1. Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to a measuring apparatus and a measuring method that perform measurement on samples of biological origin.
2. Description of Related Art:
Measurement on samples of biological origin is widely implemented as a means of maintaining the health of living organisms including humans. Point of Care Testing (hereinafter, POCT) is the collective term for testing carried out by healthcare professionals working directly with patients, and is mainly conducted at clinics, hospitals, and the like. It is envisioned that measuring apparatuses employed in POCT will be used by multiple healthcare professionals, and measurement is performed on samples originating from multiple patients. In the case of specialized measuring instruments that persons who perform measurement (hereinafter, “measurers”) carry for their own use, the measurer and the patient remain the same. In contrast, in POCT, there are multiple measurers and multiple patients. There is also a relative increase in the types of specimens that are used.
An exemplary measuring apparatus that is used in POCT is disclosed in JP-B2-5227871. A user (measurer) ID, a patient ID, a chip (specimen) ID and the like are input as a plurality of types of data associated with the measurement processing to the measuring apparatus disclosed in JP-B2-5227871. At the time of inputting this data, messages prompting the input of respective data are displayed on a display unit.
However, the actual processing for inputting the user (measurer) ID, the patient ID, the chip ID and the like generally involves a different operation for each type of data. There is thus concern that, even when prompted to input data, a measurer with little experience or a measurer who is extremely busy will not input the data properly. Also, since it is assumed that multiple types of data will be handled, a comprehensive awareness of the multiple types of data that are handled while focusing on the task of inputting the individual data is preferable in achieving fast and accurate measurement.
The present invention was conceived under the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a measuring apparatus and a measuring method that enable measurement to be performed quickly and with greater accuracy.
A measuring apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided with a measurement unit for performing measurement processing on a sample, an input unit for inputting data that is associated with the measurement processing by the measurement unit and belongs to one of a plurality of attributes, and a display unit for providing a user with information visually. The display unit displays an individual display pattern having an attribute display portion area for displaying a plurality of attribute display portions that respectively correspond to the plurality of attributes and an input instructing area for visually instructing an operation for inputting the data belonging to the attribute corresponding to one of the plurality of attribute display portions displayed in the attribute display portion area.
In the present invention, “visually instructing” refers to using visually recognizable information forms including characters and sentences, images such as illustrations and photographs, and moving images representing items to be conveyed so that the user understands by viewing these information forms. In the present invention, information forms other than text can be used particularly favorably.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the attribute display portions take a plurality of visually different states, according to an input state of the data belonging to the corresponding attribute.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when input of data belonging to one attribute has been completed in a state where the attribute display portion corresponding to the attribute is displayed in the attribute display portion area, the attribute display portion corresponding to another attribute is displayed in the attribute display portion area, and an operation for inputting data belonging to the other attribute is displayed in the input instructing area.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display unit displays a collective display pattern having a collective display area for displaying the data belonging to the plurality of attributes that has been inputted.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the data belonging to the plurality of attributes that is associated with one measurement processing is used as the data that is associated with the next measurement processing.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the data belonging to the plurality of attributes that is associated with one measurement processing is partially or completely initialized prior to the next measurement processing.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the order for inputting the data belonging to the plurality of attributes is at least partially predetermined.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the data belonging to the plurality of attributes is input in an arbitrary order.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an input data display area in which the input data is displayed is further included in the individual display pattern.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when input of data belonging to one attribute has been completed in a state where the attribute display portion corresponding to the attribute is displayed in the attribute display portion area, the data belonging to the attribute input to the input data display area is displayed, in addition to the attribute display portion corresponding to another attribute being displayed in the attribute display portion area, and an operation for inputting data belonging to the other attribute being displayed in the input instructing area.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an operation unit for accepting a user operation that causes a transition from a state where the attribute display portion corresponding to one attribute is displayed in the attribute display portion area and an operation for inputting the data belonging to the attribute is displayed in the input instructing area to a state where the attribute display portion corresponding to another attribute is displayed in the attribute display portion area and an operation for inputting the data belonging to the other attribute is displayed in the input instructing area is provided.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when input of the data belonging to a plurality of specific attributes that are sufficient for execution of the measurement processing, among a plurality of attributes, has been completed, the display unit displays the collective display pattern, and the input data belonging to the plurality of input specific attributes is displayed in the collective display area.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an attribute display portion area for displaying the attribute display portions corresponding to the plurality of specific attributes is further included in the collective display pattern.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, confirmation display for confirming whether to transition to display of the collective display pattern is performed on the display unit when input of the data belonging to the plurality of specific attributes has been completed.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the measurement unit includes a specimen insertion portion for accepting a specimen that is provided with the measurement processing, and starts the measurement processing when the specimen is inserted into the specimen insertion portion in a state where the data belonging to the plurality of specific attributes has been inputted.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the measurement unit includes a specimen insertion portion for accepting a specimen that is provided with the measurement processing, and starts the measurement processing when the specimen is inserted into the specimen insertion portion in a state where not all of the data belonging to the plurality of specific attributes has been inputted.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, confirmation display for confirming whether to start the measurement processing is performed on the display unit when the specimen is inserted into the specimen insertion portion in a state where the data belonging to the plurality of specific attributes has been inputted.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, confirmation display for confirming whether to start the measurement processing is performed on the display unit when the specimen is inserted into the specimen insertion portion in a state where not all of the data belonging to the plurality of specific attributes has been inputted.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display unit has an interrupt display mode for temporally or spatially interrupting display related to the measurement processing after the measurement processing has started, and performing display for inputting data belonging to the plurality of attributes that has not been inputted.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one processing selected from displaying a warning on the display unit, preventing the measurement processing from starting, preventing display of measurement results of the measurement processing, and attaching a warning flag to measurement results of the measurement processing is performed in a case where not all of the data belonging to the specific attributes has been inputted.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the attribute display portion corresponding to specific attributes, among the plurality of specific attributes, whose data has not been inputted, and a measurement attribute display portion corresponding to the measurement processing by the measurement unit is displayed in the attribute display portion area of the collective display pattern, and the measurement attribute display portion takes a plurality of visually different states according to a state of the measurement processing or the measurement result.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of attributes include at least one selected from a measurer ID identifying a healthcare professional, a patient ID identifying a patient, a specimen ID identifying the specimen, a quality control substance ID identifying a quality control substance that is used in quality control for the measurement processing, a measurement processing ID identifying individual measurement processing, and an attribute relating to a result of the measurement processing.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the measurement processing ID includes the patient ID, and a warning is displayed on the display unit in a case where the patient ID included in the measurement processing ID differs from the input patient ID.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a combination of attributes for which the attribute display portions are displayed in the attribute display portion area, among the plurality of attributes, is settable in advance.
A measuring method according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided with a measurement step of performing measurement processing on a sample, an input step of inputting data that is associated with the measurement processing in the measurement step and belongs to one of a plurality of attributes, and a display step of providing a user with information visually. The display step comprises displaying an individual display pattern having an attribute display portion area for displaying a plurality of attribute display portions that respectively correspond to the plurality of attributes and an input instructing area for visually instructing an operation for inputting the data belonging to the attribute corresponding to one of the plurality of attribute display portions displayed in the attribute display portion area.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the display step, the attribute display portions take a plurality of visually different states, according to an input state of the data belonging to the corresponding attribute.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the display step, when input of data belonging to one attribute has been completed in a state where the attribute display portion corresponding to the attribute is displayed in the attribute display portion area, the attribute display portion corresponding to another attribute is displayed in the attribute display portion area, and an operation for inputting data belonging to the other attribute is displayed in the input instructing area.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the display step, a collective display pattern having a collective display area for displaying the data belonging to the plurality of attributes that has been inputted is displayed.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the input step, at least one of the data belonging to the plurality of attributes that is associated with one measurement processing is used as the data that is associated with the next measurement processing.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the input step, the data belonging to the plurality of attributes that is associated with one measurement processing is partially or completely initialized prior to the next measurement processing.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the input step, the order for inputting the data belonging to the plurality of attributes is at least partially predetermined.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the input step, the data belonging to the plurality of attributes is input in an arbitrary order.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the display step, an input data display area in which the input data is displayed is further included in the individual display pattern.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when input of data belonging to one attribute has been completed in a state where the attribute display portion corresponding to the attribute is displayed in the attribute display portion area in the input step, the data belonging to the attribute input to the input data display area is displayed, in addition to the attribute display portion corresponding to another attribute being displayed in the attribute display portion area, and an operation for inputting data belonging to the other attribute being displayed in the input instructing area in the display step.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a user operation that causes a transition from a state where the attribute display portion corresponding to one attribute is displayed in the attribute display portion area and an operation for inputting the data belonging to the attribute is displayed in the input instructing area to a state where the attribute display portion corresponding to another attribute is displayed in the attribute display portion area and an operation for inputting the data belonging to the other attribute is displayed in the input instructing area in the display step is accepted.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when input of the data belonging to a plurality of specific attributes that are sufficient for execution of the measurement processing, among a plurality of attributes, has been completed in the input step, in the display step, the collective display pattern is displayed, and the input data belonging to the plurality of input specific attributes is displayed in the collective display area.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the display step, an attribute display portion area for displaying the attribute display portions corresponding to the plurality of specific attributes is further included in the collective display pattern.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, confirmation display for confirming whether to transition to display of the collective display pattern is performed in the display step when input of the data belonging to the plurality of specific attributes has been completed in the input step.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the measurement step is started when a specimen that is provided with the measurement processing is inserted into a measuring apparatus having a specimen insertion portion for accepting the specimen, in a state where the data belonging to the plurality of specific attributes has been inputted in the input step.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the measurement step is started when a specimen that is provided with the measurement processing is inserted into a measuring apparatus having a specimen insertion portion for accepting the specimen, in a state where not all of the data belonging to the plurality of specific attributes has been inputted in the input step.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the display step, confirmation display for confirming whether to start the measurement processing is performed when the specimen is inserted into the specimen insertion portion in a state where the data belonging to the plurality of specific attributes has been inputted.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the display step, confirmation display for confirming whether to start the measurement processing is performed when the specimen is inserted into the specimen insertion portion in a state where not all of the data belonging to the plurality of specific attributes has been inputted.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the display step, an interrupt display mode is provided for temporally or spatially interrupting display related to the measurement processing after the measurement processing has started, and performing display for inputting data belonging to the plurality of attributes that has not been inputted.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one processing selected from displaying a warning in the display step, preventing the measurement processing from starting, preventing display of measurement results of the measurement processing, and attaching a warning flag to measurement results of the measurement processing is performed in a case where not all of the data belonging to the specific attributes has been inputted in the input step.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the attribute display portion corresponding to specific attributes, among the plurality of specific attributes, whose data has not been inputted, and a measurement attribute display portion corresponding to the measurement processing are displayed in the attribute display portion area of the collective display pattern, and the measurement attribute display portion takes a plurality of visually different states according to a state of the measurement processing or the measurement result.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of attributes include at least one selected from a measurer ID identifying a healthcare professional, a patient ID identifying a patient, a specimen ID identifying the specimen, a quality control substance ID identifying a quality control substance that is used in quality control for the measurement processing, a measurement processing ID identifying individual measurement processing, and an attribute relating to a result of the measurement processing.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the measurement processing ID includes the patient ID, and a warning is displayed on the display unit in a case where the patient ID included in the measurement processing ID differs from the input patient ID.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a combination of attributes for which the attribute display portions are displayed in the attribute display portion area in the display step, among the plurality of attributes, is settable in advance.
According to one mode of the present invention, when inputting data belonging to the plurality of attributes, input can be performed while viewing the display unit on which the individual display pattern is displayed. The attribute display portions of the attribute display portion area allow the types of data that are input items to be grasped at a glance. Also, which of the plurality of attribute display portions the input instructing area is associated with can be recognized. Guidance for inputting data belonging to the selected attribute is provided by the input instructing area. The measurer is thereby able to input data belonging to the individual attributes using input operations suitable for the respective data, while having a comprehensive grasp of the types of input data. Accordingly, the measuring apparatus enables faster and more accurate measurement to be performed.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings.
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
The measuring apparatus A is formed of a size and shape that enables a measurer such as a healthcare professional or the like to perform handheld measurement operations, and is configured such that the measurement unit 1, the barcode reading unit 2, the display unit 3, the operation button 4, the USB port 51, the wireless communication unit 52, the control unit 6, and the storage unit 7 are appropriately attached to or incorporated in a casing made of resin, for example.
The measurement unit 1 performs measurement processing on samples of biological origin. In the present embodiment, the measurement unit 1 performs blood sugar level measurement on blood samples collected from a patient. The measurement unit 1 includes a specimen insertion portion 11. The specimen insertion portion 11 is an opening formed in a portion of the casing, and the specimen 8 is inserted therein. A sensor (not shown) that detects insertion of the specimen 8, for example, is provided at the back of the opening. Note that the specimen 8 includes an electrode 81 and a spotting portion 82, for example. The electrode 81 is a portion that is electrically connected to the measurement unit 1 by contacting a connection terminal (not shown) of the measuring apparatus A. The spotting portion 82 is a portion on which blood is spotted as a sample. Also, a reagent (not shown) is provided on the specimen 8. In the case of performing blood sugar level measurement, the reagent consists of glucose oxidase, which is an enzyme, potassium ferricyanide as an electron acceptor, and the like. With such a configuration, the measurement unit 1 performs blood sugar level measurement processing with a well-known technique on blood that is spotted on the specimen 8 as a sample.
The barcode reading unit 2 corresponds to an exemplary input unit as referred to in the present invention. The measuring apparatus A receives input of data that is associated with the measurement processing and belongs to one of a plurality of attributes. In the present embodiment, examples of the plurality of attributes include a measurer ID identifying a healthcare professional, a patient ID identifying a patient, a specimen ID identifying a specimen, a quality control substance ID identifying a quality control substance that is used in quality control of the measurement processing, and a measurement processing ID identifying individual measurement processing. In the present embodiment, input of this data is performed by the barcode reading unit 2. That is, the data to be input is provided as a barcode printed on media such as cards, wristbands, packages and paper, and the barcode reading unit 2 reads these barcodes. Typical examples of a barcode as referred to here include a one-dimensional barcode constituted by a plurality of striped lines and a two dimensional code constituted by a plurality of dots arrayed horizontally and vertically.
The barcode reading unit 2 is provided with a light-emitting unit, a light-receiving unit and a driver IC, for example. The light-emitting unit emits light for reading, and emits linear beams of light including red light, for example. The light-receiving unit receives reflected light reflected by the medium provided with the barcode, and is constituted by a plurality of light receiving elements arranged in a row or in a matrix. The driver IC forms image data for recognizing a barcode based on an output signal from the light-receiving unit. Alternatively, the driver IC may be configured to output data converted to a barcode as digital numeric data, by performing image analysis of the image data. Also, this numeric conversion function may be provided by the control unit 6.
Note that the input unit as referred to in the present invention is not limited to the barcode reading unit 2, and may be configured to have a plurality of keys known as a numeric keypad that are provided in a mobile phone, for example. Also, the input unit may additionally be provided with a configuration capable of reading barcodes and a configuration having a plurality of keys or a touch panel that allows for flicking.
The display unit 3 provides information to the user (measurer) visually, and a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display or the like that have a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix can be favorably used. In the present embodiment, the display unit 3 displays an individual display pattern and a collective display pattern which will be described later. Note that these modes are achieved as a result of the control unit 6 providing a display instruction to the display unit 3 and the display unit 3 displaying predetermined designs, characters and the like based on this display instruction, and are not limited to only the designs, characters and the like that are individually achieved by the display unit 3.
The operation button 4 is a part provided for the user (measurer) to perform decision-making with respect to operations of the measuring apparatus A. In the present embodiment, the operation button 4 is constituted by a direction button 41, a direction button 42, and an OK button 43, for example. The direction button 41 and the direction button 42 are respectively for performing operations for indicating left and right on the display unit 3. The OK button 43 is for performing an operation for permitting an operation or processing indicated by the display of the display unit 3. Also, this configuration can be substituted for a touch panel that allows for flicking.
The USB port 51 and the wireless communication unit 52 are parts that provide an interface between the measuring apparatus A and other devices. Other devices include large multifunctional integrated measurement stations, PCs, and the like that are installed in hospitals, for example. The USB port 51 is a port for realizing wired data communication based on USB standards. The wireless communication unit 52 performs wireless data communication. Although the type of wireless technology is not particularly limited, the case where RFID for performing short-range wireless data communication using electromagnetic waves is employed will be described as an example in the present embodiment. In the case of such an example, the wireless communication unit 52 is equipped with a coil antenna, a driver IC and the like, for example. The wireless communication unit 52 may be configured to perform exchange of information related to measurement, measurement results and IDs selectively or collectively, or in real time.
The control unit 6 is for controlling the operations of the measuring apparatus A, and typically consists of a CPU. The control unit 6 controls the operations of the measurement unit 1, the barcode reading unit 2, the display unit 3, the USB port 51 and the wireless communication unit 52 based on a program stored in the storage unit 7. Also, the control unit 6 receives input signals from the operation button 4. Note that although the following description will be given in the present embodiment assuming that the control unit 6 controls the main operations of the measuring apparatus A, the present invention is not limited thereto. A configuration may be adopted in which the functions performed by the control unit 6 in the present embodiment may be executed by another CPU or the like provided in units such as the measurement unit 1, the barcode reading unit 2 and the display unit 3.
The storage unit 7 includes a program area 71 and a data area 72, and a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory or the like consisting of a silicon memory, for example, is employed as appropriate. The program area 71 is an area for storing programs that realizes the operations of the measuring apparatus A. The data area 72 is an area for storing data that is associated with measurement. For example, images and the like constituting guidance that is displayed on the display unit 3 in the operations of the measuring apparatus A which will be discussed later may be stored in the data area 72.
Next, operations of the measuring apparatus A will be described below.
For example, the measuring apparatus A, having ended required initial settings and the like through setting processing, enters a state for executing the input processing according to an instruction from the control unit 6 when powered on (step S10). According to an instruction from the control unit 6, the display unit 3 displays an individual display pattern (step S11).
A plurality of attribute display portions 311, 312 and 313 that respectively corresponded to the plurality of attributes are displayed in the attribute display portion area 31. The attribute display portion 311 corresponds to the measurer ID. The attribute display portion 312 corresponds to the patient ID. The attribute display portion 313 corresponds to the specimen ID. In the present embodiment, the attribute display portions 311, 312 and 313 are provided in the form of so-called icons using a design or the like, such that the attribute corresponding to each attribute display portion is understood intuitively. The attribute display portion area 31 of the present embodiment is a band-like area extending horizontally on the display unit 3, and is arranged vertically towards the middle of the individual display pattern 30A. Note that the attribute display portions in the present invention can be portions that display a plurality of attributes in an individually recognizable manner, and, apart from the above-mentioned icons, may be so-called tags that extend partially from the input instructing area or buttons consisting of comparatively simple designs, for example.
Here, the measurer ID, the patient ID and the specimen ID, which are the attributes corresponding to the illustrated attribute display portions 311, 312 and 313, are regarded as a plurality of specific attributes that are sufficient for execution of the measurement processing. That is, the conditions for performing normal measurement processing are satisfied when all the data belonging to the plurality of specific attributes has been inputted and stored in the data area 72 of the storage unit 7. Note that the combination of attribute display portions that are displayed in the attribute display portion area 31 is preset in the above-mentioned setting processing.
Also, in step S12 of
The input instructing area 32 is an area that visually instructs the operation for inputting the data belonging to the attribute corresponding to one of the plurality of attribute display portions 311, 312 and 313 displayed in the attribute display portion area 31. In the present embodiment, the input instructing area 32 is a comparatively large rectangular area, and is arranged towards the lower edge of the display unit 3. The input data display area 33 is an area in which the input data is displayed. In the present embodiment, the input data display area 33 is an elongated rectangular area, and is arranged towards to upper edge of the individual display pattern 30A. The input instructing area 32 can visually instruct the operation for inputting the data belonging to the attribute, and a configuration may be adopted in which the input instructing area 32 appears in a pop-up manner by selecting an attribute display portion, and visually presents the operation for inputting the data belonging to the corresponding attribute.
Also, the attribute display portions 311, 312 and 313 are configured to take a plurality of visually different states, according to the input state of the data belonging to the corresponding attribute.
On the display unit 3 shown in
Next, the control unit 6 executes step S15 of
As shown in
The plurality of specific attributes can be variously set depending on the contents of the measurement processing, the environment, such as a hospital, in which the measuring apparatus A is used or an operation for which the measuring apparatus A is used, and the type and number of specific attributes is determined arbitrarily.
As shown in
In the measurement processing of step S30, the control unit 6 may appropriately display an image showing the operation procedure for executing measurement processing on the display unit 3 as guidance. Operations for executing the measurement processing include inserting an analysis tool 8 and spotting blood on the spotting portion 82 of the analysis tool 8, for example. Also, since the processing for computing the blood sugar level in the measurement unit 1 requires a predetermined amount of time, the control unit 6 may display a waiting time image, for example, on the display unit 3. Also, after the blood sugar level is obtained, the control unit 6 may display the measurement result on the display unit 3. Also, in addition to representing the obtained blood sugar level numerically, display that reports to the measurer that the blood sugar level was a comparatively high value or that the blood sugar level was a comparatively low value may be performed.
As described above, when the sample of a certain patient has been measured, a blood sugar level as a single measurement result is obtained in the measuring apparatus A. The control unit 6 stores this blood sugar level in the data area 72 of the storage unit 7 together with the measurer ID, the patient ID, the specimen ID, the order ID, and the like. As a result of repeating the above processing for a plurality of samples, a plurality of measurement results are stored in the data area 72 of the storage unit 7 of the measuring apparatus A. After measuring a certain number of samples, the measurer transfers these measurement results to a large multifunctional integrated measurement station, a PC or the like installed in a hospital, for example, using the USB port 51 or the wireless communication unit 52. In this integrated measurement station or PC, a large number of measurement results are managed in accordance with operational rules, and are utilized to maintain the health of patients.
Note that when ending one measurement processing and performing the next measurement processing, the data belonging to the plurality of specific attributes may all be maintained, may be partially initialized, or may all be initialized. Also, it is not necessary to initialize the data. Such initialization of part or all of the data can be performed automatically or manually according to a set procedure. For example, in the case where one measurer performs measurement processing on the samples of a plurality of patients, the measurer ID is maintained. On the other hand, in the case where one series of measurements has ended and the next measurer is unknown, all the data belonging to the plurality of specific attributes is initialized. Such a selection can desirably be made as appropriate through settings performed by the measuring apparatus A.
Next, the workings of the measuring apparatus A will be described.
According to the present embodiment, when inputting data belonging to a plurality of attributes, as illustrated in
As shown in
As shown in
By being able to select the attribute display portions 311, 312 and 313 in an arbitrary order, the measurer is able to perform the input operation in an order that suits him or her. As a result of the attribute display portions 311, 312 and 313 being displayed in the attribute display portion area 31, an arbitrary attribute display portion can be easily selected, and the attribute display portion that is selected can be recognized immediately.
On the other hand, by adopting a configuration in which the attribute display portions 311, 312 and 313 are selected in a predetermined order, unintentionally failing to input data belonging to one of the attributes can be prevented. Accordingly, all of the data can be appropriately input without omission when performing measurement of a large number of samples, for example.
In a configuration that automatically transitions from inputting one attribute to inputting another attribute, the series of input operations can be performed smoothly. On the other hand, in a configuration that requests the measurer to give permission using the operation button 4 in transitioning from inputting one attribute to inputting another attribute, it is possible to avoid unintentionally transitioning to another attribute.
As shown in
A configuration may be adopted in which transition from display of the individual display pattern 30A to display of the collective display pattern 30B is performed automatically or in which the measurer is requested to give permission using the operation button 4. For example, even if input to all of the attribute display portions 311, 312 and 313 has not been completed, the measurer is, for example, able to transition to display of the collective display pattern 30B using the operation button 4.
In the case where permission is given to maintain all of the data belonging to the plurality of specific attributes when one measurement processing ends and the next measurement processing is to be performed, maintaining this data enables the time required for data input to be shortened. On the other hand, by initializing some or all of the data belonging to the plurality of specific attributes, use of erroneous data can be prevented.
In this example, step S40 for detecting insertion of the specimen 8 is performed as an interrupt during execution of steps S11 to S15, either continuously or for a predetermined time interval. When the specimen 8 is inserted into the specimen insertion portion 11 during execution of steps S11 to S15, that is, in a state where not all of the plurality of specific attributes have been inputted (step S40: Yes), the control unit 6 transitions to the measurement processing (step S30). In the case where insertion of the specimen 8 is not detected (step S40: No), steps S11 to S15 are executed.
When the specimen 8 is inserted into the specimen insertion portion 11 (step S40: Yes) and the processing transitions to the measurement processing (step S30), the transition may be performed automatically in response to an instruction from the control unit 6 or the measurer may be requested for permission.
Measurement processing that is started in a state where not all of the plurality of specific attributes have been inputted is defined as urgent blood sugar measurement. Guidance for executing measurement processing, waiting time display and result display may also be displayed on the display unit 3 as appropriate in this urgent blood sugar measurement.
In this example, as shown in
Also, as this interrupt display mode, as shown in
In the measurement processing (step S30) shown in
Also, the attribute display portions 311, 312 and 313 and the measurement attribute display portion 315 are displayed in the attribute display portion area 35. The outer appearance of the attribute display portion 311 and the attribute display portion 313 corresponds to data having been inputted. The outer appearance of the attribute display portion 312 corresponds to data having not been inputted. The measurement attribute display portion 315 corresponds to the measurement result obtained in the measurement processing. The measurement attribute display portion 315 takes a plurality of visually different states according to a state of the measurement processing or the measurement result.
Thus, the display unit 3 shown in
According to such an embodiment, as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As stated above, the measuring apparatus A is able to perform normal blood sugar measurement in a state where all of the plurality of specific attributes have been inputted, and is able to perform urgent blood sugar measurement in a state where not all of the plurality of specific attributes have been inputted. Furthermore, in an situation in which normal blood sugar measurement should be performed, the measuring apparatus A can take the following measures, in order to avoid urgent blood sugar measurement being performed against the measurer's wishes.
For example, if the measurer tries to perform measurement processing in a state where the specimen ID has not been inputted, the control unit 6 displays a warning display area 39 shown in
Also, which attributes to employ as the plurality of specific attributes is arbitrary. For example, the plurality of specific attributes may also include the patient ID and the order ID. Furthermore, the order ID in this case may be configured to include the patient ID. According to such a configuration, the measurer is able to designate the patient to be measured with the patient ID that is included in the order ID, and is also able to check whether the patient to undergo the actual measurement is the correct patient. For example, in the case where the patient ID included in the order ID differs from the patient ID read in the wristband by the barcode reading unit 2, the patient that is going to be measured could possibly be the wrong patient. The control unit 6, in such a case, may perform display indicating that the read patient ID does not match the patient ID included in the order ID, as a warning in the warning display area 39 of the display unit 3, as shown in
In the case where the measuring apparatus A has a function of performing quality control measurement for more accurate measurement of blood samples collected from a patient, measurement processing that employs a quality control substance ID instead of the above-mentioned patient ID may be performed.
The measuring apparatus and the measuring method according to the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Various design modifications can be made to the specific configurations of the measuring apparatus and the measuring method according to the present invention.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2014-040284 | Mar 2014 | JP | national |
2015-014332 | Jan 2015 | JP | national |