JP7665407B2 - Sample testing device and medical information processing system - Google Patents

Description

The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a sample testing apparatus and a medical information processing system.

In medical settings, medical staff may perform real-time clinical testing (POC Testing: POCT) next to subjects using simple, easily portable POC (Point of Care) devices. Examples of POC devices include small analyzers such as specimen testing devices and rapid diagnostic kits.

In this situation, for example, a technology is known in which POC devices are configured to be able to access a cloud environment via a network, and measurement data is managed, stored, and monitored on the cloud network. For POC devices configured to be able to connect to a network, for example, from the perspective of information security, it is necessary to perform complicated connection settings for each device. For this reason, for example, in the event of a breakdown, the replacement POC device is also required to perform complicated connection settings, which can result in long downtime.

Patent No. 6411080

One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings attempt to solve is to reduce downtime caused by setting up a replacement device to connect to a network. However, the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings attempt to solve are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be considered as other problems.

The specimen testing device according to the embodiment includes a communication unit, a storage unit, a reading unit, and a restore unit. The communication unit is capable of communicating with an external storage device. The storage unit stores connection information related to communication settings for the device to communicate with the external storage device. The reading unit reads an optical mark issued to include connection information related to communication settings for connecting to a communication network. The restore unit stores the connection information read by the reading unit in the storage unit as the connection information of the device, and executes a restore to store in the storage unit backup information of the other device stored in the external storage device by the other device of the same type as the device, via the communication network connected using the connection information.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a medical information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management device serving as a medical information processing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sample testing apparatus as a POC device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the configuration of a reaction unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining each piece of information used in the medical information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed in the medical information processing system according to the embodiment at the start of operation. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed in the medical information processing system according to the embodiment after the start of operation.

The following describes the sample testing device, medical information processing device, and medical information processing system according to each embodiment with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components that have the same or nearly the same functions as those described above with reference to the previous figures are given the same reference numerals and will be described repeatedly only when necessary. Even when the same parts are shown, the dimensions and proportions of each may be different depending on the drawing. Also, for example, from the perspective of ensuring the visibility of the drawings, reference numerals may be given to only the main components in the description of each drawing, and reference numerals may not be given to components that have the same or nearly the same functions.

In medical settings, medical staff may perform real-time clinical testing (POC Testing: POCT) next to subjects using simple, easily portable point-of-care (POC) devices and reagents. Examples of POC devices include small analyzers such as specimen testing devices and rapid diagnostic kits.

In this context, for example, a technique is known in which a POC device is configured to be able to access a cloud environment via a network, and measurement data is managed, stored, and monitored on the cloud network. Another technique is known in which a POC device is connected to an in-hospital network, and the history of measurement data and the like is managed using electronic medical records via a local server on the in-hospital network. For these POC devices configured to be able to connect to a network, for example, from the perspective of information security, it is necessary to perform complicated connection settings for each device. For this reason, for example, when a POC device is replaced in the event of a breakdown, complicated connection settings are also required for the replacement device, which can result in extended downtime for the POC device.

Therefore, this embodiment discloses a sample testing device, a medical information processing device, and a medical information processing system that can reduce downtime caused by setting up a replacement device to connect to a network.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the medical information processing system 1 has an intra-hospital network 7 and a service center 9. The service center 9 provides each hospital with various services such as management, maintenance, repair, inspection, and support for the POC devices 20 on the intra-hospital network 7 of each hospital. The service center 9 includes a management device 3 and a server 5.

The management device 3 is communicatively connected to the server 5 via a telecommunications line such as the Internet. The management device 3 manages information related to the POC devices 20 in the hospital network 7. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management device 3 as a medical information processing device according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the management device 3 has a communication interface 31, an input interface 32, a display 33, a memory 34, and a processing circuit 35. The communication interface 31, the input interface 32, the display 33, the memory 34, and the processing circuit 35 are communicatively connected via a bus or the like.

The communication interface 31 controls the transmission and communication of various data between the server 5 and the server 5. The communication interface 31 is realized, for example, by a network card, a network adapter, a NIC (Network Interface Controller), etc.

The input interface 32 accepts various input operations from the operator, converts the accepted input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 35. The input interface 32 accepts various input operations from the operator on various operation screens related to the substitute machine setting process on the management side, which will be described later, for example.

The display 33 displays various information. For example, the display 33 outputs a GUI (Graphical User Interface) generated by the processing circuit 35 for accepting various operations from the operator. The GUI for accepting various operations from the operator includes various operation screens related to the management side's replacement device setting process.

The memory 34 stores various data. For example, the memory 34 stores data received from the server 5. For example, the memory 34 also stores programs for implementing the substitute device setting process on the management side.

The processing circuit 35 is a processor that controls the overall operation of the management device 3. The processing circuit 35 executes the acquisition function 351 and the management function 352, for example, by executing a management-side substitute device setting program deployed in the RAM (Random Access Memory) of the memory 34.

In the acquisition function 351, the processing circuit 35 acquires information required to issue a reset identifier from the server 5 when any POC device 20 among a plurality of POC devices 20 is replaced by another POC device 20 of the same type. The information required to issue a reset identifier includes the device ID of the POC device 20 to be replaced and information backed up to the server 5 by the POC device 20 to be replaced. Here, the processing circuit 35 that realizes the acquisition function 351 is an example of an acquisition unit.

Here, the device ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying each POC device 20. The connection information is information set in the POC device 20 to be replaced for establishing communication between the POC device 20 and the server 5. The connection information is at least one of information such as the IP address of the device itself for connecting the POC device 20 to the hospital network 90, the IP address allocation method (information such as automatic setting such as DHCP, manual setting, etc.), a proxy, an SSID for connecting to a wireless LAN, an encryption type, and a password.

The connection information may also include settings such as the IP address of the destination, the proxy to be used, and the password of the destination.

In the management function 352, the processing circuit 35 issues an optical mark indicating the reset identifier. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which an optical mark indicating the reset identifier is attached to the reaction unit 2 along with an optical mark for identifying the reaction unit 2. The processing circuit 35 also associates the device ID of the replacement POC device 20 with the device ID of the POC device 20 to be replaced and stores them in the server 5. Here, the processing circuit 35 that realizes the management function 352 is an example of a management section.

The server 5 is a data server provided on a cloud network. The server 5 stores various information related to the substitute device setting process executed in the medical information processing system 1, as will be described in detail later. The server 5 is configured to be able to communicate with each of the management device 3 and the hospital network 7 via a telecommunications line such as the Internet. For example, the server 5 is realized by a computer having a processor such as a CPU and memories such as ROM and RAM as hardware resources. The server 5 is an example of an external storage device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hospital network 7 includes a hospital information system (HIS) 10 and multiple POC devices 20. The HIS 10 and multiple POC devices 20 are installed, for example, in a hospital and are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via the hospital network 90.

HIS10 is a system that manages information generated within the hospital. Information generated within the hospital includes patient information, test order information, and other information. Each record included in the patient information has items such as a patient ID, patient name (first and last name), age (date of birth), gender, height, weight, and blood type. Each record included in the test order information has items such as a test ID that can identify the test, a patient ID, information indicating hospitalization or outpatient care, a test code, a medical department, a type of test, a test area, and a scheduled test date and time.

The examination ID is issued when the examination order information is input, and is an identifier for uniquely identifying the examination order information, for example, within one hospital. The patient ID is assigned to each patient, and is an identifier for uniquely identifying the patient, for example, within one hospital. The examination code is an identifier for uniquely identifying an examination, for example, defined within one hospital. The medical department indicates, for example, the specialty division of medical treatment in medicine. Specifically, the medical department is internal medicine, surgery, etc. The examination type indicates an examination using medical images. For example, the examination type includes X-ray examination, CT (Computed Tomography) examination, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) examination, etc. The examination site includes the brain, kidneys, lungs, liver, etc.

The multiple POC devices 20 are easily portable testing devices used in real-time clinical testing (POCT) performed by medical professionals next to subjects. The multiple POC devices 20 may be, for example, small analyzers such as specimen testing devices or rapid diagnostic kits, as appropriate.

Note that, although FIG. 1 illustrates two POC devices 20a and 20b as the multiple POC devices 20, this is not limited thereto. The intra-hospital network 7 may have one or three or more POC devices 20 as the multiple POC devices 20. Note that, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which each of the multiple POC devices 20 is a specimen testing device.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a specimen testing device as a POC device 20 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the specimen testing device as a POC device 20 has a light detection unit 22, a magnetic field generating circuit 23, an information acquisition circuit 24, a communication interface 25, an input interface 26, an output interface 27, a memory 28, and a processing circuit 29.

The light detection unit 22 detects the target substance by light. The light detection unit 22 has an emission section 221, a light receiving section 222, a light source 223, and a light detector 224. The emission section 221 is an emission window, and it is sufficient that it has at least an opening. The opening may be covered with optical glass or resin that is transparent to the light emitted from the light source 223. Here, transparent means that light can be transmitted to an extent that absorption can be ignored. The light source 223 is, for example, a light emitting diode such as an LED or a xenon lamp that emits light according to the control of the processing circuit 29. The light emitted from the light source 223 is emitted as a light beam that is shaped to be approximately parallel by a lens or the like that is added separately through the emission section 221. The light receiving section 222 is a light receiving window, and it is sufficient that it has at least an opening. The opening may be covered with optical glass or transparent resin that is transparent to the light incident on the light receiving section 222. The photodetector 224 detects the light incident on the light receiving unit 222. For example, a photodiode or the like is used as the photodetector 224.

The magnetic field generating circuit 23 generates a magnetic field under the control of the processing circuit 29. The magnetic field generating circuit 23 has an upper magnetic field application section and a lower magnetic field application section. The upper magnetic field application section and the lower magnetic field application section are arranged in positions that face each other across the reaction unit 2 that is attached to the specimen testing device. For example, the upper magnetic field application section is provided at the position illustrated in FIG. 3, and generates a magnetic force that is vertically upward relative to the reaction unit 2. Also, for example, the lower magnetic field application section is provided on the side of the light detection unit 22 relative to the reaction unit 2, and generates a magnetic force that is vertically downward relative to the reaction unit 2.

The information acquisition circuit 24 has, for example, a reading unit 241 and an optical reader 242. The reading unit 241 is formed, for example, from optical glass or transparent resin. The optical reader 242 reads, for example, an optical mark 205 provided on a part of the lower surface of the reaction unit 2 via the reading unit 241. This allows the reaction unit 2 to be identified, and also reads the resetting identifier. As the optical mark 205, for example, a barcode or a two-dimensional code can be appropriately used. Here, the information acquisition circuit 24 is an example of a reading unit.

The communication interface 25 controls the transmission and communication of various data between each device in the hospital, such as the HIS 10, via the hospital network 90. The communication interface 25 also controls the transmission and communication of various data between the server 5 and the hospital, such as via a telecommunications line, such as the Internet. The communication interface 25 is realized, for example, by a network card, a network adapter, a NIC, etc.

The input interface 26 accepts various input operations from the operator, converts the accepted input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 29. The input interface 26 accepts various input operations from the operator on various operation screens related to the device-side substitute setting process described below, for example.

The output interface 27 has a display 271 and an alarm 272.

The display 271 displays various information. For example, the display 271 outputs a GUI generated by the processing circuit 29 for accepting various operations from the operator. The GUI for accepting various operations from the operator includes various operation screens related to the substitute device setting process on the device side.

The alarm 272 generates various sounds, such as warning sounds and notification of completion of measurement, under the control of the processing circuit 29. The alarm 272 is realized, for example, by a speaker.

The memory 28 stores various data. For example, the memory 28 stores data received from the server 5. Also, for example, the memory 28 stores information read from an optical mark attached to the reaction unit 2 by the information acquisition circuit 24. Also, for example, the memory 34 stores a program for implementing a substitute device setting process on the device side. For example, the memory 34 stores connection information related to communication settings for the device itself to communicate with the server 5. For example, the memory 34 stores setting information related to the settings of the device itself and test data obtained by testing with the device itself. The setting information of the device itself is, for example, information related to various settings in the sample testing device, such as information on the method of displaying test results in the sample testing device, language settings, sound settings, etc. Here, the memory 28 is an example of a storage unit.

The processing circuitry 29 is a processor that controls the overall operation of the specimen testing device. The processing circuitry 29 executes a system control function 291, a backup function 292, a restore function 293, and the like, for example, by executing a device-side substitute setting program deployed in the RAM of the memory 28.

In the system control function 291, the processing circuitry 29 is a function that controls each part of the sample testing device in an integrated manner. For example, the processing circuitry 29 executes testing processing in the sample testing device based on input information input from the input interface 26. For example, the processing circuitry 29 can communicate with the server 5 and the HIS 10 via the communication interface 25. Here, the processing circuitry 29 that realizes the system control function 291 is an example of a communication unit.

In the backup function 292, the processing circuitry 29 backs up the connection information, setting information, and test data to the server 5 in association with the device ID of the device itself. The information backed up to the server 5 includes information restored by the restore function 293. The processing circuitry 29 may back up only a portion of this information, or may further back up other information used by the specimen testing device. Here, the processing circuitry 29 that realizes the backup function 292 is an example of a backup unit.

In the restore function 293, the processing circuit 29 establishes communication between the server 5 and the own device via the communication interface 25 based on the connection information backed up by the specimen testing device to be replaced, which is included in the resetting identifier read by the information acquisition circuit 24. The processing circuit 29 also acquires setting information backed up in the server 5 by the specimen testing device to be replaced, based on the device ID of the specimen testing device to be replaced read by the information acquisition circuit 24. The processing circuit 29 also applies the acquired setting information to the own device. Here, applying the acquired setting information to the own device includes storing the setting information in the memory 28 or the like. The processing circuit 29 also acquires test data backed up in the server 5 by the specimen testing device to be replaced, based on the device ID of the specimen testing device to be replaced read by the information acquisition circuit 24. The processing circuit 29 also stores the acquired test data in the memory 28 or the like. Here, the processing circuit 29 that realizes the restore function 293 is an example of a restore unit.

As each of the input interfaces 26, 32, for example, a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touchpad, touch panel display, etc. can be used as appropriate. In this embodiment, each of the input interfaces 26, 32 is not limited to having these physical operation parts. For example, each of the input interfaces 26, 32 also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs this electrical signal to the processing circuit 35. Furthermore, the input interfaces 26, 32 may be configured as a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the main body of the sample testing device and the management device 3, respectively.

As the displays 271 and 33, various arbitrary displays can be used as appropriate. For example, as the displays 271 and 33, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, an organic electroluminescence display (OELD), or a plasma display can be used. The displays 271 and 33 may each be a desktop type, or may be configured as a tablet terminal capable of wireless communication with the main body of the sample testing device and the management device 3. Also, one or more projectors may be used as the displays 271 and 33.

Each of the memories 28, 34 and the memory of the server 5 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. The storage areas of the memories 28, 34 and the memory of the server 5 may be located within the specimen testing device, the management device 3, and the server 5, respectively, or may be located within an external storage device connected to each of them via a network, etc.

The term "processor" used in the above description refers to circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit: ASIC), and a Programmable Logic Device (PLD). PLDs include simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The processor realizes its functions by reading and executing a program stored in a storage circuit. The storage circuit in which the program is stored is a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium. Instead of storing the program in the storage circuit, the program may be directly built into the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the program built into the circuit. Instead of executing the program, the function corresponding to the program may be realized by a combination of logic circuits. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components in Figures 1 and 3 may be integrated into a single processor to achieve the functions.

Next, the reaction unit 2 that is attached to the specimen testing device as the POC device 20 will be described. The reaction unit 2 may also be referred to as a test container, a reaction container, a reaction cartridge, etc. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the reaction unit 2 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the reaction unit 2 has a housing 201, a transparent substrate 203, and an optical mark 205.

The housing 201 is formed of a resin such as ABS. The housing 201 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 201 is colored, for example, black for the purpose of blocking light. Inside the housing 201, a reaction chamber and the like is provided into which a test liquid containing an aqueous solution, a reagent component, and a sample is poured during testing. The test liquid may also be referred to as a measurement sample or the like. Here, the reaction unit 2 is an example of a test container that contains a test liquid containing a sample to be tested and a reagent component that reacts with a target substance.

A transparent substrate 203 and an optical mark 205 are provided on the bottom surface of the housing 201. The transparent substrate 203 is made of a material that transmits light. The transparent substrate 203 is provided at a position facing the emission section 221 and the light receiving section 222 of the light detection unit 22 when the reaction unit 2 is attached to the specimen testing device. The optical mark 205 is provided at a position facing the reading section 241 of the information acquisition circuit 24 when the reaction unit 2 is attached to the specimen testing device. Here, the reset identifier 817 (see FIG. 5) issued by the management function 352 of the management device 3 is written as the optical mark 205, for example, in the reaction unit 2.

When the reaction unit 2 is attached to the specimen testing device as the POC device 20, the light emitted from the light detection unit 22 enters the optical waveguide provided inside the reaction unit 2 through the transparent substrate 203 and is optically guided in the optical waveguide. The reaction unit 2 has a configuration that attenuates the light propagating in the optical waveguide according to the amount of antigen (e.g., virus) contained in the internal reaction chamber. The optically guided light is output from the optical waveguide to the outside through the transparent substrate 203 and detected by the light detection unit 22. In this way, the specimen testing device can obtain information about the antigen contained in the internal reaction chamber of the reaction unit 2 based on information about the detected light. Examples of information about the antigen include the type, amount, and concentration of the antigen.

In this manner, in the reaction unit 2 according to this embodiment, the transparent substrate 203 is provided to detect antigens such as viruses in the test liquid injected into the reaction chamber of the reaction unit 2. The optical mark 205 is provided, for example, in the reaction unit 2 to allow the issued reset identifier 817 to be read by the specimen testing device as the POC device 20. Therefore, even if the optical mark 205 is written in the ID unit 2a (see FIG. 5) that mimics the shape of the reaction unit 2, the issued reset identifier 817 can be read by the specimen testing device as the POC device 20. In this case, the optical mark 205 is provided in a position facing the reading unit 241 of the information acquisition circuit 24 when the ID unit 2a is attached to the specimen testing device.

In other words, the cartridge for device replacement according to this embodiment is not limited to the reaction unit 2, and an ID unit 2a that does not have a configuration for antigen detection such as a transparent substrate 203 or a reaction chamber can also be used. With this configuration, the cartridge for device replacement can be simplified in configuration, reducing costs.

Alternatively, if the optical mark 205 is written to the reaction unit 2, the cartridge for device replacement can also be used as a cartridge for antigen detection, so that the issued reset identifier 817 can be read by the sample testing device as the POC device 20 simply by mounting the reaction unit 2 to the sample testing device for antigen detection.

The alternative device setting process performed by the medical information processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining each piece of information used in the medical information processing system 1 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 5, it is assumed that the POC device 20a is the POC device 20 to be replaced. It is also assumed that the POC device 20b is the replacement POC device 20. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 5, it is assumed that the POC device 20a is the POC device 20 that is replaced by the same type of POC device 20b.

In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between POC device 20a and POC device 20b, they will simply be referred to as POC device 20. Here, POC device 20a is an example of a first sample testing device. Also, POC device 20b is an example of a second sample testing device.

In the following description, as shown in FIG. 5, an example is given in which an ID unit 2a that mimics the shape of the reaction unit 2 is used as a cartridge for device replacement. That is, in the following description, the specimen testing device as the POC device 20 restores communication settings and backup information by reading the optical mark 205 written in the ID unit 2a. Note that each process described below can be similarly realized even when the optical mark 205 is written in the reaction unit 2.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed at the start of operation in the medical information processing system 1 according to the embodiment. The flow in Figure 6 includes a substitute device setting process on the device side.

For example, when the operation of the POC device 20a is started, a management user visits the hospital or the like that operates the POC device 20a, connects the POC device 20a to the hospital network 90, and sets the network connection of the POC device 20a to connect to the server 5 via the hospital network 90 (S101). At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, the POC device 20a stores an old device ID 805, which is the device ID of the device itself, and connection information 807. Here, the old device ID 805 is an example of a first identifier.

When the POC device 20a is connected to the hospital network 90 through the network connection settings, the backup function 292 backs up the connection information 807 of the POC device 20a to the server 5 (S102). After that, the flow in FIG. 6 ends.

In this way, in each POC device 20, network settings are performed at the start of operation, and the backup function 292 associates the connection information for the network settings with the old device ID 805 of the device itself and backs it up to the server 5. The backup function 292 may also back up a log file indicating the occurrence of an error, etc., to the server 5.

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed in the medical information processing system 1 according to the embodiment after operation starts. The flow in Figure 7 includes a substitute device setting process on the management side and a substitute device setting process on the device side.

After the POC device 20a starts operating, the system control function 291 updates the connection information 807 and setting information 809 as appropriate in response to input operations by the user on the introduction side. The system control function 291 also executes tests in response to input operations by the user on the introduction side, and stores the patient ID 811 and test data 813 for each test in the memory 28. The backup function 292 then backs up each piece of information (test information (test ID, test results, patient ID, patient name, etc.), user setting information, etc.) in association with the old device ID 805, which is the device ID of the device itself, to the server 5 (S201).

The backup of each piece of information to the server 5 may be performed periodically for all information, periodically for differential information, or whenever each piece of information is updated.

The management function 352 determines whether or not to replace any of the multiple POC devices 20 (S202).

For example, when the call center receives a call from a user of the implementation side that the POC device 20 has broken down, and the call is written to the customer information 803 associated with the management ID 801, the management function 352 determines that the POC device 20 should be replaced. Also, for example, when a log file indicating the error occurrence status is backed up by the POC device 20, the management function 352 determines that the POC device 20 should be replaced.

When it is not determined that the POC device 20 needs to be replaced (S202: No), the flow in FIG. 7 returns to the processing of S201.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the POC device 20 is to be replaced (S202: Yes), the management function 352 identifies the device ID of the POC device 20 to be replaced based on, for example, the customer information 803 (S203). Here, it is assumed that the POC device 20 to be replaced is POC device 20a. Therefore, the management function 352 identifies the old device ID 805.

When it is determined that the POC device 20 should be replaced, the management user prepares a replacement POC device 20b. The management user also inputs a new device ID 815, which is the device ID of the replacement POC device 20b, to the management device 3. The new device ID 815 is associated with the management ID 801 and stored in the memory 34 (and server 5) of the management device 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 5. Here, the new device ID 815 is an example of a second identifier.

As a result, the old device ID, the backup data of the old device, and the new device ID are associated and stored on server 5.

Then, the management function 352 associates the old device ID 805 of the POC device 20a to be replaced with the new device ID 815 of the replacement POC device 20b and stores them in the server 5 (S204). As an example, the management function 352 further associates the new device ID 815 with the management ID 801 to which the old device ID 805 is associated.

The management function 352 acquires from the server 5 the connection information 807 stored in the server 5 in association with the old device ID 805 of the identified POC device 20a to be replaced. The management function 352 also issues a reset identifier 817 including the old device ID 805 and the connection information 807 (S205). The issued reset identifier 817 is written to the ID unit 2a as the optical mark 205.

Then, the management user ships the ID unit 2a with the reset identifier 817 written therein and the replacement POC device 20b to the user on the introduction side, such as a hospital. The replacement POC device 20b may be shipped when the new device ID 815 is entered into the management device 3, and may be shipped at a different time than the ID unit 2a.

When the replacement POC device 20b arrives, the user at the introduction side, such as a hospital, attaches the ID unit 2a with the reset identifier 817 written to the POC device 20b.

In the alternative POC device 20b, the restore function 293 reads the reset identifier 817 written as the optical mark 205 in the ID unit 2a by the information acquisition circuit 24 (S206). Here, as described above, the reset identifier 817 includes connection information 807 regarding the communication settings for the POC device 20a to communicate with the server 5, which was backed up to the server 5 by the POC device 20a. In other words, the information acquisition circuit 24 reads the optical mark 205 including connection information 807 regarding the communication settings for the POC device 20a to communicate with the server 5, which was backed up to the server 5 by a POC device 20a of the same type as the POC device 20b.

The restore function 293 also sets the network connection of the replacement POC device 20b based on the connection information 807 of the POC device 20a to be replaced that is read from the optical mark 205 (S207). In other words, the restore function 293 restores the connection information 807 of the POC device 20a that is read by the information acquisition circuit 24 as connection information related to the communication settings for the POC device 20b to communicate with the server 5. After completing the network connection settings, the restore function 293 also establishes communication between the server 5 and its own device via the communication interface 25.

In the replacement POC device 20b, the restore function 293 restores to the memory 28 the information backed up to the server 5 by the POC device 20a based on the read old device ID 805 of the POC device 20a to be replaced (S208).

The restore function 293 can perform restoration based on various information that can identify the backup data of the old device ID 805, not limited to the old device ID 805. For example, the management ID 801 or the new device ID 815 can be used as appropriate as information that can identify the backup data of the old device ID 805. Here, the information that can identify the backup data of the old device ID 805 is an example of identification information.

In addition, it may be possible to prevent the test information and user information from being downloaded unless multiple pieces of identification information match, such as the management ID and the new device ID stored in the new device, or the old device ID, management ID, and new device ID stored in the new device. By determining whether or not to download based on multiple pieces of identification information, the risk of personal information being leaked to a third party can be reduced.

For example, the restore function 293 acquires the setting information 809 of the POC device 20a to be replaced from the server 5, and restores the setting information as information related to the settings of the own device. Also, for example, the restore function 293 acquires the test data of the POC device 20a to be replaced from the server 5, and restores the test data as test data of the own device. After that, the flow in FIG. 7 ends.

In this way, in the medical information processing system 1 according to the embodiment, the user on the introduction side can configure the network of the replacement POC device 20b by having the replacement POC device 20b read the reconfiguration identifier 817. Furthermore, when the network configuration is completed, the replacement POC device 20b is connected to the server 5 on the cloud network, and can restore to itself the various data backed up by the POC device 20a to be replaced, based on the old device ID 805 associated with its own device's new device ID 815.

As a result, the user of the introducing side can use the replacement POC device 20b with the same settings as before the failure, simply by having the POC device 20b read the reconfiguration identifier 817. The user of the introducing side can also check the test data obtained by the POC device 20a to be replaced before the failure.

In addition, in the medical information processing system 1 according to the embodiment, a replacement device (POC device 20) that does not store personal information such as the patient's name or test results is sent to the customer such as a hospital. This reduces the risk of personal information leakage that accompanies the sending of a replacement device, for example, due to the wrong sending of a replacement device.

In addition, in the medical information processing system 1 according to the embodiment, the replacement POC device 20b reads the connection information 807 from the optical mark 205. This eliminates the need to set data, etc., in the replacement POC device 20b, making it possible to quickly send a replacement device.

Therefore, with the medical information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, the administrative user does not need to visit the hospital and individually reconfigure the network for the replacement device, so that when the POC device 20 breaks down, it can be smoothly replaced with a replacement device. In other words, with the medical information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, downtime caused by the connection settings for the replacement device to the network can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, the connection information 807 is written on the optical mark 205, but the present invention is not limited to this. The connection information 807 may be stored in the replacement device by the service center 9. In this case, the test data 813 may be downloaded after the replacement device is installed in the hospital using the connection information 807 to the server 5, the identification information for downloading the backup information, and the password written on the optical mark 205. In other words, the optical mark 205 may be issued so as to include the connection information 807, the identification information, and the password. Here, the backup information is information backed up on the server 5 by the POC device 20a to be replaced, as described above, and includes, for example, the setting information 809 and the test data 813.

In the above embodiment, a case has been exemplified in which all information backed up by the POC device 20a to be replaced is restored to the alternative POC device 20b, but this is not limited thereto. The information to be restored to the alternative POC device 20b may be selected, for example, in response to the operation of the input interface 26 by the user on the introduction side.

In the above embodiment, the resetting identifier 817 including the old device ID 805 and the connection information 807 is exemplified, but is not limited to this. For example, the management function 352 may issue a resetting identifier 817 that further includes setting information. In this case, in the alternative POC device 20b, the restore function 293 restores the loaded setting information 809 as the setting information of the device itself.

In the above embodiment, the optical mark 205 indicating the reset identifier 817 is provided on the reaction unit 2 or the ID unit 2a, but the present invention is not limited to this. The optical mark 205 indicating the reset identifier 817 may be printed on a piece of paper, for example. In this case, the piece of paper on which the optical mark 205 indicating the reset identifier 817 is printed may be sent from the management user to the introduction user, or electronic data of the optical mark 205 indicating the reset identifier 817 may be sent from the management user to the introduction user. In this case, the introduction user may use the electronic data to print the optical mark 205 on a piece of paper, and have the information acquisition circuit 24 read the piece of paper on which the optical mark 205 is printed. Here, the piece of paper is not limited to the case where paper is used as a medium, but includes, for example, a plate-shaped member formed of plastic, metal, etc.

The introducing user can also display electronic data of the optical mark 205 indicating the reset identifier 817 on the display of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet PC, and have the optical mark 205 displayed on the display read by the information acquisition circuit 24.

The POC device 20 may further include an imaging device for reading the optical mark 205 indicating the reset identifier 817, in addition to the information acquisition circuit 24. This imaging device is configured to be able to capture an image of the outside of the POC device 20, for example.

In the above embodiment, the case where backup data is restored from the POC device 20a to be replaced to the replacement POC device 20b is illustrated, but this is not limited to the above. The technology according to the embodiment can also be applied to a POC device 20a that has been initialized following repair, for example.

According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to reduce downtime caused by setting up a replacement device to connect to the network.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

Reference Signs List 1 Medical information processing system 2 Reaction unit 2a ID unit 3 Management device 5 Server 7 Intra-hospital network 9 Service center 10 HIS
20 POC device 31 Communication interface 32 Input interface 33 Display 34 Memory 35 Processing circuit 24 Information acquisition circuit 25 Communication interface 26 Input interface 27 Output interface 28 Memory 29 Processing circuit 90 In-hospital network 205 Optical mark 291 System control function (communication unit)
292 Backup function (backup section)
293 Restore function (restore section)
351 Acquisition function (acquisition section)
352 Management Function (Management Department)
817 Reset Identifier

Claims (19)

A communication unit capable of communicating with an external storage device;
a storage unit that stores connection information related to communication settings for the device itself to communicate with the external storage device;
a reading unit that reads an optical mark issued so as to include connection information related to communication settings for connecting to a communication network by optically reading a mounting position at which a test container is mounted, the test container containing a test liquid including a sample to be tested and a reagent component that reacts with a target substance;
a restore unit that stores the connection information read by the reading unit in the memory unit as the connection information of the device itself, and executes a restore that stores in the memory unit backup information of the other device, which is stored in the external storage device by the other device of the same type as the device itself, via the communication network connected using the connection information. The sample testing device according to claim 1, wherein the connection information includes connection information to the external storage device in which the backup information is stored. The sample testing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection information includes identification information and a password for downloading the backup information from the external storage device. The sample testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the optical mark is issued to include information for uniquely identifying the other device. The specimen testing device according to claim 4, wherein the restore unit restores the test data obtained by testing the other device, which is included in the backup information, to the storage unit as the test data of the own device, based on the information for identifying the other device read by the read unit. The specimen testing device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the restore unit restores, to the storage unit, setting information regarding the settings of the other device contained in the backup information as the setting information of the own device, based on information for identifying the other device read by the read unit. the optical mark is issued so as to include setting information regarding the setting of the other device that is backed up in the external storage device by the other device;
The restore unit restores the setting information read by the read unit to the storage unit as the setting information of the device itself.
The specimen testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The sample testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a backup unit that backs up the connection information of the device itself stored in the storage unit to the external storage device. The sample testing device according to claim 8, wherein the backup unit backs up the test data stored in the storage unit to the external storage device. The sample testing device according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the backup unit backs up the setting information related to the settings of the device itself stored in the storage unit to the external storage device. The sample testing device according to claim 1 , wherein the reading unit reads the optical mark attached to the test container. The sample testing device according to claim 1 , wherein the reading unit reads the optical mark attached to an ID unit having a shape imitating the test container. The sample testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the reading unit reads the optical mark printed on a piece of paper. The sample testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the reading unit reads the optical mark displayed on a screen of a mobile terminal. the reading unit has an optical reader that reads the optical mark for the mounting position,
The optical reader is provided at a position opposite to the mounting position of the cuvette.
The specimen testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14. a test section that has a light detection unit that detects a target substance contained in the test solution contained in the test container in a state where the test container is attached to the attachment position by light, and obtains information about the target substance based on information about the light detected by the light detection unit;
The light detection unit is provided at a position facing the mounting position of the cuvette.
The specimen testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15. a first sample testing device that backs up the connection information for connecting to the communication network in the external storage device ;
a medical information processing device that issues the optical mark including the connection information and a first identifier for uniquely identifying the first sample testing device when replacing the first sample testing device;
17. The specimen testing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second specimen testing apparatus of the same type as the first specimen testing apparatus;
Including,
the reading unit reads the optical mark issued by the medical image processing device, and the restoring unit restores the read connection information as a communication setting for connecting the device to the communication network .
Medical information processing system. Further comprising a third sample testing device of the same type as the first sample testing device;
The third specimen testing apparatus comprises:
A communication unit capable of communicating with the external storage device;
a storage unit in which the connection information relating to communication settings for connecting to the communication network is stored in advance ;
a reading unit that reads an optical mark issued to include connection information regarding communication settings for the first specimen testing device to communicate with the external storage device, and identification information and a password for downloading backup information of the first specimen testing device stored in the external storage device by the first specimen testing device ;
a restore unit that executes a restore by downloading backup information of the first sample testing apparatus via the communication network connected using the connection information stored in the storage unit and storing the backup information in the storage unit .
The medical information processing system according to claim 17 . The medical information processing device includes:
an acquisition unit that acquires, when replacing the first specimen testing apparatus with the second specimen testing apparatus of the same type as the first specimen testing apparatus, the connection information and a first identifier for uniquely identifying the first specimen testing apparatus from the external storage device;
a management unit that issues the optical mark including the acquired connection information and the first identifier, and associates the first identifier with a second identifier for uniquely identifying the second sample testing device, and stores the first identifier in the external storage device .
The medical information processing system according to claim 17 or 18 .

Images