be visually recognized. FIG. 3 shows an example of valid / invalid check boxes. In addition, it is possible to adopt the same action such that the hue is differentiated from other figures, and the unevenness can be recognized. The information after selection is displayed in the rack information 43 and detailed information 44 area.

  By selecting one or more legends, the stored specimen information is extracted according to the selected conditions, the target information is re-edited from the database, the display changes on the list, and it is recognized that it has been extracted it can. After the redisplay, as shown in FIG. 4, only the sample selected on the rack monitor is displayed brightly, and the sample not selected is dark and grayed out. As another example of expression, not only graying out but also erasing from the display has the same effect. In other words, it is important to help visually recognize instantly.

  The setting of the selection condition can be stored depending on the setting, and can always be displayed under the same condition. In particular, if an error due to a sample or barcode reading error occurs, it is necessary to re-inspect it manually, so if it is always extracted under the same conditions, it will be remeasured quickly. It becomes like this.

  In the laboratory, the focus is on producing test results as quickly as possible in one minute, and the key is whether the target specimen can be found quickly. For example, if a sample shortage alarm occurs and there are items that could not be measured, the laboratory technician selects a sample error check box in the sample storage unit. Since only the sample error sample appears to be raised, the search can be performed instantly. The position of the rack on the rack tray can be confirmed at the position of the sample error specimen that has risen, the rack information 43 is collated with the alarm information rack information 43, and the actual rack can be immediately confirmed in the specimen storage buffer. After that, preparations for re-examination will be made.

  As a third embodiment, an example in which the sample setting part is a circular sample disk will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, sample monitor information 51 stored on the sample disk in the storage unit 12 is recorded and displayed on the display unit 10. Sample states include measurement failure, bar code reading error, sample shortage, empty, no sample container, measurement in progress, measurement completed, host sent, etc. And is displayed in the sample rack monitor information 51. A legend display in which a description is written so that the state of the figure can be understood is displayed in the legend display area 52. Each figure in the legend display area 52 can be selected like a button. One or more selections can be made, and the selection is displayed so that it can be visually recognized. In FIG. 3, the check box is an example of valid / invalid. In addition, the hue is differentiated from other figures, and irregularities can be recognized.

  By selecting one or more legends, the stored specimen information is extracted according to the selected conditions, and the target information is re-edited from the database, the display is changed on the list, and it is recognized that it has been extracted it can. After the redisplay, as shown in FIG. 4, only the sample in the state selected in the sample monitor information area is displayed with a frame 55 and is differentiated from the sample in the unselected state. As another example of expression, there is an embodiment in which not only the frame is attached but also the display is completely erased. It can be determined visually that the sample position has been lifted and selected. If it can be extracted with the selected conditions, it will be possible to search for the target object quickly.

  As Example 4, an example of reagent information will be described. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the reagent monitor information 61 stored in the reagent disk is recorded in the storage unit 12 and is displayed on the display unit 10. The reagent status includes empty, caution level, preparation level, standby, in-use, expiration date, calibration failure, etc., and is shown in a diagram so that the status of each reagent can be seen. It is displayed. If the reagent becomes empty, it must be replaced with a new reagent bottle. When an empty reagent is selected in the legend and the list instruction button 65 is pressed, a reagent list 67 that needs to be replaced is displayed as shown in FIG. When the print button 64 is pressed, printing is performed on the printer. You can go to the reagent storage with the printed list.

  The larger the reagent, the larger the reagent disk and the greater the amount of information. In the case of a large module combination apparatus, the entire information display switching instruction of the entire apparatus can be switched by the all information display switching instruction button 66. Even in the case of the all information display 63, there is a legend display. Accordingly, each reagent becomes smaller and visibility becomes worse. At that time, if the reagent selected in the legend is displayed in a list, the same search effect can be obtained.

  A legend is displayed in the legend display area 62 with explanations written so that the figure can be understood. Each figure in the legend display area 62 can be selected like a button. One or more selections can be made, and the selection is displayed so that it can be visually recognized. In FIG. 6, the check box is an example of valid / invalid. In addition, the hue is differentiated from other figures, and irregularities can be recognized.

  By selecting one or more legends, the stored reagent information is extracted according to the selected conditions, the target information is re-edited from the database, the display is changed on the list, and it is recognized that it has been extracted it can. After the redisplay, as shown in FIG. 7, only the sample in the state selected in the reagent monitor information area 62 can be displayed with a frame or a size change. Differentiate from unselected reagents. As another example of expression, it can be implemented not only with a frame but also by completely removing it from the display. It can be determined visually that the reagent position has been lifted and selected. If it can be extracted with the selected conditions, it will be possible to search for the target object quickly.

  As Example 5, an example of selection of measurement results will be described. The measurement results vary in sample type and are displayed in the order of measurement on the same list. As shown in FIG. 8, there is a measurement result list 72 for each sample, and a measurement result list 73 for each item of the sample selected in the list is displayed. The measurement result list 72 for each sample selects the sample status such as urgent sample, quality control sample, host untransmitted, and data alarm. A list 74 of the extracted information is displayed over the screen. Since the measurement result is usually several hundred to several thousand samples, the search time is shorter when searching in the target state.

  Measurement results with multiple conditions such as emergency / general, re-examination / initial examination, serum / urine / plasma, other specimen types, host transmission, data alarm, etc. in tabular form or actual device The graphic display is based on the components of, and a legend with figures / illustrations and symbols is displayed on the same screen for multiple types of status discrimination, and a part of the legend display is selected, so that the selected condition is met. Analytical device with a function to extract patient samples, standard solutions, control samples, cleaning solutions, and other controlled substances.

  As Example 6, an example in which the measurement result is shown in a graph will be described. There is a function to display the measurement results in a form that can be seen in a graph. When a single measurement result cannot be used for determination, a plurality of graphs may be overwritten. In some cases, a master curve is stored in the apparatus and used for comparison judgment. Once the setting was made to associate the measurement result with the graph, it was necessary to set again to change the display. Graphs such as 〇 and △, ▽ and 〇 by selecting legends with check boxes.

It is an element block diagram of the apparatus to which the information extraction implementation method according to the legend of the present invention is applied. (Examples 1 and 2) An example of the current operation screen. An example of a specimen storage buffer. The example of the change after extraction of a sample storage buffer. Sample disc example. Example of reagent, detergent, consumables screen. Example of changes after extraction of reagent, detergent, and consumables screens. An example of a measurement result extraction screen. Example of graph overlay screen.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sample conveyance part 2 Reagent disk 3 Reaction disk 4 Reaction tank 5 Sampling mechanism 6 Reagent pipetting mechanism 7 Agitation mechanism 8 Photometry mechanism 9 Washing mechanism 10 Display part 11 Input part 12 Storage part 13 Control part 14 Sample container 16 Sample supply buffer 17 Transport line 18 Sample storage buffer 19 Rack rotor 20 Sample line 21 Reagent bottle 22 Circular disc 24 Reaction vessel 26, 29 Arm 27 Probe 28 Support shaft 31 Rack storage monitor area 32, 42, 52, 61, 71 Legend display area 33 Detailed information Area 34 Sample search button 41 Sample rack monitor information 41a Sample rack monitor information 42a after extraction Legend display area 43 after extraction Rack information area 44 Search result information area 51 Sample disc monitor information 53 Sample information area 54 Detailed result information area 55 Sample display after selection 61a Display area after legend selection 62 Reagent information display area 63 Reagent information display area 64 of the entire apparatus Print instruction button 65 List display instruction button 65a List button 66 after selection All information display switching Instruction button 67 List display area 72 after selection Measurement result display area 73 for each sample Measurement result display area 74 for each item List display area 81 after emergency sample extraction Graph legend display area 82 Graph display area

Claims (12)

Display means for displaying the same arrangement state as the actual physical arrangement of the sample container or the reagent container for at least one of the sample rack for laying the sample container and the reagent disk for laying the reagent container;
A designation means for designating types of specimens or reagents classified in advance;
An automatic analyzer comprising control means for controlling the display means so as to distinguish and display the sample or reagent designated by the designation means from others. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
The automatic analyzer is characterized in that the designation means is selected from displayed legends. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the legend and what is displayed in the same arrangement state as the actual physical arrangement of the specimen container or reagent container are displayed on the same screen. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2 or 3,
Two or more types of legends can be selected, and an automatic analyzer is displayed by identifying that it is selected. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
The display method for discriminating and displaying the specimen or reagent designated by the designation means is any of color inversion, color difference, separation, enlargement, reduction, figure movement, and display of only the selected type. An automatic analyzer comprising at least one. In the automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An automatic analyzer having a function of displaying a list of information corresponding to a selected condition. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6,
An automatic analyzer having a function of printing the list. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The automatic analysis apparatus is characterized in that the legend is displayed in a table format or a graphic based on the components of the apparatus. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The automatic analysis apparatus is characterized in that the legend displays at least one of an empty position, no remaining amount, insufficient remaining amount, and calibration information. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The automatic analysis apparatus is characterized in that the legend displays at least one of measurement end, host transmission, sample shortage, barcode reading error, empty, measurement in progress, and measurement failure. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The legend should indicate at least one of emergency / general, re-examination / initial examination, serum / urine / plasma, other specimen types, host transmission, and data alarm. A featured automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
An automatic analyzer comprising means for switching between a display for each module and a display for all modules when a plurality of modules or units are combined.

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