JPH0623768B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer equipped with a plurality of analyzers and capable of efficiently and automatically analyzing a large number of samples.

(B) Conventional technology Conventionally, an analyzer such as a chromatograph is equipped with a rack in which a plurality of sample containers can be set, and the samples are sequentially introduced from the sample containers set in the rack to the measuring section for automatic analysis. What is going on is known.

(C) Problems to be Solved by the Invention The above-described conventional analyzers are independent of each other, so to speak, the sample and the analyzer correspond one-to-one. Therefore, if a failure occurs in one analyzer, the sample to be analyzed by that analyzer cannot be analyzed.

In addition, even if there are other analyzers set to the same analysis condition and the analysis can be performed with less waiting time, if the analyzer that set the sample is analyzing another sample, There was a problem that the analysis efficiency was not good because the analysis of the other sample could not be performed until the analysis of the other sample was completed. In order to avoid this problem, the sample must be assigned to the analyzer so that the user can efficiently perform the analysis, which is troublesome.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an automatic analyzer that can perform analysis even when a failure occurs in one analyzer and that can automatically and efficiently perform analysis.

(D) Means and Actions for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention comprises:
An analyzer group consisting of a plurality of analyzers set under the same analysis conditions, a sample rack for loading sample containers, a sample container transfer means for transferring sample containers from this sample rack to each analyzer, and each analyzer The waiting time is minimized by comparing the analyzer status table that registers whether or not analysis is in progress, the sample analysis waiting list that registers the analysis waiting status for the sample, and this analyzer status table and the sample analysis waiting list. And a sample assigning means for assigning the sample to the analyzer.

Since the automatic analyzer of the present invention is provided with a plurality of analyzers under the same analysis conditions, even if a failure occurs in one analyzer, the sample container is transported to another analyzer to analyze the sample. You can continue. Further, since the samples can be automatically assigned to the analyzer so that the waiting time for the analysis is minimized, a large number of samples can be analyzed efficiently.

(E) Embodiment An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the schematic configuration of the automatic analyzer of this embodiment. This automatic analyzer is equipped with a total of 7 analyzers (for example, a chromatograph) of 3 grooves. The analyzers A1 to A3 form the first group and are set to the same analysis condition (a). The analyzers B1 and B2 constitute the second groove, and both are set to the same analysis condition (b). Similarly, the analyzers C1 and C2 form a third group, and both are set under the same analysis condition (c). Each analyzer A1-C
2 includes sample introduction devices I _{A1 to} I _C2 , respectively.

L ₁ is an unanalyzed sample container rack, and L ₂ is an analyzed sample container rack. T is a sample container transporting device, which transports the sample container from the unanalyzed sample container rack L ₁ to each analyzer A _{1 to} C ₂ and from each analyzer A _{1 to} C ₂ to the analyzed sample container rack L ₂ . To do. The sample container transport device T, the unanalyzed sample container rack L ₁ and the analyzed sample container rack L ₂ are controlled by the controller X. An analysis end signal from each of the analyzers A _{1 to} C ₂ is also input to the control device X.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control device X. ROM2, R to the CPU1 via the bus line 7
The AM 3, the keyboard 4, the CRT 5, and the input / output (I / O) device 6 are connected. The ROM 2 stores a control program for the CPU 1, and the RAM 3 serves as a work area for the CPU 1. An analyzer status table and a sample analysis end list are present in this work area. As shown in FIG. 3, the analyzer status table shows each analyzer A1 to C2.
Whether or not the analysis is in progress is registered respectively. The sample analysis waiting list is, as shown in FIG.
The DNo. And the analysis item are registered in association with the sample container set position number of the rack L ₁ (hereinafter referred to as the rack number). A plurality of analysis items for each sample can be registered, like the sample of rack number 8.

The keyboard 4 is for inputting a sample ID No. and an analysis item when the sample container is set in the unanalyzed sample rack L ₁ . Instead of the keyboard, the ID No. of the sample and the analysis item may be input by using a mouse or a bar code.

The CRT 5 displays the analyzer status table, sample analysis waiting list, and other information. Of course, other displays such as a liquid crystal display can also be used.

The I / O device 6 inputs and outputs control signals to and from the sample container transport device T, the unanalyzed sample container rack L ₁ , and the analyzed sample container rack L _2, and inputs the analysis end signal from each of the analyzers A1 to C2. To do.

Next, the operation of the automatic dividing apparatus of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

First, it is first determined whether or not the analysis is completed [step (hereinafter referred to as ST) 1]. If this determination is YES, the analysis is ended, and if NO, the process branches to ST2.

In ST2, it is determined whether or not the sample container is set in the unanalyzed sample container rack L ₁ . If this determination is YES, the process branches to ST3, and if NO, the process branches to ST11.

In ST3, the sample container is set in the unanalyzed sample container rack L ₁ , and the analysis item and the sample ID No. are input from the keyboard 4. Then, in ST4, it is determined from the analyzer state table whether or not the analyzer corresponding to the analysis item of the newly set sample is available. If the determination in ST4 is YES, branch to ST5,
If NO, the process branches to ST10.

Now, it is assumed that the analyzer state table and the sample analysis waiting list are in the states shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively. In the sample analysis waiting list of FIG. 4, the samples set in rack numbers 7 to 10 are in the analysis waiting state for the analysis items a and / or c, and the sample newly set this time is rack number 11 Shall be set to. The samples of rack numbers 1 to 6 are analyzed by the analyzers A1 to A3, B as shown in the analyzer state table of FIG.
Analyzing with 1, C1, or C2.

If b is included in the analysis items of the newly set sample (rack number 11), immediately analyze device B.
Since the analysis in 2 is possible, the determination in ST4 is YES. However, when the analysis item is a or c, all of the analyzers A1 to A3, C1 and C2 are being analyzed,
The analysis of this sample cannot be performed and the determination in ST4 is N.
It becomes O. In this case, the process branches to ST10 and the rack number 11 on the sample analysis waiting list is displayed, for example, "No ....
Register as "a".

When the determination in ST4 is YES, the process branches to ST5, and B2 in the analyzer status table is changed from "empty" to "analyzing". And, the container of this sample
The sample container carrying device T is operated to carry it from the unanalyzed sample container rack L ₁ to the analyzer B2 (ST6). This sample is introduced into the analyzer _B2 by the sample introduction device I _B2 (ST7). In the subsequent ST8, it is determined whether or not there is another analysis item a or c for this sample. If the determination is YES, the process branches to ST4, and if the determination is NO, the process branches to ST9.

If a or c remains as an analysis item in this sample and the process branches to ST4, analyzers A1 to A3,
Since both C1 and C2 are being analyzed, the determination in ST4 is NO. Then, the process branches to ST10 and is registered at the rack number 11 of the sample analysis waiting list. At this time, the sample container is the unanalyzed sample rack L.
_It is returned to the 11th position of ₁ .

When branching to ST9 may actuate the sample transport apparatus T, the sample container from where the analyzer B2, transported to the analyzed sample container rack L _2, returns to ST1.

When the determination in ST2 is NO or when the processing in ST10 is completed, the determination in ST11 is performed. In ST11, it is determined whether the analysis end signal is input from any of the analyzers A1 to C2. If this determination is YES, the process branches to ST12, and if the determination is NO, the process branches to ST1.

In ST12, the sample analysis waiting list is searched and the subsequent ST
At 13, it is determined whether or not there is a sample that can be analyzed by the analyzer that issued the analysis end signal. If the determination is YES, the process branches to ST14, and if the determination is NO, the process branches to ST15. In ST14, the sample having the smallest latch number among the analyzable samples is deleted, and the process proceeds to ST6. S
At T6, the container of the sample is transported to the analyzer that has issued the analysis end signal, and the same processing as that described above is performed. On the other hand, when branching to ST15, the place of the analysis device that issued the analysis end signal in the analysis device state table is changed from "under analysis" to "empty", and the process returns to ST1.

The operation of ST11 to ST15 will be described again by taking the states shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 as an example. If the analysis end signal is input from the analyzer A2, the determination in ST11 is YES, and the process branches to ST12. In ST12,
The sample analysis waiting list is searched for a sample that can be analyzed by the analyzer A2, that is, a sample including a in the analysis item. In the case of FIG. 4, the samples of rack numbers 7, 8 and 9 are applicable, and the determination in ST13 is YES and ST
Branch to 14. In ST14, the portion of rack number 7 on the sample analysis waiting list is erased, and in ST6, the sample container is transported to the analyzer A2.

If the analysis end signal is input from the analyzer B1 in ST11, since the sample including the analysis item b is not registered in the sample analysis waiting list, the determination in ST13 is NO, and the analyzer state in ST15. Table B1
Will be changed from "under analysis" to "empty".

(F) Effects of the Invention As described above, the automatic analyzer of the present invention includes an analyzer group consisting of a plurality of analyzers set under the same analysis conditions, a sample rack for loading sample containers, and this sample rack. A sample container transporting means for transporting a sample container to each analyzer, an analyzer status table for registering whether each analyzer is under analysis, a sample analysis waiting list, a sample analysis waiting list, and this analysis Since it is provided with a sample allocating unit that collates the device state table with the sample analysis waiting list and allocates the sample to the analyzer so that the waiting time is minimized, even if one analyzer fails, The analysis process will not be completely stopped.
In addition, the load on the specific analyzer is not affected, and a large number of samples can be efficiently analyzed in a short time.

[Brief description of drawings]

Each of the drawings shows an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
The figure explaining the structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on the Example, 2nd
FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of the control device of the automatic analyzer, FIG. 3 is a view showing an analyzer state table of the automatic analyzer, and FIG. 4 is a sample analysis waiting state of the automatic analyzer. FIG. 5 shows a part of the list, and FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the automatic analyzer. A1 · A2 · A3 · B1 · B2 · C1 · C2: analyzer, T: the sample container transport device, _{L 1:} unanalyzed sample container rack, _{L 2:} the analyzed sample container rack, X: control device, 1: CPU .

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An analyzer group consisting of a plurality of analyzers set under the same analysis conditions, a sample rack in which sample containers are loaded, and sample container transfer means for transferring sample containers from this sample rack to each analyzer. , An analyzer status table for registering whether each analyzer is under analysis, a sample analysis wait list for registering an analysis wait for a sample, and this analyzer status table and a sample analysis wait list are collated,
An automatic analyzer comprising sample assigning means for assigning a sample to an analyzer so that the waiting time is minimized.