JP7808428B2 - automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an automated analyzer.

A known blood coagulation analysis method involves injecting a reagent into a reaction vessel (hereafter referred to as a "cuvette") into which a sample such as blood components or urine has been dispensed, and then measuring the scattered or transmitted light when light is irradiated onto the vessel, thereby analyzing the coagulation and fibrinolytic functions of the sample.

Known methods for such blood coagulation analysis include measuring clotting time and colorimetry. The former is a method in which a cuvette containing a sample and reagent is irradiated with light and the clotting time of each item is calculated from the process of changes in the intensity of scattered light. The latter is a method in which a cuvette containing a sample and reagent is irradiated with light of a specific wavelength, the absorbance is measured, and the concentration or activity value of each item is calculated from the absorbance after a specified time period or the amount of change in absorbance within a specified time period. Note that colorimetry is sometimes referred to as absorbance measurement.

JP 2017-111050 A (Patent Document 1) discloses an automatic analyzer that analyzes a sample contained in a sample container using a reagent contained in a reagent container. The automatic analyzer disclosed in JP 2017-111050 A includes a measurement unit, a transport unit, and an information processing unit. The information processing unit is a personal computer or the like, and includes a control unit, an input unit (keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc.), and an output unit (monitor, etc.), accepts user operations via the input unit, and outputs measurement results received from the measurement unit and information based on signals received from the measurement unit via the output unit.

JP 2017-111050 A

In this type of automated analyzer, the output unit displays not only measurement results, but also reagent information, sample information, analysis schedules, analysis history, and various settings (parameters) for the automated analyzer. When the automated analyzer is powered on, the input unit accepts not only user operations on the application program used to perform automated analysis, but also user operations on the system program used to manage the automated analyzer system. This allows users to edit or delete reagent information, sample information, analysis schedules, analysis history, parameters, and other data, and to save this data to any recording medium. Furthermore, users can edit or delete configuration files for application programs. Because users can freely perform operations such as editing, deleting, and saving, there is a risk that personal information may be leaked or that the application program, and ultimately the automated analyzer, may malfunction.

This disclosure has been made in light of these circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide an automatic analyzer that can prevent the leakage of personal information and device malfunctions.

The automated analyzer disclosed herein includes a reception unit that receives user operations, a memory unit that stores a system program for managing the automated analyzer system and an application program that runs under the control of the system program and performs automated analysis, and a control unit that executes the system program and application program stored in the memory unit. While the application program is running, the control unit limits the state in which the reception unit can receive user operations for the system program.

According to the present disclosure, the state in which the reception unit can accept user operations for system programs while an application program is running is limited, thereby preventing the leakage of personal information and device malfunctions.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a control system of the analyzer according to the first embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration for transferring and discarding a cuvette, and stirring and measuring the contents of the cuvette in the analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view of an analysis table included in the analysis device according to the first embodiment. 4 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the arm shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of analysis by the analysis device according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a control process performed by the control device in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an environment setting screen of the analysis device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a recovery setting screen of the analysis device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an environment setting screen of an analysis device to be compared with the analysis device in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a recovery setting screen of an analytical device to be compared with the analytical device in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display when a USB is connected to the analyzer according to the first embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing start/end screens of an application program of the analyzer according to the first embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing start/end screens of an application program of an analysis device compared to the analysis device of embodiment 1. 10 is a flowchart showing a control process performed by a control device in a second embodiment.

Each embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that identical or equivalent parts in the drawings will be given the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[First Embodiment]
An automated analyzer according to this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as the "analyzer") is configured to dispense a specimen and a reagent into a reaction vessel using a dispensing nozzle and optically measure the reaction state within the reaction vessel. Hereinafter, the dispensing nozzle and specimen are referred to as the "probe" and the "sample," respectively. Examples of samples that can be used include blood components and urine. In this embodiment, a disposable cuvette (e.g., cuvette 100 shown in FIG. 3, which will be described later) is used as the reaction vessel for the analyzer. An overview of the analyzer will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The automated analyzer may be, for example, a (general-purpose) clinical chemistry analyzer, electrolyte analyzer, blood gas analyzer, immunoserological tester, blood tester, blood cell counter, blood coagulation analyzer, or urinalysis instrument, and is an apparatus that has a mechanism for transporting containers such as specimens.

Figure 1 shows the control system of the analytical device 1000 in embodiment 1. The analytical device 1000 includes a control device 500, an input device 610, an output device 620, a sample rack 800, a reagent refrigerator 700, a cuvette supply device 110, a sample dispensing device 20, a cuvette transfer device 120, a reagent dispensing device 10, a stirring device 200, and a measuring device 300.

The control device 500 controls the input device 610, output device 620, sample rack 800, reagent refrigerator 700, cuvette supply device 110, sample dispensing device 20, cuvette transfer device 120, reagent dispensing device 10, stirring device 200, and measuring device 300.

The control device 500 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 510, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 520, and a storage device 530. The CPU 510 loads into the RAM 520 a system program 531 and an application program 532 stored in the storage device 530 and executes them. The system program 531 is a program for managing the system of the analysis device 1000, and the application program 532 is a program that is executed under the control of the system program 531 and performs automatic analysis. The application program 532 describes the procedures for various processes executed by the CPU 510.

The storage device 530 stores a system program 531, an application program 532, and various data used in various processes (e.g., reagent information, sample information, analysis schedule, analysis history, parameters, etc.). The reagent information is information about the reagents stored in the reagent refrigerator 700. The sample information is information about the samples stored in the sample rack 800. The analysis schedule is the order in which the analyses are performed. To efficiently analyze all reserved samples, the analysis device 1000 determines the analysis schedule based on the analysis items for each sample and the availability of each port, as described below. This allows the analysis device 1000 to analyze multiple samples in parallel. The analysis history is information including the progress of the analysis and measurement results, and is updated sequentially as the analysis progresses. The parameters are various settings for the analysis device 1000. The control device 500 executes various processes in the analysis device 1000 in accordance with these programs and various data. Note that the processes are not limited to software and can also be executed using dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

The input device 610 functions as a reception unit that receives operations by the user. Examples of the input device 610 include a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel. When the input device 610 receives an operation by the user, it outputs a signal corresponding to that operation to the control device 500. The output device 620 functions as a display unit that displays a screen provided by the application program 532. Examples of the output device 620 include a monitor and a touch panel display. When a request is received from the control device 500, the output device 620 displays a predetermined image in accordance with the request. The input device 610 and the output device 620 may be separate or integrated. An example of an input device 610 and an output device 620 integrated together is a touch panel display.

The sample rack 800 accommodates sample containers containing samples to be analyzed. The sample containers are affixed with an identifier (e.g., a barcode, QR code (registered trademark), data matrix, etc.) that can identify the sample inside the sample container. Information about the sample inside the sample container (e.g., patient information, sample ID, analysis items, etc.) is embedded in the identifier affixed to the sample container.

The reagent refrigerator 700 stores and keeps cool reagent containers containing reagents used in analysis. The reagent containers are affixed with an identifier (e.g., a barcode, QR code, data matrix, etc.) that can identify the reagent inside the reagent container. The identifier affixed to the reagent container has embedded therein information about the reagent container and the reagent inside the reagent container (e.g., the type of reagent (analysis item), information indicating whether the reagent is a one-reagent system or a two-reagent system, the reagent lot number, the reagent expiration date, the reagent serial number, the shape of the reagent container, the capacity of the reagent container, the number of analyses possible, etc.).

The cuvette supplying device 110 supplies an empty cuvette to a position (sample dispensing port) where the sample dispensing device 20 can dispense a sample. The sample dispensing device 20 dispenses the sample into the cuvette. The cuvette transporting device 120 transports the cuvette into which the sample has been dispensed. The reagent dispensing device 10 dispenses a reagent into the cuvette into which the sample has been dispensed. The stirring device 200 stirs the contents of the cuvette under predetermined conditions (e.g., stirring speed and stirring time). The measuring device 300 performs a predetermined measurement on the contents of the cuvette. In this embodiment, the measuring device 300 has a light source and a photodetector, irradiates the contents of the cuvette with light from the light source, and measures the reaction state within the cuvette based on changes in the amount of light detected by the photodetector.

Figure 2 shows the configuration for transferring and disposing of cuvettes, and stirring and measuring the contents of the cuvettes in the analysis device 1000 according to embodiment 1.

The analytical device 1000 has a sample dispensing port P1. The cuvette supplying device 110 includes a cuvette storage unit 111 and a supply mechanism 112. The cuvette storage unit 111 can store a large number of cuvettes (for example, up to 1,000). The supply mechanism 112 supplies the cuvettes stored in the cuvette storage unit 111 to the sample dispensing port P1. Details of the cuvette storage unit 111 and the supply mechanism 112 are described in Figure 3.

The sample dispensing port P1 is positioned so that the sample dispensing device 20 (Figure 1) can dispense a sample into the cuvette. When a cuvette is set in the sample dispensing port P1, the sample dispensing device 20 dispenses the sample into the cuvette.

The cuvette transfer device 120 includes an arm 121 with a chuck (hereinafter simply referred to as "arm 121") and a drive device 122. The arm 121 has a chuck configured to grip a cuvette. The arm 121 is configured to removably hold the cuvette with the chuck. The drive device 122 operates the arm 121 to change the position of the chuck. Details of the arm 121 and drive device 122 are also described in Figure 3.

The analytical device 1000 further includes multiple ports through which cuvettes can be transferred by the cuvette transfer device 120, specifically, an agitation port P2, a photometry port P3, and a waste port P4. The photometry port P3 includes multiple scattering ports P3a and multiple colorimetric ports P3b. The sample dispensing port P1, agitation port P2, photometry port P3, and waste port P4 are each provided with a port sensor that detects the presence or absence of a cuvette.

Agitation port P2 is positioned at the agitation position of agitation device 200. When a cuvette is set in agitation port P2, agitation device 200 agitates the contents of the cuvette under predetermined conditions (e.g., agitation speed and agitation time).

The scattering port P3a and the colorimetric port P3b are each disposed at a measurement position on the measurement device 300. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the scattering port P3a and the colorimetric port P3b will each be referred to as the "photometric port P3."

The measuring device 300 is configured to perform a predetermined measurement on the contents of a cuvette. In this embodiment, the measuring device 300 has a light source and a photodetector, irradiates the contents of a cuvette set in one of the photometric ports P3 with light from the light source, and measures the reaction state within the cuvette based on changes in the amount of light detected by the photodetector. The measuring device 300 includes a light source and photodetector for the scattering port P3a, and a light source and photodetector for the colorimetric port P3b. The light source and photodetector for the scattering port P3a can be a light-emitting diode and a photodiode, respectively. The photodetector for the scattering port P3a detects 90° scattered light (i.e., scattered light in a direction perpendicular to the direction of light irradiation). The light source and photodetector for the colorimetric port P3b can be a halogen lamp and a photodiode, respectively. The photodetector for the colorimetric port P3b detects the amount of transmitted light.

The waste port P4 collects used cuvettes. The waste port P4 is connected to the cuvette waste container 400 via piping. When a cuvette is placed into the waste port P4, it is guided into the cuvette waste container 400.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the analysis table provided in the analysis device 1000 in embodiment 1. Figure 3 shows three mutually orthogonal axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis). Of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, the X-axis indicates the width direction of the analysis device, the Y-axis indicates the depth direction of the analysis device, and the Z-axis indicates the vertical direction (i.e., the up-down direction). The direction indicated by the arrow on the Z-axis corresponds to "up," and the opposite direction corresponds to "down (i.e., the direction of gravity)."

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the cuvette storage unit 111 stores a plurality of cuvettes 100. A user can replenish the cuvettes 100 into the cuvette storage unit 111 through an inlet of the cuvette storage unit 111. The cuvettes 100 can be made of any material that is light-transmitting, and for example, transparent acrylic can be used.

The supply mechanism 112 takes out the cuvettes 100 one by one from the cuvette storage section 111 and supplies them to the sample dispensing port P1. The supply mechanism 112 may transport the cuvettes 100 using any method, such as a slide (gravity method), a belt conveyor method, a roller method, or a slide method. The supply mechanism 112 receives the detection result of the port sensor of the sample dispensing port P1, and when the sample dispensing port P1 becomes empty, it supplies the next cuvette 100 to the sample dispensing port P1. However, this is not limited to this, and the supply mechanism 112 may also supply the cuvette 100 to the sample dispensing port P1 according to instructions from the control device 500 (Figure 1).

The arm 21 is a device (sample dispensing device 20 (Figure 1)) for dispensing a sample aspirated from the sample suction port P21 into a cuvette 100 set in the sample dispensing port P1. The arm 21 includes a second probe 21a and an arm body 21b. As the arm body 21b rotates around the rotation axis 23a, the second probe 21a attached to the tip of the arm body 21b moves along an arc-shaped trajectory L2 in the XY plane.

As the arm body 21b rotates, the second probe 21a moves to each of the sample dispensing port P1, sample suction port P21, S port P22, and washing port P23, which are located on the track L2. The S port P22 includes detergent ports P22a and P22b, buffer solution ports P22c, P22d, and P22e, and plasma-deficient ports P22f, P22g, P22h, and P22i.

A movable sample rack 800 (Figure 1) is provided below the sample aspiration port P21. Multiple sample containers containing samples such as blood components or urine are placed on the sample rack 800. Prior to dispensing a sample into a cuvette 100 set in the sample dispensing port P1, the sample rack 800 operates to position the sample container to be dispensed directly below the sample aspiration port P21. The CTS mechanism 24 is provided near the sample aspiration port P21. If the sample container to be dispensed has a cap, the CTS mechanism 24 pierces the cap with a piercer.

The arm 11 is a device (reagent dispensing device 10 (Figure 1)) that dispenses reagent aspirated from suction ports P11 and P12 into the target cuvette 100 set in the photometry port P3. The arm 11 includes a first probe 11a and an arm body 11b. As the arm body 11b rotates around the rotation axis 13a, the first probe 11a attached to the tip of the arm body 11b moves along an arc-shaped trajectory L1 in the XY plane.

Below the suction ports P11 and P12, a reagent tray 710 is provided on which multiple reagent containers A (or multiple detergent containers) are placed. The reagent tray 710 is provided inside the reagent refrigerator 700. The multiple reagent containers A contain different reagents, and the multiple detergent containers contain different detergents. The reagent tray 710 is a disc-shaped turntable, and when the turntable is driven, the desired reagent container A (or detergent container) is positioned directly below the suction ports P11 and P12. The first probe 11a aspirates the reagent (or cleaning solution) in the reagent container A (or detergent container) positioned directly below the suction ports P11 and P12.

As the arm body 11b rotates, the first probe 11a moves to each of the agitation port P2, scattering ports P3a, colorimetric ports P3b, suction ports P11 and P12, and washing port P13, all of which are located on the track L1. The first probe 11a may consist of two probes to avoid contamination between reagents. The reagent tray 710 may also have an outer tray and an inner tray. The two probes aspirate the reagent (or washing solution) on the outer tray and the reagent (or washing solution) on the inner tray through the suction ports P11 and P12. The washing port P13 is a port for collecting used washing solution, and although not specifically shown, it includes a water reservoir that collects water ejected from the first probe 11a to clean the outer surface of the probe tip, and a waste disposal section that discards the liquid.

The arm 121 includes a chuck 121a and an arm body 121b. The chuck 121a is configured to be able to grip the cuvette 100. The chuck 121a may hold the cuvette 100 in any manner, and the chuck 121a may be a mechanical chuck, a magnetic chuck, or a vacuum chuck. By rotating the arm body 121b around the rotation axis 122a, the chuck 121a provided at the tip of the arm body 121b can move in an arc-shaped trajectory L1 on the XY plane.

As described above, arm 11 and arm 121 have the same center of rotation. On orbit L1, there are provided a sample dispensing port P1, an agitation port P2, multiple photometric ports P3 (multiple scattering ports P3a and multiple colorimetric ports P3b), a waste port P4, suction ports P11 and P12, and a cleaning port P13. Arm 121 can move chuck 121a to sample dispensing port P1, agitation port P2, each photometric port P3, and waste port P4, while arm 11 can move first probe 11a to suction ports P11 and P12, cleaning port P13, agitation port P2, and each photometric port P3.

Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of arm 11 and arm 121 shown in Figure 3. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in Figure 4 correspond to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in Figure 3, respectively.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, arm 11 and arm 121 are positioned offset in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, arm 11 is positioned higher than arm 121. First probe 11a is connected to tip end E1 of arm body 11b, and rotation shaft 13a is connected to base end E2 of arm body 11b. First probe 11a has an opening OP at its tip. The lifting actuator of the drive device moves arm 11 and rotation shaft 13a together in the vertical direction, thereby displacing arm 11 (and thus first probe 11a) up and down. For example, when dispensing reagent into cuvette 100B set in colorimetric port P3b, first probe 11a descends to approach cuvette 100B, and when dispensing of the reagent is complete, it ascends and moves away from cuvette 100B.

The chuck 121a is connected to the tip E3 of the arm body 121b, and the rotation shaft 122a is connected to the base E4 of the arm body 121b. The base E4 of the arm body 121b is held by the rotation shaft 122a in a manner that allows it to be displaced up and down. The lifting actuator of the drive device moves the arm 121 up and down, thereby displacing the arm 121 (and thus the chuck 121a) up and down. For example, when transferring a cuvette 100A set in scattering port P3a, the chuck 121a descends to grasp the cuvette 100A, and then ascends while still grasping the cuvette 100A, moving away from scattering port P3a. Thereafter, when the arm 121 is rotated by the drive device and the chuck 121a reaches the destination port (more specifically, any port located on the track L1), the chuck 121a descends again to set the cuvette 100A in the port. Once the cuvette 100A is set in the port, the chuck 121a releases (i.e., unchucks) the cuvette 100A and rises again.

Next, the analysis flow in the analyzer 1000 will be described. The analyzer 1000 simultaneously analyzes multiple samples according to the analysis schedule (Figure 1). Specifically, the analyzer 1000 performs measurement preparation for one sample (dispensing at the suction port P11 (Figure 3) or the sample suction port P21 (Figure 3)) while measuring another sample (optical measurement at the photometric port P3 (Figure 3)). The analysis schedule is determined based on sample information (e.g., the analysis items for each sample) and the availability of each port so that all reserved samples can be analyzed efficiently. The analysis schedule includes the timing of each dispensing and measurement, information about the sample to be dispensed, information about the reagent to be dispensed, and the number of the photometric port P3 (Figure 3) where the measurement will be performed. The analysis schedule is stored in the storage device 530 (Figure 1) and managed by sample ID (by sample container).

At the start of the analysis, an ID (cuvette ID) is assigned to the cuvette 100 (Figure 3) used in the analysis. As the analysis progresses, an analysis history (Figure 1) including interim progress is saved in the storage device 530 (Figure 1). The analysis history is updated successively as the analysis progresses. The analysis history includes the movement path of the cuvette 100 (including its current position), the sample and reagent dispensed into the cuvette 100, the photometric port P3 (Figure 3) where the measurement was performed, and the measurement results. The analysis history is managed for each cuvette ID (each cuvette 100). By referencing the analysis history, the user can confirm whether the analysis was performed (or is progressing) according to the analysis schedule.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of analysis by the analysis device 1000 in embodiment 1. The processing shown in Figure 5 is performed by the control device 500 and is realized by the CPU 510 executing a program stored in the storage device 530.

Referring to Figures 1, 3, and 5, first, the control device 500 supplies a cuvette 100 to the sample dispensing port P1 (step S510). Specifically, the supply mechanism 112 removes a cuvette 100 from the cuvette storage unit 111 and supplies it to the sample dispensing port P1. Based on the output of the port sensor of the sample dispensing port P1, the supply mechanism 112 supplies the next cuvette 100 to the sample dispensing port P1 when the sample dispensing port P1 becomes available.

Next, the control device 500 dispenses the sample into the cuvette 100 and agitates the contents of the cuvette 100 (step S520). Specifically, the control device 500, while referencing the analysis schedule, controls the movable sample rack 800 to place a predetermined sample (more specifically, the sample set by the analysis schedule) directly below the sample aspiration port P21. Next, the control device 500 controls the drive device to move the second probe 21a to the sample aspiration port P21 and cause the second probe 21a to aspirate the sample. Next, the control device 500 controls the drive device to move the second probe 21a to the sample dispensing port P1 and dispense the sample from the second probe 21a into the cuvette 100 (more specifically, the cuvette 100 supplied to the sample dispensing port P1 in step S510). After dispensing, the second probe 21a is washed.

Next, the control device 500 transfers the cuvette 100 to the photometry port P3 (step S530). Specifically, the control device 500 controls the drive device to move the arm 121, thereby transferring the cuvette 100 from the sample dispensing port P1 to the photometry port P3.

The control device 500 then transfers the cuvette 100 to the agitation port P2 (step S540). Specifically, the control device 500 controls the drive device to move the arm 121, thereby transferring the cuvette 100 from the photometric port P3 to the agitation port P2. However, if the analysis item is a coagulation item, step S540 and step S560, described below, are omitted. In this case, in step S550, described below, the control device 500 dispenses reagent into the cuvette 100 located at the photometric port P3, without agitating the reagent after dispensing. The force of the reagent ejection in step S550 mixes the contents of the cuvette 100.

In step S550, the control device 500 dispenses a reagent into the cuvette 100 containing the sample and agitates the contents of the cuvette 100. Specifically, while referring to the analysis schedule, the control device 500 drives the turntable of the reagent refrigerator 700 to place a predetermined reagent (more specifically, a reagent specified by the analysis schedule) directly below the suction port P11. Next, the control device 500 controls the drive device to move the first probe 11a to the suction port P11 and cause the first probe 11a to aspirate the reagent. Next, the control device 500 controls the drive device to move the first probe 11a to the agitation port P2 and dispense the reagent from the first probe 11a into the cuvette 100. After dispensing, the contents of the cuvette 100 are agitated by the agitation device 200. Furthermore, after dispensing, the first probe 11a is washed.

If the analysis item is a two-reagent colorimetric item, the control device 500 repeats steps S530 to S550 to dispense the first and second reagents. Once all reagents have been dispensed, the control device 500 transfers the cuvette 100 to the photometric port P3 (step S560).

The control device 500 then controls the measurement device 300 to perform the measurements described below (step S570).

For example, if the sample is plasma and the analysis item is coagulation, the clotting time of the sample is measured at scattering port P3a. As coagulation progresses, the intensity of the scattered light increases, and once the coagulation reaction is complete, the intensity of the scattered light remains almost constant, allowing the clotting time to be determined from the intensity of the scattered light.

When the sample is plasma and the analysis item is colorimetric, the sample concentration and activity value are measured in colorimetric port P3b. The control device 500 dispenses a first reagent into the cuvette 100 a predetermined time after dispensing the sample into the cuvette 100, and then dispenses a second reagent (more specifically, a reagent different from the first reagent) into the cuvette 100 a predetermined time after dispensing the first reagent. Dispensing the second reagent into the cuvette 100 initiates a reaction between the sample and the reagent, causing a change in the absorbance of the contents of the cuvette 100. The sample concentration and activity value can be determined from this change in absorbance. In such measurements, the first probe 11a is washed after each of the first and second reagents is dispensed.

If the sample is urine, the change in absorbance caused by the reaction between the sample and the reagent is optically measured, for example, at colorimetric port P3b.

When the above measurement is completed, the control device 500 discards the cuvette 100 (step S580). Specifically, the control device 500 controls the drive device to move the arm 121, thereby transferring the cuvette 100 from the photometric port P3 to the waste port P4, and then releases the zipper on the arm 121 to insert the cuvette 100 into the waste port P4. Once the cuvette 100 has been inserted into the waste port P4, the cuvette 100 (i.e., the used reaction vessel) is collected in the cuvette waste vessel 400 (Figure 2).

After step S580, the control device 500 transitions to step S510 to begin analysis of the next sample specified in the analysis schedule.

In this way, the analytical device 1000 dispenses each of the sample and reagent into the cuvette 100 and optically measures the reaction state within the cuvette 100. The measurement results are displayed on the output device 620. In addition to the measurement results, the output device 620 also displays reagent information, sample information, analysis schedules, analysis history, parameters, and other information. When the analytical device 1000 is powered on, the input device 610 accepts user operations not only for the application program 532 but also for the system program 531. Therefore, the user can edit or delete reagent information, sample information, analysis schedules, analysis history, parameters, and other information, and can also save this data to any recording medium. Furthermore, the user can edit or delete configuration files of the application program 532. Because the user can freely perform operations such as editing, deleting, and saving, there is a risk of personal information being leaked or the application program 532, and ultimately the analytical device 1000, failing. Therefore, in the analysis device 1000, when the power of the analysis device 1000 is ON, the input device 610 restricts the state in which it is possible to accept user operations for the system program 531, thereby preventing leakage of personal information and breakdown of the analysis device 1000. These restrictions include a first restriction and a second restriction. The first restriction restricts the state in which it is possible to accept user operations for the system program 531 for the input device 610 on a screen provided by the system program 531. The second restriction restricts the state in which it is possible to accept user operations for the system program 531 for the input device 610 on a screen provided by the application program 532. The first and second restrictions are described in detail below.

Referring to Figure 6, a process for restricting the state in which the input device 610 can accept user operations on the system program 531 when the power of the analysis device 1000 is ON will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the control process performed by the control device 500 in embodiment 1. The process shown in Figure 6 is performed by the control device 500, and is realized by the CPU 510 executing a program stored in the storage device 530.

First, the control device 500 determines whether an instruction to power on the analysis device 1000 has been received (step S605). If an instruction to power on the analysis device 1000 has been received (YES in step S605), the control device 500 starts the system program 531 (step S610).

Next, the control device 500 restricts the state in which user operations on the system program 531 can be accepted on the input device 610 on the screen provided by the system program 531 (first restriction) (step S615). Specifically, after the system program 531 is started, the control device 500 restricts the display on the screen provided by the system program 531 of a display suggesting to the user that operations on the system program 531 can be accepted. When the system program 531 is started, the screen provided by the system program 531 is displayed on the output device 620. Therefore, the control device 500 restricts the display on the screen provided by the system program 531 of a display suggesting to the user that operations on the system program 531 (for example, an operation to edit or delete a configuration file of the application program 532, an operation to save backup data, an operation to safely remove an external storage device, etc.) can be accepted (for example, an operation button for removing an external storage device, or, if the system program 531 is Windows (registered trademark), a Windows shortcut key, etc.).

After the analytical device 1000 is powered on, during the period from when the system program 531 is launched until the analytical device 1000 is powered off, a display (e.g., a Windows shortcut key) indicating to the user that operations for the system program 531 are available is displayed on a screen provided by the system program 531. This allows the user to edit or delete reagent information, sample information, analysis schedules, analysis history, parameters, etc., and to save this data to any recording medium. Furthermore, the user can also edit or delete configuration files for the application program 532. Because the user can freely perform operations such as editing, deleting, and saving, there is a risk of personal information being leaked or the application program 532, and ultimately the analytical device 1000, being damaged. However, in the analytical device 1000, after the system program 531 is launched, a display indicating to the user that operations for the system program 531 are available is not displayed on a screen provided by the system program 531, thereby preventing personal information from being leaked or the analytical device 1000 from being damaged.

The control device 500 then launches the application program 532 (step S620). Due to the first restriction, in the analysis device 1000, even after the system program 531 has launched, no indication is displayed on the screen provided by the system program 531 to suggest to the user that operations on the system program 531 are available. Therefore, in the analysis device 1000, after the analysis device 1000 is powered on, the application program 532 is launched without any indication being displayed on the screen provided by the system program 531 to suggest to the user that operations on the system program 531 are available. Therefore, after the analysis device 1000 is powered on, the state in which the input device 610 can accept user operations on the system program 531 is restricted until the application program 532 is launched.

Furthermore, in the analysis device 1000, due to the first restriction, even while the application program 532 is running, no display indicating to the user that operations on the system program 531 can be accepted is displayed on the screen provided by the system program 531. Therefore, even while the application program 532 is running, the state in which the input device 610 can accept user operations on the system program 531 is limited.

Next, the control device 500 restricts the state in which the input device 610 can accept user operations for the system program 531 on the screen provided by the application program 532 (second restriction) (step S625). Specifically, after the application program 532 is started, the control device 500 restricts the display on the screen provided by the application program 532 of an indication to the user that operations for the system program 531 can be accepted (for example, an operation button for opening a screen provided by the system program 531).

The screens provided by system program 531 include, for example, a screen for specifying a storage location for backup data (hereinafter also referred to as the "storage location specification screen"). The operation of specifying a storage location for backup data is one of the operations performed by the user on system program 531. Here, with reference to Figures 7 to 10, we will explain the display restriction on the operation button for opening the storage location specification screen as an example of the second restriction.

One of the various functions provided by application program 532 is the ability to back up information related to automatic analysis (e.g., reagent information, sample information, analysis schedule, analysis history, setting information (parameters) required for analysis, etc.). Backup functions include an automatic backup function that automatically starts a backup when the power to the analysis device 1000 is turned on for the first time each day, and a manual backup function that starts a backup when the user instructs it. Here, the user can enable/disable the automatic backup function on the environment settings screen provided by application program 532, and can enable/disable the manual backup function on the recovery settings screen provided by application program 532.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing the environment setting screen 650 of the analysis device 1000 in embodiment 1. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the recovery setting screen 660 of the analysis device 1000 in embodiment 1. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the environment setting screen 650A of an analysis device that is compared to the analysis device 1000 in embodiment 1. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the recovery setting screen 660A of an analysis device that is compared to the analysis device 1000 in embodiment 1.

7 and 8, the environment setting screen 650 and the recovery setting screen 660 are provided by the application program 532 and displayed on the output device 620 (Figure 1). The environment setting screen 650 displays an operation button 651 for enabling/disabling the automatic backup function. The user can enable the automatic backup function by operating the operation button 651 on the input device 610 (Figure 1) (e.g., by touching the touch panel or clicking with a mouse). The recovery setting screen 660 also displays an operation button 661 for enabling/disabling the manual backup function. The user can enable the manual backup function by operating the operation button 661 on the input device 610 (e.g., by touching the touch panel or clicking with a mouse). However, the environment setting screen 650 and the recovery setting screen 660 do not display an operation button for opening a storage location specification screen, and the user cannot arbitrarily specify a storage location for backup data. In the analysis device 1000, the storage location for backup data is predefined in the configuration file of the application program 532.

In contrast, as shown in FIG. 9, the environment settings screen 650A displayed on the output device of an analytical device compared to the analytical device 1000 displays an operation button 651A for enabling/disabling the automatic backup function, as well as an operation button 652A for opening a storage location specification screen. When the user operates operation button 652A (for example, by touching the touch panel or clicking with the mouse), a screen provided by the system program opens, allowing the user to specify a storage location for the backup data. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the recovery settings screen 660A displayed on the output device of an analytical device compared to the analytical device 1000 displays an operation button 661A for enabling/disabling the manual backup function, as well as an operation button 662A for opening a storage location specification screen. When the user operates operation button 662A (for example, by touching the touch panel or clicking with the mouse), a screen provided by the system program opens, allowing the user to specify a storage location for the backup data.

If an operation button for opening a storage location specification screen is displayed on the environment settings screen 650 and recovery settings screen 660, there is a risk that the user will save backup data in a storage location other than the pre-defined storage location. Backup data is information related to automated analysis, such as reagent information, sample information, analysis schedule, and analysis history, and includes personal information. Therefore, saving backup data in a storage location other than the pre-defined storage location could result in the leakage of personal information. However, the analysis device 1000 does not display an operation button for opening a storage location specification screen on the screen provided by the application program 532, thereby preventing the leakage of personal information.

Referring again to FIG. 6 , the control device 500 then determines whether or not connection of an external storage device to the analysis device 1000 has been detected (step S630). An external storage device is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. If connection of an external storage device to the analysis device 1000 has been detected (YES in step S630), the control device 500 proceeds to step S635. On the other hand, if connection of an external storage device to the analysis device 1000 has not been detected (NO in step S630), the control device 500 proceeds to step S640.

In step S635, the control device 500 displays an operation button 671 for safely removing the external storage device from the analysis device 1000 on a screen provided by the application program 532, and then proceeds to step S640.

Now, with reference to FIG. 11 , the display provided by the application program 532 when an external storage device is connected to the analysis device 1000 will be described, taking the case where the external storage device is a USB as an example. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the display when a USB is connected to the analysis device 1000 in embodiment 1. Screen 670 is provided by the application program 532 and is displayed on the output device 620 ( FIG. 1 ). When connection of a USB to the analysis device 1000 is detected, an operation button 671 is displayed on screen 670. Operation button 671 is a button for instructing the execution of a process to safely remove the USB from the analysis device 1000. The user can safely remove the USB from the analysis device 1000 by operating operation button 671 with the input device 610 ( FIG. 1 ) (for example, by touching the touch panel or clicking with a mouse).

The process for safely removing the USB from the analysis device 1000 is performed by the system program 531, and the operation to instruct the execution of the process for safely removing the USB from the analysis device 1000 is one of the user's operations on the system program 531. Due to the first restriction, the analysis device 1000 does not display an operation button for safely removing the USB on the screen provided by the system program 531. Therefore, when a USB is connected to the analysis device 1000, the analysis device 1000 displays an operation button 671 on the screen provided by the application program 532, allowing the USB to be safely removed from the analysis device 1000.

Note that USB is just one example, and displaying an operation button 671 for safely removing an external storage device on the screen provided by application program 532 also applies to external storage devices other than USB.

Referring again to FIG. 6 , in step S640, the control device 500 determines whether an instruction to power off the analysis device 1000 has been received. An operation button for powering off the analysis device 1000 is displayed on the start/end screen of the application program 532, and the user can power off the analysis device 1000 by operating this operation button on the input device 610.

12 and 13, a display restriction on the start/stop screen of the application program 532 will be described as another example of the second restriction. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the start/stop screen 680 of the application program 532 of the analysis device 1000 in embodiment 1. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the start/stop screen 680A of an application program of an analysis device compared to the analysis device 1000 in embodiment 1. The start/stop screen 680 is provided by the application program 532 and is displayed on the output device 620 (FIG. 1). The start/stop screen 680 displays an operation button 681 for turning off the power of the analysis device 1000. When the user operates the operation button 681 using the input device 610 (FIG. 1) (for example, by touching the touch panel or clicking with a mouse), the application program 532 and the system program 531 are terminated, and the analysis device 1000 is turned off. On the other hand, the start/end screen 680 does not display an operation button for terminating the application program 532 and displaying the screen provided by the system program 531, and the user cannot operate the system program 531 after terminating the application program 532.

In contrast, the application program start/end screen 680A of an analytical device compared to the analytical device 1000 in embodiment 1 displays an operation button 681A for powering off the analytical device, as well as an operation button 682A for terminating the application program and displaying a screen provided by the system program. By operating operation button 682A with the input device 610 (for example, by touching the touch panel or clicking with a mouse), the user can terminate the application program and then operate the system program.

If system program 531 can be operated after application program 532 has terminated, the user may perform operations on system program 531 (e.g., operations to save backup data to another storage device, operations to edit and/or delete configuration files of application program 532, etc.). Saving backup data to another storage device could result in the leakage of personal information, as the backup data contains personal information such as reagent information, sample information, analysis schedules, and analysis history. Furthermore, operations to edit and/or delete configuration files of application program 532 could cause failure of application program 532 and, ultimately, the analytical device 1000. However, the analytical device 1000 does not display on the screen provided by application program 532 any indication to the user that operations on system program 531 can be accepted on the input device 610 after application program 532 has terminated (e.g., an operation button for terminating application program 532 and displaying a screen provided by system program 531). This restricts operations on the system program 531 after the application program 532 has been terminated in the analysis device 1000, preventing personal information from being leaked and the analysis device 1000 from breaking down.

Referring again to FIG. 6, if an instruction to power off the analysis device 1000 is received (YES in step S640), the control device 500 terminates the application program 532 (step S645).

The control device 500 then terminates the system program 531 (step S650). In the analysis device 1000, due to the first restriction, even after the application program 532 has terminated, no indication is displayed on the screen provided by the system program 531 to suggest to the user that operations on the system program 531 are available. Therefore, in the analysis device 1000, after the application program 532 has terminated, the termination process for the system program 531 is initiated without any indication being displayed on the screen provided by the system program 531 to suggest to the user that operations on the system program 531 are available. This restricts the state in which the input device 610 can accept user operations on the system program 531 after the application program 532 has terminated and until the system program 531 has terminated.

After step S650, the control device 500 ends the series of processes shown in Figure 6.

The series of processes shown in Figure 6 allows the analytical device 1000 to restrict the state in which the input device 610 can accept user operations on the system program 531 from the time the analytical device 1000 is powered on until the time the analytical device 1000 is powered off. As a result, it is possible to prevent leakage of personal information and breakdowns of the analytical device 1000. Furthermore, the analytical device 1000 can be controlled to a state in which it can exceptionally accept operations for safely removing an external storage device from the analytical device 1000, allowing the external storage device to be safely removed from the analytical device 1000.

Note that, while the above example of the first restriction cites restricting the display of Windows shortcut keys, if system program 531 is a system program other than Windows (such as MacOS), it may also be possible to restrict the display of Windows shortcut keys provided by that system program other than Windows.

In addition, in the above description, the first restriction is set to restrict the display on the screen provided by system program 531 of a message indicating to the user that operations on system program 531 can be accepted, but it may also be set to restrict the acceptance of operations when the Windows button on the keyboard is pressed.

The start/end screen 680 (Figure 12) also displays an operation button 681 (Figure 12) for powering off the analysis device 1000, as well as fields for entering a user ID, user name, and password. Once the entered user ID, user name, and password are authenticated, the analysis device 1000 is controlled to a state in which the user is logged in with that user ID, and the user can use the various functions provided by the application program 532.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, the first and second restrictions were imposed on the analysis device 1000 regardless of whether the logged-in mode was user mode or service mode. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the first and second restrictions are imposed when the logged-in mode is user mode, and neither the first nor the second restrictions are imposed when the logged-in mode is service mode. Note that although the control processing by the control device differs between the first and second embodiments, the configurations of the analysis devices are similar. Therefore, similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated. The following description will focus only on the differences from the first embodiment, i.e., the control processing by the control device.

Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the control processing by the control device 500 in embodiment 2. The processing shown in Figure 14 is performed by the control device 500, and is realized by the CPU 510 executing a program stored in the storage device 530. Note that processing that is the same as in embodiment 1 will not be described in detail below.

First, the control device 500 determines whether an instruction to power on the analysis device 1000 has been received (step S1405). If an instruction to power on the analysis device 1000 has been received (YES in step S1405), the control device 500 launches the system program 531 (step S1410).

Next, the control device 500 restricts the state in which the input device 610 can accept user operations on the system program 531 on the screen provided by the system program 531 (step S1415).

The control device 500 then launches the application program 532 (step S1420).

The control device 500 then determines whether a login operation in service mode has been accepted (step S1425). Service mode is a mode primarily used during maintenance of the analysis device 1000, and user mode is a mode primarily used during analysis. The control device 500 determines whether a login operation in service mode has been accepted based on the user ID entered on the start/end screen 680. If it is determined that a login operation in service mode has been accepted (YES in step S1425), the first restriction is lifted (step S1445) and processing proceeds to step S1450. On the other hand, if it is determined that a login operation in service mode has not been accepted (i.e., a login operation in user mode has been accepted) (NO in step S1425), processing proceeds to step S1430.

In step S1430, the control device 500 restricts the state in which the input device 610 can accept user operations for the system program 531 on the screen provided by the application program 532.

The control device 500 then determines whether or not it has detected the connection of an external storage device to the analysis device 1000 (step S1435). If it has detected the connection of an external storage device to the analysis device 1000 (YES in step S1435), the control device 500 proceeds to step S1440. On the other hand, if it has not detected the connection of an external storage device to the analysis device 1000 (NO in step S1435), the control device 500 proceeds to step S1450.

In step S1440, the control device 500 displays an operation button 671 for safely removing the external storage device from the analysis device 1000 on a screen provided by the application program 532, and then proceeds to step S1450.

In step S1450, the control device 500 determines whether an instruction to power off the analysis device 1000 has been received. If an instruction to power off the analysis device 1000 has been received (YES in step S1450), the control device 500 terminates the application program 532 (step S1455).

The control device 500 then terminates the system program 531 (step S1460) and ends the series of processes shown in Figure 14.

As can be seen from Figures 6 and 14, the control process in embodiment 2 differs from the control process in embodiment 1 in the following two respects. First, after application program 532 is started (step S1420), it is determined whether a login operation in service mode has been accepted (step S1425), and if it is determined that a login operation in service mode has been accepted (YES in step S1425), the first restriction is lifted (step S1445). Second, if it is determined that a login operation in service mode has been accepted (YES in step S1425), the second restriction is not imposed.

By the series of processes shown in FIG. 14, in the analysis device 1000 of embodiment 2, the first and second restrictions are imposed when logged in in user mode, and neither the first nor the second restrictions are imposed when logged in in service mode. When logged in in service mode and performing maintenance, there are situations where operations on the system program 531 must be performed. According to embodiment 2, when logged in in service mode, the state in which the input device 610 can accept user operations on the system program 531 is not restricted, allowing maintenance to be performed efficiently. Furthermore, when logged in in user mode, the state in which the input device 610 can accept user operations on the system program 531 is restricted, preventing the leakage of personal information and breakdowns of the analysis device 1000.

[Modification]
The exemplary embodiment described above may be applied not only to the analyzer 1000 that performs biochemical analysis of a sample by reacting the sample with a reagent, but also to other sample testing equipment, such as (general-purpose) clinical chemistry analyzers, electrolyte analyzers, blood gas analyzers, immunoserological testing equipment, blood testing equipment, blood cell counters, blood coagulation analyzers, and urinalysis equipment.

[Aspects]
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

(Section 1) An automated analyzer according to one embodiment includes a reception unit that receives user operations, a memory unit that stores a system program for managing the system of the automated analyzer and an application program that runs under the control of the system program and performs automated analysis, and a control unit that executes the system program and application program stored in the memory unit. The control unit limits the state in which the reception unit can receive user operations for the system program while the application program is running.

The automated analyzer described in paragraph 1 limits the state in which the reception unit can accept user operations for the system program while the application program is running. This prevents the leakage of personal information and device malfunctions.

(2) In the automated analyzer described in paragraph 1, the control unit initiates termination processing for the system program after the application program has terminated, without providing a period during which the reception unit can accept user operations for the system program.

With the automated analyzer described in paragraph 2, after an application program has terminated, the state in which the reception unit can accept user operations for the system program is limited. This prevents the leakage of personal information and device malfunctions.

(Clause 3) In the automatic analyzer described in paragraph 1 or 2, after the automatic analyzer is powered on, the control unit launches the application program without providing a period during which the reception unit can accept user operations for the system program.

According to the automatic analyzer described in paragraph 3, after the automatic analyzer is powered on, the state in which the reception unit can accept user operations for the system program is limited. This prevents the leakage of personal information and device malfunctions.

(4) In the automatic analyzer described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, the control unit restricts a user's operation to specify a backup destination for information related to the automatic analysis while an application program is running.

The automatic analyzer described in paragraph 4 restricts the storage of backup data related to automatic analysis in a location other than the predefined location. This prevents the leakage of personal information.

(5) The automated analyzer described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 4 further includes a display unit that displays a screen provided by the application program. The control unit restricts the display unit from displaying a message that suggests to the user that operations for the system program are available while the application program is running.

With the automated analyzer described in paragraph 5, while an application program is running, no indication is displayed on the display unit to indicate to the user that operations on the system program are available, thereby restricting user operations on the system program. This prevents the leakage of personal information and device malfunctions.

(Section 6) In the automated analyzer described in Section 5, when an external storage device is connected to the automated analyzer, the control unit displays an operation button for removing the external storage device on a screen provided by the application program.

According to the automated analyzer described in paragraph 6, an operation button for removing the external storage device is displayed on a screen provided by the application program. This allows the external storage device to be safely removed.

(7) In the automated analyzer described in paragraphs 5 and 6, after the application program has terminated, the control unit initiates the system program termination process without displaying on the display unit a message informing the user that operations on the system program are available.

In the automated analyzer described in paragraph 7, after an application program has finished, no indication is displayed on the display unit to indicate to the user that operations on the system program are available, thereby restricting user operations on the system program. This prevents the leakage of personal information and device malfunctions.

(Item 8) In the automatic analyzer described in any one of Items 5 to 7, after the automatic analyzer is powered on, the control unit launches the application program without providing a period for displaying a message on the display unit indicating to the user that operations for the system program are available.

According to the automatic analyzer described in paragraph 8, after the automatic analyzer is turned on, the application program starts without displaying any indication on the display unit that indicates to the user that operations on the system program are available, thereby restricting user operations on the system program. This prevents the leakage of personal information and device malfunctions.

(Item 9) In the automatic analyzer described in any one of Items 5 to 8, the control unit restricts the display of a screen on the display unit regarding a user operation specifying a backup destination for information related to the automatic analysis while the application program is running.

The automatic analyzer described in paragraph 9 restricts the storage of backup data related to automatic analysis in a location other than the predefined location. This prevents the leakage of personal information.

(Item 10) In the automated analyzer described in any one of Items 1 to 9, the control unit switches between a first mode, which restricts the state in which the reception unit can accept user operations for the system program while the application program is running, and a second mode, which allows the reception unit to accept user operations for the system program while the application program is running, based on the operation accepted by the reception unit.

According to the automated analyzer described in paragraph 10, when logged in in service mode, the state in which the reception unit can accept user operations for the system program is not limited, allowing for efficient maintenance. Furthermore, when logged in in user mode, the state in which the reception unit can accept user operations for the system program is limited, preventing the leakage of personal information and device failure.

(Item 11) The automated analyzer described in any one of Items 1 to 10 is an apparatus that performs biochemical analysis of a sample by reacting the sample with a reagent.

The automated analyzer described in paragraph 11 can prevent the leakage of personal information and device malfunctions in an apparatus that performs biochemical analysis of a sample by reacting the sample with a reagent.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications that are equivalent in meaning to and within the scope of the claims.

10 Reagent dispensing device, 11, 21, 121 Arm, 11a First probe, 11b, 21b, 121b Arm body, 13a, 23a, 122a Rotating shaft, 20 Sample dispensing device, 21a Second probe, 24 CTS mechanism, 100, 100A, 100B Cuvette, 110 Cuvette supply device, 111 Cuvette storage section, 112 Supply mechanism, 120 Cuvette transfer device, 121a Chuck, 122 Driving device, 200 Stirring device, 300 Measuring device, 400 Cuvette waste container, 500 Control device, 510 CPU, 520 RAM, 530 Storage device, 531 System program, 532 Application program, 610 Input device, 620 Output device, 650, 650A Environment setting screen, 651, 651A, 652A, 661, 661A, 662A, 671, 681, 681A, 682A operation buttons, 660, 660A recovery setting screen, 670 screen, 680, 680A start/end screen, 700 reagent refrigerator, 710 reagent tray, 800 sample rack, 1000 analyzer, A reagent container, E1, E3 tip, E2, E4 base, L1, L2 orbit, OP opening, P1 sample dispensing port, P2 stirring port, P3 photometry port, P3a scattering port, P3b colorimetric port, P4 waste port, P11, P12 suction port, P21 sample suction port, P22a, P22b detergent port, P22c, P22d, P22e Buffer solution port, P22f, P22g, P22h, P22i depleted plasma ports, P13, P23 washing ports.

Claims (6)

An automated analyzer,
a reception unit that receives an operation by a user;
a storage unit that stores a system program for managing the system of the automatic analyzer and an application program that is executed under the control of the system program and that performs automatic analysis;
a control unit that executes the system program and the application program stored in the storage unit;
a display unit that displays a first screen provided by the system program and a second screen provided by the application program,
the control unit is capable of performing a first restriction on the first screen that at least partially restricts a state in which the reception unit is able to receive user operations for the system program, and a second restriction on the second screen that at least partially restricts display of a display suggesting to a user that the reception unit is able to receive user operations for the system program ,
The control unit, based on the user's login operation accepted by the acceptance unit,
a first mode in which the first restriction and the second restriction are performed;
a first mode in which neither the first restriction nor the second restriction is imposed, and a second mode in which neither the first restriction nor the second restriction is imposed . The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit displays an operation button for removing the external storage device on the second screen when an external storage device is connected to the automatic analyzer. 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit starts the termination process of the system program after the application program has been terminated without displaying a message on the display unit indicating to the user that operations on the system program are available. An automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit starts the application program after the power of the automatic analyzer is turned on without setting a period for displaying on the display unit a message indicating to the user that operations for the system program are available. the first restriction includes restricting a display suggesting to a user that an operation for specifying a backup destination of information related to automatic analysis can be accepted from being displayed on the first screen;
The automatic analysis device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second restriction includes restricting the display on the second screen of a display suggesting to the user that an operation to specify a backup destination for information related to automatic analysis can be accepted. 6. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the automatic analyzer is an apparatus that performs biochemical analysis of a sample by causing the sample to react with a reagent.