US20050053521A1 - Analyzer - Google Patents

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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to an analyzer, and more particularly to an analyzer that a user can use easily.
BACKGROUND
• 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.
• 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).
• Conventional analyzer improve the facility of operation by having such a construction.
• 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
• 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.
• First analyzer embodying features of the present invention improves facility of operation.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a construction of a blood analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a construction of controllingsubstrate section9;
• FIG. 3 is a view showing a main screen;
• FIG. 4 is a view showing a mid-initial-measurement screen (dog)
• FIG. 5 is a view showing a mid-initial-measurement screen (cat)
• FIG. 6 is a view showing a mid-measurement screen (LV0) when a dog measurement mode is selected;
• FIG. 7 is a view showing a mid-measurement screen (specimen removal) when a dog measurement mode is selected;
• FIG. 8 is a view showing a mid-measurement screen (LV1) when a dog measurement mode is selected;
• FIG. 9 is a view showing a mid-measurement screen (LV2) when a dog measurement mode is selected;
• FIG. 10 is a view showing a mid-measurement screen (LV0) when a cat measurement mode is selected;
• FIG. 11 is a view showing a mid-measurement screen (specimen removal) when a cat measurement mode is selected;
• FIG. 12 is a view showing a mid-measurement screen (LV1) when a cat measurement mode is selected;
• FIG. 13 is a view showing a mid-measurement screen (LV2) when a cat measurement mode is selected;
• FIG. 14 is a view showing an analysis result screen (dog);
• FIG. 15 is a view showing an analysis result screen (cat);
• FIG. 16 is a flowchart schematically and generally illustrating a process executed by an application program;
• FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the details of a measurement processing routine;
• FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the details of a mid-initial-measurement screen display processing routine;
• FIG. 19 is a flowchart schematically and generally illustrating a process executed by a measurement operation program;
• FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the details of an analysis processing routine; and
• FIG. 21 is a view describing an initial screen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
• Hereafter, a blood analyzer will be described as one example of an analyzer.
• FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a construction of a blood analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Ablood analyzer1 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 analyzer1 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.
• Referring toFIG. 1,blood analyzer1 includes ahousing2, adisplay3, aspecimen setting panel4, apress button5, a controllingsubstrate section9, apower section10, aprinter section11, and ameasurement mechanism12.
• Housing2houses display3, controllingsubstrate section9,power section10,printer section11, andmeasurement mechanism12.
• Display3 is a touch-panel type display, which performs display of information and receives input from a user.
• Measurement mechanism12 includes aspecimen setting section6, aspecimen processing section7, and afluid controlling section8.
• Specimen setting section6 has an open upper surface, whereby a specimen container can be set into the inside thereof through the upper surface.Specimen setting panel4 is mounted onspecimen setting section6, and is located outside ofhousing2.
• Press button5 is disposed outside ofhousing2, and positionsspecimen setting section6 by engagement withspecimen setting panel4. Whenpress button5 is pressed by a user, the engagement implemented bypress button5 is released, andspecimen setting section6 rotates by 45° in the direction of arrow A around axis R integrally withspecimen setting panel4. This provides that the user can set a specimen container (container containing a blood sample) through the upper surface ofspecimen setting section6. The user having set the specimen container pushesspecimen setting panel4 to returnspecimen setting section6 to the position shown inFIG. 1. Similarly, in removing the specimen container fromspecimen setting section6, the user pressespress button5 to rotatespecimen setting section6 by 45° for removing the specimen container.
• Specimen processing section7 includes asuction mechanism16, adetection section17, and amixing chamber18.
• Suction mechanism16 is a mechanism for sucking a specimen from a specimen container set inspecimen setting section6 and injecting the specimen intodetection section17 andmixing chamber18, and includes a sucking tube, a motor for moving the sucking tube, and others.
• Detection section17 is a detection section of electric resistance type, and detects an electric signal from blood cells in the specimen. Asdetection section17, one can use, for example, the detection section disclosed in the specification of United States Published Patent Application No. 2002/0034824.
• Mixing chamber18 is a container having an open top for mixing a specimen with a reagent.
• Areagent container13 that contains a reagent is connected to fluid controllingsection8 via atube15.Fluid controlling section8 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 fromdetection section17 andmixing chamber18.
• Controllingsubstrate section9 controls various sections and calculates analysis results. The construction of controllingsubstrate section9 will be described later.
• Power section10 converts AC current received from a service AC power source into DC current, and supplies the DC current to controllingsubstrate section9, the motors of various sections, and others.
• Printer section11 includes a printer for printing the analysis results and others.
• FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a construction of controllingsubstrate section9. Controllingsubstrate section9 includes aCPU20, amemory21, a drivingcircuit22, analarm23, and an A/D conversion circuit24. Controllingsubstrate section9 is connected todisplay3.
• Memory21 stores programs, analysis results, and others. Asmemory21, one can use, for example, a flash memory (registered trademark).Memory21 includesarea21a,area21b,area21c,area21d, and others.
• Area21astores application programs for performing overall control including the control of a screen to be displayed ondisplay3 ofblood analyzer1.Area21bstores measurement operation programs that perform control of the measurement operation by operating the motors and the like offluid controlling section8 andsuction mechanism16.Area21candarea21dare areas that the application programs and the measurement operation programs use in common.Area21cstores various flags, andarea21dstores detection results obtained by digital conversion of the electric signal detected indetection section17.
• Drivingcircuit22 receives commands from the measurement operation programs and controls the operation of the motors and the like.
• Alarm23 generates sounds by receiving a command from the application programs.
• A/D conversion circuit24 is a circuit that performs digital conversion of the electric signal obtained indetection section17. A/D conversion section24 is connected todetection section17.
• Hereafter, the screen displayed ondisplay3 will be described.
• 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.
• Main screen31 includes an apparatusstate display area41, aprint commanding area43, a specimennumber display area45, an animalspecies display area47, adog selection area48, acat selection area49, and a startbutton display area50.
• Apparatusstate display area41 is an area that displays the current state ofblood analyzer1 and is, in this view, displaying the letters “stand-by” showing thatblood analyzer1 is in a state capable of starting the measurement.
• Print commanding area43 is an area that displays an icon for commandingprinter section11 to print analysis results and others.
• Specimennumber display area45 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 specimennumber display area45.
• Measurementmode display area47 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.
• Dog selection area48 is an area that displays aswitch48afor selecting the dog measurement mode. When the user touches thisswitch48a, the dog measurement mode is selected.
• Cat selection area49 is an area that displays aswitch49afor selecting the cat measurement mode. When the user touches thisswitch49a, the cat measurement mode is selected.
• Here, a picture of a dog and a picture of a cat are drawn inswitch48aand inswitch49a, respectively, so that the user may easily understand which switch should be touched upon.
• Startbutton display area50 is an area that displays startbutton50afor giving orders of the start of measurement.
• FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a mid-initial-measurement screen (dog) that is displayed ondisplay3 immediately after the user touches start button display area50 (FIG. 3) when the dog measurement mode is selected. Here, the areas having the same functions as the areas described inFIG. 3 will be denoted with the same symbols, and a description thereof will be omitted.
• Mid-initial-measurement screen (dog)32aincludes an apparatusstate display area41, aprint commanding area43, a measurementmode display area51, a specimennumber display area52, an analysisresult display area54, and aprogression display area55.
• Apparatusstate display area41 is currently displaying the letters “in suction” showing thatsuction mechanism16 is sucking the specimen.
• Measurementmode display area51 is an area that displays the selected measurement mode with a picture. Measurementmode display area51 is currently displaying adog picture51a, showing that the dog measurement mode is selected. Here,dog picture51aincludes the letters “Dog”, which make the selected measurement mode more easily understandable.
• Specimennumber display area52 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.
• Analysisresult display area54 is an area that displays the analysis results of the specimen. In mid-initial-measurement screen32a, this area displays only the measurement items and the units, and does not display the analysis results.
• Progression display area55 is an area that displays the progression of the measurement. In mid-initial-measurement screen32a,progression display area55 displays adog picture56aand afood picture57, wheredog picture56ais displayed at theleftmost position55aofprogression display area55.
• Here, dog pictures51aand56aare stored inarea21aof memory21 (FIG. 2).
• FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a mid-initial-measurement screen (cat) that is displayed ondisplay3 immediately after the user touches startbutton display area50 when the cat measurement mode is selected.
• Mid-initial-measurement screen (cat)32bincludes an apparatusstate display area41, aprint commanding area43, a measurementmode display area51, a specimennumber display area52, an analysisresult display area54, and aprogression display area55.
• Measurementmode display area51 is currently displaying acat picture51b, showing that the cat measurement mode is selected. Here,cat picture51bincludes the letters “Cat”, which make the selected measurement mode more easily understandable.
• In mid-initial-measurement screen32b,progression display area55 displays acat picture56band afood picture57, wherecat picture56bis displayed at theleftmost position55aofprogression display area55.
• Here, cat pictures51band56bare stored inarea21aof memory21 (FIG. 2).
• FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a mid-measurement screen (LV0) that is displayed subsequent to mid-initial-measurement screen32a(FIG. 4) during the measurement operation when the dog measurement mode is selected.
• Mid-measurement screen (LV0)33aincludes an apparatusstate display area41, aprint commanding area43, a measurementmode display area51, a specimennumber display area52, an analysisresult display area54, and aprogression display area55.
• Dog picture56ais displayed at aposition55bcloser tofood57 as compared with the case of mid-initial-measurement screen (dog)32a.
• 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.
• Mid-measurement screen (specimen removal)34aincludes an apparatusstate display area41, aprint commanding area43, a measurementmode display area51, a specimennumber display area52, an analysisresult display area54, aprogression display area55, and a specimenremoval notification area58.
• Apparatusstate display area41 is currently displaying the letters “in operation” showing thatblood analyzer1 is performing operations such as sample preparation and detection aftersuction mechanism16 has finished suction of the specimen.
• Specimenremoval notification area58 is an area that notifies the user that the user can remove the specimen container fromspecimen setting section6 by pressingpress button5 becausesuction mechanism16 has finished suction of the specimen. Specimenremoval notification area58 is displaying the letters “you can remove the specimen”.
• 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 fromspecimen setting section6. 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.
• Dog picture56ais displayed at thesame position55bas in the case of mid-measurement screen (LV0)33a(FIG. 6).
• 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.
• Mid-measurement screen (LV1)35aincludes an apparatusstate display area41, aprint commanding area43, a measurementmode display area51, a specimennumber display area52, an analysisresult display area54, aprogression display area55, and a specimenremoval notification area58.
• Dog picture56ais displayed at aposition55ccloser tofood57 as compared with the case of mid-measurement screen (specimen removal)34a.
• 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.
• Mid-measurement screen (LV2)36aincludes an apparatusstate display area41, aprint commanding area43, a measurementmode display area51, a specimennumber display area52, an analysisresult display area54, aprogression display area55, and a specimenremoval notification area58.
• Dog picture56ais displayed at aposition55dimmediately close tofood picture57. Further, aheart picture60 is displayed immediately close todog picture56a. 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 bymeasurement mechanism12 has been finished, and recognize that the analysis results will be displayed soon. In other words,heart picture60 is a picture for notifying the user that the measurement operation has ended (end notification picture).
• FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a mid-measurement screen (LV0) that is displayed subsequent to mid-initial-measurement screen32b(FIG. 5) during the measurement operation when the cat measurement mode is selected.
• Mid-measurement screen (LV0)33bincludes an apparatusstate display area41, aprint commanding area43, a measurementmode display area51, a specimennumber display area52, an analysisresult display area54, and aprogression display area55.
• Cat picture56bis displayed at aposition55bcloser tofood57 as compared with the case of mid-initial-measurement screen (cat)32b.
• 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.
• Mid-measurement screen (specimen removal)34bincludes an apparatusstate display area41, aprint commanding area43, a measurementmode display area51, a specimennumber display area52, an analysisresult display area54, aprogression display area55, and a specimenremoval notification area58.
• Apparatusstate display area41 is currently displaying the letters “in operation” showing thatblood analyzer1 is performing operations such as sample preparation and detection aftersuction mechanism16 has finished suction of the specimen.
• Specimenremoval notification area58 is an area that notifies the user that the user can remove the specimen container fromspecimen setting section6 by pressingpress button5 becausesuction mechanism16 has finished suction of the specimen. Specimenremoval notification area58 is displaying the letters “you can remove the specimen”.
• Cat picture56bis displayed at thesame position55bas in the case of mid-measurement screen (LV0)33b(FIG. 10).
• 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.
• Mid-measurement screen (LV1)35bincludes an apparatusstate display area41, aprint commanding area43, a measurementmode display area51, a specimennumber display area52, an analysisresult display area54, aprogression display area55, and a specimenremoval notification area58.
• Cat picture56bis displayed at aposition55ccloser tofood57 as compared with the case of mid-measurement screen (specimen removal)34b.
• 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.
• Mid-measurement screen (LV2)36bincludes an apparatusstate display area41, aprint commanding area43, a measurementmode display area51, a specimennumber display area52, an analysisresult display area54, aprogression display area55, and a specimenremoval notification area58.
• Cat picture56bis displayed at aposition55dimmediately close tofood picture57. Further, aheart picture60 is displayed immediately close tocat picture56a. 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 bymeasurement mechanism12 has been finished, and recognize that the analysis results will be displayed soon. In other words,heart picture60 is a picture for notifying the user that the measurement operation has ended.
• As shown in FIGS.4 to13,progression display area55displays dog picture56awhen the dog measurement mode is selected, and displayscat picture56bwhen 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 area55 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.
• The user can confirm the selected measurement mode by looking at a predetermined area ofdisplay3 at any timing during the measurement operation.
• 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.
• Analysis result screen (dog)37aincludes an apparatusstate display area41, aprint commanding area43, a measurementmode display area51, a specimennumber display area52, and an analysisresult display area54.
• Apparatusstate display area41 shows thatblood analyzer1 is in a state being capable of starting the measurement, i.e. in a “stand-by” state.
• Measurementmode display area51 is displayingdog picture51a.
• Analysisresult display area54 is displaying the analysis results calculated by CPU20 (FIG. 2).
• 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.
• Analysis result screen (cat)37bincludes an apparatusstate display area41, aprint commanding area43, a measurementmode display area51, a specimennumber display area52, and an analysisresult display area54.
• Apparatusstate display area41 shows thatblood analyzer1 is in a state being capable of starting the measurement, i.e. in a “stand-by” state.
• Measurementmode display area51 is displayingcat picture51b.
• Analysisresult display area54 is displaying the analysis results calculated by CPU20 (FIG. 2).
• Next, operation ofblood analyzer1 will be described with reference to FIGS.16 to21.
• FIG. 16 is a flowchart schematically and generally showing a process executed by an application program stored inarea21aofmemory21.
• In step S1, an initial process is carried out. This process executes a process of allowingdisplay3 to display main screen31 (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”.
• In step S2, a process of determining whether there has been an input fromdisplay3 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.
• In step S3, a process of determining whether the input is an input intoarea50 or not is executed. In other words, in step S3, a process of determining whether the input is an input ofstart button50aor not is executed. If the input is an input ofstart button50a, the procedure goes to step S4, while if the input is not an input ofstart button50a, the procedure goes to step S5.
• In step S4, a process of setting the start flag to be “1” is executed.
• In step S5, a process of determining whether the input is an input ofswitch48aor 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.
• 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.
• In step S7, a process of determining whether the input is an input ofswitch49aor 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• In step S10, a measurement process is executed. The details of the measurement process are shown inFIG. 17.
• The processes from step S2 to step S10 are repeatedly executed.
• With reference toFIG. 17, the contents of the measurement process in step S10 will be described.
• FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the details of a measurement processing routine.
• In step S21, a process of allowingdisplay3 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)32ais displayed ondisplay3, while if the cat mode is selected, the mid-initial-measurement screen (cat)32bis displayed ondisplay3. The details of this process are shown inFIG. 18.
• In step S22, a process of starting a measurement operation program stored inarea21bofmemory21 is executed. The measurement operation program controls operation of the motors and the like offluid controlling section8 andsuction mechanism16, 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 inFIG. 19. Hereafter, the process carried out by the application program and the processes carried out by the measurement operation program are executed in parallel.
• 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.
• 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.
• In step S25, a process of erasingdog picture56aorcat picture56bfromposition55ain 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 ofposition55ais executed.
• 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.
• In step S27, a process of displayingdog picture56aatposition55bis executed. By this process, mid-measurement screen (LV0)33a(FIG. 6) is displayed ondisplay3.
• In step S28, a process of displayingcat picture56batposition55bis executed. By this process, mid-measurement screen (LV0)33b(FIG. 10) is displayed ondisplay3.
• 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.
• In step S30, a process of displaying the letters “you can remove the specimen” in specimenremoval notification area58 and generating a sound for warning the user fromalarm23 is executed. Further, in step S30, a process of changing the letters “in suction” in apparatusstate display area41 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 ondisplay3.
• 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.
• In step S32, a process of erasingdog picture56aorcat picture56bfromposition55bin 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 ofposition55bis executed.
• 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.
• In step S34, a process of displayingdog picture56aatposition55cis executed. By this process, mid-measurement screen (LV1)35a(FIG. 8) is displayed ondisplay3.
• In step S35, a process of displayingcat picture56batposition55cis executed. By this process, mid-measurement screen (LV1)35b(FIG. 12) is displayed ondisplay3.
• 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.
• In step S37, a process of erasingdog picture56afromposition55cin 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 ofposition55cis executed.
• 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.
• In step S39, a process of displayingdog picture56aatposition55dand displayingheart picture60 at a position immediately close todog picture56ais executed. By this process, mid-measurement screen (LV2)36a(FIG. 9) is displayed ondisplay3.
• In step S40, a process of displayingcat picture56batposition55dand displayingheart picture60 at a position immediately close tocat picture56bis executed. By this process, mid-measurement screen (LV2)36b(FIG. 13) is displayed ondisplay3.
• 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.
• 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 inFIG. 20.
• In step S43, a process of allowingdisplay3 to display analysis result screen (dog)37a(FIG. 14) oranalysis result screen37b(FIG. 15) including the analysis results calculated in step S42 is executed.
• In step S44, a process of allowingdisplay3 to display main screen31 (FIG. 3) is executed when a predetermined period of time passes after the process of step S43.
• In step S45, an error process is executed. The error process is a process of allowingdisplay3 to display a message stating that the measurement has not normally ended.
• In step S46, a process of setting the start flag to be “0” is executed.
• With reference toFIG. 18, the contents of the mid-initial-measurement screen displaying process in step S21 will be described.
• FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the details of the mid-initial-measurement screen display processing routine.
• In step S61, a process of preparing an initial screen inarea21aofmemory21 is executed.
• With reference toFIG. 21, the initial screen will be described.Initial screen32 includes apparatusstate display area41, aprint commanding area43, a measurementmode display area51, a specimennumber display area52, an analysisresult display area54, and aprogression display area55.
• Measurementmode display area51 is blank.Progression display area55 currently includesonly food picture57.
• Returning toFIG. 18, the mid-initial-measurement screen display processing routine will be described.
• 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.
• In step S63, a process of addingdog picture51atoarea51 of initial screen32 (FIG. 21) and addingdog picture56ato position55ais executed. By this process, mid-initial-measurement screen (dog)32a(FIG. 4) is prepared.
• 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.
• In step S65, a process of addingcat picture51btoarea51 ofinitial screen32 and addingcat picture56bto position55ais executed. By this process, mid-initial-measurement screen (cat)32b(FIG. 5) is prepared.
• In step S66, a process of allowingdisplay3 to display the prepared mid-initial-measurement screen (dog)32aor mid-initial-measurement screen (cat)32bis executed.
• With reference toFIG. 19, the contents of the measurement operation program started in step S22 will be described.
• FIG. 19 is a flowchart schematically and generally showing the process executed by the measurement operation program.
• 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.
• In step S72, a process of giving commands for allowingsuction mechanism16 to suck the specimen is executed.
• In step S73, a process of setting the LV0 flag to be “0” and setting the suction-completed flag to be “1” is executed aftersuction mechanism16 has finished sucking the specimen.
• In step S74, a process of giving commands for allowingspecimen suction mechanism16 andfluid controlling section8 to prepare a sample, i.e. processes such as dilution of the specimen and hemolysis, is executed.
• 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.
• In step S76, a process of giving commands for allowingdetection section17 to detect an electric signal from the sample is executed.
• 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.
• In step S78, a process of allowing A/D conversion circuit24 to perform digital conversion of the electric signal detected bydetection section17 and writing the obtained detection results intoarea21dofmemory21 is executed.
• 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.
• With reference toFIG. 20, the contents of the analysis process in step S42 will be described.
• FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the details of the analysis processing routine.
• 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 inarea21dofmemory21 is executed.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• Further, in the analyzer according to the above-described embodiment, there is a change in the display ofdisplay3 during the measurement operation, so that the user does not get tired even if the measurement takes a long period of time.
• Here, the analyzer according to the above-described embodiment may be constructed to include a sound source (cry generator) in controllingsubstrate section9 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.
• This provides that, even if the user is not looking atdisplay3, the user can recognize, by the cry, that the analysis results have been displayed, and can confirm the selected measurement mode.
• In other words, by constructingblood analyzer1 in this manner, the user can understand the progression of the measurement even if the user is not looking atdisplay3.
• 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 inmemory21. This provides that the user can grasp that a measurement mode has been selected and confirm the selected measurement mode with the cry.
• 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 atdisplay3.
• 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.
• Further, the analyzer according to the above-described embodiment may displaydog picture51aorcat picture51bonmain screen31 in accordance with the selected measurement mode. For example, in step S6 (FIG. 16),dog picture51amay be displayed in an area betweenprint commanding area43 and startbutton display area50 ofmain screen31 while the dog flag and cat flag are set; and, in step S8,cat picture51bmay be displayed in an area betweenprint commanding area43 and startbutton display area50 ofmain screen31 while the dog flag and cat flag are set. This provides that, onmain screen31,dog picture51ais displayed if the dog measurement mode is selected, andcat picture51bis 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.
• In addition, the analyzer according to the above-described embodiment may change pictures displayed ondisplay3 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.
• In addition, the analyzer according to the above-described embodiment may display letters ondisplay3 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• By constructingblood analyzer1 in this manner, the user can easily understand how long it will take until the measurement is finished.
• 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.
• 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.

Claims (23)

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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 14, wherein said messages include a message that reports an end of said measurement process.

17. The analyzer ofclaim 14, wherein said message includes a message that reports a period of time until an end of said measurement process.

18. The analyzer ofclaim 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 ofclaim 19, wherein said cry generator generates the cry when said analyzer starts a measurement.

21. The analyzer ofclaim 19, wherein said cry generator generates the cry when said measurement mode is selected.

22. The analyzer ofclaim 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 ofclaim 19, wherein said plural kinds of animals include a dog and a cat.

Images