Wavelength identification method and analyzer

An analyzer analyzes a sample based on optical characteristics of the sample. The analyzer includes a measuring unit that measures absorbances of two or more wavelength identifying samples having different concentrations and having absorbance characteristics in which there is no extremum in a wavelength band including a wavelength to be identified, the wavelength identifying samples being made of a same material; a calculator that obtains a gradient of a straight line indicating a relationship between the concentrations and the absorbances of the identifying samples measured by the measuring unit; and an identifier that identifies an actual wavelength of light to be measured by the measuring unit, based on a degree of coincidence between the gradient of the straight line calculated by the calculator and at least one pre-obtained reference gradient of a straight line indicating a relationship between concentrations and absorbances of reference samples made of the same material as the wavelength identifying samples for at least one wavelength.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wavelength identification method of identifying the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring system and an analyzer.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, as an apparatus that automatically analyzes specimen such as blood and body fluid, an analyzer that adds the specimen into a reaction vessel in which a reagent is dispensed, and optically detects the reaction occurred between the reagent and the specimen in the reaction vessel is known. In such an analyzer, after irradiating the reaction vessel containing the specimen with light, the analyzer analyzes the specimen based on the light intensity of a predetermined wavelength that has passed through the liquid contained in the reaction vessel.

To secure analysis accuracy of the analyzer, it is necessary for the analyzer to precisely identify the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the analyzer, and to reflect the identified wavelength on the result of the measurement. Therefore, there has been proposed a method in which the light is transmitted through a correcting filter that transmits the light in such a way that the light has peaks at a plurality of predetermined wavelengths. Then the light that is transmitted through the correcting filter is received by array type light receiving elements, and based on which light receiving element has received each peak light, the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the analyzer is identified (Refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H6-74823). Further, there has been proposed a method of confirming how much the current measuring wavelength has shifted from that of the time when the analyzer was manufactured, based on the difference between the current optical measurement result of the standard specimen of which measurement result is known and the optical measurement result of the standard specimen at the time when the analyzer was manufactured (Refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-162355).

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

An analyzer according to an aspect of the present invention analyzes a sample based on the optical characteristics of the sample. The analyzer includes: a measuring unit that measures absorbances of two or more wavelength identifying samples having different concentrations and having absorbance characteristics in which there is no extremum in a wavelength band including a wavelength to be identified, the wavelength identifying samples being made of a same material; a calculator that obtains a gradient of a straight line indicating a relationship between the concentrations and the absorbances of the identifying samples measured by the measuring unit; and an identifier that identifies an actual wavelength of light to be measured by the measuring unit, based on a degree of coincidence between the gradient of the straight line calculated by the calculator and at least one pre-obtained reference gradient of a straight line indicating a relationship between concentrations and absorbances of reference samples made of the same material as the wavelength identifying samples for at least one wavelength.

A method according to another aspect of the present invention is for identifying an actual wavelength of light to be measured by an optical measuring system. The method includes: measuring absorbances of two or more wavelength identifying samples having different concentrations and having absorbance characteristics in which there is no extremum in a wavelength band including a wavelength to be identified, the wavelength identifying samples being made of a same material; calculating a gradient of a straight line indicating a relationship between the concentrations and the absorbances of the identifying samples measured in the measuring; and identifying the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring system, based on a degree of coincidence between the gradient of the straight line calculated in the calculating and at least one pre-obtained reference gradient of a straight line indicating a relationship between concentrations and absorbances of reference samples made of the same material as the wavelength identifying samples for at least one wavelength.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to drawings, the wavelength identification method and the analyzer of the present embodiment are explained. In the present embodiment, the analyzer identifies the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring system. The present embodiment is explained taking an analyzer as an example, which analyzes the liquid specimen such as blood, urine, and the like based on the absorbance of the specimen. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts.

FIG. 1is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of an analyzer1of the present embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the analyzer1includes: a measuring system2that dispenses the specimen as a target of the analysis and the reagent into each of reaction vessels21, and optically measures the reaction that occurs in the reaction vessels21; and a control system3that controls the overall operations of the analyzer1including the measuring system2and also analyzes the measuring result of the measuring unit2. The analyzer1automatically conducts a biochemical analysis of a plurality of specimens as the two systems, the measuring system2and the control system3, work together cooperatively.

Roughly classifying, the measuring system2includes, a specimen conveyor11, a specimen dispensing system12, a reaction table13, a reagent storage14, a reading unit16, a reagent dispensing system17, an agitator18, an optical measuring unit19, and a cleaning unit20.

The specimen conveyor11includes a plurality of specimen racks11bthat holds a plurality of specimen vessels11acontaining liquid specimens such as blood and urine, and sequentially conveys the specimen racks11bin the direction shown by arrows in the drawing. The specimen contained in the specimen vessels11athat are conveyed to the predetermined position on the specimen conveyor11is dispensed, by the specimen dispensing system12, into the reaction vessels21which are arranged and conveyed on the reaction table13.

The specimen dispensing system12includes an arm12athat ascends and descends in a vertical direction and freely rotates about a vertical line that passes through a proximal end portion thereof as a central axis. On the tip portion of the arm12a,a probe that sucks and discharges the specimen is mounted. The specimen dispensing system12includes a not shown suck and discharge system that uses a suck and discharge syringe or a piezo element. With the probe, the specimen dispensing system12sucks the specimen from the specimen vessels11athat are conveyed to the predetermined position of the specimen conveyor11. Then the specimen dispensing system12swings the arm12ain a clockwise direction in the drawing and dispenses the specimen into the reaction vessel21by discharging the specimen.

The reaction table13conveys the reaction vessel21to a predetermined position to dispense the specimen and reagent into the reaction vessel21, to conduct agitating or cleaning of the reaction vessel21, and to measurement the light. Under the control of a controller31, as a not shown driving system is driven, the reaction table13is freely rotatable about a vertical line that passes through the center of the reaction table13aas a rotational axis. The reaction table13is provided with a not shown freely openable and closeable lid and a constant-temperature bath on an upper side and lower side of the reaction table, respectively.

The reagent storage14is capable of storing a plurality of reagent vessels15in which the reagent that is to be dispensed into the reaction vessel21is contained. A plurality of storing cells is arranged at equal intervals in the reagent storage14, and the reagent vessel15is detachably housed in each of the storing cells. Under the control of the controller31as the not shown driving system is driven, the reagent storage14is freely rotatable about a vertical line that passes through the center of the reagent storage14as a rotational axis in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The reagent storage14conveys a desired reagent vessel15to a position where the reagent dispensing system17sucks the reagent. The reagent storage14is provided with a freely openable and closeable lid (not shown) at the upper side thereof. A constant-temperature bath is provided at the lower side of the reagent storage14. Thus, when the reagent vessel15is stored in the reagent storage14and the lid is closed, the reagent contained in the reagent vessel15is maintained in a constant-temperature-state, and evaporation and denaturing of the reagent contained in the reagent vessel15can be restrained.

A recording medium is placed on a side surface of the reagent vessel15, and reagent information regarding the reagent contained in the reagent vessel15is recorded on the recording medium. The recording medium indicates coded various types of information that is read out optically. A reading unit16that optically reads out the recording medium is provided at a periphery portion of the reagent storage14. The reading unit16emits infra-red ray or visual light toward the recording medium, processes the light reflected from the recording medium, and reads out the information recorded on the recording medium. The reading unit16may acquire information recorded on the recording medium by conducting image processing of the recording medium and by decoding the image information that is acquired by the image processing.

Like the specimen dispensing system12, the reagent dispensing system17is provided with an arm17aon which a probe that sucks and discharges the reagent is mounted at the tip portion thereof. The arm17aascends and descends in a vertical direction and freely rotates about a vertical line that passes through a proximal end portion thereof as a central axis. With the probe, the reagent dispensing system17sucks the reagent stored in the reagent vessel15that is conveyed to a predetermined position on the reagent storage14. Then the reagent dispensing system17swings the arm17ain a clockwise direction in the drawing and dispenses the reagent into the reaction vessel21that is conveyed to a predetermined position on the reaction table13. The agitator18agitates the specimen and the reagent that is dispensed into the reaction vessel21, and accelerates the reaction between the specimen and the reagent.

The optical measuring unit19irradiates the reaction vessel21conveyed to a predetermined optical measuring position with light. Then the optical measuring unit19spectroscopes the light that has passed through the liquid contained in the reaction vessel21and measures absorbance of the wavelength that is peculiar to the reaction liquid. The result of the measurement by the optical measuring unit19is output to the controller31and analyzed with an analyzing unit33. The optical measuring unit19measures absorbances of two or more wavelength identifying samples having different concentrations and having absorbance characteristics in which there is no extremum in a wavelength band including a wavelength to be identified, the wavelength identifying samples being made of a same material.

With a not shown nozzle, the cleaning unit20sucks and discharges the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel21of which measurement with the optical measuring unit19is finished. Then, the cleaning unit20cleans the reaction vessel21by injecting and discharging cleaning fluid such as detergent, and rinse water, into and from the reaction vessel21with the not shown nozzle. The cleaned reaction vessel21is re-used, though the reaction vessel21may be discarded after a single measurement is finished depending on the contents of the examination.

The control system3is explained next. The control system3includes a controller31, an input unit32, an analyzing unit33, an identifier34, a storage unit35, an output unit36, and a transmitting and receiving unit37. Each of the units included in the measuring system2and the control system3are electrically connected to the controller31.

The controller31is constituted with CPU and the like, and controls processes and operations of each of the units of the analyzer1. The controller31conducts a predetermined input/output control regarding the information that is input to or output from each of the components, and conducts predetermined information processing on the information.

The input unit32includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like; and acquires various information that is necessary for the analysis of the specimen, and instructive information of analyzing operation and the like from outside. The analyzing unit33conducts componential analysis and the like of the specimen based on a result of absorbance measurement that is acquired from the optical measuring unit19.

The identifier34identifies the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring unit19. First, the identifier34calculates a gradient of a straight line that indicates a relationship between concentrations and absorbances of the wavelength identifying samples to be measured by the optical measuring unit19. Then the identifier34identifies the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the measuring unit by comparing a reference gradient(s) with the calculated gradient. The reference gradient(s) is a pre-obtained gradient(s) of a straight line(s) indicating a relationship between concentrations and absorbances of reference samples made of the same material as the wavelength identifying samples for one or more wavelengths. The reference gradients are obtained for the respective wavelengths to be identified. Each of the reference gradients is obtained based on the absorbances at the respective concentrations of the reference samples that are measured for the respective wavelengths by an optical measuring apparatus having higher optical reception sensitivity than the optical reception sensitivity of the optical measuring unit19. The identifier34identifies the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring system based on a degree of coincidence between the reference gradient(s) and the calculated gradient. In the present embodiment, measuring process similar to the measuring process that is conducted on the ordinary specimen is conducted on two or more of the wavelength identifying samples having different concentrations. Then the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring unit19is identified based on the absorbances at the respective concentrations of the reference samples.

The storage unit35includes: a hard disk that magnetically stores therein information; and a memory that loads various programs relating to the process when the analyzer1conducts the process from the hard disk and electrically stores therein the programs. The storage unit35stores therein various kinds of information including the analysis result of the specimen and the like. The storage unit35stores therein the reference gradients that are pre-obtained for one or more wavelengths. The storage unit35may include an auxiliary storage device capable of reading out the information stored in recording media such as CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, PC card, and the like

The output unit36includes a display, a printer, a speaker, and the like, and outputs various information including the analysis result of the specimen. The output unit36outputs the actual wavelength of the light, which has been identified by the identifier34, to be measured by the optical measuring unit19. The transmitting and receiving unit37has a function as an interface that conducts transmission and reception of the information that follows a predetermined format via a not shown communication network.

In the analyzer1structured in the aforementioned manner, the specimen dispensing system12dispenses the specimen contained in the specimen vessels11ainto the plurality of reaction vessels21that is sequentially conveyed in a row. After the reagent dispensing system17has dispensed the reagent contained in the reagent vessels15into the reaction vessels21, the optical measuring unit19conducts spectrophotometric measurement of the sample which is in a state the specimen and the reagent are reacted. As the analyzing unit33analyzes the result of the spectrophotometric measurement, the componential analysis and the like of the specimen are automatically conducted. The reaction vessels21are conveyed after the measurement by the optical measuring unit19is finished. As the cleaning unit20cleans the reaction vessels21while the reaction vessels21are being conveyed, a series of analyzing operations is continuously and repeatedly conducted.

Next, the optical measuring unit19illustrated inFIG. 1is explained. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the optical measuring unit19includes: a light source191that radiates light; a lens192that collects the light radiated from the light source191toward the reaction vessel21; lenses193, and194that collect the light that has passed through the reaction vessel21toward the grating195; a grating195that spectroscopes the light that is collected by the lenses193, and194; a slit member196that concentrates the light that is spectroscoped by the grating195on a wavelength-by-wavelength basis; and a photodiode array (hereinafter “PDA”)197that receives light having their respective wavelengths that is spectroscoped by the grating195. In the PDA197, photodiodes (hereinafter “PDs”) are one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally arranged. Each of the PDs detects an amount of the received light having the corresponding predetermined wavelength. Usually, in the analyzer that biochemically analyzes the specimens such as blood and urine, the light of 570 nm wavelength band is used as one of measuring lights. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a case as an example in which the wavelength of the light in 570 nm wavelength band is identified is explained, among the wavelengths that are received by the respective PDs of the PDA197.

First, the wavelength identifying sample and the reference sample used for identifying the wavelength of the light of 570 nm band is explained. In the analyzer1, the light of 570 nm band that is used by the optical measuring unit19includes some amount of error, shifting from the desired wavelength due to an adjustment error. For example, if the desired wavelength is 570 nm and there is an error range of 570 nm to 575 nm, in order to maintain high analysis accuracy, it is necessary to identify which wavelength of the light, among 570 nm to 575 nm, to be actually measured by the optical measuring unit19.

In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 3, as the wavelength identifying sample and the reference sample for identifying the wavelength of the light of 570 nm band, Acid Red that is the pigment solution is used. As illustrated inFIG. 3, Acid Red has absorbance characteristic in which there is no extremum and which has large derivative in the range of 570 nm to 575 nm that is the identifying target. Thus, in the range of 570 nm to 575 nm, Acid Red causes a great difference in the absorbance even if an absorption wavelength is changed by only 1 nm. As a result, by using the absorbances of Acid Red, it is possible to recognize the change of the wavelength of the light that is absorbed by Acid Red, by a unit of 1 nm or less. Acid Red has a high absorbance in the range of 570 nm to 575 nm, therefore, even if diluted; Acid Red can absorb the light of 570 nm to 575 nm wavelengths to a degree that the optical measuring unit19can measure the absorbance. Therefore, after diluting Acid Red to the respective concentrations, if the absorbances of the light of the respective wavelengths in the range of 570 nm to 575 nm are measured, the relationship between the concentrations and the absorbances for the respective wavelengths can be obtained. Meanwhile, the pigment solution which is used to identify the wavelength is recognized by the change of absorbance that corresponds to the change of absorbance-wavelength-change. Therefore, the pigment solution which is used to identify the wavelength is satisfactory if it has absorbance characteristics in which there is no extremum in the wavelength range that is a identifying target. Acid Red that is exemplarily shown in the present embodiment has absorbance characteristics having large derivative in the range of 570 nm to 575 nm that is the identifying target. Acid Red of the present embodiment causes a great difference in the absorbance by a minute change of the absorbance wavelength. As a result, it is possible to recognize the change of the wavelength of the light that Acid Red has absorbed by a minute unit.

FIG. 4illustrates measurement results of the absorbances of Acid Red as the reference samples at the respective concentrations, which are actually measured with the light of wavelength of from 570 nm to 575 nm. Acid Red having the respective concentrations are obtained by diluting stock solution having a predetermined concentration at their respective dilution ratios. The measurement results illustrated inFIG. 4correspond to the absorbances of Acid Red having 11 different concentration obtained by diluting stock solution having the predetermined concentration by changing the dilution ratio by 0.1, between 0 and 1. Then the absorbance of each of the wavelengths in the range of 570 nm to 575 nm is measured for each of the concentrations of Acid Red. As illustrated inFIG. 4, a relationship between the absorbances at the respective wavelengths of the light and the dilution ratios of Acid Red can be expressed by a linear function. InFIG. 4, a straight line1570indicates a relationship between the absorbances of 570 nm wavelength light and the respective dilution ratios of Acid Red; a straight line1571indicates a relationship between the absorbances of 571 nm wavelength light and the respective dilution ratios of Acid Red; a straight line1572indicates a relationship between the absorbances of 572 nm wavelength light and the respective dilution ratios of Acid Red; a straight line1573indicates a relationship between the absorbances of 573 nm wavelength light and the respective dilution ratios of Acid Red; a straight line1574indicates a relationship between the absorbances of 574 nm wavelength light and the respective dilution ratios of Acid Red; and a straight line1575indicates a relationship between the absorbances of 575 nm wavelength light and the respective dilution ratios of Acid Red. The absorbance of each concentration of Acid Red is measured with a spectrophotometer that has a narrower full-width at half-maximum of the reception wavelength than the full-width at half-maximum of the reception wavelength of the optical measuring unit19, and the aforementioned spectrophotometer has higher light receiving sensitivity than the optical measuring unit has.

As illustrated by the straight lines1570to1575inFIG. 4, it is understood that the straight lines indicating the relationships between the absorbances of the light of the respective wavelengths of 570 nm to 575 nm and the respective dilution ratios of Acid Red have different gradients.

FIG. 5illustrates results of calculation of gradients “a” and intercepts “b” of the straight lines corresponding to their respective wavelengths from 570 nm to 575 nm illustrated inFIG. 4. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the gradients “a” and the intercepts “b” of the straight lines corresponding to the respective wavelengths from 570 nm to 575 nm have different values depending on the respective wavelengths from 570 nm to 575 nm. The values of the gradient “a” corresponding to the respective wavelengths from 570 nm to 575 nm are based on the measurement results that are measured with the spectrophotometer having a higher light receiving sensitivity than that of the optical measuring unit19in the analyzer1, therefore the values of the gradients “a” may presumably be treated as inherent to the respective wavelengths. The gradients “a” of the straight lines indicating the relationships between the respective dilution ratios of Acid Red as the reference samples and the absorbances corresponding to the respective wavelengths, illustrated inFIG. 5, are pre-obtained and stored in the storage unit35.

The identifier34actually makes the optical measuring unit19measure the absorbances of Acid Red as the wavelength identifying samples at two or more diluting ratios. The identifier34calculates a gradient of a straight line that indicates a relationship between the dilution ratios of Acid Red and the absorbances measured by the optical measuring unit19. Then the identifier34identifies the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring unit19by comparing the calculated gradient with the gradients “a” of the straight lines corresponding to the respective wavelengths illustrated inFIG. 5.

Referring toFIG. 6, a content of process in which the identifier34identifies the wavelength is explained. For example, the case where the optical measuring unit19measures absorbances of Acid Red, as the wavelength identifying samples, of dilution ratios 0.3 and 0.4 is explained. In this case, the identifier34obtains a straight line11that passes through a point P13and a point P14. The identifier34obtains the straight line11and calculates a gradient “a” of the straight line11based on the absorbance of Acid Red of dilution ratio 0.3 indicated by the point P13and the absorbance of Acid Red of dilution ratio 0.4 indicated by the point P14illustrated inFIG. 6. After calculating the gradient “a” of the straight line11, the identifier34refers to the gradients of the respective wavelengths of the reference samples indicated inFIG. 5that are stored in the storage unit35, and then the identifier34determines the wavelength that coincides with the calculated gradient. In this case, the identifier34calculates the gradient “a” of the straight line11is 2.886, therefore as indicated by an arrow Y1, the identifier34determines the straight line11corresponds to the light whose wavelength is 571 nm, and then the identifier34identifies the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring unit19is 571 nm. Thus, in the analyzer1, by using the gradients of the straight lines, inherent to the respective wavelengths, each indicating the relationship between the absorbances and the concentrations of the wavelength identifying samples and the reference samples, it is possible to accurately identify the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring unit19.

Furthermore, a case where the optical measuring unit19measures absorbances of Acid Red, as the wavelength identifying samples, of dilution ratios of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 after a predetermined of time has elapsed are explained. In this case, the identifier34obtains a straight line12that passes through a point P22, a point P23, and a point P24. The identifier34obtains the straight line12and calculates a gradient “a” of the straight line12based on the absorbance of Acid Red of dilution ratio 0.2 indicated by the point P22, the absorbance of Acid Red of dilution ratio 0.3 indicated by the point P23, and the absorbance of Acid Red of dilution ratio 0.4 indicated by the point P24. After calculating the gradient “a” of the straight line12, the identifier34refers to the gradients of the respective wavelengths of the reference samples indicated inFIG. 5that are stored in the storage unit35, and then the identifier34determines the wavelength that coincides with the calculated gradient “a”. In this case, as the identifier34calculates the gradient “a” of the straight line12is 2.563, inFIG. 5, there is no gradient that coincides with that of the straight line12. However, as the gradient of the straight line12is 2.563, the identifier34can determine the straight line12corresponds to the light whose wavelength is in the range of 573 nm to 574 nm because the values of gradients thereof are closest to the gradient “a” of the straight line12.

By using the gradients of the wavelengths of 573 nm to 574 nm which are closest to the calculated gradient “a” of the straight line12, the identifier34identifies a corresponding wavelength in detail by calculating a difference and ratio between the calculated gradient “a” of the straight line12and the gradients of the wavelengths of 573 nm to 574 nm. For example, the identifier34obtains a difference value between the calculated gradient “a” of the straight line12(2.563), and the gradient “a” of the wavelength 573 nm (2.6365). Subsequently, the identifier34obtains the difference value between the gradient “a” of the wavelength 573 nm (2.6365) which is closest to the calculated gradient “a” of the straight line12(2.563), and the gradient “a” of the wavelength 574 nm (2.4899). The identifier34calculates the ratio of the difference value between the gradient “a” of the wavelength 573 nm (2.6365) and the gradient “a” of the wavelength 574 nm (2.4899) against the difference value between the gradient “a” of the straight line12(2.563) and the gradient “a” of the wavelength 573 nm (2.6365). The identifier34can obtain the wavelength that corresponds to the straight line12by a unit of 0.1 nm, for example. When the straight line12ofFIG. 6, the difference value between the gradient “a” of the straight line12(2.563) and the gradient “a” of the wavelength 573 nm (2.6365) accounts for 0.5 of the difference value between the gradient “a” of the wavelength 573 nm (2.6365) and the gradient “a” of the wavelength 574 nm (2.4899). Thus, based on the straight line12, as an arrow Y2indicates, the identifier34can identify the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring unit19is 573.5 nm. Thus it is possible to confirm that the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring unit19has shifted to the higher wavelength side by 2.5 nm from the previous measurement of the wavelength in which the straight line11corresponding to 571 nm is calculated. Thus in the analyzer1, it is possible to unequivocally acquire the shift of the wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring unit19.

Next, referring toFIG. 7, the wavelength identifying process in the analyzer1is explained. As illustrated inFIG. 7, based on the instruction information input from the input unit32, the identifier34determines whether or not the identifier34is instructed to identify the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring unit19(step S2). For example, when an operator operates the input unit32and selects a selection column for instructing the controller31to identify the wavelength, from menu columns displayed on a display screen which constitutes the output unit36, an instruction-information for instructing the input unit32to identify the wavelength to be measured by the optical measuring unit19is input to the controller31from the input unit32.

The identifier34repeats a determination at step S2until it determines that it is instructed to identify the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring unit19. If the identifier34determines that it is instructed to identify the wavelength of the light (S2: Yes), the identifier34instructs the optical measuring unit19to measure the absorbances of the wavelength identifying samples such as Acid Red diluted by the respective dilution ratios. Then the optical measuring unit19measures absorbances of the wavelength identifying samples (step S6) and outputs measurement results. Subsequently, based on information input from the input unit32, the identifier34acquires the dilution ratios of the wavelength identifying samples that has been measured by the optical measuring unit19(step S8). Then the identifier34acquires a straight line that indicates a relationship between the dilution ratios of the wavelength identifying samples and the absorbances of the wavelength identifying samples (step S10), and calculates a gradient of the straight line. Then, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 5, the identifier34acquires the gradients of the respective straight lines each indicating the relationship between the dilution ratios and the absorbances of the identifying samples pre-obtained for one or more wavelengths. The identifier34acquires the aforementioned gradients of the respective straight lines of the reference samples as reference wavelength information from the storage unit35(step S12). Then, based on a degree of coincidence between the gradient of the straight line obtained at the step S10and the gradients of the respective straight lines that are acquired as the reference wavelength information at the step S12, the identifier34identifies the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring unit19(step S14). The output unit36outputs the wavelength that has been identified by the identifier34(step S16). The operator confirms the identified wavelength output by the output unit36, thereby recognizing the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring unit19of the analyzer1. As a result the operator can conduct a corrective process of the optical measurement result more properly than before.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, by using the gradients of the straight lines, inherent to the respective wavelengths, each indicating the relationship between the absorbances and the concentrations of the wavelength identifying samples and the reference samples, it is possible to accurately identify the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring unit19. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring unit19is identified by conducting a measuring process for an exclusive sample for the wavelength identification. The measuring process conducted on the exclusive sample for the wavelength identification is similar to the measuring process that is applied to the ordinary specimen. According to the present embodiment, an exclusive unit for the wavelength identification that is conventionally needed is unnecessary, and there is no need to conduct cumbersome process that is different from the ordinary analyzing process. Therefore, it is possible to easily identify the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring unit19.

In the wavelength identifying process by the identifier34, the wavelength is identified by referring toFIG. 5. and using the gradients of the straight lines each indicating the relationship between the concentrations and the absorbances for a plurality of wavelengths. However the present invention is not limited to the above-described process. For example, the identifier34may refer to a gradient of a straight line that indicates a relationship between absorbances and concentrations for a single wavelength as a reference wavelength, and determine whether the gradient coincides with a gradient of a straight line that indicates a relationship between absorbances and concentrations of the wavelength identifying samples actually measured by the optical measuring unit19. Then, the identifier34may simply identify whether the actual wavelength of the light to be measured by the optical measuring unit19coincides with or shifted from the reference wavelength. Moreover, in the present embodiment, using at least two identifying samples having different concentrations is sufficient to obtain the straight line that indicates the relationship between the absorbances and the concentrations of the wavelength identifying sample actually measured by the optical measuring unit19.

In the present embodiment, it has been explained that the wavelength of the light of 570 nm band is identified by using Acid Red. The present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, but the wavelength may be identified by actually measuring absorbances of two or more samples having different concentrations and having absorbance characteristics in which there is no extremum in a desired wavelength range to be identified.

The analyzer1, explained in the aforementioned embodiment, can be realized by executing a pre-prepared program on a computer system. The computer system realizes the process operation of the analyzer by reading out and executing the program stored in a predetermined recording medium. Here, the predetermined recording medium includes not only portable physical media such as flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, MO disk, DVD disk, photo-magnetic disk, and IC card, but also includes all types of recording media that can be readable by the computer system, such as “communication media” that temporarily stores therein the program during transmission of the program, including a hard disk drive (HDD) provided inside or outside of the computer system. Moreover, the computer system acquires programs from control servers or other computer systems connected via a network, and executes the process operation of the analyzer by executing the acquired program.