Patent Application
20090281930
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that performs analysis such as biochemical analysis and immunological tests in an automatic manner, an order management system, and an order management method.
2. Description of the Related Art
An automatic analyzer is a widely known apparatus that performs analysis such as biochemical analysis in an automatic manner. Such an automatic analyzer includes a specimen supplying unit, an analyzing unit, and a data processing unit. The specimen supplying unit successively supplies racks with sampling tubes. The analyzing unit includes a reaction tank and a cool reagent-container. In the reaction tank, a cuvette wheel and a measurement optical system are disposed. The cool reagent-container houses reagent bottles containing reagents that react with the specimen. The cuvette wheel houses cuvettes (reaction vessels) and is used to dispense a reagent from a reagent bottle and a specimen from a sampling tube. Moreover, the absorbance of a test liquid obtained by reaction in a cuvette (absorbance of a mixed liquid of a reagent and a specimen) is measured by, for example, the measurement optical system. The data processing unit obtains an analysis result by using the measured absorbance. If a reagent runs short before the analysis is complete, it is necessary to stop the analysis and replace the corresponding reagent bottle for restocking that reagent (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2005-37171).
An automatic analyzer according to an aspect of the present invention is for analyzing a specimen by assaying a test liquid containing a predetermined quantity of a reagent dispensed according to an analysis item from a reagent bottle and a predetermined quantity of the specimen. The automatic analyzer includes an analysis history storing unit that stores therein history information of an analysis period, a specimen count, and an analysis item of analysis performed in past; a usage quantity estimating unit that estimates, based on the history information of an analysis period corresponding to a period required for upcoming analysis, a usage quantity of the reagent for the upcoming analysis by calculating a product of a usage quantity of a reagent specified in an analysis item in the history information and a specimen count in the analysis period; a current-remaining-quantity calculating unit that calculates a current reagent remaining quantity; an upcoming-remaining-quantity calculating unit that calculates a post-upcoming-analysis reagent remaining quantity by subtracting the usage quantity of the reagent estimated by the usage quantity estimating unit from the current reagent remaining quantity calculated by the current-remaining-quantity calculating unit; and a reagent ordering unit that manages the reagent remaining quantity, the reagent ordering unit placing an order for the reagent to a reagent supplying source if the reagent remaining quantity calculated by the upcoming-remaining-quantity calculating unit is a positive value.
An automatic analyzer according to another aspect of the present invention is connected to a host apparatus performing reagent ordering and is for analyzing a specimen by assaying a test liquid containing a predetermined quantity of a reagent dispensed according to an analysis item from a reagent bottle and a predetermined quantity of the specimen. The automatic analyzer includes an analysis history storing unit that stores therein history information of an analysis period, a specimen count, and an analysis item of analysis performed in past; a usage quantity estimating unit that estimates, based on the history information of an analysis period corresponding to a period required for upcoming analysis, a usage quantity of the reagent for the upcoming analysis by calculating a product of a usage quantity of a reagent specified in an analysis item in the history information and a specimen count in the analysis period; a current-remaining-quantity calculating unit that calculates a current reagent remaining quantity; an upcoming-remaining-quantity calculating unit that calculates a post-upcoming-analysis reagent remaining quantity by subtracting the usage quantity of the reagent estimated by the usage quantity estimating unit from the current reagent remaining quantity calculated by the current-remaining-quantity calculating unit; and a notifying unit that notifies the host apparatus of the reagent remaining quantity calculated by the upcoming-remaining-quantity calculating unit, the host apparatus managing the reagent remaining quantity.
An automatic analyzer according to still another aspect of the present invention is for analyzing a specimen by assaying a test liquid containing a predetermined quantity of a reagent dispensed according to an analysis item from a reagent bottle and a predetermined quantity of the specimen. The automatic analyzer includes an analysis history storing unit that stores therein history information of an analysis period, a specimen count, and an analysis item of analysis performed in past and any one of usage conditions including a usage quantity, a usage time, and a usage count of a material used in the analysis performed in past; a usage condition estimating unit that estimates, based on the history information of an analysis period corresponding to a period required for upcoming analysis, a usage condition of the material for the upcoming analysis by adding, for each material, a usage condition of the material specified in an analysis item in the history information; an adding unit that performs, for each material, cumulative addition of a usage condition of the material including the usage condition of the material estimated by the usage condition estimating unit; and a material ordering unit that manages the usage condition of the material, the material ordering unit instructing issuing of a warning notice and placing an order for the material to a material supplying source if the usage condition of the material cumulatively added by the adding unit reaches a usage limit condition for the material.
An automatic analyzer according to still another aspect of the present invention is connected to a host apparatus performing reagent ordering and is for analyzing a specimen by assaying a test liquid containing a predetermined quantity of a reagent dispensed according to an analysis item from a reagent bottle and a predetermined quantity of the specimen. The automatic analyzer includes an analysis history storing unit that stores therein history information of an analysis period, a specimen count, and an analysis item of analysis performed in past and any one of usage conditions including a usage quantity, a usage time, and a usage count of a material used in the analysis performed in past; a usage condition estimating unit that estimates, based on the history information of an analysis period corresponding to a period required for upcoming analysis, a usage condition of the material for the upcoming analysis by adding, for each material, a usage condition of the material specified in an analysis item in the history information; an adding unit that performs, for each material, cumulative addition of a usage condition of the material including the usage condition of the material estimated by the usage condition estimating unit; and a notifying unit that notifies the host apparatus of the usage condition of the material added by the adding unit, the host apparatus managing the usage condition of the material.
In an order management system according to still another aspect of the present invention, a communication network is made up of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention and a managing device connected to the automatic analyzer and functioning as a reagent supplying source. The order management system performs reagent ordering from the automatic analyzer to the reagent supplying source.
An order management method according to still another aspect of the present invention includes making up a communication network with an automatic analyzer for analyzing a specimen by assaying a test liquid containing a predetermined quantity of a reagent dispensed according to an analysis item from a reagent bottle and a predetermined quantity of the specimen, and a managing device connected to the automatic analyzer and functioning as a reagent supplying source; storing history information of an analysis period, a specimen count, and an analysis item of analysis performed in past; estimating, based on the history information of an analysis period corresponding to a period required for upcoming analysis, a usage quantity of the reagent for the upcoming analysis by calculating a product of a usage quantity of a reagent specified in an analysis item in the history information and a specimen count in the analysis period; calculating a current reagent remaining quantity; calculating a post-upcoming-analysis reagent remaining quantity by subtracting the usage quantity of the estimated reagent from the calculated current reagent remaining quantity; while managing the remaining quantity of the reagent, placing an order for the reagent to a reagent supplying source if the calculated reagent remaining quantity is a positive value; and receiving an order for the reagent from the automatic analyzer.
An order management method according to still another aspect of the present invention includes making up a communication network between a host apparatus for performing reagent ordering and a managing device functioning as a reagent supplying source, the host apparatus being connected to a plurality of automatic analyzers for analyzing a specimen by assaying a test liquid containing a predetermined quantity of a reagent dispensed according to an analysis item from a reagent bottle and a predetermined quantity of the specimen; storing history information of an analysis period, a specimen count, and an analysis item of analysis performed in past; estimating, based on the history information of an analysis period corresponding to a period required for upcoming analysis, a usage quantity of the reagent for the upcoming analysis by calculating a product of a usage quantity of a reagent specified in an analysis item in the history information and a specimen count in the analysis period; calculating a current reagent remaining quantity; calculating a post-upcoming-analysis reagent remaining quantity by subtracting the usage quantity of the estimated reagent from the calculated current reagent remaining quantity; notifying the host apparatus of the calculated reagent remaining quantity; while managing the reagent quantity, calculating an overall remaining quantity by adding the reagent remaining quantities notified by the respective automatic analyzers if the overall remaining quantity is a positive value; and receiving an order for the reagent from the host apparatus.
An order management method according to still another aspect of the present invention includes making up a communication network between a host apparatus for performing material ordering and a managing device functioning as a material supplying source, the host apparatus being connected to a plurality of automatic analyzers for analyzing a specimen by assaying a test liquid containing a predetermined quantity of a reagent dispensed according to an analysis item from a reagent bottle and a predetermined quantity of the specimen; storing history information of an analysis period, a specimen count, and an analysis item of analysis performed in past and any one of usage conditions including a usage quantity, a usage time, and a usage count of a material used in the analysis performed in past; estimating, based on the history information of an analysis period corresponding to a period required for upcoming analysis, a usage condition of the material for the upcoming analysis by adding, for each material, a usage condition of the material specified in an analysis item in the history information; performing, for each material, cumulative addition of a usage condition of the material including the estimated usage condition of the material; issuing a warning notice if the usage condition of the material added reaches a usage limit condition for the material; and while managing the usage condition of the material, issuing a warning notice and placing an order for the material to a material supplying source if the usage condition of the material cumulatively added reaches a usage limit condition for the material.
An order management system according to still another aspect of the present invention includes making up a communication network between a host apparatus for performing material ordering and a managing device functioning as a material supplying source, the host apparatus being connected to a plurality of automatic analyzers for analyzing a specimen by assaying a test liquid containing a predetermined quantity of a reagent dispensed according to an analysis item from a reagent bottle and a predetermined quantity of the specimen; storing history information of an analysis period, a specimen count, and an analysis item of analysis performed in past and any one of usage conditions including a usage quantity, a usage time, and a usage count of a material used in the analysis performed in past; estimating, based on the history information of an analysis period corresponding to a period required for upcoming analysis, a usage condition of the material for the upcoming analysis by adding, for each material, a usage condition of the material specified in an analysis item in the history information; performing, for each material, cumulative addition of a usage condition of the material including the estimated usage condition of the material; and notifying the host apparatus of the usage condition of the material added, while managing the usage condition of the material.
The above and other features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of this invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Exemplary embodiments for an automatic analyzer, an order management system, and an order management method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments.
The automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to an automatic analyzer that performs analysis such as biochemical analysis and immunological tests in an automatic manner. Herein, the description is given with reference to a biochemical analyzer that is used in, for example, clinical examination.
A configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to
In the order management system according to the first embodiment as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The cuvette wheel 313 is a circular ring-like member that can rotate in an intermittent manner. On the substantially central portion in the radially outward direction of the cuvette wheel 313, housing recesses 313a are arranged equidistantly along the circumferential direction (hereinafter, the equal distance is referred to as one pitch). Moreover, on the inner surface and the outer surface of the cuvette wheel 313 are created optical measurement windows 313b that pass through the housing recesses 313a and that are used to guide a light beam from the outside of the cuvette wheel 313 to the inside thereof. In the housing recesses 313a, reaction vessels called cuvettes (hereinafter, “cuvettes C”) are housed. Each cuvette C is a transparent and rectangular tube-like vessel having an opening on the top. A light beam from the outside of the cuvette wheel 313 passes through the cuvettes C and is guided to the inside of the cuvette wheel 313.
At a position on the outside of the cuvette wheel 313 is disposed a light source 314a that emits light in the radially inward direction of the cuvette wheel 313. An optical measurement sensor 314b is so disposed that it lies in alignment to the line linking the light source 314a and a target cuvette for analysis. The light source 314a emits light for analyzing the test liquid obtained by reaction of the reagent and the specimen in a cuvette C. The optical measurement sensor 314b performs optical measurement of the parallel light that has passed through the test liquid in a cuvette C and through the corresponding optical measurement windows 313b. The light source 314a and the optical measurement sensor 314b are a part of the measurement optical system 314.
Apart from the light source 314a and the optical measurement sensor 314b, the measurement optical system 314 includes a collimation lens 314c that is disposed at a position on the outside of the cuvette wheel 313, a filter (not shown) that is disposed at a position on the inside of the cuvette wheel 313, and a light-source operation detecting unit 314d that detects the operation of the light source 314a. The collimation lens 314c gathers the light emitted by the light source 314a into parallel light. The filter is an optical filter that selects light of a particular wavelength absorbable by the test liquid. The filter to be disposed is determined in advanced for each measurement item. The light-source operation detecting unit 314d is disposed near the light source 314a and, during the period when light emitted by the light source 314a is being detected, continuously outputs an electric signal of a predetermined level. The control unit 5 includes, for example, a timer that counts the time for which the electric signal is being output. Thus, the control unit 5 uses the timer to detect the operating time of the light source 314a.
The cuvette wheel 313 rotates for (1 circle-1 pitch)/4 (hereinafter, “one cycle”) in 4.5 seconds in the counterclockwise direction and, upon completing four cycles in 18 seconds, completes rotation of (1 circle-1 pitch). As a result, the cuvettes C move by one pitch in the clockwise direction after every four cycles.
On the cuvette wheel 313, the position that is adjacent to the specimen supplying position is a first specimen dispensing position. The position substantially opposite to the first specimen dispensing position is a first reagent dispensing position. The position that lies in the clockwise direction from the first specimen dispensing position and that substantially splits the distance between the first specimen dispensing position and the first reagent dispensing position is a second reagent dispensing position. The position that lies in the counterclockwise direction from the first specimen dispensing position and that substantially splits the distance between the first specimen dispensing position and the first reagent dispensing position is a second specimen dispensing position. The position adjacent to the second reagent dispensing position in the counterclockwise direction is a first stirring position. The position adjacent to the second reagent dispensing position in the clockwise direction is a second stirring position. The position adjacent to the second specimen dispensing position in the counterclockwise direction is a cleaning/drying position.
As shown in
As shown in
The turntable can rotate in an intermittent manner. A plurality of dividers is disposed on the top face of the turntable. The dividers extend radially outward from the center of the turntable and are detachable with a single touch. Thus, it is possible to define the turntable having arbitrary regions.
As shown in
The first cool reagent-container 32 and the second cool reagent-container 33 include barcode readers 323 and 333, respectively, that read the barcode labels of the reagent bottles B and obtain the information regarding the reagents filled in the reagent bottles B. Thus, it is possible for the turntables to transfer an arbitrary reagent bottle B at an arbitrary timing to corresponding reagent supplying positions.
As shown in
The analyzing unit 3 includes a specimen dispensing unit 34, a first reagent dispensing unit 35, and a second reagent dispensing unit 36. The specimen dispensing unit 34 dispenses a predetermined quantity of a specimen from the sampling tube 21 that has been transferred to the specimen supplying position to a cuvette C. As shown in
An arm 341 is disposed to be movable in a rotational manner and movable up and down in vertical direction between the specimen supplying position and the first specimen dispensing position and between the specimen supplying position and the second specimen dispensing position. The probe 342 is used for specimen suction and is connected to the syringe 342e via a replaceable Ferista tube 342d. The syringe 342e sucks in a cleaning liquid Lq from a cleaning tank 342j through a Ferista tube 342i such that the probe 342 can be cleaned from inside. The fluid level sensor 342c detects the fluid level of a specimen filled in the sampling tube 21 by monitoring the capacitance when the arm 341 makes downward movement.
The probe 342 is connected to the pressure sensor 342a that verifies whether a predetermined quantity of the specimen has been sucked in. For that verification, the pressure sensor 342a monitors the change in pressure during the suction process (see
Each of the first reagent dispensing unit 35 and the second reagent dispensing unit 36 dispenses a predetermined quantity of a reagent from a reagent bottle B that has been transferred to the corresponding reagent supplying position to a cuvette C. In an identical manner to the specimen dispensing unit 34, the first reagent dispensing unit 35 includes an arm 351 and a probe 352; while the second reagent dispensing unit 36 includes an arm 361 and a probe 362. Each of the arms 351 and 361 is movable in a rotational manner and movable up and down in vertical direction between the corresponding reagent supplying position and the corresponding reagent dispensing position. The probes 352 and 362 are used for reagent suction and to detect the fluid level of the reagents filled in the reagent bottles B by monitoring the capacitance when the arms 351 and 361 make downward movement. Each of the probes 352 and 362 includes a suction verification unit that verifies whether a predetermined quantity of the reagent has been sucked in. The suction verification units are a pressure sensor 352a in the probe 352 and a pressure sensor 362a in the probe 362 (see
The analyzing unit 3 further includes a first stirring unit 37 and a second stirring unit 38 that stir the mixed liquid (specimen and reagent) in a cuvette C that has been transferred to the first stirring position and the second stirring position, respectively, to drive the reaction. The first stirring unit 37 includes a rotating arm 371 and a stir bar 372, while the second stirring unit 38 includes a rotating arm 381 and a stir bar 382. The rotating arms 371 and 381 can rotate (revolve) and move up and down in vertical direction and have a substantial triangular shape in planar view. The stir bars 372 and 382 are disposed near the apex of the rotating arms 371 and 381, respectively, and are rotatable (autorotatable) independent of the rotating arms 371 and 381, respectively. On the orbital trajectory of the stir bars 372 and 382 are disposed cleaning units 373 and 383, respectively (see
The analyzing unit 3 further includes a cleaning/drying unit 39 that can move up and down in vertical direction for every four cycles, i.e., for each rotation of (1 circle-1 pitch) of the cuvette wheel 313. The cleaning/drying unit 39 includes a plurality of nozzles 391 that are of different types such as suction nozzles for sucking in the analyzed specimen from the cuvettes, cleaning nozzles for supplying a detergent liquid or a cleaning liquid to the cuvettes, suction nozzles for sucking in the cleaning liquid from the cuvettes, and air nozzles for supplying compressed air to the cuvettes. Moreover, the cleaning/drying unit 39 includes a cleaning count detecting sensor 39a for detecting the cleaning count and outputs an electric signal to the control unit 5 each time cleaning is performed. The control unit 5 imports and counts the electric signal to detect the cleaning count.
All constituent elements in the specimen supplying unit 2 and the analyzing unit 3 are connected to the control unit 5 that can perform block control by using, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 5 controls the operations of each constituent element in the automatic analyzer 1 and also controls the analyzing unit 3 such that the analyzing process is regulated when the manufacturing lot or the expiration date of a reagent is outside the setting range.
As shown in
The data processing unit 40 is connected to the managing database 43, the communication interface 44, the reagent managing unit 45, and the common-materials managing unit 46. The managing database 43 is used to store reagent history information 43a that is the history information of reagents used in past analysis, reagent remaining quantity 43b that is the information of the current remaining quantity of each reagent, material history information 43c that is the history information of materials used in past analysis, common-materials usage information 43d that is the information of the current usage status of each material, and common-materials usage limit information 43e that indicates the usage limit for each material.
The information in the reagent remaining quantity 43b indicates the type and the remaining quantity of reagents specified for each analysis item. The reagent history information 43a includes, as shown in
Thus, for example, it is possible to refer to the specimen count and the analysis items used on the same date of the previous year or refer to reagents A to C specified for a particular test item. As shown in
In an identical manner to the reagent history information 43a, the material history information 43c can also be used to refer to the specimen count and the analysis items used on, for example, the same date of the previous year.
For a single testing of a single specimen, the detergent liquid usage quantity is about 0.01 ml and the lamp operating time is about three minutes. The common-materials usage information 43d includes, as shown in
As shown in
The reagent managing unit 45 includes a reagent ordering unit 45a (reagent ordering means) that performs order management of reagents assessed by the data processing unit 40. When the value of the estimated remaining reagent quantity calculated by the upcoming-remaining-quantity calculating unit 40c becomes negative, i.e., when the reagent usage quantity is less than the overall reagent remaining quantity, the reagent managing unit 45 instructs the notifying device 7 to issue a warning notice and instructs the communication interface 44 to, for example, perform communication for reagent ordering to the reagent supplying source. The common-materials managing unit 46 includes a material ordering unit 46a that performs order management of each material assessed by the data processing unit 40. When the cumulative usage value obtained by the cumulative addition performing unit 40e exceeds a predetermined threshold value of a usage limit condition (detergent liquid usage quantity, lamp operating time, Ferista tube usage count, and syringe usage count), the common-materials managing unit 46 instructs the notifying device 7 to issue a warning notice and instructs the communication interface 44 to, for example, perform communication for material ordering to a material supplying source.
The information reading device (information reading means) 6 is detachably attached to the data processing unit 40 via the input unit 41. The information reading device 6 is, for example, a barcode reader that reads a barcode label applied to the outer packaging of stocked reagents and obtains information regarding the reagents filled in the reagent bottles. The obtained information is output to the data processing unit 40. Subsequently, the data processing unit 40 stores the information on the stocked reagent quantity as stock information (inventory information) in the managing database 43. During analysis in the automatic analyzer 1, when a reagent bottle is determined to be empty, it is replaced with a new reagent bottle and that information is obtained. Then, the data processing unit 40 performs a dispatch entry for that empty reagent bottle from the stored inventory information. The information reading device 6 also reads the barcode label applied on the outer packaging of stocked materials and stores the read information as stock information (inventory information) in the managing database 43.
Given below is the description of each constituent element of the data processing unit 40. The usage quantity estimating unit 40a includes a program for usage quantity estimation and estimates the reagent usage quantity in upcoming analysis for each reagent by referring to the history information. More particularly, the history information of an analyzing period corresponding to the analyzing period of the upcoming analysis is obtained. For example, for the analyzing period (date) of the upcoming analysis, the reagent types are obtained from the analysis item in the corresponding analyzing period (same date of the previous year). Moreover, the past record of the reagent usage quantity is obtained by multiplying the specimen count used on that date of the previous year by their one-time dispensed quantity. In this way, it is possible to obtain the actual reagent usage quantity of each reagent on the same date of the previous year. Meanwhile, if the analyzing period corresponding to the analyzing period of the upcoming analysis is set to be the previous day, then the actual reagent usage quantity of the previous day can be obtained from the specimen count and the analysis item of the previous day. Moreover, if the history information to be referred to is set as, for example, days in a particular season, then the actual reagent usage quantity of each day in that season can be obtained from the specimen count and the analysis items per day. Similarly, if the history information to be referred to is set as, for example, weeks or months in a particular season, then the actual reagent usage quantity of each week or each month in that season can be obtained from the specimen count and the analysis items per week or per month.
The current-remaining-quantity calculating unit 40b includes a program for calculating the current remaining quantity of reagents (reagent remaining quantity). That process includes an operation to calculate the reagent remaining quantity for each reagent bottle B by subtracting the reagent quantity used in analysis from the reagent quantity filled in the reagent bottle B and an operation to calculate the overall reagent remaining quantity of identical-type reagents. In the operation to calculate the reagent remaining quantity for each reagent bottle B, the reagent quantity filled in a reagent bottle B is the quantity read by the barcode readers 323 and 333 from the barcode label applied on the outer face of that reagent bottle B. The reagent quantity of each reagent used in analysis can be calculated by multiplying the reagent quantity specified for each analysis item by the number of times for which analysis is performed. Thus, in this operation, the obtained data can be used to calculate the reagent remaining quantity for each reagent bottle B. Moreover, for each time the analysis is performed, the used reagent quantity is subjected to serial addition. Along with that, the reagent remaining quantity is also subjected to serial addition. The reagent remaining quantity provides a guideline for reagent restocking in the first cool reagent-container 32 and the second cool reagent-container 33. The reagent remaining quantity is displayed on the display panel, which functions as a display unit, for operator confirmation. Meanwhile, as described above, the data of the reagent remaining quantity is stored in the managing database 43.
In the operation to calculate the overall reagent remaining quantity of identical-type reagents, the initial value read at the time of stocking by the information reading device 6 from the barcode label applied on the outer packaging is used in calculating the overall reagent remaining quantity of the identical-type reagents. Herein, identical-type reagents indicate, for example, the reagents having the same type and manufacturing lot number. The automatic analyzer 1 includes a reagent storage container (not shown) and a reagent restocking device (not shown). The reagent storage container can be used to store the reagent bottles B containing the reagents to be restocked. When reagents are received in stock, the information reading device 6 reads the information regarding the reagents and then the reagents are once stored in the reagent storage container. The reagent restocking device collects empty reagent bottles B from the first cool reagent-container 32 and the second cool reagent-container 33 and restocks the first cool reagent-container 32 and the second cool reagent-container 33 with new reagent bottles B. In the calculation of the overall reagent remaining quantity, the reagent remaining quantity in each reagent bottle B and reagent replacement information indicating the replacement of reagent bottles is used. That is, in the operation to calculate the overall reagent remaining quantity, the reagent quantity in the replaced reagent bottles (quantity read by the barcode readers 323 and 333) is subtracted from the reagent quantity of the reagents read by the information reading device 6 and then the reagent remaining quantity in the reagent bottles is added to obtain the overall reagent remaining quantity of each reagent. The overall reagent remaining quantity provides a guideline for reagent ordering performed by the automatic analyzer 1. The overall reagent remaining quantity can be displayed on the display panel, which functions as a display unit, for operator confirmation. Moreover, as described above, the data of the overall reagent remaining quantity is also stored in the managing database 43.
The upcoming-remaining-quantity calculating unit 40c includes a program for calculating a post-upcoming-analysis reagent remaining quantity and calculates the post-upcoming-analysis reagent remaining quantity (estimated reagent remaining quantity) by subtracting the current overall reagent remaining quantity calculated by the current-remaining-quantity calculating unit 40b from the reagent usage quantity of each reagent estimated by the usage quantity estimating unit 40a. Herein, when the reagent usage quantity is larger than the overall reagent remaining quantity, the value of the estimated reagent remaining quantity becomes positive; and when the reagent usage quantity is smaller than the overall reagent remaining quantity, the value of the estimated reagent remaining quantity becomes negative. The estimated reagent remaining quantity is used by the reagent ordering unit 45a to determine whether it is necessary to place an order for the reagent.
The material usage estimating unit 40d estimates, based on the history information of an analyzing period corresponding to the analyzing period of the upcoming analysis, the usage conditions for materials to be used in the upcoming analysis by performing addition of the usage conditions for each material specified in the analysis items in the history information. More particularly, for example, for the analyzing period (month and day) of the upcoming analysis, a material usage condition such as a detergent usage quantity is obtained from the analysis items in the corresponding analyzing period (from the same month and day of the previous year to the next same month and day) and the usage conditions of same materials in those analyzing periods are added to obtain the past record of the usage condition for each material.
The cumulative addition performing unit 40e performs cumulative addition of the material usage conditions including the material usage conditions estimated by the material usage estimating unit 40d. That is, the cumulative addition performing unit 40e performs cumulative addition with respect to the previously accumulated material usage condition to calculate a cumulative usage value for each material. For example, the cumulative addition performing unit 40e adds a current usage value “1.2 ml” to an accumulated value “5 l” of the detergent usage quantity as shown in
The reagent ordering unit 45a in the reagent managing unit 45 includes a reagent ordering program to perform reagent ordering and determines whether it is necessary to place an order for a reagent. The necessity of reagent ordering is determined based on the estimated reagent remaining quantity that is obtained by subtracting the overall reagent remaining quantity from the reagent usage quantity. When the value of the estimated reagent remaining quantity is negative, it is determined that placing an order for the reagent is not necessary; and when the value of the estimated reagent remaining quantity is positive, it is determined that placing an order for the reagent is necessary. The reagent ordering unit 45a displays the estimated reagent remaining quantity (post-upcoming-analysis reagent remaining quantity) for each reagent on the display panel, which functions as a display unit, for operator confirmation. For example, in the display of the reagent remaining quantity per day, the time limit for reagent ordering on that day can be displayed. Similarly, in the display of the reagent remaining quantity per week, a day of that week can be displayed as the deadline for reagent ordering. Moreover, in the display of the reagent remaining quantity per month, a date in that month can be displayed as the deadline for reagent ordering. Meanwhile, the data of the estimated reagent remaining quantity is also stored in the managing database 43.
When it is determined that placing an order for a reagent is necessary, the reagent ordering unit 45a places an order for that reagent to the reagent supplying source based on the estimated reagent remaining quantity (post-upcoming-analysis reagent remaining quantity) calculated by the upcoming-remaining-quantity calculating unit 40c. The reagent ordering program in the reagent ordering unit 45a can be written in such a way that the data processing unit 40 automatically generates a purchase order without operator instructions based on the data of purchase order stored in the managing database 43. Alternatively, the reagent ordering program can be written in such a way that the operator is able to selectively instruct purchase order generation by using the input unit 41 such as the mouse. The generated purchase order includes information such as reagent type, manufacturing lot number currently in use, ordering quantity, delivery deadline, and calibrator lot number. Meanwhile, the reagent ordering program can be written in such a way that the time of reagent ordering is notified and the data processing unit 40 automatically generates a purchase order without operator instructions or can be written in such a way that the purchase order is generated according to the operator instructions.
The material ordering unit 46a in the common-materials managing unit 46 includes a material ordering program to perform material ordering and determines whether it is necessary to place an order for a material. The necessity of material ordering is determined based on an estimated value that is obtained by the material ordering unit 46a by subtracting the usage limit condition from the material usage condition. When the estimated value is negative, it is determined that placing an order for the material is not necessary; while when the estimated value is positive, it is determined that placing an order for the material is necessary. The material ordering unit 46a displays a post-upcoming-analysis estimated value for each material on the display panel, which functions as a display unit in the notifying device 7, for operator confirmation.
When it is determined that placing an order for a material is necessary, the material ordering unit 46a places an order for that material to a material supplying source based on the estimated value obtained by subtracting the usage limit condition from the material usage condition.
Meanwhile, the data processing unit 40 is connected to the optical measurement sensor 314b via the control unit 5. Based on the light intensity (absorbance) measured by the optical measurement sensor 314b, the data processing unit 40 analyzes, for example, the constituent concentration of the specimen. More particularly, the data processing unit 40 analyzes the constituent concentration of the specimen by using the absorbance of the test liquid obtained by reaction of the reagent and the specimen in a cuvette C. The optical measurement sensor 314b can measure in advance the light intensity of a blank sample and use it as the absorbance for comparison. The analysis result can be output to the output unit 42.
As shown in
The order receiving unit 12a includes an order receiving program for receiving an order placed for a reagent or a material. Thus, the order receiving unit 12a receives an order placed for a reagent or a material from the automatic analyzer functioning as the orderer apparatus via the IPsec network 16 and makes sure that the ordered reagent or material is delivered on the specified delivery deadline. The order receiving program can be written in such a way that the data processing unit 12 automatically generates an invoice list without operator instructions based on the received data of purchase order. Alternatively, the order receiving program can be written in such a way that the operator is able to selectively instruct invoice list generation by using the input unit such as the mouse. The generated invoice list includes information such as reagent type or material type, manufacturing lot number currently in use, ordering quantity, and delivery deadline, and calibrator lot number if a reagent is ordered.
The managing database 13 is used to store the invoice list generated by the data processing unit 12 and a client list of each automatic analyzer functioning as the orderer apparatus. The client list includes information such as address, name, telephone number, and e-mail address of the clients and wholesale prices of reagents or materials. In addition, the managing database 13 is also used to store a variety of other data such as an information deciphering program for deciphering the encrypted information and data for verifying an automatic analyzer functioning as the orderer apparatus.
Given below is the description of operations in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment with reference to
First, analysis is initiated by performing an analysis initiating procedure explained with reference to
Once the analysis starts, the specimen supplying unit 2 supplies a specimen to the analyzing unit 3. More particularly, the rack supplying conveyer 22 supplies the rack 20 to the rack transporting conveyer 23 that in turn transports the rack 20 to the specimen supplying position.
In the analyzing unit 3, reagents from the first cool reagent-container 32 and the second cool reagent-container 33 and the specimen from the specimen supplying unit 2 are dispensed to a cuvette C, and the reaction of that mixed liquid is subjected to optical measurement for analysis. The details of these operations are given below.
First, in the first cool reagent-container 32, a reagent bottle B containing a reagent corresponding to the analysis item is transferred to the reagent supplying position. Subsequently, the first reagent dispensing unit 35 sucks in a first reagent from the reagent bottle B and dispenses it to a cuvette C positioned at the first reagent dispensing position. The cleaning unit 353 then cleans the probe 352 that has been used in the dispensing operation.
When the cuvette wheel 313 rotates and the cuvette C containing the first reagent moves to the specimen dispensing position, the specimen dispensing unit 34 sucks in the specimen from the sampling tube 21 that has been transported to the specimen supplying position and dispenses it to the cuvette C positioned at the specimen dispensing position. The cleaning unit 343 then cleans the probe 342 that has been used in the dispensing operation.
When the cuvette wheel 313 rotates for four cycles, the cuvette C containing the specimen and the first reagent moves from the dispensing position of the first reagent by one pitch in the clockwise direction. Consequently, the first reagent can be dispensed to the cuvette C that lies counterclockwisely adjacent to the cuvette C containing the specimen and the first reagent.
Subsequently, when the cuvette wheel 313 rotates and the cuvette C containing the specimen and the first reagent moves to the first stirring position, the first stirring unit 37 stirs the first reagent and the specimen filled in the cuvette C. The cleaning unit 373 then cleans the stir bar 372 that has been used in stirring.
When the cuvette wheel 313 rotates and the cuvette C containing the stirred mixed liquid moves to the second reagent dispensing position, a second reagent can be dispensed to that cuvette C. Because, a normal analysis does not require dispensing of the second reagent, it is dispensed only as necessary. Consider a case of dispensing the second reagent to the cuvette C. Then, in an identical manner to the dispensing of the first reagent, a reagent bottle B containing a reagent corresponding to the analysis item is transferred to the reagent supplying position in the second cool reagent-container 33. Subsequently, the second reagent dispensing unit 36 sucks in the second reagent from the reagent bottle B and dispenses it to the cuvette C positioned at the second reagent dispensing position. The cleaning unit 363 then cleans the probe 362 that has been used the dispensing operation.
When the cuvette wheel 313 rotates and the cuvette C containing the mixed liquid and the second reagent moves to the second stirring position, the second stirring unit 38 can perform stirring of the mixed liquid in the cuvette C. If the second reagent is not dispensed to the cuvette C, then the second stirring unit 38 need not perform stirring.
When each cuvette C containing the stirred test liquid of the reagents and the specimen crosses the measurement optical system 314, the optical measurement sensor 314b performs optical measurement. Based on the light intensity (absorbance) optically measured by the optical measurement sensor 314b, the data processing unit 40 analyzes the constituent concentration of the corresponding specimen.
After completion of the optical measurement of a test liquid, the cuvette C containing that test liquid moves to the cleaning/drying position. The cleaning/drying unit 39 then sucks in and destroys the test liquid, cleans the inside of the cuvette C with the cleaning water supplied from the cleaning tank, and dries the cuvette C with the compressed air. Then, the first reagent dispensing unit 35 again dispenses the first reagent to the cleaned cuvette C for upcoming analysis.
When a reagent remaining quantity equals a predetermined reagent quantity after the analysis process has started (Yes at Step S5), an advance notification of the necessity to restock the corresponding reagent is displayed on the display panel (Step S6). On the other hand, if the reagent remaining quantity is yet to equal the predetermined reagent quantity (No at Step S5), advance notification is delayed until the reagent remaining quantity equals the predetermined reagent quantity.
Subsequently, if the reagent runs short (Yes at Step S7), that is, if suction verifying means of the first reagent dispensing unit 35 and the second reagent dispensing unit 36 cannot verify suction of a predetermined reagent quantity, then the analysis is stopped (Step S8). On the other hand, unless the reagent runs short (No at Step S7), analysis is continued until the reagent remaining quantity equals the predetermined reagent quantity.
The reagent restocking device collects empty reagent bottles B from the first cool reagent-container 32 and the second cool reagent-container 33 and restocks the first cool reagent-container 32 and the second cool reagent-container 33 with new reagent bottles B from the reagent storage container. The barcode readers 323 and 333 in the first cool reagent-container 32 and the second cool reagent-container 33, respectively, read the barcode labels applied on the reagent bottles B and the data processing unit 40 obtains information regarding the restocked reagents via the control unit 5.
Subsequently, analysis is resumed by performing an analysis resuming procedure explained with reference to FIG. 12. The analysis resuming procedure includes, for example, calibration determination. If deemed necessary (Yes at Step S11), calibration determination and QC determination is performed (Step S12). If the result of calibration determination and QC determination is normal (Yes at Step S13), the analysis is resumed (Step S15), On the other hand, if the result of at least one of calibration determination and QC determination is not normal (No at Step S13), the analysis is terminated (Step S14) and the notification of termination is displayed on the display panel. Meanwhile, if calibration determination and QC determination is not deemed necessary (No at Step S11), the analysis is resumed directly (Step S15).
A case in which calibration determination and QC determination is necessary is when the manufacturing lot number of a pre-restocking reagent is different than the manufacturing lot number of a post-restocking reagent. If the manufacturing lot number of the pre-restocking reagent is same as the manufacturing lot number of the post-restocking reagent, then there is no need to perform calibration determination and QC determination.
In the abovementioned automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment, the reagent remaining quantity is calculated by subtracting the reagent quantity used in analysis from the reagent quantity filled in the reagent bottles B. Moreover, a projected reagent quantity is calculated by multiplying the reagent quantity used in analysis by a number of times for which analysis is scheduled. The reagent remaining quantity and the projected reagent quantity are compared to determine whether reagent restocking is necessary. If it is determined that reagent restocking is necessary, it is notified on the display panel thereby enabling the operator to prepare for reagent restocking.
Moreover, displaying the reagent remaining quantity on the display unit allows the operator to weigh the timing of reagent restocking with the reagent remaining quantity as a guideline.
Thus, as described above, if a reagent in need of restocking is notified, then the reagent bottles B containing that particular reagent can be stored in the reagent storage container. That reduces the analysis downtime in the automatic analyzer thereby enabling to resume the analysis in a short time.
Given below is the description about calculating the reagent remaining quantity in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. As explained with reference to
Subsequently, the usage quantity estimating unit 40a refers to the analysis history to obtain the specimen count and the analysis items on the same date of the previous year (corresponding to the date of upcoming analysis) and calculates the actual reagent usage quantity (Step S22).
The upcoming-remaining-quantity calculating unit 40c calculates the estimated reagent remaining quantity of each identical-type reagent (Step S23). Moreover, the upcoming-remaining-quantity calculating unit 40c looks for settings such as an ordering condition, a delivery deadline, and a usage condition. If such settings are present (Yes at Step S24), the upcoming-remaining-quantity calculating unit 40c performs calculations based on those settings (Step S25) and outputs the result to a display of the data processing device 4 (Step S26). On the other hand, if such settings are not present (No at Step S24), the upcoming-remaining-quantity calculating unit 40c waits until, for example, an ordering condition is set.
Given below is the description with reference to
Given below is the description about the operation of calculating material usage conditions in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to
Given below is the description with reference to
Given below is the description with reference to
Thus, at the reagent supplying source, a managing device is disposed to perform management of the ordered reagents or materials. That enables the reagent supplying source to prepare for the shipment according to the order details and promptly ship the reagents by the delivery deadline.
According to the first embodiment, the reagent remaining quantity is calculated by subtracting the reagent quantity used in analysis from the reagent quantity of the reagent. The actual reagent usage quantity for a period corresponding to the period of upcoming analysis is calculated by using the history information. Then, the actual reagent usage quantity and the reagent remaining quantity are compared to calculate the estimated reagent remaining quantity that is used in determining whether it is necessary to place an order for a reagent. That allows order management and inventory management for reagents according to the used quantity in an optimal manner. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the time consumed in performing order management or inventory management and further reduce the efforts needed to be taken by the operator.
Moreover, according to the first embodiment, the actual material usage quantity for a period corresponding to the period of upcoming analysis is added to the cumulative usage value of material usage to determine whether it is necessary to place an order for a material. That enables to reduce the time consumed in performing order management or inventory management of materials and further reduce the efforts needed to be taken by the operator.
Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, an information reading unit is disposed to read the reagent quantity filled in reagent bottles. That allows optimal inventory checking of reagents while reducing the time consumed and the efforts needed to be taken by the operator.
Moreover, according to the first embodiment, the current remaining quantity of each reagent is calculated by subtracting the reagent quantity used in analysis from the overall reagent quantity. In addition, the reagent usage quantity on the same date of the previous year (actual reagent usage quantity) and the reagent remaining quantity are compared to determine whether it is necessary to place an order for a reagent. If it is determined that reagent restocking is necessary, it is notified on a display panel thereby enabling the operator to prepare for reagent restocking.
Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the estimated reagent remaining quantity calculated by an upcoming-remaining-quantity calculating unit is displayed on the display panel. That allows weighing of the timing of reagent restocking with the estimated reagent remaining quantity as a guideline.
Moreover, according to the first embodiment, the settings for reagent ordering and material ordering can be performed in such a way that the data processing unit 40 automatically sends a purchase order without operator instructions by establishing an online connection with the managing device 10, which functions as the reagent supplying source, for communication via a communication network or in such a way that the operator is able to selectively send a purchase order. As a result, it is possible to provide enhanced apparatus versatility and system versatility. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, communication via online connection creates a possibility, for example, of entrusting a reagent supplying source with reagent supply based on an agreement between the reagent supplying source and the user of an automatic analyzer. That reduces the task of inventory management needed to be performed at the user side.
Moreover, according to the first embodiment, past record of reagent usage quantity or material usage values (usage quantity, usage period, usage count, etc.) can be used to estimate the reagent usage quantity or the material usage values required for the period of upcoming analysis. That makes it possible to store only the minimum quantity of reagents and materials and thus reduce the storage space to the minimum.
Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to notify the operator of information regarding the expiration date of reagents. That allows the operator to use the reagent with an early expiration date on a priority basis and enhance efficient use of the reagents.
Moreover, according to the first embodiment, the reagent supplying source is able to promptly receive the information on the reagent usage status at the user side having an automatic analyzer. That enables the reagent supplying source to ship the ordered reagents in a timely manner and reduce distribution costs.
Meanwhile, in the abovementioned automatic analyzer, order management is described for reagents as well as materials such as detergent liquid, lamps, Ferista tubes, and syringes. However, the present invention is not limited to the above description and can be implemented in an identical manner to perform order management for, for example, probes or stir bars.
Each of the automatic analyzers 1a to 1c as well as the managing device 10 functioning as the reagent supplying source has a substantially identical structure to that shown in
The calculated data of estimated reagent remaining quantity, the data of reagent quantity, and the data of cumulative usage value for materials are sent to the host apparatus 50 via a communication line. Moreover, each of the automatic analyzers 1a to 1c also sends reagent replacement information that indicates replacement of reagent bottles to the host apparatus 50.
The host apparatus 50 performs inventory management of the reagents and materials used by the plurality of automatic analyzers 1a to 1c and places an order for a reagent or a material to the managing device 10, which functions as the reagent supplying source or the material supplying source, as necessary. As shown in
The input-output interface 51 performs data communication with the automatic analyzers 1a to 1c via the communication line and receives the data of estimated reagent remaining quantity and the data of cumulative usage value for materials from each of the automatic analyzers 1a to 1c. The data processing unit 52 includes an input unit 53 and an output unit 54, and processes data received by the input-output interface 51 and data input from the input unit 53. The input unit 53 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse that can be used to input a variety of information such as the specimen count and the test items. In addition, the input unit 53 is connected to the information reading device 6 (described later). The output unit 54 is, for example, a display panel or a printer that can be used to output a variety of information such as the details of analysis including analysis results or warning notices. Moreover, the output unit 54 is connected to the notifying device 7.
The reagent managing unit 56 and the common-materials managing unit 57 are connected to the data processing unit 52 and the managing database 55, and can perform block control. The reagent managing unit 56 and the common-materials managing unit 57 can use, for example, a microcomputer to control the operations of the constituent elements of the host apparatus 50. Moreover, the reagent managing unit 56 outputs the data of reagent remaining quantity or the data of estimated reagent remaining quantity, which is received from the each of the automatic analyzers 1a to 1c via the input-output interface 51, to the data processing unit 52. The common-materials managing unit 57 outputs the result of overall cumulative addition, which is received from the each of the automatic analyzers 1a to 1c via the input-output interface 51, to the data processing unit 52. Furthermore, the reagent managing unit 56 and the common-materials managing unit 57 send inventory information (described later) obtained from the data processing unit 52 to each of the automatic analyzers 1a to 1c via the input-output interface 51.
The data processing unit 52 includes an overall reagent-remaining-quantity estimating unit 52a, an overall cumulative addition performing unit 52b, the input unit 53, and the output unit 54. The data processing unit 52 processes a variety of data obtained by the reagent managing unit 56 and a variety of data input from the input unit 53. The overall reagent-remaining-quantity estimating unit 52a adds the reagent remaining quantity received from each of the automatic analyzers 1a to 1c to calculate an overall reagent remaining quantity. The overall cumulative addition performing unit 52b adds the cumulating result of material usage quantity including actual material usage quantity received from each of the automatic analyzers 1a to 1c to calculate an overall cumulating result (overall cumulative usage values). The input unit 53 is, for example, a mouse or a keyboard that can be used to input a variety of information such as the specimen count and the test items. The test items can be input on an individual basis or as a part of a broad classification such as standard test items and extensive test items. Meanwhile, the input unit 53 is connected to the information reading device 6. The output unit 54 is, for example, a display panel or a printer that can be used to output a variety of information such as the details of analysis including analysis results or warning notices.
The data processing unit 52 is connected to the managing database 55 and the communication interface 58. The managing database 55 is used to store information of reagents or materials necessary in analysis (stock information and dispatch information read by the information reading device 6) as well as the data of reagent remaining quantity, estimated reagent remaining quantity, cumulative usage values, and purchase orders obtained from each of the automatic analyzers 1a to 1c.
The communication interface 58 performs data communication with the managing device 10, which functions as the reagent supplying source, via the IPsec network 16, and encrypts purchase orders generated in a reagent ordering unit 56a (described later) and a material ordering unit 57a (described later) and sends the encrypted purchase orders to the managing device 10.
The information reading device (information reading means) 6 is detachably attached to the data processing unit 52 via the input unit 53. The information reading device 6 is, for example, a barcode reader that reads a barcode label applied to the outer packaging of stocked reagents and obtains information regarding the reagents filled in the reagent bottles. The obtained information is output to the data processing unit 52. Subsequently, the data processing unit 52 stores the information on the stocked reagent quantity as stock information (inventory information) in the managing database 55. During analysis in each automatic analyzer 1, when a reagent bottle is determined to be empty, it is replaced with a new reagent bottle and that information is obtained. Then, the data processing unit 52 performs an entry of the dispatch information (dispatch entry) indicating that the empty reagent bottle is dispatched from the reagent inventory.
Given below is the description of constituent elements of the data processing unit 52 and the reagent managing unit 56. The overall reagent-remaining-quantity estimating unit 52a calculates adds the estimated reagent remaining quantity for each reagent in each of the automatic analyzers 1a to 1c to calculate the overall estimated reagent remaining quantity. Herein, when the reagent usage quantity is larger than the overall reagent remaining quantity, the value of the estimated reagent remaining quantity becomes positive; and when the reagent usage quantity is smaller than the overall reagent remaining quantity, the value of the estimated reagent remaining quantity becomes negative. The overall estimated reagent remaining quantity is used by the reagent ordering unit 56a in the reagent managing unit 56 to determine whether it is necessary to place an order for a reagent.
The reagent ordering unit 56a includes a reagent ordering program to perform reagent ordering and determines, in an identical manner to the reagent ordering unit 45a described in the first embodiment, whether it is necessary to place an order for a reagent. The necessity of reagent ordering is determined based on the overall estimated reagent remaining quantity. When the value of the overall estimated reagent remaining quantity is negative, it is determined that placing an order for the reagent is not necessary; and when the value of the overall estimated reagent remaining quantity is positive, it is determined that placing an order for the reagent is necessary. When it is determined that placing an order for a reagent is necessary, the reagent ordering unit 56a places an order for that reagent to the reagent supplying source based on a post-upcoming-analysis estimated reagent remaining quantity calculated by the upcoming-remaining-quantity calculating unit 40c.
The material ordering unit 57a includes a material ordering program to perform material ordering and determines, in an identical manner to the material ordering unit 46a described in the first embodiment, whether it is necessary to place an order for a material. The necessity of material ordering is determined based on an estimated value that is obtained by the material ordering unit 46a by subtracting the usage limit condition from the material usage condition. When the estimated value is negative, it is determined that placing an order for the material is not necessary; while when the estimated value is positive, it is determined that placing an order for the material is necessary. When it is determined that placing an order for a material is necessary, the material ordering unit 57a places an order for that material to a material supplying source based on the estimated value obtained by subtracting the usage limit condition from the material usage condition.
Given below is the description of an ordering operation performed by the host apparatus 50.
Each of the automatic analyzers 1a to 1c send the data of estimated reagent remaining quantity calculated by the corresponding upcoming-remaining-quantity calculating unit 40c. When the host apparatus 50 receives the data of estimated reagent remaining quantity (Step S82), the overall reagent-remaining-quantity estimating unit 52a performs addition of all the estimated reagent remaining quantity (Step S83), outputs the addition result (Step S84), and displays it on a display. The reagent ordering unit 56a uses the addition result to determine whether it is necessary to place an order for a reagent, and outputs the result of reagent ordering necessity determination and the estimated reagent remaining quantity regarding each identical-type reagent to the display for operator confirmation. Subsequently, the reagent ordering unit 56a generates a purchase order for reagents, establishes a connection with the managing device 10 functioning as the reagent supplying source via the IPsec network 16, and places an order for reagents to the managing device 10 (Step S34). In addition to the estimated reagent remaining quantity, the host apparatus 50 imports the reagent replacement information indicating that empty reagent bottles used in analysis have been replaced by new reagent bottles or imports the data of current reagent remaining quantity from each of the automatic analyzers 1a to 1c. Thus, it is also possible for the host apparatus 50 to use the imported information in calculating the overall estimated reagent remaining quantity of each identical-type reagent.
At the reagent supplying source, the managing device 10 manages, as described with reference to
The material order management is also performed in a similar manner to the reagent order management. For that, the overall cumulative addition performing unit 52b adds each cumulating result of material usage quantity to calculate the overall cumulating result and outputs the overall cumulating result to the material ordering unit 57a. Subsequently, the material ordering unit 57a uses the overall cumulating result to determine whether it is necessary to place an order for a material, and outputs the result of material ordering necessity determination and the remaining usage value up to the usage limit to the display for operator confirmation.
According to the second embodiment, each of the plurality of automatic analyzers calculates the estimated reagent remaining quantity by subtracting the reagent remaining quantity from the reagent usage quantity. The host apparatus obtains the data of estimated reagent remaining quantity and calculates the overall estimated reagent remaining quantity by adding all of the estimated reagent remaining quantity to determine whether it is necessary to place an order for a reagent. That allows order management and inventory management for reagents according to the used quantity in a collective and optimal manner. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the time consumed in performing order management or inventory management and further reduce the efforts needed to be taken by the operator.
Moreover, according to the second embodiment, the host apparatus performs cumulative addition of all cumulating results of material usage quantity to calculate an overall cumulating result of all materials and uses the overall cumulating result in determining whether it is necessary to place an order for a reagent. That allows order management and inventory management for materials used according to material usage values (usage quantity, usage period, usage count, etc.) by a plurality of automatic analyzers in a collective and optimal manner. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the time consumed in performing order management or inventory management for materials and further reduce the efforts needed to be taken by the operator.
Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, an information reading device that reads the reagent quantity filled in reagent bottles is connected to the host apparatus. That allows inventory checking of reagents in a collective and optimal manner while reducing the time consumed and the efforts needed to be taken by the operator.
Moreover, according to the second embodiment, the current remaining quantity of each reagent is calculated in such a way that the reagent quantity used in analysis is subtracted from the overall reagent quantity. In addition, the reagent usage quantity on the same date of the previous year (actual reagent usage quantity) and the reagent remaining quantity are compared to determine whether it is necessary to place an order for a reagent. If it is determined that reagent restocking is necessary, it is notified on a display panel thereby enabling the operator to prepare for reagent restocking.
Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the overall estimated reagent remaining quantity calculated by an overall reagent-remaining-quantity estimating unit is displayed on the display panel. That allows weighing of the timing of reagent restocking with the estimated reagent remaining quantity as a guideline.
Moreover, according to the second embodiment, the settings for reagent ordering can be performed in such a way that the data processing unit 52 automatically sends a purchase order without operator instructions by establishing an online connection with the managing device 10, which functions as the reagent supplying source, for communication via a communication network or in such a way that the operator is able to selectively send a purchase order. As a result, it is possible to provide enhanced apparatus versatility and system versatility. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, communication via online connection creates a possibility, for example, of entrusting a reagent supplying source with reagent supply based on an agreement between the reagent supplying source and the user of the host apparatus. That reduces the task of inventory management needed to be performed at the user side.
Moreover, according to the second embodiment, past record of reagent usage quantity in each automatic analyzer can be used to estimate the reagent usage quantity required for the period of upcoming analysis. That makes it possible to store only the minimum quantity of reagents and thus reduce the storage space to the minimum.
Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to notify the operator of information regarding the expiration date of reagents. That allows the operator to use the reagent with an early expiration date on a priority basis and enhance efficient use of the reagents.
Moreover, according to the second embodiment, the reagent supplying source is able to promptly receive the information on the reagent usage status at the user side having automatic analyzers. That enables the reagent supplying source to ship the ordered reagents in a timely manner and reduce distribution costs.
Meanwhile, in the present invention, it is also possible to have a configuration in which, for example, the reagent quantity filled in a reagent bottle can be divided by the reagent quantity required in analysis to calculate an analyzable count and subtract an actual analysis count from the analyzable count to calculate an analyzable count remainder. Then, for example, the analysis count on the same date of the previous year (actual analysis count) and the analyzable count remainder can be compared to determine whether it is necessary to place an order for a reagent. Subsequently, if it is determined that placing an order for a reagent is necessary, an order for a reagent is sent to a managing device. In this case too, it is possible to achieve the advantage identical to that achieved in the second embodiment.
Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-015188 | Jan 2007 | JP | national |
This application is a continuation of PCT international application Ser. No. PCT/JP2008/050816 filed on Jan. 22, 2008 which designates the United States, incorporated herein by reference, and which claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-015188, filed on Jan. 25, 2007, incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/JP2008/050816 | Jan 2008 | US |
| Child | 12506555 | US |
