U.S. patent application number 10/890683 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-10 for analyzer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sysmex Corporation. Invention is credited to Hirayama, Hideki.
Application Number | 20050053521 10/890683 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33475504 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050053521 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hirayama, Hideki |
March 10, 2005 |
Analyzer
Abstract
Analyzers are described that includes a mode selector for
selecting one measurement mode from said plurality of measurement
modes; a display for displaying a screen; and a display controller
for displaying on said screen a picture representing contents of
the measurement mode selected by said mode selector.
Inventors: |
Hirayama, Hideki;
(Akashi-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Assignee: |
Sysmex Corporation
|
Family ID: |
33475504 |
Appl. No.: |
10/890683 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/67 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 436/12 20150115;
G01N 2035/00891 20130101; G01N 35/00722 20130101; Y10T 436/115831
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/067 |
International
Class: |
B32B 005/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 16, 2003 |
JP |
2003-197607 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An analyzer capable of operating in a plurality of measurement
modes, comprising: a mode selector for selecting one measurement
mode from said plurality of measurement modes; a display for
displaying a screen; and a display controller for displaying on
said screen a picture representing contents of the measurement mode
selected by said mode selector.
2. The analyzer of claim 1, further comprising a measurement device
for capturing a signal from an analyte by performing a measurement
operation, wherein said display controller comprises a picture
storing memory for storing a plurality of pictures representing
contents of the measurement modes and a corresponding picture
selector for selecting a corresponding picture corresponding to the
one selected measurement mode from the plurality of pictures stored
in said picture storing memory, and displays on said screen the
corresponding picture selected by said corresponding picture
selector.
3. The analyzer of claim 2, wherein said display controller
displays said corresponding picture on a first area of the screen
that is displayed on said display after said measurement device
starts the measurement operation.
4. The analyzer of claim 2, wherein said display controller
displays said corresponding picture on a second area of the screen
that is displayed on said display after said measurement device
starts the measurement operation.
5. The analyzer of claim 4, wherein said display controller changes
a position of said corresponding picture displayed on the second
area of said screen in accordance with a progression of the
measurement operation.
6. The analyzer of claim 3, further comprising an analysis
processor for capturing an analysis result from the signal captured
by said measurement device, wherein said display controller
displays on a third area of said screen the analysis result
captured by said analysis processor.
7. The analyzer of claim 2, wherein said picture storing memory
further stores an end notification picture for notifying a user of
a measurement operation end; and said display controller displays
on said screen said end notification picture after the measurement
operation is ended.
8. The analyzer of claim 2, further comprising a notification means
for notifying that a container containing the analyte can be
removed, wherein said measurement device sucks the analyte
contained in said container and detects the signal from the sucked
analyte; and said notification means notifies a user that said
container containing the analyte can be removed after the suction
of the analyte by said measurement device is ended.
9. The analyzer of claim 2, wherein said plurality of measurement
modes include a first mode for analyzing a first analyte collected
from a first animal and a second mode for analyzing a second
analyte collected from a second animal that is different in kind
from said first animal; and said plurality of pictures stored in
said picture storing memory include a picture of the animal of said
first kind and a picture of said second kind.
10. An analyzer capable of operating in a plurality of measurement
modes, comprising: a mode selector for selecting one measurement
mode from said plurality of measurement modes; a measurement device
for measuring an analyte by successively executing a measurement
process composed of a plurality of steps; a monitor means for
monitoring a progression of said measurement process; a display;
and a display controller for controlling said display so as to
change a display image in accordance with the measurement mode
selected by said mode selector and the progression monitored by
said monitor means.
11. The analyzer of claim 10, wherein said display controller
controls said display so as to display a mode display representing
contents of the measurement mode selected by said mode selector,
and change the display image of the mode display in accordance with
the progression monitored by said monitor means.
12. The analyzer of claim 10, wherein said display controller
controls said display so as to display a mode display representing
contents of the measurement mode selected by said mode selector,
and change the display position of the mode display in accordance
with the progression monitored by said monitor means.
13. The analyzer of claim 10, wherein said display controller
controls said display so as to display a mode display representing
contents of the measurement mode selected by said mode selector,
and said mode display includes a picture representing contents of
the measurement mode selected by said mode selector.
14. An analyzer comprising: a measurement device for measuring an
analyte by successively executing a measurement process composed of
a plurality of steps; a monitor means for monitoring said
measurement process; a memory for storing message that reports a
progression of said measurement process; a display for displaying
said message; and a display controller for retrieving from said
memory a message corresponding to the progression of said
measurement process and for displaying said retrieved message on
said display.
15. The analyzer of claim 14, further comprising a container
placing section for placing a container that contains the analyte,
wherein said message includes a message reporting that the
container can be removed from said container placing section.
16. The analyzer of claim 14, wherein said messages include a
message that reports an end of said measurement process.
17. The analyzer of claim 14, wherein said message includes a
message that reports a period of time until an end of said
measurement process.
18. The analyzer of claim 14, further comprising a sound source for
generating sound and a sound controller for generating sound from
said sound source in accordance with a progression of said
measurement process.
19. An analyzer capable of analyzing samples obtained from plural
kinds of animals, comprising: a cry generator for generating cries
of plural animals; a mode selector for selecting a measurement mode
for measuring an animal of one kind from a plurality of measurement
modes; and a state monitor means for monitoring a state of said
analyzer, wherein said cry generator generates a cry of an animal
corresponding to the measurement mode selected by said mode
selector when said state monitor means monitors a predetermined
state of said analyzer.
20. The analyzer of claim 19, wherein said cry generator generates
the cry when said analyzer starts a measurement.
21. The analyzer of claim 19, wherein said cry generator generates
the cry when said measurement mode is selected.
22. The analyzer of claim 19, further comprising a display for
displaying an analysis result, wherein said cry generator generates
the cry when said analysis result is displayed on said display.
23. The analyzer of claim 19, wherein said plural kinds of animals
include a dog and a cat.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an analyzer, and more
particularly to an analyzer that a user can use easily.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A conventional analyzer includes a display and is
constructed so as to perform input of commands for starting
measurement operations and display of analysis results with the use
of this display.
[0003] Further, there are conventional analyzer capable of
operating in a plurality of measurement modes, and some of such
analyzer change the color of start buttons displayed on the display
in accordance with the selected measurement mode (for example, see
United States Published Patent Application No. 2003/0070498).
[0004] Conventional analyzer improve the facility of operation by
having such a construction.
[0005] For example, the analyzer disclosed in the aforementioned
United States Published Patent Application No. 2003/0070498 is such
that a user can understand a selected measurement mode if the user
memorizes the colors of start buttons and the measurement modes in
correspondence. However, a user who is not familiar with operations
may not understand what the change in color of the start buttons
means, so that the improvement in the facility of operation is not
sufficient.
SUMMARY
[0006] The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the
appended claims, and is not affected to any degree by the
statements within this summary.
[0007] First analyzer embodying features of the present invention
improves facility of operation.
[0008] Second analyzer embodying features of the present invention
includes a mode selector for selecting one measurement mode from
said plurality of measurement modes; a display for displaying a
screen; and a display controller for displaying on said screen a
picture representing contents of the measurement mode selected by
said mode selector.
[0009] Third analyzer embodying features of the present invention
includes a mode selector for selecting one measurement mode from
said plurality of measurement modes; a measurement device for
measuring an analyte by successively executing a measurement
process composed of a plurality of steps; a monitor means for
monitoring a progression of said measurement process; a display;
and a display controller for controlling said display so as to
change a display image in accordance with the measurement mode
selected by said mode selector and the progression monitored by
said monitor means.
[0010] Fourth analyzer embodying features of the present invention
includes a measurement device for measuring an analyte by
successively executing a measurement process composed of a
plurality of steps; a monitor means for monitoring said measurement
process; a memory for storing message that reports a progression of
said measurement process; a display for displaying said message;
and a display controller for retrieving from said memory a message
corresponding to the progression of said measurement process and
for displaying said retrieved message on said display.
[0011] Fifth analyzer embodying features of the present invention
includes a cry generator for generating cries of plural animals; a
mode selector for selecting a measurement mode for measuring an
animal of one kind from a plurality of measurement modes; and a
state monitor means for monitoring a state of said analyzer,
wherein said cry generator generates a cry of an animal
corresponding to the measurement mode selected by said mode
selector when said state monitor means monitors a predetermined
state of said analyzer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a construction of a blood
analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a construction of controlling
substrate section 9;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a view showing a main screen;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a view showing a mid-initial-measurement screen
(dog)
[0016] FIG. 5 is a view showing a mid-initial-measurement screen
(cat)
[0017] FIG. 6 is a view showing a mid-measurement screen (LV0) when
a dog measurement mode is selected;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a view showing a mid-measurement screen (specimen
removal) when a dog measurement mode is selected;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a view showing a mid-measurement screen (LV1) when
a dog measurement mode is selected;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a view showing a mid-measurement screen (LV2) when
a dog measurement mode is selected;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a view showing a mid-measurement screen (LV0)
when a cat measurement mode is selected;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a view showing a mid-measurement screen (specimen
removal) when a cat measurement mode is selected;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a view showing a mid-measurement screen (LV1)
when a cat measurement mode is selected;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a view showing a mid-measurement screen (LV2)
when a cat measurement mode is selected;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a view showing an analysis result screen
(dog);
[0026] FIG. 15 is a view showing an analysis result screen
(cat);
[0027] FIG. 16 is a flowchart schematically and generally
illustrating a process executed by an application program;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the details of a
measurement processing routine;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the details of a
mid-initial-measurement screen display processing routine;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a flowchart schematically and generally
illustrating a process executed by a measurement operation
program;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the details of an
analysis processing routine; and
[0032] FIG. 21 is a view describing an initial screen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
[0033] Hereafter, a blood analyzer will be described as one example
of an analyzer.
[0034] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a construction of a blood
analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. A
blood analyzer 1 is a blood cell counting device for counting the
number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and others of a dog
and a cat. Blood analyzer 1 can be operated in a dog measurement
mode for measuring the blood of a dog and in a cat measurement mode
for measuring the blood of a cat.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, blood analyzer 1 includes a housing 2,
a display 3, a specimen setting panel 4, a press button 5, a
controlling substrate section 9, a power section 10, a printer
section 11, and a measurement mechanism 12.
[0036] Housing 2 houses display 3, controlling substrate section 9,
power section 10, printer section 11, and measurement mechanism
12.
[0037] Display 3 is a touch-panel type display, which performs
display of information and receives input from a user.
[0038] Measurement mechanism 12 includes a specimen setting section
6, a specimen processing section 7, and a fluid controlling section
8.
[0039] Specimen setting section 6 has an open upper surface,
whereby a specimen container can be set into the inside thereof
through the upper surface. Specimen setting panel 4 is mounted on
specimen setting section 6, and is located outside of housing
2.
[0040] Press button 5 is disposed outside of housing 2, and
positions specimen setting section 6 by engagement with specimen
setting panel 4. When press button 5 is pressed by a user, the
engagement implemented by press button 5 is released, and specimen
setting section 6 rotates by 45.degree. in the direction of arrow A
around axis R integrally with specimen setting panel 4. This
provides that the user can set a specimen container (container
containing a blood sample) through the upper surface of specimen
setting section 6. The user having set the specimen container
pushes specimen setting panel 4 to return specimen setting section
6 to the position shown in FIG. 1. Similarly, in removing the
specimen container from specimen setting section 6, the user
presses press button 5 to rotate specimen setting section 6 by
45.degree. for removing the specimen container.
[0041] Specimen processing section 7 includes a suction mechanism
16, a detection section 17, and a mixing chamber 18.
[0042] Suction mechanism 16 is a mechanism for sucking a specimen
from a specimen container set in specimen setting section 6 and
injecting the specimen into detection section 17 and mixing chamber
18, and includes a sucking tube, a motor for moving the sucking
tube, and others.
[0043] Detection section 17 is a detection section of electric
resistance type, and detects an electric signal from blood cells in
the specimen. As detection section 17, one can use, for example,
the detection section disclosed in the specification of United
States Published Patent Application No. 2002/0034824.
[0044] Mixing chamber 18 is a container having an open top for
mixing a specimen with a reagent.
[0045] A reagent container 13 that contains a reagent is connected
to fluid controlling section 8 via a tube 15. Fluid controlling
section 8 includes a pump for conveying a reagent, a motor for
driving the pump, and others, so as to inject and discharge the
specimen and the reagent into and from detection section 17 and
mixing chamber 18.
[0046] Controlling substrate section 9 controls various sections
and calculates analysis results. The construction of controlling
substrate section 9 will be described later.
[0047] Power section 10 converts AC current received from a service
AC power source into DC current, and supplies the DC current to
controlling substrate section 9, the motors of various sections,
and others.
[0048] Printer section 11 includes a printer for printing the
analysis results and others.
[0049] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a construction of controlling
substrate section 9. Controlling substrate section 9 includes a CPU
20, a memory 21, a driving circuit 22, an alarm 23, and an A/D
conversion circuit 24. Controlling substrate section 9 is connected
to display 3.
[0050] Memory 21 stores programs, analysis results, and others. As
memory 21, one can use, for example, a flash memory (registered
trademark). Memory 21 includes area 21a, area 21b, area 21c, area
21d, and others.
[0051] Area 21a stores application programs for performing overall
control including the control of a screen to be displayed on
display 3 of blood analyzer 1. Area 21b stores measurement
operation programs that perform control of the measurement
operation by operating the motors and the like of fluid controlling
section 8 and suction mechanism 16. Area 21c and area 21d are areas
that the application programs and the measurement operation
programs use in common. Area 21c stores various flags, and area 21d
stores detection results obtained by digital conversion of the
electric signal detected in detection section 17.
[0052] Driving circuit 22 receives commands from the measurement
operation programs and controls the operation of the motors and the
like.
[0053] Alarm 23 generates sounds by receiving a command from the
application programs.
[0054] A/D conversion circuit 24 is a circuit that performs digital
conversion of the electric signal obtained in detection section 17.
A/D conversion section 24 is connected to detection section 17.
[0055] Hereafter, the screen displayed on display 3 will be
described.
[0056] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a main screen. A user uses
this screen for executing selection of a measurement mode and
giving commands for start of the measurement.
[0057] Main screen 31 includes an apparatus state display area 41,
a print commanding area 43, a specimen number display area 45, an
animal species display area 47, a dog selection area 48, a cat
selection area 49, and a start button display area 50.
[0058] Apparatus state display area 41 is an area that displays the
current state of blood analyzer 1 and is, in this view, displaying
the letters "stand-by" showing that blood analyzer 1 is in a state
capable of starting the measurement.
[0059] Print commanding area 43 is an area that displays an icon
for commanding printer section 11 to print analysis results and
others.
[0060] Specimen number display area 45 is an area that displays the
specimen number of the specimen to be measured next. In this view,
the number "1" is displayed as the specimen number. Here, input of
the specimen number is carried out with the use of ten keys (not
illustrated) that are displayed when the user touches specimen
number display area 45.
[0061] Measurement mode display area 47 is an area that displays
the selected measurement mode with letters. In this view, the area
shows that the dog measurement mode is currently selected.
[0062] Dog selection area 48 is an area that displays a switch 48a
for selecting the dog measurement mode. When the user touches this
switch 48a, the dog measurement mode is selected.
[0063] Cat selection area 49 is an area that displays a switch 49a
for selecting the cat measurement mode. When the user touches this
switch 49a, the cat measurement mode is selected.
[0064] Here, a picture of a dog and a picture of a cat are drawn in
switch 48a and in switch 49a, respectively, so that the user may
easily understand which switch should be touched upon.
[0065] Start button display area 50 is an area that displays start
button 50a for giving orders of the start of measurement.
[0066] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a mid-initial-measurement
screen (dog) that is displayed on display 3 immediately after the
user touches start button display area 50 (FIG. 3) when the dog
measurement mode is selected. Here, the areas having the same
functions as the areas described in FIG. 3 will be denoted with the
same symbols, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0067] Mid-initial-measurement screen (dog) 32a includes an
apparatus state display area 41, a print commanding area 43, a
measurement mode display area 51, a specimen number display area
52, an analysis result display area 54, and a progression display
area 55.
[0068] Apparatus state display area 41 is currently displaying the
letters "in suction" showing that suction mechanism 16 is sucking
the specimen.
[0069] Measurement mode display area 51 is an area that displays
the selected measurement mode with a picture. Measurement mode
display area 51 is currently displaying a dog picture 51a, showing
that the dog measurement mode is selected. Here, dog picture 51a
includes the letters "Dog", which make the selected measurement
mode more easily understandable.
[0070] Specimen number display area 52 is an area that displays the
specimen number (ID) of the specimen in measurement. In this view,
the number "1" is displayed as an ID.
[0071] Analysis result display area 54 is an area that displays the
analysis results of the specimen. In mid-initial-measurement screen
32a, this area displays only the measurement items and the units,
and does not display the analysis results.
[0072] Progression display area 55 is an area that displays the
progression of the measurement. In mid-initial-measurement screen
32a, progression display area 55 displays a dog picture 56a and a
food picture 57, where dog picture 56a is displayed at the leftmost
position 55a of progression display area 55.
[0073] Here, dog pictures 51a and 56a are stored in area 21a of
memory 21 (FIG. 2).
[0074] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a mid-initial-measurement
screen (cat) that is displayed on display 3 immediately after the
user touches start button display area 50 when the cat measurement
mode is selected.
[0075] Mid-initial-measurement screen (cat) 32b includes an
apparatus state display area 41, a print commanding area 43, a
measurement mode display area 51, a specimen number display area
52, an analysis result display area 54, and a progression display
area 55.
[0076] Measurement mode display area 51 is currently displaying a
cat picture 51b, showing that the cat measurement mode is selected.
Here, cat picture 51b includes the letters "Cat", which make the
selected measurement mode more easily understandable.
[0077] In mid-initial-measurement screen 32b, progression display
area 55 displays a cat picture 56b and a food picture 57, where cat
picture 56b is displayed at the leftmost position 55a of
progression display area 55.
[0078] Here, cat pictures 51b and 56b are stored in area 21a of
memory 21 (FIG. 2).
[0079] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a mid-measurement screen (LV0)
that is displayed subsequent to mid-initial-measurement screen 32a
(FIG. 4) during the measurement operation when the dog measurement
mode is selected.
[0080] Mid-measurement screen (LV0) 33a includes an apparatus state
display area 41, a print commanding area 43, a measurement mode
display area 51, a specimen number display area 52, an analysis
result display area 54, and a progression display area 55.
[0081] Dog picture 56a is displayed at a position 55b closer to
food 57 as compared with the case of mid-initial-measurement screen
(dog) 32a.
[0082] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a mid-measurement screen
(specimen removal) that is displayed subsequent to mid-measurement
screen (LV0) 33a (FIG. 6) during the measurement operation when the
dog measurement mode is selected.
[0083] Mid-measurement screen (specimen removal) 34a includes an
apparatus state display area 41, a print commanding area 43, a
measurement mode display area 51, a specimen number display area
52, an analysis result display area 54, a progression display area
55, and a specimen removal notification area 58.
[0084] Apparatus state display area 41 is currently displaying the
letters "in operation" showing that blood analyzer 1 is performing
operations such as sample preparation and detection after suction
mechanism 16 has finished suction of the specimen.
[0085] Specimen removal notification area 58 is an area that
notifies the user that the user can remove the specimen container
from specimen setting section 6 by pressing press button 5 because
suction mechanism 16 has finished suction of the specimen. Specimen
removal notification area 58 is displaying the letters "you can
remove the specimen".
[0086] This provides that the user can instantly understand that
the analyzer has been brought into a state such that the specimen
container can be removed from specimen setting section 6.
Therefore, the user can remove the specimen container at the
earliest possible timing after the start of the measurement, so
that the user can immediately start the next work.
[0087] Dog picture 56a is displayed at the same position 55b as in
the case of mid-measurement screen (LV0) 33a (FIG. 6).
[0088] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a mid-measurement screen (LV1)
that is displayed subsequent to mid-measurement screen (specimen
removal) 34a (FIG. 7) during the measurement operation when the dog
measurement mode is selected.
[0089] Mid-measurement screen (LV1) 35a includes an apparatus state
display area 41, a print commanding area 43, a measurement mode
display area 51, a specimen number display area 52, an analysis
result display area 54, a progression display area 55, and a
specimen removal notification area 58.
[0090] Dog picture 56a is displayed at a position 55c closer to
food 57 as compared with the case of mid-measurement screen
(specimen removal) 34a.
[0091] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a mid-measurement screen (LV2)
that is displayed subsequent to mid-measurement screen (LV1) 35a
(FIG. 8) during the measurement operation when the dog measurement
mode is selected.
[0092] Mid-measurement screen (LV2) 36a includes an apparatus state
display area 41, a print commanding area 43, a measurement mode
display area 51, a specimen number display area 52, an analysis
result display area 54, a progression display area 55, and a
specimen removal notification area 58.
[0093] Dog picture 56a is displayed at a position 55d immediately
close to food picture 57. Further, a heart picture 60 is displayed
immediately close to dog picture 56a. These pictures show that the
dog is in a state being capable of having the food and is
rejoicing. This provides that the user can recognize that the
measurement operation performed by measurement mechanism 12 has
been finished, and recognize that the analysis results will be
displayed soon. In other words, heart picture 60 is a picture for
notifying the user that the measurement operation has ended (end
notification picture).
[0094] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a mid-measurement screen
(LV0) that is displayed subsequent to mid-initial-measurement
screen 32b (FIG. 5) during the measurement operation when the cat
measurement mode is selected.
[0095] Mid-measurement screen (LV0) 33b includes an apparatus state
display area 41, a print commanding area 43, a measurement mode
display area 51, a specimen number display area 52, an analysis
result display area 54, and a progression display area 55.
[0096] Cat picture 56b is displayed at a position 55b closer to
food 57 as compared with the case of mid-initial-measurement screen
(cat) 32b.
[0097] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a mid-measurement screen
(specimen removal) that is displayed subsequent to mid-measurement
screen (LV0) 33b (FIG. 10) during the measurement operation when
the cat measurement mode is selected.
[0098] Mid-measurement screen (specimen removal) 34b includes an
apparatus state display area 41, a print commanding area 43, a
measurement mode display area 51, a specimen number display area
52, an analysis result display area 54, a progression display area
55, and a specimen removal notification area 58.
[0099] Apparatus state display area 41 is currently displaying the
letters "in operation" showing that blood analyzer 1 is performing
operations such as sample preparation and detection after suction
mechanism 16 has finished suction of the specimen.
[0100] Specimen removal notification area 58 is an area that
notifies the user that the user can remove the specimen container
from specimen setting section 6 by pressing press button 5 because
suction mechanism 16 has finished suction of the specimen. Specimen
removal notification area 58 is displaying the letters "you can
remove the specimen".
[0101] Cat picture 56b is displayed at the same position 55b as in
the case of mid-measurement screen (LV0) 33b (FIG. 10).
[0102] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a mid-measurement screen
(LV1) that is displayed subsequent to mid-measurement screen
(specimen removal) 34b (FIG. 11) during the measurement operation
when the cat measurement mode is selected.
[0103] Mid-measurement screen (LV1) 35b includes an apparatus state
display area 41, a print commanding area 43, a measurement mode
display area 51, a specimen number display area 52, an analysis
result display area 54, a progression display area 55, and a
specimen removal notification area 58.
[0104] Cat picture 56b is displayed at a position 55c closer to
food 57 as compared with the case of mid-measurement screen
(specimen removal) 34b.
[0105] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating amid-measurement screen (LV2)
that is displayed subsequent to mid-measurement screen (LV1) 35b
(FIG. 12) during the measurement operation when the cat measurement
mode is selected.
[0106] Mid-measurement screen (LV2) 36b includes an apparatus state
display area 41, a print commanding area 43, a measurement mode
display area 51, a specimen number display area 52, an analysis
result display area 54, a progression display area 55, and a
specimen removal notification area 58.
[0107] Cat picture 56b is displayed at a position 55d immediately
close to food picture 57. Further, a heart picture 60 is displayed
immediately close to cat picture 56a. These pictures show that the
cat is in a state being capable of having the food and is
rejoicing. This provides that the user can recognize that the
measurement operation performed by measurement mechanism 12 has
been finished, and recognize that the analysis results will be
displayed soon. In other words, heart picture 60 is a picture for
notifying the user that the measurement operation has ended.
[0108] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 13, progression display area 55
displays dog picture 56a when the dog measurement mode is selected,
and displays cat picture 56b when the cat measurement mode is
selected. This provides that the user can confirm the progression
of the measurement and simultaneously confirm the selected
measurement mode. Progression display area 55 is an area to which
the user pays particular attention for confirming the progression
of the measurement. Therefore, by displaying pictures representing
the measurement modes in this area, the user can confirm the
measurement modes without being particularly conscious.
[0109] The user can confirm the selected measurement mode by
looking at a predetermined area of display 3 at any timing during
the measurement operation.
[0110] FIG. 14 is a view illustrating an analysis result screen
(dog) that is displayed subsequent to mid-measurement screen (LV2)
36a (FIG. 9) when the dog measurement mode is selected.
[0111] Analysis result screen (dog) 37a includes an apparatus state
display area 41, a print commanding area 43, a measurement mode
display area 51, a specimen number display area 52, and an analysis
result display area 54.
[0112] Apparatus state display area 41 shows that blood analyzer 1
is in a state being capable of starting the measurement, i.e. in a
"stand-by" state.
[0113] Measurement mode display area 51 is displaying dog picture
51a.
[0114] Analysis result display area 54 is displaying the analysis
results calculated by CPU 20 (FIG. 2).
[0115] FIG. 15 is a view illustrating an analysis result screen
(cat) that is displayed subsequent to mid-measurement screen (LV2)
36b (FIG. 13) when the cat measurement mode is selected.
[0116] Analysis result screen (cat) 37b includes an apparatus state
display area 41, a print commanding area 43, a measurement mode
display area 51, a specimen number display area 52, and an analysis
result display area 54.
[0117] Apparatus state display area 41 shows that blood analyzer 1
is in a state being capable of starting the measurement, i.e. in a
"stand-by" state.
[0118] Measurement mode display area 51 is displaying cat picture
51b.
[0119] Analysis result display area 54 is displaying the analysis
results calculated by CPU 20 (FIG. 2).
[0120] Next, operation of blood analyzer 1 will be described with
reference to FIGS. 16 to 21.
[0121] FIG. 16 is a flowchart schematically and generally showing a
process executed by an application program stored in area 21a of
memory 21.
[0122] In step S1, an initial process is carried out. This process
executes a process of allowing display 3 to display main screen 31
(FIG. 3), a process of setting the start flag (startF) to be "0", a
process of setting the dog flag (dogF) to be "1", and a process of
setting the cat flag (catF) to be "0".
[0123] In step S2, a process of determining whether there has been
an input from display 3 or not is executed. If there has been an
input, the procedure goes to step S3, while if there has not been
an input, the procedure goes to step S9.
[0124] In step S3, a process of determining whether the input is an
input into area 50 or not is executed. In other words, in step S3,
a process of determining whether the input is an input of start
button 50a or not is executed. If the input is an input of start
button 50a, the procedure goes to step S4, while if the input is
not an input of start button 50a, the procedure goes to step
S5.
[0125] In step S4, a process of setting the start flag to be "1" is
executed.
[0126] In step S5, a process of determining whether the input is an
input of switch 48a or not is executed. In other words, in step S5,
a process of determining whether a dog mode has been selected or
not is executed. If the dog mode is selected, the procedure goes to
step S6, while if the dog mode is not selected, the procedure goes
to step S7.
[0127] In step S6, a process of setting the dog flag to be "1" and
setting the cat flag to be "0" is executed. This process selects
the dog mode.
[0128] In step S7, a process of determining whether the input is an
input of switch 49a or not is executed. In other words, in step S7,
a process of determining whether a cat mode has been selected or
not is executed. If the cat mode is selected, the procedure goes to
step SB, while if the cat mode is not selected, the procedure goes
to step S9.
[0129] In step S8, a process of setting the dog flag to be "0" and
setting the cat flag to be "1" is executed. This process selects
the cat mode.
[0130] In step S9, a process of determining whether the start flag
is "1" or not is executed. If the start flag is "1", the procedure
goes to step S10, while if the start flag is not "1", the procedure
goes to step S2.
[0131] In step S10, a measurement process is executed. The details
of the measurement process are shown in FIG. 17.
[0132] The processes from step S2 to step S10 are repeatedly
executed.
[0133] With reference to FIG. 17, the contents of the measurement
process in step S10 will be described.
[0134] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the details of a measurement
processing routine.
[0135] In step S21, a process of allowing display 3 to display a
mid-initial-measurement screen (dog) 32a (FIG. 4) or a
mid-initial-measurement screen (cat) 32b (FIG. 5) is executed. By
this process, if the dog mode is selected, the
mid-initial-measurement screen (dog) 32a is displayed on display 3,
while if the cat mode is selected, the mid-initial-measurement
screen (cat) 32b is displayed on display 3. The details of this
process are shown in FIG. 18.
[0136] In step S22, a process of starting a measurement operation
program stored in area 21b of memory 21 is executed. The
measurement operation program controls operation of the motors and
the like of fluid controlling section 8 and suction mechanism 16,
and sets the LV0 flag (LV0F), suction-completed flag
(suction-completedF), LV1 flag (LV1F), LV2 flag (LV2F), and
measurement-end flag (measurement-endF). The processing procedure
carried out by the measurement operation program is shown in FIG.
19. Hereafter, the process carried out by the application program
and the processes carried out by the measurement operation program
are executed in parallel.
[0137] In step S23, a reading process is executed. The reading
process is a process of reading the contents of the flags each time
after a predetermined period of time passes.
[0138] In step S24, a process of determining whether the LV0 flag
is "1" or not is executed. If the LV0 flag is "1", the procedure
goes to step S25, while if the LV0 flag is not "1", the procedure
goes to step S29.
[0139] In step S25, a process of erasing dog picture 56a or cat
picture 56b from position 55a in mid-initial-measurement screen
(dog) 32a (FIG. 4) or in mid-initial-measurement screen (cat) 32b
(FIG. 5) is executed. Namely, a process of initializing the display
of position 55a is executed.
[0140] In step S26, a process of determining whether the dog flag
is "1" or not is executed. If the dog flag is "1", the procedure
goes to step S27, while if the dog flag is not "1", the procedure
goes to step S28.
[0141] In step S27, a process of displaying dog picture 56a at
position 55b is executed. By this process, mid-measurement screen
(LV0) 33a (FIG. 6) is displayed on display 3.
[0142] In step S28, a process of displaying cat picture 56b at
position 55b is executed. By this process, mid-measurement screen
(LV0) 33b (FIG. 10) is displayed on display 3.
[0143] In step S29, a process of determining whether the
suction-completed flag is "1" or not is executed. If the
suction-completed flag is "1", the procedure goes to step S30,
while if the suction-completed flag is not "1", the procedure goes
to step S31.
[0144] In step S30, a process of displaying the letters "you can
remove the specimen" in specimen removal notification area 58 and
generating a sound for warning the user from alarm 23 is executed.
Further, in step S30, a process of changing the letters "in
suction" in apparatus state display area 41 to the letters "in
operation" is executed. By this process, mid-measurement screen
(specimen removal) 34a (FIG. 7) or mid-measurement screen (specimen
removal) 34b (FIG. 11) is displayed on display 3.
[0145] In step S31, a process of determining whether the LV1 flag
is "1" or not is executed. If the LV1 flag is "1", the procedure
goes to step S32, while if the LV1 flag is not "1", the procedure
goes to step S36.
[0146] In step S32, a process of erasing dog picture 56a or cat
picture 56b from position 55b in mid-measurement screen (specimen
removal) 34a (FIG. 7) or in mid-measurement screen (specimen
removal) 34b (FIG. 11) is executed. Namely, a process of
initializing the display of position 55b is executed.
[0147] In step S33, a process of determining whether the dog flag
is "1" or not is executed. If the dog flag is "1", the procedure
goes to step S34, while if the dog flag is not "1", the procedure
goes to step S35.
[0148] In step S34, a process of displaying dog picture 56a at
position 55c is executed. By this process, mid-measurement screen
(LV1) 35a (FIG. 8) is displayed on display 3.
[0149] In step S35, a process of displaying cat picture 56b at
position 55c is executed. By this process, mid-measurement screen
(LV1) 35b (FIG. 12) is displayed on display 3.
[0150] In step S36, a process of determining whether the LV2 flag
is "1" or not is executed. If the LV2 flag is "1", the procedure
goes to step S37, while if the LV2 flag is not "1", the procedure
goes to step S41.
[0151] In step S37, a process of erasing dog picture 56a from
position 55c in mid-measurement screen (LV1) 35a (FIG. 8) or in
mid-measurement screen (LV1) 35b (FIG. 12) is executed. Namely, a
process of initializing the display of position 55c is
executed.
[0152] In step S38, a process of determining whether the dog flag
is "1" or not is executed. If the dog flag is "1", the procedure
goes to step S39, while if the dog flag is not "1", the procedure
goes to step S40.
[0153] In step S39, a process of displaying dog picture 56a at
position 55d and displaying heart picture 60 at a position
immediately close to dog picture 56a is executed. By this process,
mid-measurement screen (LV2) 36a (FIG. 9) is displayed on display
3.
[0154] In step S40, a process of displaying cat picture 56b at
position 55d and displaying heart picture 60 at a position
immediately close to cat picture 56b is executed. By this process,
mid-measurement screen (LV2) 36b (FIG. 13) is displayed on display
3.
[0155] In step S41, a process of determining whether the
measurement-end flag is "1" or not is executed. If the
measurement-end flag is "1", the procedure goes to step S42, while
if the measurement-end flag is not "1", the procedure goes to step
S45.
[0156] In step S42, a process of analyzing the detection results
obtained by the process of the measurement operation program and
calculating analysis results is executed. The details of this
process are shown in FIG. 20.
[0157] In step S43, a process of allowing display 3 to display
analysis result screen (dog) 37a (FIG. 14) or analysis result
screen 37b (FIG. 15) including the analysis results calculated in
step S42 is executed.
[0158] In step S44, a process of allowing display 3 to display main
screen 31 (FIG. 3) is executed when a predetermined period of time
passes after the process of step S43.
[0159] In step S45, an error process is executed. The error process
is a process of allowing display 3 to display a message stating
that the measurement has not normally ended.
[0160] In step S46, a process of setting the start flag to be "0"
is executed.
[0161] With reference to FIG. 18, the contents of the
mid-initial-measurement screen displaying process in step S21 will
be described.
[0162] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the details of the
mid-initial-measurement screen display processing routine.
[0163] In step S61, a process of preparing an initial screen in
area 21a of memory 21 is executed.
[0164] With reference to FIG. 21, the initial screen will be
described. Initial screen 32 includes apparatus state display area
41, a print commanding area 43, a measurement mode display area 51,
a specimen number display area 52, an analysis result display area
54, and a progression display area 55.
[0165] Measurement mode display area 51 is blank. Progression
display area 55 currently includes only food picture 57.
[0166] Returning to FIG. 18, the mid-initial-measurement screen
display processing routine will be described.
[0167] In step S62, a process of determining whether the dog flag
is "1" or not is executed. If the dog flag is "1", the procedure
goes to step S63, while if the dog flag is not "1", the procedure
goes to step S64.
[0168] In step S63, a process of adding dog picture 51a to area 51
of initial screen 32 (FIG. 21) and adding dog picture 56a to
position 55a is executed. By this process, mid-initial-measurement
screen (dog) 32a (FIG. 4) is prepared.
[0169] In step S64, a process of determining whether the cat flag
is "1" or not is executed. If the cat flag is "1", the procedure
goes to step S65, while if the cat flag is not "1", the procedure
goes to step S66.
[0170] In step S65, a process of adding cat picture 51b to area 51
of initial screen 32 and adding cat picture 56b to position 55a is
executed. By this process, mid-initial-measurement screen (cat) 32b
(FIG. 5) is prepared.
[0171] In step S66, a process of allowing display 3 to display the
prepared mid-initial-measurement screen (dog) 32a or
mid-initial-measurement screen (cat) 32b is executed.
[0172] With reference to FIG. 19, the contents of the measurement
operation program started in step S22 will be described.
[0173] FIG. 19 is a flowchart schematically and generally showing
the process executed by the measurement operation program.
[0174] In step S71, a process of setting the LV0 flag to be "1",
and setting the LV1 flag, LV2 flag, suction-completed flag, and
measurement-end flag to be "0" is executed.
[0175] In step S72, a process of giving commands for allowing
suction mechanism 16 to suck the specimen is executed.
[0176] In step S73, a process of setting the LV0 flag to be "0" and
setting the suction-completed flag to be "1" is executed after
suction mechanism 16 has finished sucking the specimen.
[0177] In step S74, a process of giving commands for allowing
specimen suction mechanism 16 and fluid controlling section 8 to
prepare a sample, i.e. processes such as dilution of the specimen
and hemolysis, is executed.
[0178] In step S75, a process of setting the suction-completed flag
to be "0" and setting the LV1 flag to be "1" is executed after the
preparation of the sample has been finished.
[0179] In step S76, a process of giving commands for allowing
detection section 17 to detect an electric signal from the sample
is executed.
[0180] In step S77, a process of setting the LV1 flag to be "0" and
setting the LV2 flag to be "1" is executed when a predetermined
period of time passes after the start of the commands of step
S76.
[0181] In step S78, a process of allowing A/D conversion circuit 24
to perform digital conversion of the electric signal detected by
detection section 17 and writing the obtained detection results
into area 21d of memory 21 is executed.
[0182] In step S79, a process of setting the LV2 flag to be "0" and
setting the measurement-end flag to be "1" is executed after the
writing process of step S78 is finished.
[0183] With reference to FIG. 20, the contents of the analysis
process in step S42 will be described.
[0184] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the details of the analysis
processing routine.
[0185] In step S91, a process of calculating the number of red
blood cells, the number of white blood cells, the hematocrit value,
and the like from the detection results stored in area 21d of
memory 21 is executed.
[0186] In step S92, a process of determining whether the dog flag
is "1" or not is executed. If the dog flag is "1", the procedure
goes to step S93, while if the dog flag is not "1", the procedure
goes to step S94.
[0187] In step S93, a process of correcting the calculation results
obtained in step S91 in accordance with the characteristics of dog
blood is executed. In this process, a process, for example, of
multiplying the obtained hematocrit value by 0.97 is executed.
[0188] In step S94, a process of determining whether the cat flag
is "1" or not is executed. If the cat flag is "1", the procedure
goes to step S95, while if the cat flag is not "1", the procedure
goes to step S43 (FIG. 17).
[0189] In step S95, a process of correcting the calculation results
obtained in step S91 in accordance with the characteristics of cat
blood is executed. In this process, a process, for example, of
multiplying the obtained hematocrit value by 0.88 is executed.
[0190] The analyzer according to the above-described embodiment
displays a picture of an animal that a user feels attached to
during the measurement operation, so that the user does not feel
displeased even if the measurement operation requires a long period
of time.
[0191] Further, in the analyzer according to the above-described
embodiment, there is a change in the display of display 3 during
the measurement operation, so that the user does not get tired even
if the measurement takes a long period of time.
[0192] Here, the analyzer according to the above-described
embodiment may be constructed to include a sound source (cry
generator) in controlling substrate section 9 so that the sound
source may generate a dog cry in the dog measurement mode and a cat
cry in the cat measurement mode. For example, if the dog mode is
selected in step S43 (FIG. 17), the sound source may generate a dog
cry, while if the cat mode is selected, the sound source may
generate a cat cry. For example, a speaker and a micro computer
that memorizes predetermined program for generating cries may be
used as the sound source.
[0193] This provides that, even if the user is not looking at
display 3, the user can recognize, by the cry, that the analysis
results have been displayed, and can confirm the selected
measurement mode.
[0194] In other words, by constructing blood analyzer 1 in this
manner, the user can understand the progression of the measurement
even if the user is not looking at display 3.
[0195] Further, in step S6 (FIG. 16), the sound source may generate
a dog cry while the flags are set; and, in step S8, the sound
source may generate a cat cry while the flags are set. In this
case, data corresponding to the dog cry and the cat cry may be
stored in memory 21. This provides that the user can grasp that a
measurement mode has been selected and confirm the selected
measurement mode with the cry.
[0196] Further, in step S4, the sound source may generate a cry of
an animal corresponding to the selected measurement mode while the
flags are set. This provides that the user can confirm the
measurement mode selected at the start of the measurement.
Furthermore, the user can grasp that the measurement has been
started even if the user is not looking at display 3.
[0197] Here, the sound source may be a sound source that records
cries in advance, or may be a sound source that generates cries by
combination of electronic sounds.
[0198] Further, the analyzer according to the above-described
embodiment may display dog picture 51a or cat picture 51b on main
screen 31 in accordance with the selected measurement mode. For
example, in step S6 (FIG. 16), dog picture 51a may be displayed in
an area between print commanding area 43 and start button display
area 50 of main screen 31 while the dog flag and cat flag are set;
and, in step S8, cat picture 51b may be displayed in an area
between print commanding area 43 and start button display area 50
of main screen 31 while the dog flag and cat flag are set. This
provides that, on main screen 31, dog picture 51a is displayed if
the dog measurement mode is selected, and cat picture 51b is
displayed if the cat measurement mode is selected. Therefore, the
user can confirm the selected measurement mode before the start of
the measurement, thereby preventing start of the measurement in a
wrong measurement mode.
[0199] In addition, the analyzer according to the above-described
embodiment may change pictures displayed on display 3 in accordance
with the progression of the measurement operation. For example, a
picture of a dog in a sleeping state may be displayed in step S21
(FIG. 17); a picture of a dog in a state of being asleep but having
a raised head may be displayed in step S27; a picture of a dog in a
sitting state may be displayed in step S34; and a picture of a dog
in a standing state may be displayed in step S39. In this case, the
dog picture may be displayed at the same position of the screen, or
may be displayed by changing positions.
[0200] In addition, the analyzer according to the above-described
embodiment may display letters on display 3 in accordance with the
progression of the measurement operation. For example, the letters
"bowwow" may be displayed in step S21 (FIG. 17); the letters
"bowwow bowwow" may be displayed in step S27; the letters "bowwow
bowwow bowwow" may be displayed in step S34; and the letters
"bowwow bowwow bowwow bowwow" may be displayed in step S39.
[0201] Further, the analyzer according to the above-described
embodiment may display a message showing that the measurement
operation has been finished. For example, in step S39 (FIG. 17) the
letters "measurement ended" may be displayed.
[0202] Further, the analyzer according to the above-described
embodiment may display a message showing the period of time until
the end of the measurement. For example, in step S34 (FIG. 17) the
letters "one minute till the end of measurement" may be
displayed.
[0203] By constructing blood analyzer 1 in this manner, the user
can easily understand how long it will take until the measurement
is finished.
[0204] The present invention is not limited to the above-described
embodiment. For example, the present invention may be applied to a
blood analyzer capable of analyzing blood of an animal other than
dog or cat. Further, this invention can be applied to various blood
analyzer such as a blood analyzer capable of operating in a mode
for measuring diluted blood and in a mode for measuring non-diluted
blood. Further, this invention can be applied to various analyzer
such as a urine analyzer.
[0205] Further, though in the above-described embodiment an
analyzer in which a measurement mechanism and a display are
integrated has been described; however, the present invention is
not limited thereto. The present invention can be applied to an
analyzer in which an analyzer main body having a measurement
mechanism mounted thereon and a personal computer are connected
with a connection cable. In this case, the aforesaid application
program may be stored in the personal computer, and the measurement
operation program may be stored in the analyzer main body.
* * * * *