JP3840450B2 - Analysis equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an analyzer equipped with a mechanism for performing quantitative / qualitative analysis of a component of a sample to be analyzed using a reagent or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an analytical device that mixes specimens consisting of biological samples and reagents in a reaction container and reacts them for a predetermined time and at a predetermined temperature to perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of the components in the specimen, it measures the mechanisms and sensors and controls the reaction It has many detectors including a measuring instrument. Patent Document 1 describes an analyzer having a function of detecting an abnormality of an apparatus using these detectors and displaying the fact on the display device when an abnormality of the apparatus is found. ing.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-004635
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The technique described in Patent Document 1 determines a failure of the apparatus based on the result of operating the mechanism. In this case, the presence or absence of abnormality is judged by 1 or 0 indicating whether the output of the detector read in accordance with the instruction is in the normal range or not, and the control computer instructs the reading of the detector output after the mechanism operation. Was. That is, the occurrence of an abnormality has been noticed only after a failure has occurred. If an abnormality is found, the apparatus is stopped, and the analysis during the measurement does not give a result, but not only the measurement is stopped, but after that, there is a downtime until the failed part is replaced.
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to provide an analyzer that can determine in advance an abnormality sign. As a result, it is possible to use the analysis device without interrupting the analysis by replacing and repairing parts that are likely to fail in advance at night or early morning when the analysis device is not operating.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention constantly monitors the output information of the detector and the usage information of the device and tracks its change over time regardless of whether the mechanism is operating or not during operation of the device. Provides an automated analyzer with means for diagnosing signs of device failure.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 includes a sample disk 1, a reagent disk 2, a reaction disk 3, a reaction tank 4, a specimen sampling mechanism 5, a reagent sampling mechanism 6, a stirring mechanism 7, a photometric mechanism 8, a cleaning mechanism 9, and a display unit 10. , An input unit 11, a storage unit 12, a control unit 13, and a detector (not shown) for operating each mechanism, and means for controlling these mechanisms.
[0008]
In the sample disk 1, a plurality of sample containers 16 in which collected samples are placed are installed on the circumference of a circular disk 17, and the circular disk 17 is rotated in the circumferential direction by a driving mechanism such as a motor. . The reagent disk 2 is provided with a plurality of reagent containers 18 in which reagents for mixing and reacting with a sample are placed on the circumference of a circular disk 19, and the periphery thereof is a temperature-controlled cool box. It is 20. Further, the circular disk is rotated in the circumferential direction by a drive mechanism such as a motor.
[0009]
A plurality of reaction container holders 22 holding reaction containers 21 for containing samples and reagents are attached to the reaction disk 3, and the drive mechanism 23 repeats circumferential rotation and stop in a constant cycle.
[0010]
The sample sampling mechanism 5 includes a drive mechanism that reciprocates between the sample disk 1 and the reaction disk 3 around the rotation axis of the arm 26 and the support shaft 25 attached to the probe 24 and the support shaft 25. A sample collected from the sample container 16 is supplied to the reaction container 21. Similarly, the reagent sampling mechanism 6 includes an arm 29 attached to the probe 27 and the support shaft 28, and a drive mechanism that allows the reagent disk 2 and the reaction disk 3 to reciprocate around the support shaft 28. Then, the reagent collected from the reagent container 18 in the reagent disk 2 is supplied to the reaction container 21.
[0011]
The agitating mechanism 7 agitates and mixes the sample and the reagent in the reaction container 21 by irradiating sound waves from the side surface of the reaction container 21 transferred to the agitation position. The stirring mechanism 7 includes a sound source 31. Of course, the stirring mechanism can also use the stirring system using a normal stirring rod.
[0012]
The photometric mechanism 8 measures the absorbance of the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 21. The cleaning mechanism 9 includes a plurality of nozzles 33 and a vertical drive mechanism 34, and sucks the reaction liquid in the reaction container 21 and discharges the cleaning liquid, thereby transferring the reaction container 21 to the cleaning position. Wash.
[0013]
Each mechanism includes a detector 14 and a controller 15 that drives the detector and the mechanism.
[0014]
The display unit 10 displays various screens such as analysis items and analysis results, and the input unit 11 inputs various information such as analysis items.
[0015]
The storage unit 30 accumulates detector information and device usage information. In addition, the storage unit 30 performs statistical processing such as accumulation of acquired information and usage frequency per unit time, and stores the information.
[0016]
The diagnosis unit 12 acquires the output information of the detector, the use information of the device, and the result after statistical processing through the control unit 13 and the storage unit 30, and diagnoses the sign of abnormality of the device from the acquired information. . The diagnosis unit 12 is present in, for example, a service center, and obtains and stores output information of the detector provided by the analyzer through a communication line, usage information of the device, and results after statistical processing thereof, A form in which the diagnostic result is provided to the analyzer can also be considered.
[0017]
The control unit 13 controls each mechanism and periodically collects output information from the detector 14 and the controller 15.
[0018]
A method for diagnosing signs of device abnormality in the automatic analyzer configured as described above will be described below.
[0019]
The procedure for diagnosing a sign of abnormality in the apparatus is performed according to the flow shown in FIG. 2 immediately after the apparatus is started up.
[0020]
First, as step 40-1, if the apparatus is currently powered on, a process for diagnosing a sign of abnormality in the mechanism of the apparatus is performed. Next, as Step 40-2, the control unit 13 collects detection data from the detectors 14 and the controllers 15 provided in all the mechanisms included in the analyzer and provides the collected detection data to the diagnosis unit 12.
[0021]
As step 40-3, when the diagnosis unit 12 receives the detection data from the control unit 13, the diagnosis unit 12 stores the detection data in the storage unit 30. The storage unit 30 performs statistical processing, such as derivation of a change over time, a cumulative value, and an average value of detection data from the acquired detection data.
[0022]
As Step 40-4, the diagnosis unit 12 shows signs of failure in each mechanism according to a predetermined diagnosis method based on the detection data acquired from the control unit 13 and the result of the statistical processing performed by the storage unit 30 on the detection data. Determine whether.
[0023]
As Steps 40-5 and 40-6, when it is determined that there is a sign of abnormality as a result of the diagnosis, the diagnosis result is displayed on the display unit 10.
[0024]
The above-described processing is repeated again at the monitoring cycle set in advance from Step 40-1 regardless of the diagnosis result. This process is repeated until the apparatus is turned off.
[0025]
In the above description, the procedure for diagnosing the sign of failure from the output data of the detector has been described. Similarly, the means for diagnosing the sign of failure from the usage information of the apparatus is also controlled by the control unit 13 in step 40-2. The mechanism usage information is acquired, and in step 40-3, statistical processing such as aging of the number of times each mechanism is used, the derivation of the accumulated value, and the average value is performed from the mechanism usage information acquired in the storage unit 30. In step 40-4, it can be realized by diagnosing whether each mechanism has a sign of failure.
[0026]
In addition, since the characteristic of deterioration of each mechanism of the apparatus differs depending on the detector or apparatus or the environment in which the apparatus is used, the diagnosis method can be set individually. Hereinafter, as a method of setting the diagnosis method, it will be described with reference to FIG.
[0027]
FIG. 3 is a display example of a list of diagnosis results.
[0028]
The display unit 10 is always implemented without depending on, for example, the mechanism name 50-1, the detector name 50-2, the diagnosis result 50-3, the diagnosis method 50-4 at the timing when the mechanism is operated, and the operation of the mechanism. Items such as a diagnosis method 50-5, a diagnosis presence / absence 50-6 for selecting whether or not to perform diagnosis using the detector, and an attachment date 50-7 of the detector are displayed.
[0029]
The diagnosis method 50-4 at the timing when the mechanism is operated and the diagnosis method 50-5 that is always performed without depending on the operation of the mechanism can be assigned to each detector. For example, a plurality of diagnosis methods 50-5 listed in a list box are displayed. From the diagnostic method, it can be set through the input unit 11.
[0030]
Examples of the diagnostic method include a diagnostic method based on a stop error, a diagnostic method based on vibration frequency, and a diagnostic method based on waveform verification.
[0031]
For example, the sample aspiration position detector provided in the arm 26 of the sample sampling mechanism diagnoses a sign of a failure of the sample sampling mechanism by a diagnosis method using a stop error by default. The diagnosis method based on the stop error will be described below using the arm 26 of the sample sampling mechanism as an example.
[0032]
The control unit 13 stores information on the coordinate value of the specimen aspirating position, and further tracks the current coordinates of the arm 26 of the specimen sampling mechanism at a constant cycle. The specimen aspiration position detector detects that the arm 26 of the specimen sampling mechanism has reached that position. The arm 26 of the sample sampling mechanism stops with the detection as a trigger. At the same time, when the diagnostic unit 12 receives the device usage information from the control unit 13, the storage unit 30 receives the device usage information from the diagnostic unit and stores it as the cumulative usage count of the arm 26 of the sample sampling mechanism. In the diagnosis method based on the stop error, the storage unit 30 uses the difference between the coordinate value when the arm 26 of the sample sampling mechanism stops at the sample suction position and the coordinate value of the sample suction position stored in advance (shift of the stop position). Calculate the square of. Further, the storage unit 30 calculates the sum of squares of the deviations of the stop positions that have occurred since the time of delivery of the device or after the time of attachment by replacement of the parts and up to the present time. The diagnosis unit 12 acquires the sum of squares of the stop position deviation from the storage unit 30. When the cumulative use count exceeds a predetermined count and this value exceeds a certain threshold value, it is diagnosed that there is a sign of failure and the result is displayed on the diagnosis result 50-3 of the display unit 10. . It is also possible to set a predetermined cumulative number of times of use to 0 and diagnose a failure sign using only the output information of the detector.
[0033]
Further, the sample aspiration position detector provided in the arm 26 of the sample sampling mechanism always diagnoses a sign of failure of the sample sampling mechanism by a diagnosis method based on vibration frequency by default at every monitoring period. A diagnosis method based on vibration frequency will be described below by taking a sample sampling mechanism as an example. The control unit 13 monitors ON / OFF of the sample aspiration position detector, information indicating whether the mechanism is currently operating or stopped, and the operation direction of the mechanism at a constant cycle regardless of the operation of the sample sampling mechanism. As described above, the control unit 13 tracks the current coordinates of the sample sampling mechanism at a constant period, and whether the sample aspiration position detector should be currently ON based on the positional relationship between the current coordinates and the sample aspiration position. , It is determined whether it should be OFF. The diagnosis unit 12 receives from the control unit 13 information (theoretical value) indicating whether the sample aspiration position detector should be ON or OFF, and information (detection value) actually acquired from the sample aspiration position detector. ). The diagnosis unit 12 counts the number of times that there is a difference between the theoretical value and the detection value within a certain period. When the number exceeds the threshold value, the diagnosis unit 12 diagnoses that there is a sign of abnormality, and diagnoses the display unit 10. The result is displayed in the result 50-3.
[0034]
In addition, when the sample sampling mechanism includes a plurality of detectors such as a sample discharge position detector in addition to the sample aspiration position detector, a sign of failure of the sample sampling mechanism is obtained from the output information of the plurality of detectors. There is also a method of diagnosing.
[0035]
In addition, the detection waveform detector included in the stirring mechanism 7 diagnoses a sign of a failure of the stirring mechanism 7 by default by a diagnosis method based on waveform comparison. A diagnosis method based on waveform matching will be described below.
[0036]
The control unit 13 detects the applied voltage and acquires the waveform at the timing when the sound wave is output. The diagnosis unit stores a waveform of the applied voltage at the normal time, and performs pattern matching between the detected waveform and the waveform of the applied voltage at the normal time. Since the pattern matching method is known, it is omitted in the text. As a result of pattern matching, if the waveform does not match the normal waveform, it is diagnosed that there is a sign of abnormality, and the result is displayed on the diagnosis result 50-3 of the display unit 10.
[0037]
Note that the appropriate diagnosis method varies depending on the time after the parts are attached and the environment in which the apparatus is used. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 10 can also have a function of editing a diagnostic method. For example, when the diagnostic method editing key is selected from the input unit 11, the display unit 10 displays basic statistical processing functions such as average value calculation, minimum value calculation, and maximum value calculation, and the user inputs the function to the input unit. There is also a proposal to customize the diagnosis method by selecting from 11 and combining them.
[0038]
Moreover, the display part 10 may display the diagnosis presence or absence 50-6, and may select the detector used for a diagnosis from the input part 11. FIG.
[0039]
The display unit 10 can display the monitoring period of the detector, and can change the monitoring period from the input unit according to the situation.
[0040]
In the case where the outputs are always recorded for the detectors of all the mechanisms provided in the apparatus, the mechanism for monitoring the output may be selected by the operator if the capacity of the storage unit is insufficient. Also, the monitor interval can be arbitrarily set to reduce the load on the storage unit memory.
[0041]
FIG. 4 is a detailed display example in which signs of abnormality for each detector are diagnosed.
[0042]
For example, for each detector, a graph 60-1 of detector output data stored from the time of delivery of the device, a threshold 60-2 for diagnosing that there is a sign of abnormality, a threshold 50-3 for determining a failure, etc. Is displayed. The detector output data 60-1 stored from the time of delivery of the apparatus may be displayed by selecting a display range such as the result of the most recent time or the result of one month. Moreover, the output data 60-1 of the detector stored from the time of delivery of the apparatus can be displayed by selecting output data acquired at the timing when the mechanism is operated and output data acquired when the mechanism is stopped. it can.
[0043]
In addition, a threshold value for diagnosing that there is an abnormality sign and a threshold value for determining a failure may be settable.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, since the states of all the detectors provided in the apparatus are constantly monitored during the operation of the apparatus, it is possible to predict a failure of the apparatus in advance and prevent the analysis apparatus from being stopped.
[0045]
In addition, since a user or a service person is notified when a sign of a failure of the apparatus is seen, the downtime of the apparatus can be reduced.
[0046]
Further, since signs of device failure are diagnosed according to the situation, excessive maintenance can be avoided and maintenance costs can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for diagnosing a sign of abnormality of the mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a display example of a diagnosis result list according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a detailed display example in which signs of abnormality are detected for each detector.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sample disk, 2 ... Reagent disk, 3 ... Reaction disk, 4 ... Reaction tank, 5 ... Sample sampling mechanism, 6 ... Reagent sampling mechanism, 7 ... Agitation mechanism, 8 ... Photometry mechanism, 9 ... Cleaning mechanism, 10 ... Display 11, input unit, 12, storage unit, 13, control unit, 14, detector, 15, controller, 16, sample container, 17, 19, circular disc, 18, reagent container, 20, cold storage, 21, Reaction vessel, 22 ... Reaction vessel holder, 23 ... Drive mechanism, 24, 27 ... Probe, 25, 28 ... Support shaft, 26, 29 ... Arm, 30 ... Storage section, 31 ... Sound source, 33 ... Nozzle, 34 ... Vertical drive Mechanism, 40-1 to 40-6 ... steps of a flow for diagnosing signs of abnormality of the device, 50-1 to 50-7 ... display items of a list of diagnosis results, 60-1 to 60-3 ... by one detector Monitoring result Display items.

Claims (6)

An automatic analyzer equipped with a specimen dispensing mechanism, a reagent dispensing mechanism, a stirring mechanism, and a detector that detects the operation of each analysis mechanism,
A recording unit for recording the output from the detector;
An automatic analysis, comprising: a determination unit that determines an indication of a failure of the device by combining the output of the detector recorded in the recording unit and the information on the cumulative number of times of use of the mechanism provided in the detector. apparatus. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
Wherein the type of detector is provided mechanism, an automatic analysis apparatus characterized by comprising a mechanism capable of setting a method for determining the sign of failure. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
An automatic analyzer comprising an input device capable of selecting in advance a mechanism for performing diagnosis. In the automatic analyzer in any one of Claims 1-3 ,
An automatic analyzer having a function of displaying that there is a sign of a failure of a mechanism in a result of measurement using the mechanism when it is determined that the mechanism has a sign of a failure. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4 ,
An automatic analyzer having a function of notifying the outside of an automatic analyzer through a communication line when it is determined that there is a sign of a mechanism failure. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2 ,
An automatic analyzer comprising an input device that can be customized by combining a statistical processing function with a method for determining a sign of failure.

Images