JP2018066583A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer that is able to reduce load on taking out a sample rack holding a sample container required by an operator.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, an automatic analyzer comprises a stay area, a determining section, a drive section, and an ejection management section. The stay area is an area where a sample rack is allowed to stay. On the basis of an error that has arisen, the determining section determines whether a sample rack holding a sample container containing a sample that has caused the error should be stayed in the stay area or not. The drive section moves the sample rack determined to be stayed, to the stay area. In a case where an instruction to eject the sample rack stayed in the stay area is input, the ejection management section controls the drive section such that the sample rack as a target of the ejection instruction is ejected to an ejection destination set in advance for the sample rack.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an automatic analyzer.

  The automatic analyzer is a device for measuring components related to test items such as biochemical test items and immunological test items included in a sample contained in a sample container. In the automatic analyzer, the sample container is held in a sample rack that can hold a plurality of sample containers. The sample rack is loaded from a loading lane provided in the automatic analyzer and transported through the automatic analyzer. The sample accommodated in the sample container is dispensed into the reaction tube, and mixed with the reagent corresponding to the inspection item in the reaction tube. In the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent, the components are optically measured. When the component measurement for the samples contained in all the held sample containers is completed, the sample rack is discharged to a predetermined recovery lane.

  By the way, the automatic analyzer can detect various errors that occur during measurement. In the automatic analyzer, when a predetermined error occurs during measurement, for example, a sample rack including a sample in which the error has occurred is automatically discharged to a preset discharge destination. The operator confirms the sample container that holds the sample causing the error, which is held in the sample rack discharged to a predetermined discharge destination.

  However, the operator is not always on standby before a predetermined discharge destination. Therefore, when the operator notices, a plurality of sample racks may be discharged to a predetermined discharge destination. In such a case, the operator must find a sample rack that holds a desired sample container from a plurality of sample racks.

JP 2011-064537 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer capable of reducing a burden when an operator obtains a sample rack holding a desired sample container.

  According to the embodiment, the automatic analyzer includes a stay area, a determination unit, a drive unit, and a discharge management unit. The retention area is for retaining the sample rack. The determination unit determines, based on the error that has occurred, whether or not the sample rack that holds the sample container that stores the sample in which the error has occurred is retained in the retention area. The drive unit moves the sample rack determined to be retained to the retention area. When a discharge instruction is input to the sample rack retained in the retention area, the discharge management unit discharges the sample rack that is the target of the discharge instruction to a discharge destination set in advance for the sample rack. The drive unit is controlled.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sample dispensing unit and the pressure detector shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of determination of staying in a sample rack by the control circuit according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an error correspondence table according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a discharge management table according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to discharge management by the control circuit according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the rack removal icon displayed by the display circuit according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example of sample rack identification information and discharge destination information displayed by the display circuit according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a confirmation screen that accepts confirmation of an instruction to discharge the sample rack moved to the buffer lane to a predetermined discharge destination, which is displayed by the display circuit according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a pop-up displayed by the display circuit according to the embodiment indicating that it cannot be discharged. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation relating to the stay determination of the sample rack by the control circuit according to the modification. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a display example of sample rack identification information and discharge destination information displayed by a display circuit according to another embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. An automatic analyzer 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface circuit 5, a display circuit 6, a storage circuit 7, and a control circuit 8.

  The analysis mechanism 2 mixes a sample such as a standard sample or a test sample and a reagent used for each inspection item set for the sample. The analysis mechanism 2 measures a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent, and generates standard data represented by, for example, absorbance and test data.

  The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that analyzes calibration data, analysis data, and the like based on the standard data and test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. The analysis circuit 3 reads the operation program from the storage circuit 7 and generates calibration data, analysis data, and the like according to the operation program. For example, the analysis circuit 3 generates calibration data indicating the relationship between the standard data and a standard value preset in the standard sample. The analysis circuit 3 generates analysis data represented as a concentration value and an enzyme activity value based on the test data and the calibration data of the test item corresponding to the test data. The analysis circuit 3 outputs the generated calibration data and analysis data to the control circuit 8.

  The drive mechanism 4 is realized by a gear, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, a lead screw, and the like. The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 under the control of the control circuit 8.

  The input interface circuit 5 is realized by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch pad on which an instruction is input by touching the operation surface. The input interface circuit 5 receives, for example, a sample ID for identifying a sample to be inspected from the operator, an inspection item for the sample ID, and an analysis parameter of each inspection item. The input interface circuit 5 is connected to the control circuit 8, converts an operation instruction input from the operator into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the control circuit 8. In the present specification, the input interface circuit 5 is not limited to one having physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analyzer 1 and outputs the electrical signal to the control circuit 8 is also an input interface. An example of circuit 5 is included.

  The display circuit 6 includes, for example, a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, and the like. The display circuit 6 is connected to the control circuit 8 and displays a signal supplied from the control circuit 8 to the outside. The display circuit 6 displays calibration data and analysis data supplied from the control circuit 8, for example.

  The storage circuit 7 includes a processor-readable recording medium such as a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory. The storage circuit 7 stores an operation program executed by the analysis circuit 3 and an operation program executed by the control circuit 8. The storage circuit 7 stores the calibration data generated by the analysis circuit 3 for each inspection item. The storage circuit 7 stores the analysis data generated by the analysis circuit 3 for each test sample. The storage circuit 7 is information for controlling the discharge of the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 that stores the sample in which the predetermined error has occurred based on the type of error that has occurred in the automatic analyzer 1, for example, various Remember the table.

  The control circuit 8 is a processor that functions as the center of the automatic analyzer 1. The control circuit 8 executes an operation program stored in the storage circuit 7, thereby realizing a function corresponding to the operation program.

  2 and 3 are schematic views showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIG. The analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes a reaction disk 201 and a reagent store 202.

  A constant temperature bath 2012 filled with constant temperature water is provided in the reaction disk 201. The constant temperature bath 2012 has a circumferential shape. The reaction disk 201 holds a plurality of reaction tubes 2011 by a constant temperature bath 2012. The reaction disk 201 is alternately rotated and stopped at predetermined time intervals by the drive mechanism 4. The reaction tube 2011 is made of, for example, glass.

  The reagent storage 202 is an example of a reagent storage that holds a plurality of reagent containers that store reagents. In this embodiment, the reagent storage 202 is disposed inside the reaction disk 201. The reagent store 202 holds a plurality of reagent containers circumferentially by a reagent container rack. The outer circle 2021 in the reagent container 202 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is the position of the opening of the reagent container arranged on the outer circumference among the reagent containers arranged circumferentially in the reagent container 202. Represents. The inner circle 2022 in the reagent storage 202 represents the position of the opening of the reagent container arranged on the inner circumference among the reagent containers arranged in a circle in the reagent storage 202. The reagent container held in the reagent storage 202 contains the reagent dispensed into the reaction tube 2011. The reagent container 101 whose opening is arranged along the outer circle 2021 contains the first reagent corresponding to each test item. The first reagent to be used is determined for each inspection item. The reagent container 101 in which the opening is arranged along the inner circle 2022 contains the second reagent corresponding to each test item. Similar to the first reagent, the second reagent is determined for each inspection item. The reagent container rack is rotated around the center of the reagent storage 202 by the drive mechanism 4.

2 and 3 includes a rack loading unit 230, a rack moving unit 240, a rack collection unit 250, and a STAT rack loading unit 260.
The rack input unit 230 includes an input lane 231. The sample rack 102 is loaded into the loading lane 231. The sample rack 102 holds a plurality of sample containers 100 that store samples. Forms that can be picked up by a transfer arm 241 provided in the rack moving unit 240, for example, a pair of grooves, are formed on the side surfaces of both ends of the sample rack 102. In addition, an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) chip (wireless tag) for identifying the presence or absence of the sample rack 102 is attached to the sample rack 102.

  Sample container 100 accommodates a sample such as a standard sample or a test sample. The sample container 100 is affixed with a label printed with an optical mark on which identification information or the like of the sample stored in the sample container 100 is written. The optical mark is a mark obtained by encoding information related to the sample container 100, sample identification information, and the like, for example, a bar code, a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, and the like.

  The sample rack 102 is loaded into the loading lane 231. The sample rack 102 loaded into the loading lane 231 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moved to a loading position where it can move to the rack moving unit 240. At this time, the movement of the sample rack 102 in the loading lane 231 is realized by, for example, a belt conveyor and a lead screw.

  The rack moving unit 240 includes a transfer arm 241, a transfer rail 242, a sampling lane 243, a buffer lane 244, and a reader 245.

  The transfer arm 241 has, for example, a pair of claws that can move up and down. The transport arm 241 transports the sample rack 102 so that the forklift carries the load with the fork lift while the claws are inserted into the pair of grooves formed in the sample rack 102.

  The transport arm 241 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and transports the sample rack 102. For example, the transfer arm 241 moves on the transfer rail 242 after holding the sample rack 102 placed at the input position in the input lane 231. As a result, the transport arm 241 transports the held sample rack 102 to the sampling lane 243. The transport rail 242 is provided between the sampling lane 243 and the buffer lane 244 and serves as a guide when the transport arm 241 moves. In addition, the transport arm 241 moves on the transport rail 242 after holding the sample rack 102 located at the unloading position in the sampling lane 243 that can be moved to the rack recovery unit 250. Thereby, the transport arm 241 transports the held sample rack 102 to the buffer lane 244 or the rack collection unit 250. Further, the transport arm 241 transports the sample rack 102 placed on the buffer lane 244 to the rack collection unit 250. The transport arm 241 transports the sample rack 102 placed on the buffer lane 244 to the STAT rack input unit 260.

  The sampling lane 243 is a lane for transporting a plurality of sample racks in which the sample containers 100 to be dispensed are held under a sample suction position 2432 where the sample dispensing probe 205 sucks the sample. . The sampling lane 243 moves the sample rack 102 loaded from the loading position in the loading lane 231 by the driving mechanism 4. For example, the sampling lane 243 moves the opening of each sample container 100 held in the sample rack 102 below the sample suction position 2432. In addition, the sampling lane 243 moves the sample rack 102 from below the sample suction position 2432 to the rack collection unit 250 when dispensing of the samples stored in all the sample containers 100 held in the sample rack 102 is normally completed. Move to an unloadable position. The movement of the sample rack 102 in the sampling lane 243 is realized by, for example, a belt conveyor and a lead screw.

  The buffer lane 244 is a retention area for temporarily retaining the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 that stores a sample in which a predetermined error has occurred.

  The reader 245 is provided in the vicinity of the sample suction position 2432, for example. The reader 245 starts reading when triggered by an instruction to start reading ID from the control circuit 8. When the sample container 100 to be dispensed reaches a position where the optical mark can be read, the reader 245 reads the identification information of the sample from the optical mark attached to the sample container 100. The reader 245 supplies the read sample identification information to the control circuit 8. The reader 245 determines that reading of the sample ID has failed, for example, when reading cannot be performed within a predetermined time. The reader 245 notifies the control circuit 8 that it has failed. Note that the reader 245 may be replaced with another sensor using RFID or the like.

  The rack collection unit 250 includes a first collection lane 251, a second collection lane 252, a sample rack detection sensor 253, and a sample rack detection sensor 254. The first collection lane 251 and the second collection lane 252 serve as collection destinations for the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 for which measurement has been completed normally. In addition, the first recovery lane 251 and the second recovery lane 252 also serve as a discharge destination of the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 that stores a sample in which a predetermined error has occurred. The first collection lane 251 and the second collection lane 252 are driven by the drive mechanism 4 to move the sample rack 102 conveyed by the conveyance arm 241 from the rack moving unit 240 to the take-out position.

  The sample rack detection sensor 253 is provided in the vicinity of the first collection lane 251. The sample rack detection sensor 253 is, for example, an RFID reader. An RFID reader is a device that transmits and receives data without contact with an RFID chip using, for example, radio waves or electromagnetic fields. The sample rack detection sensor 253 includes a radiation unit and a reception unit. The sample rack detection sensor 253 radiates radio waves of a specific wavelength from the radiation unit to the plurality of sample racks 102 placed on the first collection lane 251. The sample rack detection sensor 253 starts radio wave emission when receiving an instruction to start detection of the presence or absence of the sample rack 102 supplied from the control circuit 8. The sample rack detection sensor 253 detects a response signal from the RFID chip attached to each of the plurality of sample racks 102 placed on the first collection lane 251 by the receiving unit. The sample rack detection sensor 253 outputs the detected response signal to the control circuit 8.

  The sample rack detection sensor 254 is provided in the vicinity of the second collection lane 252. The sample rack detection sensor 254 is an RFID reader, for example. The sample rack detection sensor 254 includes a radiation unit and a reception unit. The sample rack detection sensor 254 radiates a radio wave having a specific wavelength to the plurality of sample racks 102 placed on the second collection lane 252 by the radiating unit. The sample rack detection sensor 254 starts radio wave emission when receiving an instruction to start detection of the presence or absence of the sample rack 102 supplied from the control circuit 8. The sample rack detection sensor 254 detects a response signal from the RFID chip attached to each of the plurality of sample racks 102 placed on the second collection lane 252 by the receiving unit. The sample rack detection sensor 254 outputs the detected response signal to the control circuit 8.

  The STAT rack loading unit 260 includes a STAT rack loading lane 261 and a sample rack detection sensor 262.

  The STAT rack loading lane 261 is a lane for loading the sample rack 102 in which the sample container 100 that stores the sample that needs to be measured urgently is held. The STAT rack input lane 261 also serves as a discharge destination of the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 that stores a sample in which a predetermined error has occurred.

  The sample rack detection sensor 262 is provided, for example, between the STAT rack input lane 261 and the buffer lane 244 as shown in FIG. The sample rack detection sensor 262 is, for example, an optical sensor. The sample rack detection sensor 262 is provided at a position where light can be projected to the sample rack 102 placed on the STAT rack input lane 261. The sample rack detection sensor 262 starts projecting light upon receiving an instruction to start detection of the presence or absence of the sample rack 102 supplied from the control circuit 8. The sample rack detection sensor 262 outputs the detected electrical signal to the control circuit 8.

  2 and 3 includes a sample dispensing arm 204, a sample dispensing probe 205, a sample dispensing unit 206, a pressure detector 2061, a first reagent dispensing arm 216, and a first reagent dispensing. Injection probe 217, first reagent dispensing unit 218, pressure detector 2181, second reagent dispensing arm 219, second reagent dispensing probe 220, second reagent dispensing unit 221, pressure detector 2211, first stirring unit 222 and a second stirring unit 223.

  The sample dispensing arm 204 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the sampling lane 243 so as to be vertically movable and rotatable in the horizontal direction. The sample dispensing arm 204 holds a sample dispensing probe 205 at one end. The sample dispensing arm 204 is rotated by the drive mechanism 4. As the sample dispensing arm 204 rotates, the sample dispensing probe 205 rotates along an arcuate rotation trajectory. A sample suction position 2432 that is a position where the sample dispensing probe 205 sucks the sample from the sample container 100 is set on the rotation trajectory. The sample suction position 2432 is set in advance so as to be positioned on the sampling lane 243. Further, a sample discharge position 2013 for discharging the sample sucked by the sample dispensing probe 205 to the reaction tube 2011 is set at a position different from the sample suction position on the rotation trajectory. The rotation trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 205 includes a movement trajectory of the sample container 100 held on the sample rack 102 placed on the sampling lane 243 and a movement trajectory of the reaction tube 2011 held on the reaction disk 201, respectively. Intersects. Intersections with the respective movement trajectories are a sample suction position 2432 and a sample discharge position 2013.

  The sample dispensing probe 205 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves in the vertical direction at the sample suction position 2432 and the sample discharge position 2013. Further, the sample dispensing probe 205 sucks the sample from the sample container 100 located at the sample suction position 2432 according to the control of the control circuit 8. Further, the sample dispensing probe 205 discharges the sucked sample to the reaction tube 2011 located at the sample discharge position 2013 under the control of the control circuit 8.

  The sample dispensing unit 206 sucks the sample accommodated in the sample container 100 at the sample suction position 2432 by the sample dispensing probe 205 when performing an inspection on a predetermined inspection item. The sample dispensing unit 206 discharges the sample sucked by the sample dispensing probe 205 to the reaction tube 2011 located at the sample discharge position 2013 according to the control of the control circuit 8. In addition, the sample dispensing unit 206 supplies a cleaning liquid to the sample dispensing probe 205 at the sample probe washing position 2069 to wash the sample dispensing probe 205.

  The pressure detector 2061 measures the pressure in the sample dispensing probe 205. The pressure detector 2061 outputs the measurement result to the control circuit 8.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the sample dispensing unit 206 and the pressure detector 2061. The sample dispensing unit 206 shown in FIG. 4 has a tube 2063 connected at one end to the sample dispensing probe 205, a syringe 2064 connected to the other end of the tube 2063, and an opening provided at the lower end of the syringe 2064. A plunger 2065 for fitting is provided. The sample dispensing unit 206 includes a tank 2066 that stores a pressure transmission medium filled in each of the sample dispensing probe 205, the tube 2063, and the syringe 2064.

  Further, the sample dispensing unit 206 sucks the pressure transmission medium stored in the tank 2066 and supplies the sucked pressure transmission medium as a cleaning liquid into the sample dispensing probe 205 via the syringe 2064 and the tube 2063. A pump 2067 is provided. The sample dispensing unit 206 also includes an open / close valve 2068 that opens and closes a flow path that communicates between the syringe 2064 and the washing pump 2067. The on-off valve 2068 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve.

  When dispensing the sample, the flow path between the syringe 2064 and the washing pump 2067 is closed by an on-off valve 2068 controlled by the control circuit 8. When the on-off valve 2068 is normally closed by the control of the control circuit 8, a feedback signal is output from the on-off valve 2068 to the control circuit 8 for confirming that the on-off valve 2068 has been correctly opened. When the drive mechanism 4 sucks and drives the plunger 2065 in the arrow L1 direction, the sample dispensing probe 205 sucks the sample in the sample container 100 at the sample suction position 2432. Further, when the drive mechanism 4 drives the plunger 2065 to discharge in the direction of the arrow L2, the sample dispensing probe 205 discharges the sample into the reaction tube 2011 located at the sample discharge position 2013.

  When dispensing of the same sample is completed, or when it is determined that the dispensing of the sample is abnormal, the flow path between the syringe 2064 and the washing pump 2067 is controlled by an on-off valve 2068 controlled by the control circuit 8. Opened. When the on-off valve 2068 is normally opened by the control of the control circuit 8, an electrical feedback signal is output from the on-off valve 2068 to the control circuit 8. The cleaning pump 2067 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and supplies the cleaning liquid into the sample dispensing probe 205.

  One end of the pressure detector 2061 shown in FIG. 4 is connected to the tube 2063 of the sample dispensing unit 206. The pressure detector 2061 includes a pressure sensor 20611, an amplifier 20612, and an A / D converter 20613. The pressure sensor 20611 measures the pressure in the sample dispensing probe 205 with reference to the atmospheric pressure. The pressure sensor 20611 outputs a signal based on the measured pressure to the amplifier 20612. The amplifier 20612 amplifies the signal output from the pressure sensor 20611 and outputs the amplified signal to the A / D converter 20613. The A / D converter 20613 converts the signal amplified by the amplifier 20612 into a digital signal. The pressure detector 2061 outputs a digital signal to the control circuit 8.

  The pressure detector 2061 is lower than the atmospheric pressure in the sample dispensing probe 205 when the sample is being aspirated by the sample dispensing probe 205, that is, when the sample dispensing unit 206 is aspirating. Detect the suction pressure. Further, the pressure detector 2061 detects the atmospheric pressure in the sample dispensing probe 205 when the sample dispensing probe 205 is discharging the sample, that is, when the sample dispensing unit 206 is performing the discharging operation. Even high discharge pressure is detected. The pressure detector 2061 detects a cleaning pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure in the sample dispensing probe 205 when the cleaning liquid is supplied by the cleaning pump 2067 of the sample dispensing unit 206.

  The first reagent dispensing arm 216 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the sampling lane 243 so as to be vertically movable and rotatable in the horizontal direction. The first reagent dispensing arm 216 holds the first reagent dispensing probe 217 at one end. The first reagent dispensing arm 216 is rotated by the drive mechanism 4. When the first reagent dispensing arm 216 is rotated, the first reagent dispensing probe 217 is rotated along an arcuate rotation trajectory. On this rotation trajectory, the first reagent dispensing probe 217 sucks the first reagent corresponding to each inspection item from the reagent container disposed on the outer circle 2021 of the reagent storage 202, and the suction. The first reagent discharge position 2015 for discharging the first reagent discharged to the reaction tube 2011 is set. The rotation trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 217 is the movement trajectory of the reagent container (reagent suction port) disposed on the outer circle 2021 of the reagent storage 202, and the movement of the reaction tube 2011 held on the reaction disk 201. Crosses with each trajectory. The intersections with the respective movement trajectories are the reagent suction position and the first reagent discharge position 2015.

  The first reagent dispensing probe 217 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves in the vertical direction at the reagent suction position on the rotation path and the first reagent discharge position 2015. Further, the first reagent dispensing probe 217 aspirates the first reagent from the reagent container 101 located at the reagent aspirating position on the rotation path in accordance with the control of the control circuit 8. The first reagent dispensing probe 217 discharges the aspirated first reagent to the reaction tube 2011 located at the first reagent discharge position 2015 according to the control of the control circuit 8.

  The configurations and functions of the first reagent dispensing unit 218 and the pressure detector 2181 are the same as those of the sample dispensing unit 206.

  The second reagent dispensing arm 219 is provided between the reagent storage 202 and the rack loading unit 230 so as to be vertically movable and rotatable in the horizontal direction. The second reagent dispensing arm 219 holds the second reagent dispensing probe 220 at one end. The second reagent dispensing arm 219 is rotated by the drive mechanism 4. When the second reagent dispensing arm 219 is rotated, the second reagent dispensing probe 220 is rotated along an arcuate rotation trajectory. On this rotation trajectory, a reagent aspirating position where the second reagent dispensing probe 220 aspirates the second reagent corresponding to each inspection item from the reagent container 101 arranged on the inner circle 2022 of the reagent storage 202, A second reagent discharge position 2017 for discharging the sucked second reagent to the reaction tube 2011 is set. The rotation trajectory of the second reagent dispensing probe 220 is the movement trajectory of the reagent container (reagent suction port) disposed on the inner circle 2022 of the reagent storage 202, and the movement of the reaction tube 2011 held on the reaction disk 201. Crosses with each trajectory. Intersections with the respective movement trajectories are the reagent suction position and the second reagent discharge position 2017.

  The second reagent dispensing probe 220 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves in the vertical direction at the reagent suction position on the rotation path and the second reagent discharge position 2017. Further, the second reagent dispensing probe 220 aspirates the second reagent from the reagent container 101 located at the reagent aspirating position on the rotation path in accordance with the control of the control circuit 8. The second reagent dispensing probe 220 discharges the aspirated second reagent to the reaction tube 2011 located at the second reagent discharge position 2017 in accordance with the control of the control circuit 8.

  The configurations and functions of the second reagent dispensing unit 221 and the pressure detector 2211 are the same as those of the sample dispensing unit 206.

  The first stirring unit 222 and the second stirring unit 223 have a stirring arm and a stirring bar, respectively. The stirring arm supports the stirring bar in the vicinity of the tip so as to be rotatable and movable up and down. The first stirring unit 222 moves the stirrer to the reaction tube 2011 located at the stirring position in the reaction disk 201 in accordance with the control of the control circuit 8 and mixes the sample and the first reagent in the reaction tube 2011 by the stirrer. The liquid, that is, the mixed liquid in the reaction tube 2011 after the first medicine is dispensed is stirred. The second stirring unit 223 moves the stirrer to the reaction tube 2011 located at the stirring position in the reaction disk 201 according to the control of the control circuit 8, and the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction tube 2011 by the stirrer. The mixed liquid in which the reagent is mixed, that is, the mixed liquid in the reaction tube 2011 after dispensing the second reagent is stirred.

2 and 3 includes a photometric unit 224, a cleaning unit 225, and an electrolyte measurement unit 226.
The photometry unit 224 irradiates light to the mixed solution of the sample and reagent discharged into the reaction tube 2011, and optically measures the light that has passed through the mixed solution. The photometric unit 224 has a light source and a photodetector. The photometric unit 224 emits light from the light source to the reaction tube 2011 under the control of the control circuit 8. The photodetector detects light that has passed through the mixed solution of the standard sample and the reagent in the reaction tube 2011 or the mixed solution of the sample to be tested and the reagent. The photodetector generates standard data or test data represented by, for example, absorbance based on the detected light intensity. The photometry unit 224 outputs the generated standard data and test data to the analysis circuit 3.

  The cleaning unit 225 includes a waste liquid nozzle, a cleaning nozzle, and a drying nozzle. The cleaning unit 225 sucks the mixed liquid in the reaction tube 2011 located at the reaction tube cleaning position as waste liquid by the waste liquid nozzle. The cleaning unit 225 cleans the reaction tube 2011 by discharging a cleaning solution to the reaction tube 2011 located at the reaction tube cleaning position by the cleaning nozzle. The cleaning unit 225 dries the reaction tube 2011 cleaned with the cleaning liquid by supplying dry air to the reaction tube 2011 with a drying nozzle.

  The electrolyte measurement unit 226 measures a specific electrolyte present in the mixed liquid in the reaction tube 2011. The electrolyte measurement unit 226 measures, for example, the concentration of ions generated from a specific electrolyte.

  The control circuit 8 according to the present embodiment implements various functions shown in FIG. 1 by executing the operation program read from the storage circuit 7. That is, the control circuit 8 includes a system control function 81, an error monitoring function 82, a stay determination function 83, a display control function 84, and a discharge management function 85. In this embodiment, a case where the system control function 81, the error monitoring function 82, the stay determination function 83, the display control function 84, and the discharge management function 85 are realized by a single processor will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Not. For example, a control circuit is configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor executes an operation program, whereby a system control function 81, an error monitoring function 82, a stay determination function 83, a display control function 84, and a discharge management function 85 may be realized.

  The system control function 81 is a function that controls each part in the automatic analyzer 1 based on input information input from the input interface circuit 5.

  The error monitoring function 82 monitors the state of each analysis unit included in the automatic analyzer 1, and when it is determined that a predetermined error has occurred, an error history information table that stores information relating to the generated error in the storage circuit 7 It is a function to register in

  The error history information table is a table for registering information relating to an error that has occurred. For example, a history of errors that have occurred from startup to shutdown of the automatic analyzer 1 is registered.

  The error history information table includes, for example, information indicating an occurrence time, an error name, an operation condition, and the like. The occurrence time is the time when the error occurred. The error name is an example of an error type, and is a name for uniquely identifying an error recognized by the automatic analyzer 1. The operating conditions are information regarding various parameters set in the automatic analyzer 1 and the state of the error occurrence part when a predetermined error occurs in the automatic analyzer 1. The various parameters are control parameters for realizing an operation such as dispensing that is executed at the time of measurement in the automatic analyzer 1. The information regarding the state of the error occurrence site is information representing various states that can be detected quantitatively at the error occurrence site, such as the pressure in the sample dispensing probe 205, when the error occurs.

  In the error history information table, information on the error that has occurred is registered under the control of the control circuit 8 every time a predetermined error occurs in the automatic analyzer 1.

  When the error monitoring function 82 is executed, the control circuit 8 detects an error related to the clogging of the sample dispensing probe 205 based on the pressure information with respect to the atmospheric pressure in the sample dispensing probe 205 detected by the pressure detector 2061. Determine whether it has occurred. Specifically, the control circuit 8 determines that an error relating to clogging of the sample dispensing probe 205 has occurred when the detection value during the suction operation is lower than a preset suction pressure.

  In addition, the control circuit 8 determines that an error relating to the clogging of the sample dispensing probe 205 has occurred when the detected value during the discharge operation is higher than a preset discharge pressure. Further, the control circuit 8 determines whether or not an error relating to the empty suction of the sample dispensing probe 205 has occurred based on the pressure information with respect to the atmospheric pressure in the sample dispensing probe 205 detected by the pressure detector 2061. judge. Specifically, the control circuit 8 determines that an error relating to empty suction of the sample dispensing probe 205 has occurred when the detection value during the suction operation is higher than a preset suction pressure. Further, the control circuit 8 determines whether or not an error relating to the reading of the sample ID has occurred depending on whether or not there is a notification of reading failure from the reader 245. Specifically, the control circuit 8 determines that an error relating to reading of the sample ID has occurred when the reading failure is notified from the reader 245. When determining that a predetermined error has occurred, the control circuit 8 registers information relating to the error in an error history information table stored in the storage circuit 7.

  The stay determination function 83 is a function for determining whether or not to retain the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 that stores the sample in which a predetermined error has occurred. Specifically, when the stay determination function 83 is executed, the control circuit 8 refers to, for example, an error history information table and an error correspondence table stored in the storage circuit 7.

  The error correspondence table is a table for registering information indicating whether or not the sample rack 102 holding the sample container 100 that stores the sample in which the error has occurred is retained in the buffer lane 244 for each type of error that has occurred. .

  The error correspondence table includes, for example, information indicating an error name, an error classification, necessity of staying, and the like. The error name is the same name as the error name in the error history information table. The error classification is an example of an error type, and is a name for identifying a plurality of error names as one set according to the nature and attribute of the error. The necessity of staying is a flag indicating whether or not the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 that stores the sample in which the predetermined error has occurred needs to be kept in the buffer lane 244.

  Information on the error name, error classification, necessity of staying, and the like included in the error correspondence table is registered in advance. The process of registering information indicating whether or not the sample rack 102 holding the sample container 100 that holds the sample in which the predetermined error has occurred is retained in the buffer lane 244 is performed via the input interface circuit 5. May be. Specific examples of errors that are determined to be retained include, for example, samples such as an error related to clogging of the sample dispensing probe 205, an error related to empty sampling of the sample dispensing probe 205, and an error related to reading of the sample ID. The resulting error can be mentioned. The error caused by these samples is an error that does not require the measurement operation of the automatic analyzer to be stopped when an error occurs, unlike a serious error caused by the apparatus, for example. When an error caused by the sample occurs, the operator takes out the sample rack 102 holding the sample container 100 that stores the sample causing the error caused by the sample from the automatic analyzer 1, and re-attaches the barcode label. Or, after taking appropriate measures such as removal of a substance causing clogging, the automatic analyzer 1 is reinserted.

  The error correspondence table may be configured only with an error name and a stay necessity column corresponding to the error name, or may be configured with only an error category and a stay necessity column corresponding to the error category. Good.

  The control circuit 8 reads various information registered in the error history information table and various information registered in the error correspondence table when the measurement related to all the sample containers 100 held in the sample rack 102 to be determined is completed. . The control circuit 8 matches the error name included in the error history information and the error name included in the error correspondence table, and holds the sample container 100 that stores the sample in which the error corresponding to the error name to be matched is generated. It is determined whether or not the sample rack 102 is retained. When it is determined that the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 that stores the sample in which the error corresponding to the error name to be matched is retained, the control circuit 8 controls the drive mechanism 4 and determines that the sample rack 102 is retained. The sample rack 102 thus moved is moved from the sampling lane 243 to the buffer lane 244. Further, the control circuit 8 registers the identification information of the moved sample rack 102 and the information regarding the discharge destination of the sample rack 102 in the discharge management table.

  The discharge management table is a table that stores identification information of the sample rack 102 moved to the buffer lane 244 and information regarding the discharge destination of the sample rack 102.

  The discharge management table includes, for example, information indicating a rack ID, a sample ID, an error name, a discharge destination, and discharge availability. The rack ID is an ID for uniquely identifying the sample rack 102. The sample ID is an ID for uniquely identifying the sample container 100 (sample). The error name is the same name as the error name in the error history information table. The discharge destination is information indicating the discharge destination of the sample rack 102 retained in the buffer lane 244. The discharge availability is information indicating whether the sample rack 102 can be discharged to the discharge destination. In the following description, it is assumed that the identification information of the sample rack 102 includes a rack ID, a sample ID, and an error name, and the information regarding the discharge destination of the sample rack 102 includes a discharge destination and discharge availability.

  Each time a predetermined error occurs in the automatic analyzer 1, the discharge management table corresponds to the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 that stores the sample in which the error has occurred under the control of the control circuit 8. Information indicating a rack ID, a sample ID, an error name, a discharge destination, whether discharge is possible, and the like are registered. At this time, predetermined initial values are registered in the discharge destination and discharge availability.

  The control circuit 8 reads out the error classification corresponding to the error name included in the error history information from the predetermined table, matches the read error classification with the error classification included in the error correspondence table, and matches the error classification. It may be determined whether or not the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 that stores the sample in which the error corresponding to is retained is retained.

  The display control function 84 is a function for controlling the display circuit 6 and displaying the identification information of the sample rack 102 retained in the buffer lane 244 and information regarding the discharge destination of the sample rack 102. When the display control function 84 is executed, the control circuit 8 converts the identification information of the sample rack 102 retained in the buffer lane 244 and the information related to the discharge destination of the sample rack 102 into a predetermined display format and displays the display circuit 6. To display.

  The discharge management function 85 is a function for controlling operations related to the discharge of the sample rack 102 in accordance with a predetermined input instruction related to discharge of the sample rack 102. The control circuit 8 executes the discharge management function 85 when a predetermined instruction regarding the discharge of the sample rack 102 is input. The predetermined instruction is input at a timing when the operator takes out the sample rack 102 holding the sample container 100 that stores the sample in which the predetermined error has occurred and checks the state of the sample or the like. The control circuit 8 controls the sample rack detection sensors 253, 254, and 262 when a predetermined input relating to the discharge of the sample rack 102 is made, and controls the first recovery lane 251, the second recovery lane 252, and the STAT rack input lane. It is determined whether the sample rack 102 can be discharged to H.261. The control circuit 8 updates (changes) the discharge enable / disable value corresponding to each discharge destination in the record registered in the discharge management table using the determination result of each discharge destination. When there is an instruction to display the identification information of the sample rack 102 retained in the buffer lane 244 and the information regarding the discharge destination of the sample rack 102 via the input interface circuit 5, the control circuit 8 displays the display circuit 6. And the identification information of the sample rack 102 registered in the discharge management table and the information regarding the discharge destination of the sample rack 102 are displayed. When there is an instruction to change the discharge destination for the predetermined sample rack 102 from the operator via the input interface circuit 5, the control circuit 8 in the discharge management table, the discharge destination corresponding to the sample rack 102 for which the change instruction has been issued. Update (change) the value of. The control circuit 8 moves the sample rack 102 instructed to be discharged to a specified discharge destination when an operator issues a discharge instruction to the predetermined sample rack 102 via the input interface circuit 5.

  The flow of stay determination of the sample rack 102 by the automatic analyzer 1 configured as described above will be described according to the processing procedure of the control circuit 8 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of stay determination of the sample rack 102 by the control circuit 8 according to the present embodiment. In the following description, it is assumed that the control circuit 8 executes the stay determination for each sample rack 102. That is, the control circuit 8 performs measurement on all the sample containers 100 held in the sample rack 102 to be determined before performing the stay determination, and when the error occurs, the stay determination based on the occurrence error. Do not do. In the error history information table stored in the storage circuit 7, information on the error that has occurred is registered every time a predetermined error occurs in each analysis unit provided in the automatic analyzer 1.

  The memory circuit 7 stores an error correspondence table in advance. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the error correspondence table according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the error correspondence table includes, for example, “clogging error” indicating an error relating to clogging of the sample dispensing probe 205 and “empty” indicating an error relating to empty suction of the sample dispensing probe 205 as error names. “Sucking error”, “Sample ID reading error” indicating an error related to reading of the sample ID, and the like are set. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in the error correspondence table, for example, “clogging error”, “empty sucking error”, and “sample ID reading error” are set as one group, and an error classification “0001” is set. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the error correspondence table includes, for example, values “meaning clogging error”, “empty sucking error”, and “sample ID reading error”, which are objects to stay. 1 "is set. When the set value is “0”, it is not a target for staying, that is, the operator takes out the sample rack 102 holding the sample container 100 that stores the sample in which the predetermined error has occurred, removes the sample, etc. It means that the error does not need to be checked.

  Further, the error name included in the error correspondence table, the error classification corresponding to the error name, and the necessity of stay corresponding to the error name are registered in advance via the input interface circuit 5.

  First, when the measurement related to all the sample containers 100 held in the sample rack 102 to be determined is completed, the control circuit 8 executes the stay determination function 83 as shown in FIG. By executing the stay determination function 83, the control circuit 8 causes the occurrence time, error name, operation condition, etc. registered in the error history information table, error name registered in the error correspondence table, error classification, and stay necessity. Are read (step SA1).

  The control circuit 8 matches the error name stored in the error history information table with the error name stored in the error correspondence table, and retains the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 that stores the sample in which the error has occurred. Whether or not (step SA2). For example, when the error name stored in the error history information table is “clogging error”, the control circuit 8 stores the retention requirement corresponding to the error name “clogging error” matched in the error correspondence table shown in FIG. Since the value of “No” is “1”, it is determined that the sample rack 102 that is the target of the retention determination is retained. Further, when the error name stored in the error history information table is “empty sucking error”, the control circuit 8 corresponds to the error name “empty sucking error” matched in the error correspondence table shown in FIG. Since the retention necessity value is “1”, it is determined that the sample rack 102 to be retained is retained. Further, when the error name stored in the error history information table is “sample ID reading error”, the control circuit 8 changes the error name “sample ID reading error” matched in the error correspondence table shown in FIG. Since the corresponding stay necessity value is “1”, it is determined that the sample rack 102 to be stayed is to stay. In addition, the control circuit 8 retains when the stay necessity value corresponding to the error name stored in the error history information table matched with the error name stored in the error history information table is “0”. It is determined that the sample rack 102 to be determined does not stay.

  When it is determined that the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 that stores the sample that has generated the error corresponding to the error name that has been matched is retained (Yes in step SA2), the control circuit 8 controls the drive mechanism 4. The sample rack 102 determined to stay is moved from the sampling lane 243 to the buffer lane 244. The control circuit 8 registers the identification information of the sample rack 102 determined to be retained and information on the discharge destination of the sample rack 102 in the discharge management table of the storage circuit 7 (step SA3).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a discharge management table according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the discharge management table includes, for example, “0001”, “00000001”, “clogging error”, initial value for each item of rack ID, sample ID, error name, discharge destination, and discharge availability. “STAT” indicating the STAT rack input lane 261 is registered as a value, and “1” indicating that discharge cannot be performed is registered as an initial value in the discharge destination. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the discharge management table includes, for example, “0002”, “00000002”, “empty suction error” for each item of rack ID, sample ID, error name, discharge destination, and discharge availability. ”,“ Collection stocker 1 ”indicating the first recovery lane 251 as an initial value, and“ 1 ”indicating that discharge cannot be performed at the discharge destination as an initial value. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the discharge management table includes, for example, “0003”, “00000003”, “read sample ID” for each item of rack ID, sample ID, error name, discharge destination, and discharge availability. “Error”, “Recovery Stocker 2” indicating the second recovery lane 252 as an initial value, and “1” indicating that discharge cannot be performed as an initial value are registered.

  When the control circuit 8 determines by the execution of the stay determination function 83 that the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 that stores the sample in which the error corresponding to the matched error name is not retained (No in step SA2). Then, the drive mechanism 4 is controlled, and the sample rack 102 determined not to stay is moved from the unloading position where it can be moved to the rack recovery unit 250 on the sampling lane 243 to the first recovery lane 251 or the second recovery lane 252 (step SA4). ).

  Next, the operation related to the discharge management by the automatic analyzer 1 will be described according to the processing procedure of the control circuit 8 shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation related to discharge management by the control circuit 8 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the rack removal icon displayed by the display circuit 6.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, the control circuit 8 executes the discharge management function 85 during the measurement operation. By executing the discharge management function 85, the control circuit 8 waits until the rack removal icon I1 shown in FIG. 9 is pressed through, for example, a mouse provided in the input interface circuit 5 (step SB1). The rack removal icon I1 is included in the menu selection area A1 displayed as a part of the initial screen displayed by the display circuit 6 shown in FIG. 9, for example, and the identification information of the sample rack 102 stored in the discharge management table and This is an icon that can instruct display of information related to the discharge destination of the sample rack 102.

  When the discharge management function 85 is executed, the control circuit 8 performs automatic analysis when an arbitrary position within the range occupied by the rack removal icon I1 is specified through the operation of the mouse or the like included in the input interface circuit 5 (Yes in step SB1). It is determined whether or not each discharge destination in the apparatus 1 can be discharged (step SB2). Specifically, the control circuit 8 instructs the sample rack detection sensors 253, 254, and 262 to start detection of the presence or absence of the sample rack 102. The control circuit 8 determines whether the sample rack 102 can be discharged to the first collection lane 251 or the second collection lane 252 based on the number of response signals output from the sample rack detection sensors 253 and 254. To do. Further, the control circuit 8 determines whether the sample rack 102 can be discharged from the STAT rack input lane 261 based on the intensity of the reflected light included in the electrical signal output from the sample rack detection sensor 262. . The control circuit 8 updates the discharge availability in the discharge management table based on each determination result. For example, when the number of response signals output from the first collection lane 251 that is the discharge destination is larger than a predetermined number, the control circuit 8 determines that the discharge is impossible, and the discharge destination is displayed on the discharge management table. Is updated to “1” indicating that discharge is not possible at the discharge destination corresponding to the record that is the first collection lane 251. The control circuit 8 determines that the discharge is possible when the number of response signals output from the second collection lane 252 as the discharge destination is equal to or less than a predetermined number, and the discharge destination is displayed on the discharge management table. The value of discharge availability corresponding to the record that is the second collection lane 252 is updated to “0” indicating that discharge is possible at the discharge destination. The control circuit 8 determines that the discharge is possible when the intensity of the reflected light included in the electrical signal output from the sample rack detection sensor 262 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and the discharge destination is displayed on the discharge management table. Is updated to “0” indicating that it is possible to discharge to the discharge destination.

  The control circuit 8 executes the display control function 84 after updating the discharge management table. By executing the display control function 84, the control circuit 8 controls the display circuit 6, and the identification information of the sample rack 102 stored in the discharge management table and the discharge destination of the sample rack 102 reflecting the determination result of discharge availability The information regarding is displayed (step SB3). FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example of information related to the sample rack 102 displayed by the display circuit 6 according to the present embodiment. The screen displayed on the display circuit 6 shown in FIG. 10 includes a discharge instruction receiving area A2 and a discharge destination selection icon I2 that allows a discharge destination to be selected for each rack ID. The discharge instruction reception area A2 constitutes a part of the screen displayed by the display circuit 6 shown in FIG. 10, and the identification information of the sample rack 102 and the information regarding the discharge destination of the sample rack 102 stored in the discharge management table are stored. This is the area to be displayed. The control circuit 8 is displayed on the screen displayed by the display circuit 6 shown in FIG. 10 by designating an arbitrary position in the range occupied by the discharge instruction receiving area A2 through the operation of the mouse or the like provided in the input interface circuit 5. A predetermined confirmation screen is superimposed on the screen. The discharge destination selection icon I2 is an icon that can be instructed to select the discharge destination of the sample rack 102 that is included in the discharge instruction reception area A2 shown in FIG. The control circuit 8 designates an arbitrary position in the range occupied by the discharge destination selection icon I2 corresponding to the sample rack 102 of the rack ID “0001”, for example, through the operation of the mouse or the like provided in the input interface circuit 5. A plurality of selectable discharge destinations of the sample racks 102 set in advance for each error name or error category, for example, “STAT”, “collection stocker 1”, and “collection stocker 2” are displayed.

  In the discharge instruction receiving area A2, the value of “rack ID” is displayed in the leftmost column. The value of “Sample ID” is displayed in the right column of “Rack ID”, and the value of “Error Name” is displayed in the right column. This makes it easy for the operator to select a discharge destination and issue a discharge instruction for each sample rack that is a discharge unit.

  The control circuit 8 executes the discharge management function 85. By executing the discharge management function 85, the control circuit 8 accepts a discharge destination selection and discharge instruction from the operator via the input interface circuit 5 for the sample rack 102 retained in the buffer lane 244. For example, the control circuit 8 controls the display circuit 6 to display a screen as shown in FIG. 10, and receives a discharge destination selection and discharge instruction from the operator via the input interface circuit 5 (step SB4). . At this time, for example, the sample rack 102 in the buffer lane 244 that is retained in the buffer lane 244 is shown in FIG. By specifying an arbitrary position occupied by the discharge destination selection icon I2 corresponding to the rack ID “0001”, the discharge destination of the sample rack 102 with the rack ID “0001” can be selected. Further, for example, the operator designates an arbitrary position in an area corresponding to the rack ID “0001” in the discharge instruction receiving area A2 shown in FIG. A discharge instruction can be issued for the sample rack 102 with the rack ID “0001”.

  By executing the discharge management function 85, the control circuit 8 occupies the discharge destination selection icon I2 shown in FIG. 11 corresponding to, for example, the sample rack 102 of the rack ID “0001” in the area F2 on the screen shown in FIG. When an arbitrary position in the range of the partial display area A21 excluding the range is designated (Yes in step SB4), the discharge destination of the selected rack ID “0001” sample rack 102 is discharged with reference to the discharge management table. It is determined whether or not it is possible (step SB5).

  By executing the discharge management function 85, the control circuit 8 determines that the discharge can be discharged to the discharge destination “STAT” of the sample rack 102 with the selected rack ID “0001” (Yes in step SB5), and the display control function 84 is displayed. Run. By executing the display control function 84, the control circuit 8 displays a confirmation screen for accepting confirmation of the instruction to discharge the sample rack 102 with the selected rack ID “0001” to “STAT”, as shown in FIG. (Step SB6). The confirmation screen includes an icon displayed as “Yes” for confirming the discharge process and an icon displayed as “No” for canceling the discharge process.

  By executing the discharge management function 85, the control circuit 8 displays a confirmation screen for confirming the discharge process, and then waits until an instruction to confirm the discharge process is received from the operator via the input interface circuit 5 (Step S1). SB8).

  When the discharge management function 85 is executed, the control circuit 8 receives the instruction for confirming the discharge process from the operator via the input interface circuit 5 (Yes in step SB8), and controls the drive mechanism 4 to control the target of the instruction. The sample rack 102 to be discharged is discharged to a specified discharge destination (step SB9). For example, when an arbitrary position in the range occupied by the icon displayed as “Yes” shown in FIG. 11 is designated, the control circuit 8 controls the drive mechanism 4 to control the sample rack 102 with the rack ID “0001”. It is discharged to a discharge destination “STAT”, that is, a STAT rack input lane 261. At this time, the control circuit 8 updates the value of the non-display flag item set in advance in the discharge management table, for example, so as to exclude the information related to the rack ID “0001” from the display target of the display circuit 6 in the discharge management table. I do.

  Further, by executing the discharge management function 85, in step SB4, the control circuit 8 corresponds to, for example, the sample rack 102 of the rack ID “0002” in the discharge instruction reception area A2 in the screen shown in FIG. When an arbitrary position in the range of the partial display area A22 excluding the range occupied by the discharge destination selection icon I2 shown in (2) is designated (Yes in step SB4), the selected rack ID “ It is determined whether or not the discharge destination of the sample rack 102 of “0002” can be discharged (step SB5).

  By executing the discharge management function 85, the control circuit 8 determines that it cannot be discharged to the discharge destination “collection stocker 1” of the sample rack 102 with the selected rack ID “0002” (No in step SB5), and performs display control. Function 84 is executed. By executing the display control function 84, the control circuit 8 indicates that the sample rack 102 with the rack ID “0002” cannot be discharged to the discharge destination “collection stocker 1”, that is, the first collection lane 251 as shown in FIG. A popup is displayed (step SB7).

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the control circuit 8 provided in the automatic analyzer 1 holds the sample rack 102 holding the sample container 100 containing the sample in which the predetermined error has occurred in the predetermined staying area. Whether to stay in a certain buffer lane 244 is determined. The control circuit 8 controls the drive mechanism 4 to move the sample rack 102 determined to stay in the buffer lane 244 to the buffer lane 244. As a result, the sample rack 102 can stay in the buffer lane 244 without being discharged to a preset final discharge destination. In addition, the operator can specify the discharge destination and the discharge time point for the sample rack 102 staying in the buffer lane 244 later, and discharge the specified sample rack 102 to the specified discharge destination.

  Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden when the operator acquires a sample rack that holds a desired sample container.

  In the first embodiment, the control circuit 8 controls the display circuit 6 to display the identification information of the sample rack retained in the buffer lane 244 and the discharge destination set in advance for the sample rack 102. When a discharge instruction for the sample rack 102 identified by the identification information displayed by the display circuit 6 is input, the control circuit 8 controls the drive mechanism 4 to preset the sample rack 102 that is the target of the discharge instruction. To the destination. Accordingly, the operator confirms the identification information of the sample rack 102 staying in the predetermined staying area and the discharge destination set in advance for the sample rack 102, and then moves the sample rack 102 to the discharge destination. Is possible.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the control circuit 8 controls the display circuit 6 when the instruction to discharge the sample rack 102 identified by the identification information to a predetermined discharge destination is input, and the buffer lane 244 is controlled. A confirmation screen for accepting confirmation of an instruction to discharge the sample rack 102 moved to the predetermined discharge destination is displayed. This prevents the sample rack 102 from being discharged as it is when an instruction to discharge the sample rack 102 that is not intended to be discharged due to human error is input to a predetermined discharge destination. It becomes possible.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the control circuit 8 controls the discharge management in which the identification information of the sample rack 102 retained in the buffer lane 244 and the discharge destination set in advance for the sample rack 102 are stored in the storage circuit 7. Register in the table. When the change instruction for the discharge destination displayed in the discharge instruction receiving area A2 is input, the control circuit 8 controls the display circuit 6 and sets a plurality of discharges predetermined for the sample rack 102 to be changed. Display previous candidates. When an instruction to select one of the displayed plurality of discharge destination candidates is input, the control circuit 8 receives the change instruction registered in the discharge management table stored in the storage circuit 7. The discharge destination of the target sample rack 102 is changed to the selected discharge destination. Thus, the operator can change the discharge destination before discharging while visually checking the congestion status of each discharge destination.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the control circuit 8 displays the identification information of the sample rack 102 retained in the buffer lane 244 and the discharge destination set in advance on the sample rack 102 identified by the identification information. When the instruction is input, the display circuit 6 is controlled to display the identification information and the discharge destination. Thus, the operator can recognize which sample rack 102 is retained in the retention area due to what kind of error.

  In the first embodiment, when an instruction to display the identification information and the discharge destination of the sample rack 102 retained in the buffer lane 244 is input, the control circuit 8 determines whether or not the discharge destination can be discharged. To do. After determining whether discharge is possible or not, the control circuit 8 updates the discharge management table according to the result obtained by the determination in the discharge management table. After updating the discharge availability, the control circuit 8 controls the display circuit 6 to display the identification information of the sample rack 102, the discharge destination, and the determination result of the discharge availability. Accordingly, the operator can recognize which sample rack 102 is retained in the retention area due to what error, and whether or not the discharge destination set in advance for the sample rack 102 can be discharged. It becomes possible.

  In the first embodiment, an error name may be used as an error type to be matched, or an error classification may be used. This makes it possible to set an error handling table that meets the needs of the operator.

  In the first embodiment, the control circuit 8 controls the display circuit 6 and is preset for the identification information of the sample rack 102 moved to the buffer lane 244 and the sample rack 102 identified by the identification information. A discharge instruction receiving area A2 is displayed for receiving a discharge instruction for the sample rack 102 identified by the displayed identification information. Thus, the operator can give an instruction to discharge the desired sample rack 102 after recognizing which sample rack 102 is retained in the retention area due to what error. .

  In the first embodiment, the control circuit 8 controls the display circuit 6 to display a discharge destination selection icon I2 for receiving a change instruction for the discharge destination displayed in the discharge instruction receiving area A2. As a result, the operator can issue an instruction to change to a desired discharge destination.

  In the first embodiment, the control circuit 8 controls the display circuit 6 to display a display reception icon I1 that receives an instruction to display the discharge instruction reception area A2. Thus, the operator can recognize which sample rack 102 is staying in the staying area due to what kind of error before giving an instruction to discharge the sample rack 102.

  In the first embodiment, the control circuit 8 controls the display circuit 6 to display a confirmation screen for accepting confirmation of an instruction to discharge the sample rack 102 moved to the buffer lane 244 to a predetermined discharge destination. To do. As a result, when an instruction to discharge the sample rack 102 that is not intended to be discharged due to human error is input to a predetermined discharge destination, the operator can redo the instruction.

[Modification]
In the above embodiment, the control circuit 8 executes the stay determination for each sample rack 102, and performs the measurement for all the sample containers 100 held in the sample rack 102 to be determined before performing the stay determination. It is assumed that the stay determination is not performed when an error occurs. In the modified example, when a predetermined error occurs, the control circuit 8 determines whether or not to retain the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 that stores the sample in which the error has occurred. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the stay determination of the sample rack 102 by the control circuit 8 according to the modification. Hereinafter, the operation related to the determination of stay of the sample rack 102 by the automatic analyzer 1 according to the modification will be described according to the processing procedure of the control circuit 8 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the control circuit 8 waits until an error recognized by the automatic analyzer 1 is detected (step SC1). The control circuit 8 detects the occurrence of an error, for example, by capturing an event log or the like output as a standard from the automatic analyzer 1.

  When the occurrence of an error is detected (Yes in step SC1), the control circuit 8 executes the stay determination function 83. By executing the stay determination function 83, the control circuit 8 refers to the error correspondence table, matches the generated error with the error name registered in the error correspondence table, and stores the sample container 100 that contains the sample in which the error has occurred. It is determined whether or not the sample rack 102 that holds the sample is retained (step SC2).

  When the control circuit 8 determines by the execution of the stay determination function 83 that the sample rack 102 holding the sample container 100 that stores the sample in which the error corresponding to the matched error name is to be stored (Yes in step SC2). Then, the drive mechanism 4 is controlled, and the sample rack 102 determined to be retained is moved to the buffer lane 244. The control circuit 8 moves the sample rack 102 determined to be retained to the buffer lane 244. The control circuit 8 registers the identification information of the sample rack 102 determined to be retained and information on the discharge destination of the sample rack 102 in the discharge management table of the storage circuit 7 (step SC3).

  When the control circuit 8 determines by the execution of the stay determination function 83 that the sample rack 102 that has generated an error corresponding to the matched error name does not stay (No in step SC2), the control circuit 8 controls the drive mechanism 4 and does not stay. The sample rack 102 determined to be moved from the unloading position where it can be moved to the rack collection unit 250 on the sampling lane 243 to the first collection lane 251 or the second collection lane 252 (step SC4).

  As described above, in the modification, the control circuit 8 provided in the automatic analyzer 1 sets the sample rack 102 that holds the sample container 100 that holds the sample in which the error is generated at the time when the error occurs. It is determined whether or not to stay in the buffer lane 244 which is the staying area. The control circuit 8 controls the drive mechanism 4 to move the sample rack 102 determined to stay in the buffer lane 244 to the buffer lane 244. Therefore, the operator can quickly notice that the sample rack 102 holding the sample container 100 that stores the sample in which the error has occurred is moved to the buffer lane 244 after a predetermined error has occurred. As a result, the operator can quickly discharge the sample rack 102 holding the sample container 100 containing the sample in which the predetermined error has occurred to a predetermined discharge destination.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The error that is the target for retaining the sample rack 102 is not limited to that described in the above embodiment. For example, the control circuit 8 may be a target for retaining the sample rack 102 in which the sample container 100 in which an error relating to a rubber stopper, an error relating to a liquid level detection error, a misalignment error, or the like that requires re-inspection has occurred is held. Good. The error relating to the rubber stopper is an error that occurs when the sample dispensing probe 205 is lowered with respect to the sample container 100 with the rubber stopper attached. The liquid level detection error is an error in which the liquid level cannot be detected by the sample dispensing probe 205 because no sample is contained in the sample container 100. The misalignment error is an error in which the suction position of the sample dispensing probe 205 with respect to the specimen is shifted during suction due to an obstacle or the like.

  Further, the screen layout displayed by the display circuit 6 is not limited to the display method as shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the identification information of the sample rack 102 and the information regarding the discharge destination displayed by the display circuit 6 according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, “error name” is displayed in the leftmost column, “sample ID” is displayed in the right column, and “rack ID” is displayed in the right column. Also good. As a result, the operator can select the discharge destination while viewing the error content as a key.

  The term “processor” used in the above description is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), a programmable logic device (for example, It means a circuit such as a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor implements a function by reading and executing a program stored in the storage circuit. Note that each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured as a single processor by combining a plurality of independent circuits to realize the function. Good. Furthermore, a plurality of components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into one processor to realize the function.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Automatic analyzer, 2 ... Analysis mechanism, 3 ... Analysis circuit, 4 ... Drive mechanism, 5 ... Input interface circuit, 6 ... Display circuit, 7 ... Memory circuit, 8 ... Control circuit, 81 ... System control function, 82 ... Error monitoring function, 83 ... Residence determination function, 84 ... Display control function, 85 ... Discharge management function, 100 ... Sample container, 101 ... Reagent container, 102 ... Sample rack, 201 ... Reaction disk, 202 ... Reagent storage, 204 ... Sample Dispensing arm, 205 ... sample dispensing probe, 205 ... sample dispensing probe, 206 ... sample dispensing unit, 206 ... sample dispensing unit, 216 ... first reagent dispensing arm, 217 ... first reagent dispensing probe, 218 ... first reagent dispensing unit, 219 ... second reagent dispensing arm, 220 ... second reagent dispensing probe, 221 ... second reagent dispensing unit, 222 ... DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 stirring unit, 223 ... 2nd stirring unit, 224 ... photometry unit, 225 ... washing | cleaning unit, 226 ... electrolyte measurement unit, 230 ... rack loading unit, 231 ... loading lane, 240 ... rack moving unit, 241 ... transport arm, 242 ... Conveying rail, 243 ... Sampling lane, 244 ... Buffer lane, 245 ... Reader, 250 ... Rack collection unit, 251 ... First collection lane, 252 ... Second collection lane, 253 ... Sample rack detection sensor, 254 ... Sample rack detection Sensor: 260 ... STAT rack input unit, 261 ... STAT rack input lane, 262 ... Sample rack detection sensor, 2011 ... Reaction tube, 2012 ... Thermostatic bath, 2013 ... Sample discharge position, 2013 ... Sample discharge position, 2015 ... First reagent Discharge position 2017 ... Second reagent discharge position, 2021 ... Outer circle, 2022 ... Inner circle, 2061 ... Pressure detector, 2063 ... Tube, 2064 ... Syringe, 2065 ... Plunger, 2066 ... Tank, 2067 ... Washing pump, 2068 ... On-off valve, 2069: Sample probe cleaning position, 2181 ... Pressure detector, 2211 ... Pressure detector, 2431 ... Rack loading position, 2432 ... Sample suction position, 20611 ... Pressure sensor, 20612 ... Amplifier, 20613 ... Converter.

Claims (12)

A retention area for retaining the sample rack;
Based on the error that has occurred, a determination unit that determines whether or not the sample rack that holds the sample container that holds the sample that has caused the error is retained in the retention area;
A drive unit for moving the sample rack determined to be retained to the retention area;
When a discharge instruction is input to the sample rack retained in the retention area, the drive unit is controlled so that the sample rack that is the target of the discharge instruction is discharged to a discharge destination set in advance for the sample rack. An automatic analyzer comprising an emission management unit.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays identification information of the sample rack moved to the staying area and a discharge destination set in advance for the sample rack identified by the identification information.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, further comprising a display control unit that causes the display unit to display a confirmation screen for accepting confirmation of the discharge instruction when the discharge instruction is input. A storage unit for storing the identification information of the sample rack moved to the staying area and a discharge destination set in advance for the sample rack identified by the identification information;
When a change instruction for the displayed discharge destination is input, a display control unit is further provided for causing the display unit to display a plurality of preset discharge destination candidates for the sample rack that is the target of the change instruction. ,
When an instruction to select one discharge destination among the plurality of discharge destination candidates is input, the discharge management unit stores in advance the sample rack that is stored in the storage unit and identified by the identification information. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the set discharge destination is changed to the selected discharge destination.   The automatic analysis apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the discharge instruction is input, the display control unit displays a confirmation screen for accepting confirmation of the discharge instruction on the display unit.   When the identification information to be displayed and the display instruction for the discharge destination are input, the display control unit is set in advance for the identification information of the sample rack to be displayed and the sample rack identified by the identification information. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, wherein a discharge destination to be discharged is displayed on the display unit. The display unit displays information indicating whether or not the displayed discharge destination is discharged,
When the identification information to be displayed and the display instruction for the discharge destination are input, the discharge management unit determines whether discharge is possible for each discharge destination of the sample rack that is the target of the display instruction, and for each discharge destination, Change the information indicating whether or not to discharge to the result of the judgment,
The display control unit, after the information indicating whether or not the discharge is possible, is changed, the identification information of the sample rack that is the target of the display instruction, the discharge destination that is set in advance for the sample rack identified by the identification information, and The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein information indicating whether or not the discharge destination is discharged is displayed.   The automatic error according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a predetermined type is attached to the error, and the type is an error name representing each of the errors or an error classification including a plurality of the errors as one set. Analysis equipment.   The identification information of the sample rack moved to the staying area and the discharge destination set in advance for the sample rack identified by the identification information are displayed, and the ejection instruction for the sample rack identified by the displayed identification information is given. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays a discharge instruction reception area to be received.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 9, wherein the display unit further displays a discharge destination selection region that receives a change instruction for the displayed discharge destination.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 9, wherein the display unit further displays a display reception icon for receiving an instruction to display the discharge instruction reception area.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 9, wherein the display unit further displays a confirmation screen for accepting confirmation of the discharge instruction.