JP7787243B2 - Automated analyzer and analysis method using the automated analyzer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer.

An automated analyzer is known that automatically adjusts the amount of cleaning liquid used to wash reaction vessels. For example, Patent Document 1 states, "The valve adjustment function 84 adjusts the amount of cleaning liquid dispensed from the first nozzle 251, the fourth nozzle 254, the fifth nozzle 255, and the sixth nozzle 256 based on the determination result regarding the state of the cleaning mechanism 230 determined by the determination function 82. When the valve adjustment function 84 is executed, the control circuit 8A calculates, for example, the increase or decrease in the amount of cleaning liquid dispensed from the first nozzle based on the absorbance change rate calculated by the execution of the determination function 82. The control circuit 8A controls the drive mechanism 4 based on the calculated increase or decrease in the amount of cleaning liquid, and adjusts the open time of the three-way solenoid valve 271, for example, so that the amount of cleaning liquid dispensed from the first nozzle 251 is appropriate" (paragraph 0084).

JP 2018-48820 A

In Patent Document 1, the adjustment process ends if the adjusted amount of cleaning liquid satisfies a predetermined range condition. Therefore, even if the liquid volume is adjusted to near the upper or lower limit of the range condition, the adjustment is complete as long as the liquid volume is within that range condition. This poses the problem of requiring readjustment shortly after adjustment, which requires operator effort and costs. Another problem arises: the analysis must be frequently stopped to adjust the amount of cleaning liquid.

The present invention was made in consideration of these issues, and its purpose is to provide an automatic analyzer that reduces the frequency of adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid in reaction vessels.

To solve the above problem, the present invention provides an automatic analyzer comprising a discharge nozzle that discharges a cleaning solution into a reaction vessel, a solenoid valve provided in a path that supplies the cleaning solution to the discharge nozzle, a liquid level detector that detects the liquid level of the cleaning solution, and a control unit that controls the solenoid valve. The control unit has a memory unit that stores control sequences that cause the solenoid valve to operate in different ways, and a judgment unit that determines which of the different control sequences should be applied during analysis. All or some of the control sequences stored in the memory unit are executed, and the liquid level detector detects the liquid level of the cleaning solution corresponding to each control sequence. Based on the detection result, the judgment unit determines the control sequence in which the liquid level is within a predetermined range, and determines the control sequence in which the difference between the liquid level of the determined control sequence and a reference value is smallest as the control sequence to be applied during analysis.

The present invention provides an automated analyzer that reduces the frequency of adjusting the amount of washing liquid in reaction vessels. Issues, configurations, and advantages other than those described above will become clear from the description of the following embodiments.

1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing both a configuration for washing a reaction vessel and a configuration for adjusting the amount of washing liquid. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adjusting the liquid level according to the first embodiment. A data table showing that all control sequences have been executed and data has been updated. 6 is a graph showing the solenoid valve opening time and the liquid level as a result of executing all control sequences. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adjusting the liquid level according to the second embodiment. Data table showing that some control sequences have been executed and data has been updated. 10 is a graph showing the solenoid valve opening time and the liquid level as a result of executing a part of the control sequence. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for predicting the date and time when a selected control sequence will no longer satisfy the tolerance range conditions in the third embodiment. A data table that stores data on the slope of the relational equation for each past liquid volume adjustment. An example of the screen that appears when an operator sets the start schedule for adjusting the cleaning solution volume. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for predicting a date and time when all control sequences will no longer satisfy the tolerance range conditions in the fourth embodiment. 10 is an example of a screen displayed when notifying the operator that adjustment of the amount of cleaning liquid has been completed. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which a diagnosing unit diagnoses an abnormality in a solenoid valve caused by a factor other than aging deterioration in a fifth embodiment. An example of the analysis results details screen.

An automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an automatic biochemical analyzer according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer includes a mechanism drive unit 103, an operation unit 108 operated by an operator, and a control unit 102 that controls the mechanism drive unit 103.

Here, the mechanism drive unit 103 includes a drive circuit 110, a specimen container 111 that holds the measurement target, a specimen dispensing mechanism 113 that dispenses the specimen from the specimen container 111 into a reaction container 112 (reaction cell), a reagent dispensing mechanism 114 that dispenses a reagent into the reaction container 112, a stirring mechanism 115 that stirs the mixture in the reaction container 112, a photometer 116 that measures the absorbance of the mixture in the reaction container 112, a cleaning mechanism 117 that cleans the reaction container 112 after measurement is complete, a reaction disk 130 that transports the reaction container 112 to the operating position of each mechanism, and a reaction tank 118 that maintains the reaction system at a constant temperature to stabilize the reaction. The operation unit 108 is a terminal equipped with an input unit 119 such as a keyboard or mouse, and an output unit 120 such as a display or printer.

The control unit 102 has a CPU 104, a memory 121 that stores programs executed by the CPU 104, a storage unit 105 that stores a control sequence 124 that defines the procedure for controlling the mechanism drive unit 103, an I/O 106 that is an input/output for controlling the mechanism drive unit 103, an ADC 107 that converts analog signals to digital and captures measurement data, and an I/F 109 that is an interface for communicating with the operation unit 108. The programs stored in the memory are conceptually divided into a judgment unit 122 and a prediction unit 123 according to their functions.

The memory unit 105 stores multiple control sequences 124 that cause the solenoid valve 205 to operate differently for discharging cleaning liquid; specifically, multiple control sequences 124 that vary in the open time of the solenoid valve 205. The determination unit 122 determines which of the different control sequences 124 should be applied during analysis. The prediction unit 123 predicts the time when the control sequence 124 currently being applied (selected) will no longer satisfy specified conditions.

In the automated analyzer, the drive circuit 110 of the mechanism drive unit 103 is controlled by signals from the I/O 106 of the control unit 102 to drive mechanisms such as the sample dispensing mechanism 113, reagent dispensing mechanism 114, and stirring mechanism 115, mixing the sample and reagent in the reaction vessel 112. Furthermore, in the automated analyzer, the photometer 116 of the mechanism drive unit 103 measures the absorbance of this mixture at a wavelength corresponding to each analysis item, and the measurement data is acquired by the ADC 107, thereby analyzing the sample. For example, the control unit 102 calculates the concentration of a specific component contained in the sample based on the measured absorbance and outputs the calculation result to the output unit 120. Instead of measuring absorbance, sample analysis may also be performed using scattered light detection or other measurement principles. After use, the reaction vessel 112 is cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 117, located near the reaction disk 130, after aspirating the mixed liquid and cleaning the interior, allowing for repeated use.

Figure 2 shows both the configuration for cleaning the reaction vessel and the configuration for adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid. As shown in Figure 2, the cleaning mechanism 117 includes a discharge nozzle 207 that discharges the cleaning liquid and a suction nozzle 208 that discards the cleaning liquid. A flow path 203 is connected to the discharge nozzle 207 as a supply path for the cleaning liquid, and a solenoid valve 205 and a pump 204 are provided upstream of the flow path 203. The solenoid valve 205 and the pump 204 are controlled by a control circuit 206, and the cleaning liquid is sent to the discharge nozzle 207 through the flow path 203. The control circuit 206 is controlled by the CPU 104 of the control unit 102.

The cleaning mechanism 117 supplies cleaning liquid from the discharge nozzle 207 to the reaction vessels 112 placed on the reaction disk 130 to clean the inside of the reaction vessels 112. After cleaning, the cleaning liquid inside the reaction vessels 112 is sucked by the suction nozzle 208 and discharged from the reaction vessels 112.

The height detector 202 detects the height of the cleaning liquid supplied to the reaction vessel 112 by the discharge nozzle 207. In this embodiment, the height detector 202 is a liquid level detector provided on the probe 201 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 114 that detects contact of the liquid level with the probe 201, eliminating the need for a new height detector. The probe 201 is also connected to a drive circuit 110, which moves the probe 201 horizontally and vertically in response to signals from the CPU via the I/O 106. Therefore, the control unit 102 can calculate the liquid level of the cleaning liquid by positioning the probe 201 within the reaction vessel 112 and detecting the amount of movement of the probe 201 when the height detector 202 detects the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the reaction vessel 112.

In this embodiment, an example is given in which the height detector 202 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 114 is used, but this is not limited to this as long as a mechanism capable of detecting the liquid level is provided. For example, the height detector 202 of the sample dispensing mechanism 113 may also be used. Also, in this embodiment, an example is given in which a liquid level detector is used as the height detector 202, but it is also possible to detect the liquid level using other methods, such as image processing.

The reaction vessel 112 is used repeatedly, so it needs to be thoroughly cleaned. For example, sufficient cleaning can be achieved by discharging enough cleaning liquid to reach a predetermined height in the reaction vessel 112; however, if the cleaning liquid height is too low, insufficient cleaning will occur, adversely affecting the measurement results. Furthermore, because the amount of cleaning liquid discharged changes over time due to changes in various mechanisms, these mechanisms must be periodically adjusted to maintain the cleaning liquid level at a predetermined height. Therefore, in this embodiment, a cleaning liquid volume adjustment process (maintenance process) is performed while the automated analyzer is in standby mode, not performing an analysis. For example, the maintenance process is initiated when an operator issues a command to perform maintenance using the input unit 119 of the automated analyzer. Below, an example of a method for adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid by changing the open time of the solenoid valve 205 is described.

In this embodiment, upon receiving instructions from the input unit 119, the control unit 102 executes all of the multiple control sequences 124 for the cleaning operation stored in the memory unit 105. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure for adjusting the liquid level according to the first embodiment.

First, the control unit 102 selects an arbitrary (unexecuted) control sequence 124 stored in the memory unit 105 (step S301), and the selected control sequence 124 is executed up to the following step S307. The CPU 104 commands the I/O 106 to move the discharge nozzle 207 of the cleaning mechanism 117 from the normal standby position to the cleaning liquid discharge position. The drive circuit 110 receives input from the I/O 106 and moves the discharge nozzle 207 from the normal standby position to the cleaning liquid discharge position. After the discharge nozzle 207 has moved to the cleaning liquid discharge position, the CPU 104 controls the pump 204 and solenoid valve 205 via the control circuit 206 to begin discharging the cleaning liquid into the empty reaction vessel 112 (step S302). After the discharge of the cleaning liquid stops, the CPU 104 commands the I/O 106 to move the discharge nozzle 207 from the cleaning liquid discharge position to the normal standby position. Upon receiving input from the I/O 106, the drive circuit 110 raises the discharge nozzle 207 to the normal standby position.

Next, the CPU 104 commands the I/O 106 to rotate the reaction disk 130 until the reaction vessel 112 into which the cleaning solution has been ejected moves to the dispensing position of the probe 201 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 114. Upon receiving input from the I/O 106, the drive circuit 110 rotates the reaction disk 130 until the reaction vessel 112 moves to the dispensing position of the probe 201 (step S303).

Next, the CPU 104 commands the I/O 106 to lower the probe 201 until the height detector 202 detects the liquid level. The drive circuit 110 receives input from the I/O 106 and lowers the probe 201. The control unit 102 derives the liquid level of the cleaning liquid based on the amount of movement of the probe 201 until the height detector 202 detects the liquid level (step S304).

Next, the control unit 102 stores the derived liquid level in the data table shown in FIG. 4 in the memory unit 105 (step S305). This data table stores, for each control sequence 124, the open time of the solenoid valve 205 defined in the control sequence 124, the liquid level obtained as a result of executing the control sequence 124, the date and time when the control sequence 124 was executed, and a selection flag indicating that the control sequence 124 is to be applied to the cleaning operation during analysis. The control unit 102 updates the liquid level and measurement date and time data in the data table corresponding to the executed control sequence 124 to the derived liquid level and measurement date and time. Note that in this embodiment, an example is given in which the data for the control sequences 124 in the data table shown in FIG. 4 stored in the memory unit 105 is sorted in ascending order of the open time of the solenoid valve 205, but the order of the data for the control sequences 124 is not limited to this. For example, the data for the control sequences 124 may be sorted in descending order of the open time of the solenoid valve 205.

Next, the CPU 104 commands the I/O 106 to rotate the reaction disk 130 until the reaction vessel 112 moves to the suction position of the suction nozzle 208 of the cleaning mechanism 117. Upon receiving input from the I/O 106, the drive circuit 110 rotates the reaction disk 130 until the reaction vessel 112 moves to the suction position of the suction nozzle 208 (step S306).

Next, the control unit 102 moves the suction nozzle 208 of the cleaning mechanism 117 from the normal standby position to the cleaning liquid discharge position. After the discharge nozzle 207 has moved to the cleaning liquid discharge position, the control unit 102 controls the pump 204 via the control circuit 206 to begin suction of cleaning liquid (step S307). After suction of cleaning liquid has stopped, the CPU 104 commands the I/O 106 to move the suction nozzle 208 from the cleaning liquid suction position to the normal standby position. The drive circuit 110 receives input from the I/O 106 and raises the suction nozzle 208 to the normal standby position.

In this way, once execution of the initially selected control sequence 124 is completed, the process returns to step S301, and the SPU 104 selects another (unexecuted) control sequence 124. Thereafter, the same processing as steps S302 to S307 described above is executed for the newly selected control sequence 124. Note that each control sequence 124 may be executed sequentially using pipeline processing. In this pipeline processing, for example, while the nth control sequence 124 is executing step S303, the (n+1)th control sequence 124 simultaneously executes step S302.

When all control sequences 124 stored in the data table have been executed, the determination unit 122 of the control unit 102 determines whether the derived cleaning liquid level meets the specified tolerance range conditions. In this embodiment, the memory unit 105 stores upper and lower limit values as tolerance range conditions for the liquid level, and also stores a reference value for the liquid level for determining whether the likelihood is relatively high within these tolerance range conditions. The upper and lower limit values of the tolerance range conditions may be set by the operator via the input unit 119. In this embodiment, the reference value is the median between the upper and lower limit values of the liquid level, but is not limited to this. For example, if the diameter of the solenoid valve 205 is prone to loosening due to aging, the reference value may be set to a value closer to the lower limit of the tolerance range conditions than the median value. In addition, instead of the reference value, a reference range narrower than the tolerance range conditions described above may be set.

The determination unit 122 determines whether the updated liquid level data in the data table satisfies the tolerance range condition (step S308). If no liquid level data satisfies the tolerance range condition, the control unit 102 notifies the operator via the output unit 120 that the cleaning liquid volume cannot be adjusted. In this case, the solenoid valve 205 needs to be replaced, and the notification to the operator includes a recommendation to replace the solenoid valve 205. On the other hand, if liquid level data that satisfies the tolerance range condition is present in step S308, the determination unit 122 extracts from the data table a control sequence 124 that achieves a liquid level relatively close to the reference value of the liquid level stored in the memory unit 105. In this way, the determination unit 122 determines the control sequence 124 with the highest likelihood of achieving the tolerance range condition among the multiple control sequences 124 that satisfy the tolerance range condition as the one to be applied during analysis, and sets the selection flag for the determined control sequence 124 to ON (step S309). If there is only one liquid level data item that satisfies the tolerance range conditions, the selection flag for the control sequence 124 corresponding to that data is set to ON. The control unit 102 then notifies the operator via the output unit 120 that adjustment of the cleaning liquid volume has been completed.

The control unit 102 applies the control sequence 124 with the selection flag set to on as the control sequence 124 for the cleaning operation of the reaction vessel 112 during operation (analysis), and executes the ejection of cleaning liquid. Therefore, the automated analyzer of this embodiment can ensure the ejection of a specified amount of liquid when cleaning the reaction vessel 112, and can reduce the frequency of adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid.

Next, a specific example of the method for adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid in this embodiment will be explained using Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a data table showing that all control sequences 124 have been executed and the data has been updated, and Figure 5 is a graph showing the opening time of the solenoid valve 205 and the liquid level as a result of executing all control sequences 124.

First, the control unit 102 of the automated analyzer initiates maintenance processing based on a trigger set by the operator via the input unit 119 to reselect the control sequence 124 to be used when cleaning an empty reaction vessel 112 after measurement. The triggers set for adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid include a manual execution mode, an automatic execution mode based on an adjustment interval or timing preselected by the operator, and an automatic execution mode based on a timing predicted in Example 3, described below. The memory unit 105 stores six control sequences 124, as shown in Figure 4. The control unit 102 executes all of these control sequences 124 in the order of steps S302 to S307 shown in Figure 3. The graph in Figure 5 shows the resulting liquid level height for each control sequence 124.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, control sequence No. 1 involved opening the solenoid valve 205 for 0.5 seconds, and the cleaning liquid was discharged, resulting in a liquid level of 8.9 mm. Similarly, control sequence No. 2 involved opening the solenoid valve 205 for 0.6 seconds, resulting in a liquid level of 9.3 mm. Control sequence No. 3 involved opening the solenoid valve 205 for 0.7 seconds, resulting in a liquid level of 9.7 mm. Control sequence No. 4 involved opening the solenoid valve 205 for 0.8 seconds, resulting in a liquid level of 10.1 mm. Control sequence No. 5 involved opening the solenoid valve 205 for 0.9 seconds, resulting in a liquid level of 10.4 mm. Control sequence No. 6 involved opening the solenoid valve 205 for 1.0 second, resulting in a liquid level of 10.7 mm.

Here, the determination unit 122 determines whether there is liquid level height data that satisfies the tolerance range condition, as in step S308 in Figure 3 above. As shown in Figure 5, the tolerance range condition is 9.5 to 10.5 mm, and there are three execution results of the control sequence 124 that satisfy this tolerance range condition (control sequences No. 3 to 5), so the process proceeds to step S309 in Figure 3.

In step S309, the determination unit 122 extracts, from the three control sequences 124 that satisfy the tolerance range conditions, the control sequence 124 that achieved a liquid level relatively close to the aforementioned reference value. The reference value is 10.0, the median value between the lower limit of 9.5 mm and the upper limit of 10.5 mm. Furthermore, since the execution result of control sequence No. 3 is a liquid level height of 9.7 mm, the execution result of control sequence No. 4 is a liquid level height of 10.1 mm, and the execution result of control sequence No. 3 is a liquid level height of 10.4 mm, the execution result of control sequence No. 4 that achieved a liquid level height of 10.1 mm is the control sequence that achieved a liquid level height relatively close to the reference value of 10.0 mm. Therefore, the determination unit 122 determines control sequence No. 4 as the control sequence 124 to be applied during analysis, and in the data table of Figure 4, sets the selection flag corresponding to control sequence No. 4 to on (1 in this embodiment) and the selection flags corresponding to the other control sequences to off (0 in this embodiment).

In this embodiment, since the capacity of the reaction vessel 112 is known, the liquid level height is used as an adjustment indicator to adjust the liquid volume. However, the liquid volume can also be derived from the liquid level height, and the liquid volume itself can be used as an adjustment indicator. In this case, if the bottom area and shape of the reaction vessel 112 are known, the liquid volume can be calculated from the measured liquid level height.

In Example 1, all control sequences 124 held by the control unit 102 are executed, and then the control sequence 124 closest to the reference value (with a relatively high likelihood) is extracted. Example 2 illustrates a more efficient adjustment method in which fewer control sequences 124 need to be executed than in Example 1. In the following, explanations of parts common to Example 1 will be omitted where appropriate.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure for adjusting the liquid level according to Example 2. In addition to the data of Example 1, the data table held by the memory unit 105 in this example holds execution flag data for each control sequence, as shown in Figure 7. The execution flag is used to distinguish between executed control sequences 124 and unexecuted control sequences 124 when adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid. This allows the determination unit 122 to more efficiently select the next control sequence 124 to be executed from among the unexecuted control sequences 124 whose execution flags are off. Note that the execution flag is set to off (0 in this example) each time adjustment is started before the adjustment begins.

First, the control unit 102 sets all execution flags and selection flags in the data table to off. Next, the two control sequences 124 with the smallest control sequence numbers are executed (step S501). Note that each control sequence 124 has a defined control flow for steps S302 to S307 shown in Figure 3, and the two control sequences 124 are executed according to this definition.

Next, the determination unit 122 calculates a relational expression between the opening time of the solenoid valve 205 and the detected liquid level based on the execution results of the two control sequences 124 (step S502). Furthermore, using the relational expression calculated in step S502, the determination unit 122 extracts, from the control sequences 124 whose execution flags are off, a control sequence 124 having an opening time of the solenoid valve 205 that is thought to achieve a liquid level relatively close to the reference value of the liquid level held in the memory unit 105 (step S503). The control unit 102 executes the control sequence 124 extracted in step S503 (step S504), and not only stores the execution result in the data table, but also sets the execution flag of the control sequence 124 to on.

Next, the determination unit 122 determines whether the liquid level obtained as a result of executing step S504 satisfies the tolerance range conditions stored in the memory unit 105 (step S505). If it is determined in step S505 that the tolerance range conditions are not satisfied, the determination unit 122 determines whether the data table contains a control sequence 124 whose execution flag is set to off (step S506). If there is no control sequence 124 whose execution flag is set to off in step S506, the control unit 102 notifies the operator via the output unit 120 that the amount of cleaning liquid cannot be adjusted.

On the other hand, if the data table contains a control sequence 124 whose execution flag is set to off, the control unit 102 executes one of the unexecuted control sequences 124 (step S507). Note that in this embodiment, an example is given in which a control sequence with a relatively small control sequence number is executed among the unexecuted control sequences, but the control sequence 124 to be executed is not limited to this. The control unit 102 not only saves the execution result of step S507 in the data table, but also sets the execution flag for that control sequence 124 to on.

Furthermore, if it is determined in step S505 that the liquid level height obtained as a result of executing step S504 satisfies the tolerance range conditions stored in the memory unit 105, the determination unit 122 determines whether the liquid level height obtained as a result of that execution is the same as the reference value stored in the memory unit 105 (step S508). This determination may be made based on whether the values are the same within a certain range. For example, if the liquid level height obtained as a result of executing step S504 is a value that is within ±1% of the reference value, the liquid level height may be determined to be the same as the reference value.

If it is determined that the liquid level height obtained as a result of executing step S504 is the same as the reference value of the liquid level height stored in the memory unit 105, the control unit 102 sets the selection flag for the data corresponding to the control sequence 124 executed in step S504 to ON in the data table (step S509). The control unit 102 then notifies the operator via the output unit 120 that the adjustment of the amount of cleaning liquid has been completed.

On the other hand, if the liquid level height obtained as a result of executing step S504 is not identical to the reference value of the liquid level height stored in the memory unit 105, the determination unit 122 checks whether there is a control sequence that is closer to the reference value than the control sequence 124 executed in step S504. To do this, the determination unit 122 uses the relational expression calculated in step S502 to determine whether the open time of the solenoid valve 205 should be made longer or shorter than the open time of the solenoid valve 205 defined in the control sequence 124 executed in step S504 (step S510). The specific determination method used by the determination unit 122 in step S510 is to lengthen the open time of the solenoid valve 205 if the liquid level height obtained as a result of executing step S504 is lower than the reference value, and to shorten the open time of the solenoid valve 205 if it is higher than the reference value.

Next, the determination unit 122 narrows down the control sequence 124 to be executed next based on the release time of the control sequence 124 executed immediately before and the determination result in step S510. The control unit 102 then executes the control sequence 124 narrowed down by the determination unit 122 (step S511). The control unit 102 not only saves the execution result of step S511 in the data table, but also sets the execution flag for that control sequence 124 to on.

The determination unit 122 determines whether the liquid level obtained as a result of executing step S511 satisfies the tolerance range conditions stored in the memory unit 105 (step S512). If it is determined in step S512 that the tolerance range conditions are not satisfied, the determination unit 122 sets the selection flag for the data in the data table corresponding to the control sequence 124 that was executed second to last to on (step S513).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S512 that the tolerance range conditions are met, the determination unit 122 determines whether the liquid level height obtained from the last executed control sequence 124 is relatively closer to the reference value than the liquid level height obtained from the second-to-last executed control sequence 124 (step S514).

If the liquid level height obtained from the second-to-last executed control sequence 124 is relatively closer to the reference value than the liquid level height obtained from the last executed control sequence 124, the judgment unit 122 sets the selection flag corresponding to the second-to-last executed control sequence 124 to on (1 in this embodiment) and sets the selection flags corresponding to the other control sequences to off (0 in this embodiment) (step S513).

On the other hand, if the liquid level height obtained from the last executed control sequence 124 is relatively closer to the reference value than the liquid level height obtained from the second-to-last executed control sequence 124, the determination unit 122 sets the selection flag corresponding to the last executed control sequence 124 to on (1 in this embodiment) and sets the selection flags corresponding to the other control sequences to off (0 in this embodiment) (step S515).

Next, a specific example of the method for adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid in this embodiment will be explained using Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a data table showing that some (resulting in Nos. 1, 2, 4, and 5) of the control sequences 124 have been executed and the data has been updated, and Figure 8 is a graph showing the opening time of the solenoid valve 205 and the liquid level as a result of executing some of the control sequences 124.

Based on a trigger set by the operator via the input unit 119, the control unit 102 of the automated analyzer initiates maintenance processing to reselect the control sequence 124 to be used when cleaning the empty reaction vessel 112 after measurement.

First, in step S501 of FIG. 6, the control unit 102 executes control sequence No. 1 and control sequence No. 2. As shown in FIG. 8, the result of executing control sequence No. 1 is 10 mm, and the result of executing control sequence No. 2 is 13 mm.

Next, in step S502 of FIG. 6, the determination unit 122 calculates the relationship between the opening time of the solenoid valve 205 and the liquid level obtained by executing the control sequence 124 from the execution result of step S501. In control sequence No. 1, the opening time of the solenoid valve 205 is 0.5 seconds and the liquid level is 10 mm, and in control sequence No. 2, the opening time of the solenoid valve 205 is 0.6 seconds and the liquid level is 13 mm, so the relationship is "liquid level = 30 x solenoid valve opening time - 5".

Next, the determination unit 122 executes step S503 in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 8, the reference value is 20 mm, and when the determination unit 122 calculates the solenoid valve opening time corresponding to this reference value using the aforementioned relational expression, it is approximately 0.83 seconds. The control sequence 124 defined as having a solenoid valve opening time relatively close to 0.83 seconds is control sequence No. 4, which defines a solenoid valve opening time of 0.8 seconds. Therefore, control sequence No. 4 is executed in step S504 in Figure 6, and the liquid level height obtained as a result of this execution is 19 mm.

Next, in step S504 of FIG. 6, the determination unit 122 determines whether the liquid level height of 19 mm obtained as a result of executing step S504 of FIG. 6 satisfies the allowable range condition. As shown in FIG. 8, the allowable range condition is 15 mm to 25 mm, and since the liquid level height of 19 mm satisfies this allowable range condition, the process proceeds to step S508 of FIG. 6.

In step S508 of FIG. 6, the determination unit 122 determines whether the liquid level height of 19 mm obtained as a result of executing step S504 of FIG. 6 is the same as the reference value. As shown in FIG. 8, the reference value is 20 mm, and the liquid level height of 19 mm is not the same as this reference value, so the determination unit 122 proceeds to step S510 of FIG. 6.

In step S510 of FIG. 6, the determination unit 122 determines whether the next control sequence 124 to be executed is a control sequence 124 with a longer or shorter solenoid valve opening time than the control sequence 124 executed in step S504 of FIG. 6. Here, if the liquid level height obtained as a result of executing step S504 is higher than the reference value, the determination unit 122 extracts a control sequence 124 with a shorter solenoid valve opening time than the control sequence 124 executed in step S504. On the other hand, if the liquid level height obtained as a result of executing step S504 is lower than the reference value, the determination unit 122 extracts a control sequence 124 with a longer solenoid valve opening time than the control sequence 124 executed in step S504. Currently, the liquid level height of 19 mm obtained as a result of executing step S504 is lower than the reference value of 20 mm. Therefore, the determination unit 122 extracts a control sequence 124 with a longer solenoid valve opening time than the control sequence 124 executed in step S504 as the next control sequence 124 to be executed, and proceeds to step S511 of FIG. 6.

In step S511 of FIG. 6, the determination unit 122 narrows down the control sequences 124 to those that are relatively close in solenoid valve opening time to the control sequence 124 executed in step S504 and that satisfy the determination result of step S510, i.e., those that have a longer solenoid valve opening time than the control sequence 124 executed in step S504. Here, the determination unit 122 narrows down the control sequence 124 to be executed next to control sequence No. 5. The control unit 102 then executes control sequence No. 5 and proceeds to step S512 of FIG. 6.

In step S512 of FIG. 6, the determination unit 122 determines whether the liquid level obtained as a result of executing step S511 satisfies the allowable range condition. As shown in FIG. 8, the allowable range condition is 15 mm to 25 mm. The liquid level height of 22 mm obtained by executing control sequence No. 5 in step S511 satisfies the allowable range condition, so the process proceeds to step S514 of FIG. 6.

In step S514 of FIG. 6, the determination unit 122 determines whether the liquid level height obtained from the last executed control sequence 124 is relatively closer to the reference value than the liquid level height obtained from the second-to-last executed control sequence 124. Here, the liquid level height obtained from the second-to-last executed control sequence 124 (control sequence No. 4) is 19 mm, and the liquid level height obtained from the last executed control sequence 124 (control sequence No. 5) is 22 mm. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the reference value is 20 mm, so the second-to-last executed control sequence 124 (control sequence No. 4) is relatively closer to the reference value. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S515 of FIG. 6.

In step S515 of FIG. 6, the determination unit 122 determines that the second-to-last executed control sequence 124 (control sequence No. 4) is the control sequence 124 to be applied during analysis, and in the data table of FIG. 7, the selection flag corresponding to control sequence No. 4 is set to on (1 in this embodiment) and the selection flags corresponding to the other control sequences are set to off (0 in this embodiment).

In this embodiment, two control sequences 124 with relatively small control sequence numbers in the data table are used as the two control sequences 124 to be executed first, but this is not limited to this. For example, by referencing past data stored in the data table and executing the control sequences 124 corresponding to the liquid level heights closest to the upper limit and the lower limit, a highly accurate relational equation can be obtained. Also, the control sequence 124 with the shortest solenoid valve 205 opening time and the control sequence 124 with the longest solenoid valve 205 opening time may be executed first. Alternatively, the execution results of three or more control sequences 124 may be used to calculate the relational equation. Furthermore, the operator may be able to use the input unit 119 to select the two control sequences 124 to be executed first.

Example 3 illustrates a method in which the prediction unit 123 of the control unit 102 predicts the date and time when the currently applied (selected) control sequence 124 will no longer satisfy the allowable range conditions for the liquid level stored in the memory unit 105. This allows the operator to more accurately know the date and time when the liquid level of the cleaning liquid should be readjusted depending on the usage environment of the automated analyzer.

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure in Example 3 in which the prediction unit 123 predicts the date and time when the selected control sequence 124 will no longer satisfy the tolerance range conditions. In this Example, an example is described in which the prediction unit 123 makes a prediction just before the maintenance process in Examples 1 and 2 described above is completed and a notification to the operator that the cleaning liquid volume adjustment process has been completed is output to the output unit 120. However, the timing of the prediction is not limited to this, and the prediction may be made independently of the cleaning liquid volume adjustment process.

Based on the results of all or at least two of the control sequences 124 executed during the cleaning liquid volume adjustment process, the prediction unit 123 calculates a relationship between the open time of the solenoid valve 205 and the detected liquid level, and stores information such as the slope of the relationship in a data table in the storage unit 105 (step S601). Figure 10 shows a data table that stores data related to the slope of the relationship for each previous liquid volume adjustment. As shown in Figure 10, this data table stores, for example, for each cleaning liquid volume adjustment, the calculated slope of the relationship, the difference between the calculated slope and the slope at the time of the previous adjustment (the change in slope from the previous adjustment), the adjustment date and time when the cleaning liquid volume adjustment was performed, the number of days elapsed from the previous adjustment date and time to the current adjustment date and time, the amount of change in slope per day, and the predicted date and time. For the first cleaning liquid volume adjustment, the data for the difference between the calculated slope and the slope at the time of the previous adjustment, the number of days elapsed from the previous adjustment date and time to the current adjustment date and time, the amount of change in slope per day, and the predicted date and time are left blank.

Next, the prediction unit 123 determines whether data for two or more cleaning liquid volume adjustments exists in the data table shown in FIG. 10 (step S602). If data for two or more cleaning liquid volume adjustments does not exist, the prediction unit 123 ends the process of predicting the date and time when the selected control sequence 124 will no longer satisfy the allowable range conditions for the liquid level height. On the other hand, if data for two or more cleaning liquid volume adjustments exists, the prediction unit 123 acquires all data for "slope change from the previous adjustment" stored in the data table shown in FIG. 10, calculates the average value, and calculates whether the sign of the average value is positive or negative (step S603). Note that the data used to calculate the average value does not have to be all data, and may be the most recent three pieces of data, for example.

Next, the prediction unit 123 uses the calculation result of step S603 to predict whether the liquid level height achieved by the currently selected control sequence 124 will approach the upper or lower limit of the tolerance range conditions over time (step S604). Specifically, if the calculation result of step S603 is positive, this indicates that the slope of the equation relating the solenoid valve opening time to the liquid level height increases over time, and the prediction unit 123 predicts that the liquid level height achieved by the currently selected control sequence 124 will approach the upper limit. On the other hand, if the calculation result of step S603 is negative, this indicates that the slope of the equation relating the solenoid valve opening time to the liquid level height decreases over time, and the prediction unit 123 predicts that the liquid level height achieved by the currently selected control sequence 124 will approach the lower limit.

Next, the prediction unit 123 calculates the slope of the relational expression (limit relational expression) when the liquid level height achieved by the currently selected control sequence 124 is the same as the boundary value (upper limit value or lower limit value) predicted in step S604 (step S605). In this embodiment, the relational expression between the solenoid valve opening time and the liquid level height approximates a proportional relational expression, so the prediction unit 123 can calculate the slope of the limit relational expression by subtracting the solenoid valve opening time corresponding to the currently selected control sequence 124 from the boundary value predicted in step S604.

Next, the prediction unit 123 calculates the period required for the slope of the relational equation stored in the data table in step S601 to reach the slope of the limit relational equation calculated in step S605 (S606). Specifically, the prediction unit 123 first acquires all data for the "change in slope per day" stored in the data table shown in FIG. 10 and calculates the average value. Note that the data used to calculate the average value may not be all data, but may be the most recent three pieces of data, for example. Next, the prediction unit 123 subtracts the slope of the relational equation stored in step S601 from the slope of the limit relational equation calculated in step S605. Finally, the prediction unit 123 divides the difference obtained as a result of the subtraction by the average value, thereby calculating the period required for the slope of the relational equation stored in the data table in step S601 to reach the slope of the limit relational equation calculated in step S605.

Next, the prediction unit 123 adds the period obtained in step S606 to the current date and time, and stores the calculation result in the data table as the predicted date and time when the selected control sequence 124 will no longer satisfy the liquid level tolerance range conditions (step S607).

Next, when the control unit 102 notifies the operator via the output unit 120 that the adjustment of the cleaning liquid volume has been completed, the control unit 102 also displays the predicted date and time of step S607 on the output unit 120 as a candidate for the next adjustment date and time, as shown in (1) of Figure 13.

The control unit 102 also displays the predicted date and time for step S607 on the input unit 119, which is displayed when the operator sets the start schedule for adjusting the amount of cleaning liquid, as shown in (1) of FIG. 11, allowing the operator to select it. For example, if the operator selects "Manual" in FIG. 11 and presses the Set button, the amount of cleaning liquid is adjusted immediately. On the other hand, if the operator selects "Auto" in FIG. 11, selects "Recommendation," and presses the Set button, the amount of cleaning liquid is automatically adjusted at the predicted date and time for step S607. Also, if the operator selects "Auto" in FIG. 11, selects "Regular interval," and presses the Set button, the amount of cleaning liquid is automatically adjusted at the interval specified by the operator. Note that if the predicted date and time for step S607 is reached before the interval specified by the operator is reached, the control unit 102 may notify the operator via the output unit 120.

In this embodiment, the predicted date and time of step S607 is displayed directly on the input unit 119, but the predicted date and time displayed on the input unit 119 is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 102 may display on the input unit 119 a date and time 30 days before the predicted date and time of step S607, allowing ample time. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 102 may display on the input unit 119 a message urging the operator to readjust the amount of cleaning liquid, starting 30 days before the predicted date and time of step S607.

In addition, the amount of cleaning liquid may be adjusted according to a schedule set by the operator via the input unit 119, but this does not necessarily require operator setting. For example, the automatic analyzer may adjust the amount of cleaning liquid at a predetermined time, such as before each analysis.

Example 4 illustrates a method in which the prediction unit 123 of the control unit 102 predicts the date and time when all control sequences 124 stored in the memory unit 105 of the automatic analysis device will no longer satisfy the allowable range conditions for the liquid level height. This allows the operator to more accurately know the date and time when the solenoid valve 205 should be replaced, depending on the usage environment of the automatic analysis device.

Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure in Example 4 in which the prediction unit 123 predicts the date and time when all control sequences 124 held by the automatic analysis control device will no longer satisfy the tolerance range conditions. In this Example, as in Example 3, an example is described in which the prediction unit 123 makes a prediction immediately before a notification to the operator that the cleaning liquid volume adjustment process has been completed is output to the output unit 120. However, the timing of the prediction is not limited to this, and the prediction may be made independently of the cleaning liquid volume adjustment process or in conjunction with Example 3.

The prediction unit 123 calculates a relationship between the open time of the solenoid valve 205 and the detected liquid level based on the results of all or at least two of the control sequences 124 executed during the cleaning liquid volume adjustment process, and stores information such as the slope of the relationship in a data table in the memory unit 105 (step S901).

As with Example 3, the data table of this example also stores, for each cleaning liquid volume adjustment, the calculated slope of the relational expression, the difference between this slope and the slope at the time of the previous adjustment (the change in slope from the previous adjustment), the adjustment date and time when the cleaning liquid volume adjustment was performed, the number of days elapsed from the previous adjustment date and time to the current adjustment date and time, the amount of change in slope per day, and the predicted date and time. However, the predicted date and time in this example is the date and time when it is predicted that all of the control sequences 124 stored in the memory unit 105 will no longer satisfy the tolerance range conditions.

Next, the prediction unit 123 determines whether data for two or more cleaning liquid volume adjustments exists in the data table (step S902). If data for two or more cleaning liquid volume adjustments does not exist, the prediction unit 123 ends the process of predicting the date and time when all control sequences 124 will no longer satisfy the allowable range conditions for the liquid level height. On the other hand, if data for two or more cleaning liquid volume adjustments exists, the prediction unit 123 acquires all data for the "change in slope from the previous adjustment" stored in the data table, calculates its average value, and calculates whether the sign of the average value is positive or negative (step S903).

Next, the prediction unit 123 uses the calculation results of step S903 to predict whether the liquid level achieved by the control sequence 124 will approach the upper or lower limit of the tolerance range conditions over time (step S904).

If, in step S904, it is predicted that the liquid level height achieved by the control sequence 124 will approach the lower limit value over time, the prediction unit 123 calculates the slope of the relationship between the solenoid valve opening time and the liquid level height (lower limit relationship equation) when a control sequence 124 stored in the automatic analyzer in which the solenoid valve 205 opening time is defined as being relatively long achieves the lower limit liquid level (step S905).

On the other hand, if it is predicted in step S904 that the liquid level height achieved by the control sequence 124 will approach the upper limit value over time, the prediction unit 123 calculates the slope of the relationship between the solenoid valve opening time and the liquid level height (upper limit relationship equation) when a control sequence 124 stored in the automatic analyzer in which the opening time of the solenoid valve 205 is defined as being relatively short achieves the upper limit liquid level height (step S906).

Next, the prediction unit 123 calculates the period required for the slope of the relational equation stored in the data table in step S901 to reach the slope of the lower limit relational equation or the upper limit relational equation calculated in step S905 or step S906 (step S907). Specifically, the prediction unit 123 first acquires all data on the "change in slope per day" stored in the data table and calculates the average value. Next, the prediction unit 123 subtracts the slope of the relational equation stored in step S901 from the slope of the lower limit relational equation or the upper limit relational equation calculated in step S905 or step S906. Finally, the prediction unit 123 divides the difference obtained as a result of the subtraction by the average value, thereby calculating the period required for the slope of the relational equation stored in the data table in step S901 to reach the slope of the lower limit relational equation or the upper limit relational equation calculated in step S905 or step S906.

Next, the prediction unit 123 adds the period obtained in step S907 to the current date and time, and stores the calculation result in the data table as the predicted date and time when all control sequences 124 held by the automatic analysis control device will no longer satisfy the liquid level tolerance range conditions (step S908).

Next, when the control unit 102 notifies the operator via the output unit 120 that the adjustment of the cleaning liquid volume has been completed, the control unit 102 also displays the predicted date and time of step S908 on the output unit 120 as the date and time when the solenoid valve 205 should be replaced, as shown in (2) of Figure 13.

Example 5 illustrates a method in which the diagnostic unit of the control unit 102 diagnoses whether an abnormality has occurred in the solenoid valve 205 due to factors other than aging. Factors other than aging can include, for example, clogging with debris. This allows the operator to detect an abnormality in the solenoid valve 205 before the solenoid valve 205 breaks down and becomes unusable.

Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure in Example 5 in which the diagnostic unit diagnoses the solenoid valve 205 for abnormalities caused by factors other than aging. In this Example, an example is described in which the diagnostic unit performs the diagnosis immediately before a notification to the operator that the cleaning fluid volume adjustment process has been completed is output to the output unit 120. However, the timing of the diagnosis is not limited to this, and the diagnosis may be performed independently of the cleaning fluid volume adjustment process, or may be performed in conjunction with Example 3 or Example 4.

The diagnostic unit calculates the relationship between the open time of the solenoid valve 205 and the detected liquid level based on the results of all or at least two of the control sequences 124 executed during the cleaning liquid volume adjustment process, and stores information such as the slope of the relationship and the amount of change in the slope in a data table in the memory unit 105 (step S1101).

The data table in this embodiment stores, for each cleaning fluid volume adjustment, the calculated slope of the relational expression, the difference between that slope and the slope at the time of the previous adjustment (the change in slope from the previous adjustment), the adjustment date and time when the cleaning fluid volume adjustment was performed, the number of days elapsed from the date and time of the previous adjustment to the date and time of the current adjustment, the amount of change in slope per day, and the abnormality diagnosis result.

Next, the diagnostic unit determines whether data for two or more cleaning fluid volume adjustments exists in the data table (step S1102). If data for two or more cleaning fluid volume adjustments does not exist, the diagnostic unit terminates the abnormality diagnosis process. On the other hand, if data for two or more cleaning fluid volume adjustments exists, the diagnostic unit acquires all data for "slope change per day" stored in the data table and calculates the average value (step S1103). Note that the data used to calculate the average value does not have to be all data, and may be the most recent three pieces of data, for example.

Next, the diagnosis unit calculates the degree of deviation as a ratio between the "amount of change in slope per day" stored in the data table in step S1101 and the average value of the "amount of change in slope per day" calculated in step S1103 (step S1104). Note that the method of calculating the degree of deviation is not limited to this; for example, the degree of deviation may be calculated as an absolute value by subtracting the average value calculated in step S1103 from the "amount of change in slope per day" stored in step S1101.

Next, the diagnosis unit diagnoses whether the degree of deviation calculated in step S1104 is within the tolerance range conditions stored in the memory unit 105 (step S1105). In this embodiment, the memory unit 105 stores the tolerance range conditions in percentage format to perform the diagnosis in step S1105, and the diagnosis unit uses this to perform the diagnosis. However, the tolerance range conditions stored in the memory unit 105 may also be stored in the format of real numbers.

If the degree of deviation is within the acceptable range in step S1105, the diagnosis unit sets the abnormality diagnosis result data corresponding to the cleaning fluid volume adjustment in the data table held by the storage unit 105 to "no abnormality" and saves it (step S1106). On the other hand, if the degree of deviation is not within the acceptable range in step S1105, the diagnosis unit sets the abnormality diagnosis result data corresponding to the cleaning fluid volume adjustment in the data table held by the storage unit 105 to "abnormality present" and saves it (step S1107).

Next, when the control unit 102 notifies the operator via the output unit 120 that the adjustment of the cleaning liquid volume has been completed, the control unit 102 also displays the abnormality diagnosis results of step S1106 or step S1107 on the output unit 120, as shown in (3) of Figure 13.

In Example 6, when the control unit 102 uses different control sequences 124 for analysis depending on the usage status of the automatic analyzer, the control sequence 124 used and the analysis results are linked and stored in the memory unit 105. After the analysis is completed, the automatic analyzer of this example displays on the output unit 120 the type of control sequence 124 applied during the analysis along with the analysis results. This allows the automatic analyzer of this example to ensure traceability even when different control sequences 124 are used depending on the situation.

Figure 15 shows a detailed analysis result screen output by the control unit 102 to the output unit 120. The memory unit 105 stores the control sequence 124 used during the analysis for each analysis operation, and the control unit 102 outputs the corresponding relationship to the output unit 120, as shown in (1) of Figure 15. Below, we will explain the case where the memory unit 105 stores the data table shown in Figure 7. First, if control sequence No. 4 of Figure 7 is used as the control sequence for the cleaning operation when cleaning the reaction vessel 112 used in the analysis, control sequence No. 4 corresponds to the "Washing" (cleaning operation) item in (1) "Sequence Details" of Figure 15. Here, the control sequences stored in the data table of Figure 7 each have a different opening time for the solenoid valve 205. Therefore, this correspondence makes it clear how long the solenoid valve was open when the cleaning solution was dispensed into the reaction vessel 112 during the analysis. Similarly, for example, in "Sample Dispense" (sample dispensing operation) and "Reagent Dispense" (reagent dispensing operation), a control sequence in which the movement amount of the probe 201 is defined may be linked to the analysis result, or a control sequence in which the discharge amount or suction amount is defined may be linked to the analysis result. Also, in "Reaction" (reaction operation), for example, a control sequence in which the movement amount of the reaction vessel 112 is defined may be linked to the analysis result.

In the above-described embodiments, an automatic biochemistry analyzer has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to an automatic immunoanalyzer, an automatic coagulation analyzer, or the like. In addition, in the above-described embodiments, a height detector that detects the height of the liquid surface was used as the liquid volume detection unit, but the volume of the cleaning liquid may be detected by other methods. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the liquid volume was adjusted by changing the opening time of the solenoid valve, but the liquid volume may also be adjusted by other methods, such as changing the opening degree of the solenoid valve.

102...Controller, 103...Mechanism driver, 104...CPU, 105...Memory, 106...I/O, 107...ADC, 108...Operation unit, 109...I/F, 110...Driver circuit, 111...Sample container, 112...Reaction container, 113...Sample dispensing mechanism, 114...Reagent dispensing mechanism, 115...Stirring mechanism, 116...Photometer, 117...Cleaning mechanism, 118...Reaction tank, 119...Input unit, 120...Output unit, 121...Memory, 122...Determination unit, 123...Prediction unit, 124...Control sequence, 130...Reaction disk, 201...Probe, 202...Height detector, 203...Flow path, 204...Pump, 205...Solenoid valve, 206...Control circuit, 207...Discharge nozzle, 208...Aspiration nozzle

Claims (11)

a discharge nozzle that discharges a cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel;
an electromagnetic valve provided in a path for supplying the cleaning liquid to the discharge nozzle;
a height detector that detects the liquid level of the cleaning liquid;
a control unit that controls the solenoid valve,
The control unit
a storage unit that stores control sequences that cause the solenoid valve to perform different operations;
a determination unit that determines which of the different control sequences should be applied during analysis;
all or part of the control sequences stored in the memory unit are executed, and the liquid level of the cleaning liquid corresponding to each control sequence is detected by the level detector;
The determination unit
Based on the detection result, a control sequence in which the liquid level height falls within a predetermined range is determined;
The automatic analyzer determines the control sequence that minimizes the difference between the liquid level height and the reference value of the liquid level height among the obtained control sequences as the control sequence to be applied during analysis. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The determination unit determines the control sequence that minimizes the difference between the liquid level height of the obtained control sequence and the liquid level height obtained during the previous adjustment of the cleaning liquid level as the control sequence to be applied during analysis. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The control unit further includes a prediction unit that predicts when the liquid level of the control sequence currently being applied will no longer be within the predetermined range,
The automatic analyzer further includes an output unit that outputs the time predicted by the prediction unit as a candidate for the next adjustment time. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The control unit further includes a prediction unit that predicts when the liquid level of the control sequence currently being applied will no longer be within the predetermined range,
The automatic analyzer further includes an output unit that outputs a notification urging adjustment of the liquid level from a certain period before the time predicted by the prediction unit. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The control unit further includes a prediction unit that predicts when the liquid level of the control sequence currently being applied will no longer be within the predetermined range,
The automatic analysis device further includes an output unit that outputs a display prompting the user to select one of multiple options for the adjustment schedule, including immediate execution, automatic execution at the time predicted by the prediction unit, and automatic execution at specified intervals. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The control unit further includes a prediction unit that predicts a time when the liquid level heights of all the control sequences stored in the storage unit will no longer be within the predetermined range,
The automatic analyzer further includes an output unit that outputs the time predicted by the prediction unit as the time to replace the solenoid valve. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 3 to 6,
At least two of the control sequences stored in the storage unit are executed, and a slope of a relational expression between the opening time of the solenoid valve and the liquid level height is calculated;
the storage unit stores the past tilts together with date and time information;
The prediction unit calculates a change in slope based on the past slopes stored in the memory unit, and predicts the time when the change in slope will no longer be within the specified range based on the calculated change in slope. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The control unit further includes a diagnosis unit that diagnoses an abnormality in the solenoid valve,
The automatic analyzer further includes an output unit that outputs an abnormality diagnosis result obtained by the diagnosis unit. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8,
At least two of the control sequences stored in the storage unit are executed, and a slope of a relational expression between the opening time of the solenoid valve and the liquid level height is calculated;
the storage unit stores the past tilts together with date and time information;
the diagnosis unit calculates a change in the tilt based on the past tilts stored in the storage unit;
The automatic analyzer diagnoses that an abnormality has occurred in the solenoid valve when the average value of the change in slope within a predetermined period of time exceeds a certain value. a discharge nozzle that discharges a cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel;
an electromagnetic valve provided in a path for supplying the cleaning liquid to the discharge nozzle;
a height detector that detects the liquid level of the cleaning liquid;
a control unit that controls the solenoid valve,
the control unit executes all or part of control sequences that cause the solenoid valve to perform different operations, and the level detector detects the liquid level of the cleaning liquid corresponding to each control sequence;
an analysis method using an automatic analyzer, comprising a step in which the control unit determines, based on the detection result, a control sequence among the control sequences in which the liquid level height is within a predetermined range, and determines that the control sequence in which the difference between the liquid level height of the determined control sequence and a reference value for the liquid level height is the smallest is the control sequence to be applied during analysis. a discharge nozzle that discharges a cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel;
an electromagnetic valve provided in a path for supplying the cleaning liquid to the discharge nozzle;
a height detector that detects the liquid level of the cleaning liquid;
a control unit that controls the solenoid valve,
the control unit executes all or part of control sequences that cause the solenoid valve to perform different operations, and the level detector detects the liquid level of the cleaning liquid corresponding to each control sequence;
An analysis method using an automatic analyzer, comprising a step in which the control unit determines, among a plurality of control sequences whose detection results satisfy a predetermined liquid level height range condition, the control sequence with a relatively high likelihood to be applied during analysis.