Patent Publication Number: US-2011077752-A1

Title: Sample testing apparatus and method of controlling sample testing apparatus

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-229030 filed on Sep. 30, 2009, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     FILED OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a sample testing apparatus for testing a sample such as blood or urine, and a method for controlling such a sample testing apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventionally, there is known an analyzing apparatus in which analyzing conditions can be changed according to a plurality of different authorization levels for use. For example, Japanese laid-open patent publication 2004-309249 discloses an analyzing apparatus in which different authorization levels for use are stored in association with different user IDs to authorize temporary change or permanent change of analysis conditions according to different authorization levels. 
     The analyzing apparatus disclosed in Japanese laid-open patent publication 2004-309249 provides three different authorization levels for use, R1, R2, and R3, wherein the analyzing apparatus authorizes the authorization level for use R1 to temporarily and permanently change the analysis conditions, and authorizes the authorization level for use R2 to just temporarily change the analysis conditions, while rendering the authorization level for use R3 unauthorized for any kind of change to the analysis conditions. The authorization level for use R1 is an authority which a user (operator in charge of analysis) is entitled to, and the authorization level for use R2 is an authority which a serviceman in charge of maintenance (operator in charge of maintenance) is entitled to. In the analyzing apparatus disclosed in Japanese laid-open patent publication 2004-309249, the user alone is authorized to make permanent change of the analysis conditions, whereas the serviceman can change the analysis conditions not permanently but only temporarily. 
     The analyzing apparatus disclosed in Japanese laid-open patent publication 2004-309249, wherein the serviceman can only change the analysis conditions temporarily, includes a disadvantage: the user has no choice but to use original setting data when the user analyzes a sample, regardless of the setting data already adjusted to optimal values by the serviceman during his maintenance work. The disadvantage imposes such a time-consuming load on the user that the user has to readjust the setting data to the optimal values used in the maintenance work when analyzing the sample. 
     Some of the pieces of setting data in the analyzing apparatus, such as setting data of information output, have no optimal values and should be suitably changed by the user depending on, for example, use and situation. When such a particular setting data is changed during the maintenance work, any change made to the setting data should not affect the user&#39;s operation of the analyzing apparatus. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The scope of the invention is defined solely by the appended claims, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within this summary. 
     A first aspect of present invention is a sample testing apparatus which can be operated by a plurality of use authorities, comprising: a measurement mechanism for measuring a sample; a setting data storage section for storing setting data used to operate the apparatus, the setting data at least comprising mechanism control data relating to operation control of the measurement mechanism and information output data relating to information output; and a controller for controlling an operation of the sample testing apparatus, wherein the controller: receives input of identification information for identifying an operator; authorizes change of the mechanism control data and change of the information output data when the received identification information corresponds to a first use authority to which an operator in charge of maintenance is entitled; authorizes the change of the information output data while forbidding the change of the mechanism control data when the received identification information corresponds to a second use authority to which an operator in charge of testing a sample is entitled; and operates, when the received identification information corresponds to the second use authority, the sample testing apparatus based on the mechanism control data stored in the setting data storage section and the information output data inputted by the operator identified by the received identification information. 
     A second aspect of the present invention is a sample testing apparatus which can be operated by a plurality of use authorities, the apparatus comprising: a measurement mechanism for measuring a sample; an identification information receiving unit for receiving input of identification information for identifying an operator; a first storage section for storing mechanism control data relating to operation control of the measurement mechanism; a second storage section for storing information output data relating to information output; and a controller, wherein the controller: stores the mechanism control data changed by the operator in the first storage section when the identification information received by the identification information receiving unit corresponds to a first use authority to which an operator in charge of maintenance is entitled; and stores the information output data changed by the operator in the second storage section when the identification information received by the identification information receiving unit corresponds to a second use authority to which an operator in charge of testing a sample is entitled, and operates the apparatus based on the data stored in the first and second storage sections. 
     A third aspect of the present invention is a sample testing apparatus which can be operated by a plurality of use authorities, comprising: a measurement mechanism for measuring a sample; an identification information receiving means for receiving input of identification information for identifying an operator; a setting data storage section for storing setting data used to operate the apparatus, the setting data at least comprising setting data relating to operation control of the measurement mechanism and setting data relating to information output; a first change accepting means for accepting change of the setting data relating to operation control of the measurement mechanism; a second change accepting means for accepting change of the setting data relating to information output; and a controller, wherein the controller: authorizes the changes of the setting data accepted by the first and second change accepting means when the identification information received by the identification information receiving means corresponds to a first use authority to which an operator in charge of maintenance is entitled; forbids the change of the setting data accepted by the first change accepting means and authorizes the change of the setting data accepted by the second change accepting means when the identification information received by the identification information receiving means corresponds to a second use authority to which an operator in charge of testing a sample is entitled; and operates, when the identification information received by the identification information receiving means corresponds to a second use authority, the apparatus based on the setting data changed by the first change accepting means and the setting data changed by the operator identified based on the received identification information using the second change accepting means. 
     A fourth aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a sample testing apparatus provided with a measurement mechanism for measuring a sample, and a setting data storage section for storing setting data used to operate the apparatus, wherein the setting data at least comprises mechanism control data relating to operation control of the measurement mechanism and information output data relating to information output, the method comprising: receiving input of identification information for identifying an operator; authorizing change of the mechanism control data and change of information output data when the received identification information corresponds to a first use authority to which an operator in charge of maintenance is entitled; authorizing the change of the information output data while forbidding the change of the mechanism control data stored in the setting data storage section when the received identification information corresponds to a second use authority to which an operator in charge of testing a sample is entitled; and operating the sample testing apparatus based on the mechanism control data and the information output data inputted by the operator corresponding to the received identification information when the received identification information is the identification information corresponding to the second use authority. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an overall structure of a sample testing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a structure of the sample testing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention wherein an information processing device includes a controller such as a CPU; 
         FIG. 3  is an example of setting data table illustrating a relationship between setting data of the sample testing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention and authorization levels for use; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating processing steps by the controller of the information processing device in the sample testing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example of a login screen displayed on a display unit when the information processing device of the sample testing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is turned on; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating processing steps in step S 404  of  FIG. 4  by the controller of the information processing device in the sample testing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a menu screen displayed on the display unit based on a serviceman authority; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an example of a service menu screen displayed on the display unit when selection of a service icon is received; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an example of a screen for inputting sensitivity adjustment data; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an example of an IPU setting screen; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an example of a measurement unit setting screen; 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating processing steps in step S 405  of  FIG. 4  by the controller of the information processing device in the sample testing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an example of a menu screen displayed on the display unit based on an administrator authority; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an example of a screen for inputting calibration data; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an example of a screen for inputting flag setting data; 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart illustrating processing steps in step S 406  of  FIG. 4  by the controller of the information processing device in the sample testing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 17  is a block diagram illustrating a structure of an information processing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, a sample testing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. An example of the sample testing apparatus in the description given below is a blood testing apparatus used to test a measurement specimen prepared by mixing blood with a reagent. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an overall structure of the sample testing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a sample testing apparatus  1  according to this embodiment includes a measurement unit  3 , and an information processing device  5  provided on the lateral surface side of the measurement unit  3  and electrically connected to the measurement unit  3 . The measurement unit  3  introduces into a cabinet  34  sample containers  100 ,  100 , . . . containing therein blood as a sample, and mixes the blood sample contained in the introduced sample containers  100 ,  100 , . . . with a reagent to prepare a measurement specimen. The measurement unit  3  measures a physical volume of the measurement specimen to obtain measurement data. The measurement unit  3  transmits the obtained measurement data to the information processing device  5 . The information processing device  5  analyzes the measurement data received from the measurement unit  3  to generate an analysis result of blood components included in the blood sample. 
     A sampler  4  is provided on the front side of the measurement unit  3  to transport the sample containers  100 ,  100 , . . . Specifically, the sample containers  100 ,  100 , . . . containing therein the blood sample are housed in a sample rack  101 . The sample rack  101  thus holding the sample containers  100 ,  100 , . . . is retained by a pre-measurement rack storing unit  41 , and thereby transversely transferred to a rack storing unit  42  when a measuring operation is finished. 
     The measurement unit  3  has a hand portion not illustrated in the drawing. Using the hand portion, the measurement unit  3  grabs the sample container  100  containing therein the blood sample to be measured from the sample rack  101  transversely transferred, and introduces the sample container  100  into the apparatus. More specifically, the measurement unit  3  is provided with a sample container feeding section  355  on the near side of the post-measurement rack storing unit  42 . The measurement unit  3  sets the sample container  100  containing therein the blood sample to be measured in a sample container setting section  355   a  formed on the sample container feeding section  355  using the hand portion. The measurement unit  3  introduces the set sample container  100  into the apparatus, and mixes the blood sample contained in the introduced sample container  100  with a reagent to prepare a measurement specimen. The measurement unit  3  includes a flow cell into which the measurement specimen is poured, a light source for irradiating a liquid flow of the measurement specimen in the flow cell with light, and a light receiving section for receiving light generated by the light irradiated on the liquid flow by the light source (scattered light or fluorescent light). The measurement unit  3  obtains signals resulting from the blood components included in the measurement specimen using a conventional flow cytometry method. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a structure of the sample testing apparatus  1  according to the embodiment of the present invention wherein the information processing device  5  includes a controller such as a CPU. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the information processing device  5  has a controller (operation controller)  51  at least including, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), a memory  54 , a storage device  55 , an I/O interface  56 , a video interface  57 , a portable disc drive  58 , a communication interface  59 , and an internal bus  60  which connects these hardware components. The controller  51  is connected to the above-described hardware components of the information processing device  5  via the internal bus  60  to control the operations of the hardware components. The controller  51  further controls the operation of the measurement unit  3  based on a computer program  90  stored in the storage device  55 . 
     The memory  54  includes a volatile memory such as an SRAM or flash memory. In the memory  54 , a load module is developed when the computer program  90  is executed, and data temporarily generated when the computer program  90  is executed is stored. 
     The storage device  55  includes a built-in stationary storage device (hard disc). The computer program  90  stored in the storage device  55  is downloaded into the storage device  55  from a portable recording medium  80  such as a DVD or CD-ROM where information such as programs and data is stored by the portable disc drive  58 . To execute the computer program  90 , the program  90  is read from the storage device  55  into the memory  54 . The computer program  90  may be a computer program downloaded from an external computer through the communication interface  59 . 
     The communication interface  59  is connected to the internal bus  60 , and further connected to an external network such as the Internet, LAN, or WAN to transmit and receive data to and from an external computer, the measurement unit  3 , and the like. For example, the storage device  55  is not necessarily provided inside the information processing device  5 . The storage device  55  may be an external recording medium such as an external storage connected to the information processing device  5  through the communication interface  59 . 
     In this embodiment, the information processing device  5  is connected to a host computer HC through the communication interface  59 . The host computer HC is a centralized information management device provided for management of information of samples to be tested by the sample testing apparatus  1 , such as information of patients. The host computer HC transmits a measurement order to the sample testing apparatus  1  and obtains a sample analysis result from the information processing device  5 . 
     The I/O interface  56  is connected to an input unit  53  including, for example, a keyboard and a tablet. The video interface  57  is connected to a display unit  52  such as a CRT monitor or an LCD. 
     The storage device  55  stores therein a plurality of pieces of setting data for controlling the operation of the sample testing apparatus  1  carried out by the measurement unit  3  and the information processing device  5 . The storage device  55  stores therein setting data of a measurement mechanism provided in the measurement unit  3 , setting data of information outputted from the information processing device  5 , and setting data relating to conditions for analyzing the measurement data obtained by the information processing device  5 . 
     The setting data of the measurement mechanism represents data for controlling the operation of the measurement mechanism such as optical axis adjustment data, hand position adjustment data, and light receiving element sensitivity adjustment data. The optical axis adjustment data is setting data for adjusting the optical axis of the irradiated light by the light source provided in the measurement unit  3 . The hand position adjustment data is setting data for vertically adjusting the position of the sample container  100  held by the hand portion when the sample container  100  is fetched from the sample rack  101  transversely transferred by the sampler  4 . The light receiving element sensitivity adjustment data is setting data for adjusting the gain of a signal outputted when the light receiving section provided in the measurement unit  3  receives light. 
     The setting data of the information output is setting data relating to the information output such as output conditions and output format when the information is outputted outside from the information processing device  5 . More specifically, the information output setting data includes connection or no connection between the information processing device  5  and the host computer HC, and communication conditions. 
     The setting data relating to the measurement data analyzing conditions is setting data relating to conditions for analyzing the measurement data obtained by the information processing device  5  including flag setting data and calibration data. The flag setting data is setting data used to set conditions for determining whether or not, for example, a flag indicating that an obtained analysis result includes abnormal values should be affixed to the analysis result. The calibration data is setting data of a correction factor used when the information processing device  5  corrects the measurement data to generate an analysis result. 
     The storage device  55  is provided with a use authority information storage section  551  for storing therein information of a use authority to which an operator of the sample testing apparatus  1  is entitled so that the information is associated with identification information for identifying the operator. In the sample testing apparatus  1  according to this embodiment, different authorization levels for use are provided for an operator in charge of maintenance of the sample testing apparatus  1  (for example, serviceman), and an operator who tests a sample using the sample testing apparatus  1  (for example, laboratory technician), and an administrator of the sample testing apparatus  1 . The use authority information storage section  551  stores therein any of the authorization level for use of the operator in charge of maintenance (hereinafter, referred to as “serviceman authority”), the authorization level for use of the operator who tests a sample using the sample testing apparatus  1  (hereinafter, referred to as “user authority”), and the authorization level for use of the administrator (hereinafter, referred to as “administrator authority”) in association with the identification information used to identify the operator. 
     In the sample testing apparatus  1  according to this embodiment, the setting data is inputted and changed, and the operation of the apparatus is controlled differently in accordance with the different authorization levels for use. A relationship between the setting data and the authorization levels for use will be specifically described. 
       FIG. 3  is an example of a setting data table illustrating a relationship between setting data of the sample testing apparatus  1  according to the embodiment of the present invention and the authorization levels for use. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a setting data table TB includes an ID field F 1  which shows IDs for identifying the setting data, a setting data type field F 2  which stores therein types of the setting data, a parameter field F 3  which stores therein parameters of the setting data, an input flag field F 4  which stores therein flag information indicating which of the authorization levels for use authorizes input of the setting data, a use flag field F 5  which stores therein flag information indicating which of the authorization levels for use is authorized to access the setting data, and an input user ID field F 6  which stores therein the identification information of any operator who is authorized to input the setting data. 
     The ID field F 1  stores therein IDs for identifying the different setting data. 
     The setting data type field F 2  stores therein information indicating the type of the setting data such as “sensitivity adjustment” and “host computer connection”. 
     The parameter field F 3  stores therein parameters of the different setting data. The parameters define, for example, specific numeral values and conditions of the setting data. When the setting data is inputted and received, the parameters are updated depending on the received input. 
     The input flag field F 4  stores therein the flag information indicating which of the authorization levels for use authorizes input of each piece of setting data. More specifically, a flag “M” is affixed to the setting data which can be inputted by the serviceman authority, a flag “A” is affixed to the setting data which can be inputted by the administrator authority, and a flag “Y” is affixed to the setting data which can be inputted by the user authority. 
     The use flag field F 5  stores therein the flag information indicating which of the authorization levels for use is authorized to access the setting data by each of the setting data (per ID). More specifically, a flag “M” is affixed to the setting data which is used by the serviceman authority during the apparatus operation, a flag “A” is affixed to the setting data which can be used by the administrator authority during the apparatus operation, a flag “Y” is affixed to the setting data which can be used by the user authority during the apparatus operation, and a flag “C” is affixed to the setting data used by all of the authorization levels for use, regardless of the authorization levels for use, during the apparatus operation. 
     The input user ID field F 6  stores therein the identification information of any operator who can input the setting data. The operator&#39;s identification information is identification information (also called input user ID) inputted to the information processing device  5  along with a password in a login operation described later. The input user IDs illustrated in  FIG. 3  are, “M- 99 ” for identifying the operator in charge of maintenance, “A- 01 ” for identifying the administrator, and “Y- 01 ” and “Y- 02 ” for identifying the operator who tests a sample. 
     Hereinafter, the operation of the sample testing apparatus  1  according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below.  FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating processing steps by the controller  51  of the information processing device  5  in the sample testing apparatus  1  according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
     When the information processing device  5  of the sample testing apparatus  1  is turned on, the controller  51  of the information processing device  5  displays a login screen illustrated in  FIG. 5  on the display unit  52  to receive the input user ID and password inputted thereto as the identification information which identifies the operator (step S 401 ).  FIG. 5  illustrates an example of the login screen displayed on the display unit  52  when the information processing device  5  of the sample testing apparatus  1  according to the embodiment of the present invention is turned on. 
     The operator inputs the input user ID which identifies the operator to an ID input region  501 , and inputs the password which ensures security to a password input region  502 . The identification information used to identify the operator is not necessarily inputted by and received from the operator as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The operator may be automatically recognized by inserting, for example, a USB memory in which the input user ID and password are stored. Thus, as far as the input user ID and password which identify the operator are obtained, the ID and password can be received in different manners. 
     Returning to  FIG. 4 , the controller  51  of the information processing device  5  determines whether or not the received input user ID and password can be authenticated (step S 402 ). When the controller  51  determines that the received input user ID and password cannot be authenticated (step S 402 : NO), the controller  51  returns to step S 401  to wait for a different input user ID and password to be inputted. 
     When the controller  51  determines that the received input user ID and password can be authenticated (step S 402 : YES), the controller  51  consults the use authority information storage section  551  to determine whether the authorization level for use to which the received input user ID is entitled is the serviceman authority, administrator authority, or user authority (step S 403 ). When the controller  51  determines that the authorization level for use to which the received input user ID is entitled is the serviceman authority, the controller  51  proceeds to step S 404 . When the controller  51  determines that the authorization level for use to which the received input user ID is entitled is the administrator authority, the controller  51  proceeds to step S 405 . When the controller  51  determines that the authorization level for use to which the received input user ID is entitled is the user authority, the controller  51  proceeds to step S 406 . 
     [Processing by Serviceman Authority] 
     Next, processing steps of S 404  illustrated in  FIG. 4  will be described.  FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps in step S 404  of  FIG. 4  carried out by the controller  51  of the information processing device  5  in the sample testing apparatus  1  according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
     The controller  51  of the information processing device  5  displays a menu screen by the serviceman authority on the display unit  52  (step S 601 ).  FIG. 7  illustrates an example of the menu screen displayed on the display unit  52  by the serviceman authority. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the menu screen by the serviceman authority displays thereon icons for displaying an input screen where the setting data is inputted, for example, a service icon  71 , a measurement unit setting icon  72 , an IPU setting icon  73 , a manual calibration icon  74 , and an auto calibration icon  75 . When the operator selects any desirable icon on the menu screen by manipulating the input unit  53  and presses an enter key or the like, the controller  51  receives an instruction to call the screen where the setting data corresponding to the selected icon is inputted. 
     The controller  51  determines whether or not the instruction to call the screen where the setting data is inputted is received (step S 602 ). When the controller  51  determines that the screen call instruction was not received (step S 602 : NO), the controller  51  skips the processing steps of S 603  to S 607 . When the controller  51  determines that the screen call instruction was received (step S 602 : YES), the controller  51  determines whether or not the operator is authorized to input the setting data which can be inputted to the called screen (step S 603 ). More specifically, the controller  51  consults the setting data table TB to determine whether or not the input flag “M” is affixed to the setting data which can be inputted to the called screen. The controller  51  determines that the input flag “M” is affixed to the setting data and the operator is authorized to input the setting data, while determining that the operator is unauthorized to input the setting data if no input flag “M” is affixed thereto. 
     The controller  51 , therefore, determines that the operator who is entitled to the serviceman authority is authorized to input the setting data, which are optical axis adjustment data (ID:  1001 ), sensitivity adjustment data (ID:  1002 ), hand position adjustment data (ID:  1003 ), measurement suspending condition data (ID:  1006 ), and host computer connection data (ID:  1012 ). When any of these setting data is inputted and received, the relevant setting data is thereby updated. On the other hand, the controller  51  determines that the operator is unauthorized to input the setting data with the flags other than the input flag “M” affixed thereto, such as calibration data (ID:  1008 ) and flag setting data (ID:  1009 ). When any of these setting data is inputted and received, the relevant setting data remains unchanged. 
     When the controller  51  determines that the operator is unauthorized to input the setting data (step S 603 : NO), the controller  51  displays a screen which cannot receive input of the setting data on the display unit  52  or ignores the call instruction (step S 605 ), and then skips the processing steps of S 604 , S 606 , and S 607 . The controller  51  thus restricts the display of the input screen. When the controller  51  determines that the operator is authorized to input the setting data (step S 603 : YES), the controller  51  displays the screen which can receive input of the setting data on the display unit  52  (step S 604 ). The controller  51  determines whether or not the setting data is inputted to the input screen (step S 606 ). When the controller  51  determines that the setting data was not inputted (step S 606 : NO), the controller  51  skips the processing steps of S 607 . When the controller  51  determines that the setting data was inputted (step S 606 : YES), the controller  51  stores the inputted setting data (step S 607 ). 
     The above processing steps will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. When the service icon  71  is selected by the operator on the menu screen illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a service menu screen illustrated in  FIG. 8  is displayed on the display unit  52 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an example of the service menu screen displayed on the display unit  52  when the service icon  71  illustrated in  FIG. 7  is selected. The operator selects an icon indicating the desirable type of the setting data from icons displayed on the service menu screen. The controller  51  displays a screen for inputting and receiving the type of the setting data corresponding to the selected icon on the display unit  52 . When, for example, a sensitivity icon  810 , which is an icon used to call a screen for inputting and receiving the sensitivity adjustment data, is selected, the controller  51  displays the screen for inputting and receiving the sensitivity adjustment data on the display unit  52 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an example of the screen for inputting the sensitivity adjustment data. The screen for inputting the sensitivity adjustment data displays thereon items  901  showing the setting data to be inputted, input boxes  902  for inputting sensitivity adjustment targeted values, a send button  903 , display boxes  904  for displaying digital volume values, and a close button  905 . The operator inputs a target value of the sensitivity adjustment to the input box  902  corresponding to a desired item of the items  901 , and selects the send button  903 . After the send button  903  is selected, the controller  51  calculates the digital volume value for adjusting the sensitivity to the inputted target value, and displays the calculated value in the display box  904 . When the close button  905  is selected, the controller  51  updates the parameter of the sensitivity adjustment data (ID:  1002 ) in the setting data table TB depending on the calculated digital volume value. 
     When a hand adjustment icon  811 , which is an icon for receiving the inputted hand position adjustment data, is selected on the service menu screen illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the controller  51  displays a screen for inputting the hand position adjustment data on the display unit  52 , and updates the parameter of the hand position adjustment data (ID:  1003 ) in the setting data table TB depending on the received input. 
     When an optical axis adjustment icon  812 , which is an icon for receiving the inputted optical axis adjustment data, is selected on the service menu screen illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the controller  51  displays a screen for inputting the optical axis adjustment data on the display unit  52 , and updates the parameter of the optical axis adjustment data (ID:  1001 ) in the setting data table TB depending on the received input. 
     When the IPU setting icon  73  is selected by the operator on the menu screen illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the controller  51  displays an IPU setting screen illustrated in  FIG. 10  on the display unit  52 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an example of the IPU setting screen. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a plurality of tabs showing different types of the setting data are displayed in an upper part of the screen. The operator can call a screen for inputting and receiving the setting data of any desirable type by selecting one of the tabs. The example illustrated in  FIG. 10  displays a screen for inputting the host computer connection data. The screen for inputting the host computer connection data displays thereon, for example, an input region  1001  for inputting whether there is connection with the host computer HC, an input region  1002  for inputting whether serial communication is performed, an input region  1003  for inputting whether there is TCP/IP connection, and an input region  1004  for inputting communication conditions in serial port connection. 
     When the operator connects the information processing device  5  to the host computer HC, the operator checks a checkbox in the input region  1001 . When the operator chooses not to connect the information processing device  5  to the host computer HC, the operator unchecks the checkbox in the input region  1001 . When the operator performs serial communication between the information processing device  5  and the host computer HC, the operator checks a radio button in the input region  1002 . When the operator builds TCP/IP connection between the information processing device  5  and the host computer HC, the operator checks a radio button in the input region  1003 . 
     When the operator performs serial communication between the information processing device  5  and the host computer HC, the operator can input a plurality of communication conditions. More specifically, the operator can input data to the sections of “baudrate”, “code”, “stop bit”, and “parity” displayed in the input region  1004 . The operator selects a pull-down button for each of the communication conditions to input any desirable communication conditions. A transfer speed can be inputted to the “baudrate”, a data bit length can be inputted to the “code”, a stop bit length can be inputted to the “stop bit”, and a parity check method (None/Even/Odd) can be inputted to the “parity”. 
     When the operator selects an OK button  1005  displayed in a lower part of the screen after the operator inputs the communication conditions, the controller  51  extracts the inputted communication conditions, and updates the parameter of the host computer connection data (ID:  1012 ) in the setting data table TB depending on the extracted communication conditions. 
     When the operator selects the measurement unit setting icon  72  on the menu screen illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the controller  51  displays a measurement unit setting screen illustrated in  FIG. 11  on the display unit  52 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an example of the measurement unit setting screen. As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , a plurality of tabs showing different types of the setting data are displayed in an upper part of the screen. The operator can call a screen for inputting and receiving the setting data of any desirable type by selecting one of the tabs. The example illustrated in  FIG. 11  displays a screen for inputting the measurement suspending condition data. The screen for inputting the measurement suspending condition data displays thereon measurement suspending conditions and checkboxes corresponding to the conditions. For example, in  FIG. 11 , “ID read error” as a measurement suspending condition and its checkbox are illustrated in a region  1101 . When the operator suspends the measuring operation in response to the occurrence of an ID read error, the operator checks the checkbox. When the operator does not want to suspend the measurement regardless of the ID read error, the operator unchecks the checkbox. The operator selects an OK button  1102  displayed in a lower part of the screen after the measurement suspending condition is inputted. When the OK button  1102  is selected, the controller  51  extracts the condition whose checkbox is checked as the measurement suspending condition, and updates the parameter of the measurement suspending condition data (ID:  1006 ) in the setting data table TB depending on the extracted measurement suspending condition. 
     When the operator selects a “flag setting (WBC)” tab on the input screen illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the display unit  52  displays thereon such a screen for inputting the flag setting data as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . As described earlier, the operator who is entitled to the serviceman authority is unauthorized to input the flag setting data. Therefore, checkboxes and input boxes for inputting numeral values are displayed in gray to notify that these boxes do not accept any inputs. Thus, the operator who is entitled to the serviceman authority is unable to change the flag setting data (ID:  1009 ). 
     The menu screen illustrated in  FIG. 7  displays thereon the manual calibration icon  74  and the auto calibration icon  75  for inputting the calibration data (ID:  1008 ). However, these icons are inactivated so that the operator who is entitled to the serviceman authority is unable to select these icons. Therefore, an instruction to call a calibration data setting screen issued by the operator is ignored, and the operator who is entitled to the serviceman authority is unable to input the calibration data (ID:  1008 ). 
     Returning to  FIG. 6 , the controller  51  of the information processing device  5  determines whether or not the measurement start instruction is received (step S 608 ). When the controller  51  determines that the measurement start instruction was received (step S 608 : YES), the controller  51  consults the setting data table TB to extract the setting data with the use flag “C” or “M” affixed thereto (step S 609 ). In the example illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the setting data to be extracted are the optical axis adjustment data (ID:  1001 ), sensitivity adjustment data (ID:  1002 ), hand position adjustment data (ID:  1003 ), measurement suspending condition data (ID:  1006 ), calibration data (ID:  1008 ), flag setting data (ID:  1009 ), and host computer connection data (ID:  1012 ). The controller  51  carries out the operation of the apparatus based on the extracted setting data (step S 610 ). 
     More specifically, the controller  51  transmits the extracted optical axis adjustment data (ID:  1001 ), sensitivity adjustment data (ID:  1002 ), hand position adjustment data (ID:  1003 ), and measurement suspending condition data (ID:  1006 ) to the measurement unit  3 . The measurement unit  3  moves the hand portion upward and downward based on the transmitted hand position adjustment data (ID:  1003 ), and grabs the sample container  100  using the hand portion from the sample rack  101  transversely transferred by the sampler  4  and introduces the sample container  100  into the apparatus. The measurement unit  3  then mixes the blood sample contained in the sample container  100  with a reagent to prepare a measurement specimen, and pours the prepared measurement specimen into a flow cell. 
     Based on the optical axis adjustment data (ID:  1001 ), the measurement unit  3  controls the light source so that the measurement specimen flowing in the flow cell is irradiated with light along the adjusted optical axis. When the measurement specimen flowing in the flow cell is irradiated with the light, the light receiving section receives light generated by the light irradiated thereon and outputs a signal based on a quantity of the received light. The signal outputted from the light receiving section is amplified in accordance with a gain adjusted by the sensitivity adjustment data (ID:  1002 ). The measurement unit  3  transmits the amplified signal to the information processing device  5  as measurement data. During these measuring operations, the measurement unit  3  monitors whether or not an event that matches any of the conditions included in the measurement suspending condition data (ID:  1006 ) has occurred. For example, when the operator checks the checkbox of “ID read error” displayed in the region  1101  on the screen illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the measurement unit  3  monitors whether or not the ID read error occurs. In response to the occurrence of the ID read error, the measurement unit  3  suspends the measuring operation. 
     When the controller  51  of the information processing device  5  receives the measurement data, the controller  51  analyzes the received measurement data based on the calibration data (ID:  1008 ) to generate an analysis result. The controller  51  determines whether or not the generated analysis result matches any of the conditions included in the flag setting data (ID:  1009 ). When it is determined that the generated analysis result matches any of the conditions included in the flag setting data, the controller  51  displays the generated analysis result with the flag affixed thereto on the display unit  52 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 6 , when the controller  51  of the information processing device  5  determines that the measurement start instruction was not received (step S 608 : NO), the controller  51  determines whether or not an output instruction is received (step S 611 ). In the present embodiment, for example, it is determined whether or not an instruction to output the analysis result to the host computer HC is issued. When the controller  51  determines that the output instruction was not received (step S 611 : NO), the controller  51  skips the processing steps of S 612  and S 613 . When the controller  51  determines that the output instruction was received (step S 611 : YES), the controller  51  extracts setting data relating to the output instruction, which is the setting data with the use flag “M” affixed thereto (step S 612 ). In the present embodiment, for example, the host computer connection data (ID:  1012 ) is extracted. The controller  51  outputs the analysis result to the host computer HC in accordance with the condition based on the extracted host computer connection data (ID:  1012 ) (step S 613 ). 
     When the processing steps are completed, the controller  51  then determines whether or not a logoff instruction is received (step S 614 ). When the controller  51  determines that the logoff instruction was received (step S 614 : YES), the controller  51  returns to the processing step of S 401  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . When the controller  51  determines that the logoff instruction was not received (step S 614 : NO), the controller  51  determines whether or not a shutdown instruction is received (step S 615 ). When the controller  51  determines that the shutdown instruction was not received (step S 615 : NO), the controller  51  returns to the processing step of S 602  to repeat the processing steps described above. When the controller  51  determines that the shutdown instruction was received (step S 615 : YES), the controller  51  ends the processing steps to return to the operation illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     [Processing by Administrator Authority] 
     Next, processing steps of S 405  illustrated in  FIG. 4  will be described.  FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating processing steps in step S 405  of  FIG. 4  carried out by the controller  51  of the information processing device  5  in the sample testing apparatus  1  according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
     The flowchart illustrating the processing steps by the administrator authority is substantially the same as the flowchart illustrating the processing steps by the serviceman authority. Therefore, only the processing steps different from the processing steps by the serviceman authority will be described below, while description of any overlapping steps will not be given. 
     In  FIG. 12 , the controller  51  of the information processing device  5  displays a menu screen by the administrator authority on the display unit  52  (step S 1201 ).  FIG. 13  illustrates an example of the menu screen displayed on the display unit  52  by the administrator authority. The menu screen displayed by the administrator authority is substantially the same as the menu screen displayed by the serviceman authority (see  FIG. 7 ), except that the service icon  71  is not displayed. Therefore, the administrator authority is not allowed to call the service menu screen described earlier (see  FIG. 8 ). Needless to say, the administrator authority is thus unable to call the screen for inputting the setting data such as sensitivity adjustment data and optical axis adjustment data. Therefore, the operator who is entitled to the administrator authority is unable to input the setting data such as sensitivity adjustment data. Accordingly, without determining the authorization level for inputting the setting data in step S 1203  described later, the administrator authority is not authorized to input the setting data such as sensitivity adjustment data. 
     The controller  51  determines whether or not the screen call instruction where the setting data is inputted is received (step S 1202 ). When the controller  51  determines that the screen call instruction was not received (step S 1202 : NO), the controller  51  skips the processing steps of S 1203  to  1207 . When the controller  51  determines that the screen call instruction was received (step S 1202 : YES), the controller  51  determines whether or not it is authorized to input the setting data which can be inputted to the called screen (step S 1203 ). More specifically, the controller  51  consults the setting data table TB to determine whether or not the input flag “A” is affixed to the setting data which can be inputted to the called screen. The controller  51  determines that it is authorized to input the setting data with the input flag “A” affixed thereto, while determining it is unauthorized to input the setting data with no input flag “A” affixed thereto. 
     Therefore, the operator who is entitled to the administrator authority is determined as authorized to input the setting data such as measurement suspending condition data (ID:  1007 ), calibration data (ID:  1008 ), flag setting data (ID:  1009 ), and host computer connection data (ID:  1013 ). Accordingly, the operator can input these setting data. The operator is, however, determined as unauthorized to input the setting data with any input flag other than the “A”, affixed thereto such as optical axis adjustment data (ID:  1001 ), sensitivity adjustment data (ID:  1002 ), and hand position adjustment data (ID:  1003 ). Accordingly, the operator is unable to input these setting data. 
     When the controller  51  determines that it is unauthorized to input the setting data (step S 1203 : NO), the controller  51  displays a screen which rejects input of the setting data on the display unit  52  or ignores the call instruction (step S 1205 ), and then skips the processing steps of S 1204 , S 1206 , and S 1207 . The controller  51  thus restricts the display of the input screen. When the controller  51  determines that it is authorized to input the setting data (step S 1203 : YES), the controller  51  displays a screen where the setting data can be inputted on the display unit  52  (step S 1204 ). The controller  51  determines whether or not the setting data is inputted to the input screen where the setting data can be inputted (step S 1206 ). When the controller  51  determines that the setting data was not inputted (step S 1206 : NO), the controller  51  skips the processing step of S 1207 . When the controller  51  determines that the setting data was inputted (step S 1206 : YES), the controller  51  stores the inputted setting data (step S 1207 ). 
     The above processing steps will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. When an IPU setting icon  133  is selected by the operator on the menu screen illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the screen for inputting the host computer connection data illustrated in  FIG. 10  is displayed on the display unit  52 . When the OK button  1005  is selected after the operator inputs the setting data, the controller  51  extracts the inputted setting data, and updates the parameter of the host computer connection data (ID:  1013 ) in the setting data table TB. 
     Further, the operator can select a measurement unit setting icon  132  on the menu screen illustrated in  FIG. 13  in a manner similar to the serviceman authority. By selecting the measurement unit setting icon  132 , the operator can call a screen for inputting measurement suspending condition data illustrated in  FIG. 11  to input the setting data thereto. When the setting data is inputted and the OK button  1102  is then selected, the controller  51  extracts the inputted setting data, and updates the parameter of the measurement suspending condition data (ID:  1007 ) in the setting data table TB. 
     When the measurement unit setting icon  132  is selected by the administrator authority, and a “flag setting (WBC)” tab is selected on the measurement unit setting screen illustrated in  FIG. 11 , a screen for inputting the flag setting data illustrated in  FIG. 15  is displayed on the display unit  52 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an example of the screen for inputting the flag setting data. The flag setting screen mainly displays thereon, for example, an input region  1501  showing WBC subclass items to be flagged and their checkboxes, an input region  1502  for inputting conditions relating to count values, and an input region  1503  for inputting conditions relating to subclass ratios. 
     The operator selects, from the plurality of items displayed in the input region  1501 , the WBC subclass item to be flagged, and checks the checkbox of the selected subclass. Further, the operator inputs the count value-related conditions to the input region  1502  and the ratio-related conditions to the input region  1503 , and then selects an OK button  1504  displayed in a lower part of the screen. When the OK button  1504  is selected, the controller  51  extracts the inputted setting data, and updates the parameter of the flag setting data (ID:  1009 ) in the setting data table TB. 
     The administrator authority further empowers the operator to input the calibration data. As illustrated in the menu screen of  FIG. 13 , the menu screen by the administrator authority displays thereon a manual calibration icon  134  and an auto calibration icon  135 . On the menu screen displayed by the serviceman authority (see  FIG. 7 ), these icons are just displayed and are inactivated so that they cannot be selected. On the other hand, these icons are activated on the menu screen displayed by the administrator authority so that they can be selected by the operator. Therefore, the operator who is entitled to the administrator authority can call the screen for inputting the calibration data and input the calibration data thereto by selecting the manual calibration icon  134  or the auto calibration icon  135 . Here, a case where the auto calibration icon  135  is selected will be described. When the auto calibration icon  135  is selected, the controller  51  displays the input screen for receiving the calibration data illustrated in  FIG. 14  on the display unit  52 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates an example of the screen for inputting the calibration data. As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the screen for inputting the calibration data mainly displays thereon a reference value input region  1401  for inputting reference values, a measurement value display region  1402  for displaying measurement values, a ratio display region  1403  for displaying ratios of the measurement values with the reference values, a current correction factor display region  1404  for displaying current correction factors, and a new correction factor display region  1405  for displaying new correction factors. 
     The operator inputs a value obtained by separately measuring a sample for calibration to the reference value input region  1401  as a reference value. Then, the operator measures the sample for calibration using the sample testing apparatus  1 . The controller  51  displays measurement data obtained by measuring the sample for calibration in the measurement value display region  1402 . The controller  51  calculates a ratio of the measurement value with the reference value, and displays the calculated ratio in the radio display region  1403 . The operator repeatedly performs the steps described above for a plurality of samples for calibration. 
     The controller  51  calculates an average value x % of the ratios obtained from the plurality of samples for calibration to calculate a correction factor for correcting the calculated ratio average value x % to 100%. The controller  51  displays the calculated correction factor in the new correction factor display region  1405 . The operator selects an OK button  1406  when he wants to update the current correction factor displayed in the current correction ratio display region  1404  to a new correction factor. When the controller  51  selects the OK button  1406 , the controller  51  updates the parameter of the calibration data (ID:  1008 ) in the setting data table TB to a parameter suitable for the new correction factor. 
     Returning to  FIG. 12 , the controller  51  of the information processing device  5  determines whether or not the measurement start instruction is received (step S 1208 ). When the controller  51  determines that the measurement start instruction was received (step S 1208 : YES), the controller  51  consults the setting data table TB to extract the setting data with the use flag “C” or “A” affixed thereto (step S 1209 ). The setting data extracted in the example illustrated in  FIG. 3  are optical axis adjustment data (ID:  1001 ), sensitivity adjustment data (ID:  1002 ), hand position adjustment data (ID:  1003 ), measurement suspending condition data (ID:  1007 ), calibration data (ID:  1008 ), flag setting data (ID:  1009 ), and host computer connection data (ID:  1013 ). The controller  51  carries out the operation of the apparatus based on the extracted setting data (step S 1210 ). 
     The operation described below is substantially the same as the operation by the serviceman authority described earlier, and description of details thereof will not be given. 
     When the controller  51  determines that the measurement start instruction was not received (step S 1208 : NO), the controller  51  determines whether or not the output instruction is received (step S 1211 ). In the present embodiment, for example, it is determined whether or not the instruction to output the analysis result to the host computer HC is issued. When the controller  51  determines that the output instruction was not received (step S 1211 : NO), the controller  51  skips the processing steps of S 1212  and S 1213 . When the controller  51  determines that the output instruction was received (step S 1211 : YES), the controller  51  extracts the setting data relating to the output instruction, which is the setting data with the use flag “A” affixed thereto (step S 1212 ). In the present embodiment, for example, the host computer connection data (ID:  1013 ) is extracted. The controller  51  outputs the analysis result to the host computer HC in accordance with the condition based on the extracted host computer connection data (ID:  1013 ) (step S 1213 ). 
     When the processing steps are completed, the controller  51  determines whether or not the logoff instruction is received (step S 1214 ). When the controller  51  determines that the logoff instruction was received (step S 1214 : YES), the controller  51  returns to the processing step of S 401  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . When the controller  51  determines that the logoff instruction was not received (step S 1214 : NO), the controller  51  determines whether or not the shutdown instruction is received (step S 1215 ). When the controller  51  determines that the shutdown instruction was not received (step S 1215 : NO), the controller  51  returns to the processing step of S 1202  to repeat the processing steps described above. When the controller  51  determines that the shutdown instruction was received (step S 1215 : YES), the controller  51  ends the processing steps to return to the operation illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     [Processing by User Authority] 
     Next, processing steps of S 406  illustrated in  FIG. 4  will be described.  FIG. 16  is a flowchart illustrating processing steps in step S 406  of  FIG. 4  carried out by the controller  51  of the information processing device  5  in the sample testing apparatus  1  according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
     The flowchart illustrating the processing steps by the user authority is substantially the same as the flowchart illustrating the processing steps by the serviceman authority. Therefore, only the processing steps different from the processing steps by the serviceman authority will be described below, while description of any overlapping steps will not be given. 
     In  FIG. 16 , the controller  51  of the information processing device  5  displays a menu screen by the user authority on the display unit  52  (step S 1601 ). The menu screen displayed on the display unit  52  by the user authority is substantially the same as the menu screen displayed by the administrator authority (see  FIG. 13 ), except that the service icon is not displayed. Therefore, the user authority is not allowed to call the service menu screen described earlier (see  FIG. 8 ). Needless to say, the user authority is unable to call the screen for inputting the setting data such as sensitivity adjustment data and optical axis adjustment data. Therefore, the operator who is entitled to the user authority is unable to input the setting data such as sensitivity adjustment data. Without determining the authorization level for inputting the setting data in step S 1603  described later, the user authority is not authorized to input the setting data such as sensitivity adjustment data. 
     The controller  51  determines whether or not the instruction to call the screen where the setting data is inputted is received (step S 1602 ). When the controller  51  determines that the instruction to call the screen was not received (step S 1602 : NO), the controller  51  skips the processing steps of S 1603  to S 1607 . When the controller  51  determines that the instruction to call the screen was received (step S 1602 : YES), the controller  51  determines whether or not it is authorized to input the setting data which can be inputted and received on the called screen (step S 1603 ). More specifically, the controller  51  consults the setting data table TB to determine whether or not the input flag “Y” is affixed to the setting data which can be inputted and received on the called screen. The controller  51  determines that it is authorized to input the setting data when the input flag “Y” is affixed thereto, while determining it is unauthorized to input the setting data with no input flag “Y” affixed thereto. 
     The operator who is entitled to the user authority is determined as authorized to input the setting data, which are measurement suspending condition data (ID:  1004 ,  1005 ), and host computer connection data (ID:  1010 ,  1011 ). Accordingly, the operator can input these setting data. The operator is, however, determined as unauthorized to input the setting data with any input flag other than the “Y” affixed thereto such as optical axis adjustment data (ID:  1001 ), sensitivity adjustment data (ID:  1002 ), and hand position adjustment data (ID:  1003 ), calibration data (ID:  1008 ), and flag setting data (ID:  1009 ). Accordingly, the operator cannot input these setting data. 
     When the controller  51  determines that input of the setting data is unauthorized (step S 1603 : NO), the controller  51  displays a screen which rejects input of the setting data on the display unit  52  or ignores the call instruction (step S 1605 ), and then skips the processing steps of S 1604 , S 1606  and S 1607 . The controller  51  thus restricts the display of the input screen. When the controller  51  determines that input of the setting data is authorized (step S 1603 : YES), the controller  51  displays a screen which can receive input of the setting data on the display unit  52  (step S 1604 ). The controller  51  determines whether or not the setting data is inputted and received on the input screen to which the setting data can be inputted and received (step S 1606 ). When the controller  51  determines that the setting data was not inputted (step S 1606 : NO), the controller  51  skips the processing steps of S 1607 . When the controller  51  determines that the setting data was inputted (step S 1606 : YES), the controller  51  stores the inputted setting data (step S 1607 ). 
     In the case where Y- 01  is inputted as the input user ID at the time of login, step S 1607  updates the setting data in which “Y- 01 ” is stored in the input user ID field F 6  of the setting data table TB. Similarly, in the case where Y- 02  is inputted as the input user ID at the time of login, step S 1607  updates the setting data in which “Y- 02 ” is stored in the input user ID field F 6 . 
     The processing steps will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. When an IPU setting icon  133  is selected by the operator on the menu screen illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the controller  51  displays the screen for inputting the host computer connection data illustrated in  FIG. 10  on the display unit  52 . When the operator selects the OK button  1005  after he inputs the setting data, the controller  51  extracts the inputted setting data, and updates the parameter of the host computer connection data corresponding to the input user ID inputted at the time of login. More specifically, in the case where Y- 01  is inputted as the input user ID at the time of login, the parameter of the host computer connection data (ID:  1010 ) is updated. In the case where Y- 02  is inputted as the input user ID at the time of login, the parameter of the host computer connection data (ID:  1011 ) is updated. 
     Further, the operator can select the measurement unit setting icon  132  in a manner similar to the serviceman authority on the menu screen illustrated in  FIG. 13 . By selecting the measurement unit setting icon  132 , the operator can call the screen for inputting the measurement suspending condition data illustrated in  FIG. 11  to input the setting data thereto. When the operator selects an OK button  1102  after he inputs the setting data, the controller  51  extracts the inputted setting data, and updates the parameter of the measurement suspending condition data corresponding to the input user ID inputted at the time of login. More specifically, in the case where Y- 01  is inputted as the input user ID at the time of login, the parameter of the measurement suspending condition data (ID:  1004 ) is updated. In the case where Y- 02  is inputted as the input user ID at the time of login, the parameter of the measurement suspending condition data (ID:  1005 ) is updated. 
     For the operator who is entitled to the user authority, the menu screen illustrated in  FIG. 13  similarly displays thereon the manual calibration icon  134  and the auto calibration icon  135 . However, these icons are inactivated so that the operator who is entitled to the user authority is unable to select these icons. Therefore, the operator who is entitled to the user authority is unable to input the calibration data similarly to the operator who is entitled to the serviceman authority. 
     When the measurement unit setting icon  132  is selected by the operator on the menu screen illustrated in  FIG. 13 , and the “flag setting (WBC) tab” is selected by the operator on the input screen illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the input screen which receives input of the flag setting data illustrated in  FIG. 15  is displayed on the display unit  52 . However, numeral value input boxes and their checkboxes are displayed in gray and are inactivated so that they are not selectable and do not accept any inputs. Thus, the user authority is unauthorized to input the flag setting data. 
     Returning to  FIG. 16 , the controller  51  of the information processing device  5  determines whether or not the measurement start instruction is received (step S 1608 ). When the controller  51  determines that the measurement start instruction was received (step S 1608 : YES), the controller  51  consults the setting data table TB to extract the setting data with the flag “C” or “Y” affixed thereto (step S 1609 ). In the case where Y- 01  is inputted as the input user ID at the time of login, the setting data in which “Y- 01 ” is stored as the input user ID is extracted among all of the pieces of setting data with the use flag “Y” affixed thereto. In the case where Y- 02  is inputted as the input user ID at the time of login, the setting data in which “Y- 02 ” is stored as the input user ID is extracted among all of the pieces of setting data with the use flag “Y” affixed thereto. 
     Therefore, when Y- 01  is inputted as the input user ID at the time of login, and the measurement start instruction is then received, the setting data such as optical axis adjustment data (ID:  1001 ), sensitivity adjustment data (ID:  1002 ), hand position adjustment data (ID:  1003 ), measurement suspending condition data (ID:  1004 ), calibration data (ID:  1008 ), and flag setting data (ID:  1009 ) are extracted from the setting data table TB. On the other hand, when Y- 02  is inputted as the input user ID at the time of login, and the measurement start instruction is then received, the setting data of the measurement suspending condition data (ID:  1005 ) is extracted among all of the pieces of setting data in place of the measurement suspending condition data (ID:  1004 ). The controller  51  carries out the operation of the apparatus based on the extracted setting data (step S 1610 ). 
     The operation is substantially the same as the operation by the serviceman authority described earlier, and detailed description thereof will not be given. 
     When the controller  51  determines that the measurement start instruction was not received (step S 1608 : NO), the controller  51  determines whether or not the output instruction is received (step S 1611 ). In the present embodiment, for example, it is determined whether or not the instruction to output the analysis result to the host computer HC is issued. When the controller  51  determines that the output instruction was not received (step S 1611 : NO), the controller  51  skips the processing steps of S 1612  and S 1613 . When the controller  51  determines that the output instruction was received (step S 1611 : YES), the controller  51  extracts the setting data relating to the output instruction, which is the setting data with the use flag “Y” affixed thereto (step S 1612 ). 
     When the output instruction is issued by the operator identified by the input user ID, Y- 01 , similarly to the processing in response to the measurement start instruction, the setting data in which “Y- 01 ” is stored as the input user ID is extracted among all of the pieces of setting data with the use flag, “Y”, affixed thereto. When the output instruction is issued by the operator identified by the input user ID, Y- 02 , the setting data in which “Y- 02 ” is stored as the input user ID is extracted among all of the pieces of setting data with the use flag “Y” affixed thereto. When the output instruction is issued by the operator identified by the input user ID, Y- 01 , the host computer connection data (ID:  1010 ) is extracted from the setting data table TB. When the output instruction is issued by the operator identified by the input user ID, Y- 02 , the host computer connection data (ID:  1011 ) is extracted from the setting data table TB. 
     The controller  51  outputs the analysis result to the host computer HC in accordance with the condition based on the extracted host computer connection data (ID:  1613 ). 
     When the processing steps are completed, the controller  51  determines whether or not the logoff instruction is received (step S 1614 ). When the controller  51  determines that the logoff instruction was received (step S 1614 : YES), the controller  51  returns to the processing step of S 401  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . When the controller  51  determines that the logoff instruction was not received (step S 1614 : NO), the controller  51  determines whether or not the shutdown instruction is received (step S 1615 ). When the controller  51  determines that the shutdown instruction was not received (step S 1615 : NO), the controller  51  returns to the processing step of S 1602  to repeat the processing steps described above. When the controller  51  determines that the shutdown instruction was received (step S 1615 : YES), the controller  51  ends the processing steps to return to the operation illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     As described above, the present embodiment is advantageous in that, in the case where the setting data of the measurement mechanism such as optical axis adjustment data (ID:  1001 ) and sensitivity adjustment data (ID:  1002 ) is changed by the serviceman authority to any optimal values prior to the sample test by the user authority, the user authority can test the sample based on the changed setting data without optimizing the setting data again. In the case where the host computer connection data is changed by the serviceman authority, only the setting data to which the serviceman authority is entitled (ID:  1012 ) is updated, while the setting data of ID:  1010  and ID:  1011  to which the user authority is entitled remains unchanged. Accordingly, the information output from the information processing device  5  under any condition irrelevant to the operator&#39;s intention can be prevented even in the case where the host computer connection data is updated during the maintenance by the serviceman. 
     The present embodiment is further advantageous in that the setting data which can be inputted and accessed by the user authority, more specifically, the host computer connection data, is separately stored as independent setting data by each input user ID. Accordingly, when an operator who is entitled to the user authority changes the setting data, the setting data of another operator who is entitled to the user authority remains unchanged. 
     The present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiment described above, and can be variously modified within the scope of purpose of the present invention. For example, according to the embodiment described above, all of the pieces of setting data are stored without distinction in a single storage device as illustrated in the setting data table TB illustrated in  FIG. 3 . However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and for example, the present invention may have the following structure. 
       FIG. 17  is a block diagram illustrating a structure of an information processing device  5  according to another embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG.  17 , a storage device  55  of the information processing device  5  includes a first storage section  552  for storing therein setting data of a measurement mechanism used by the user authority and the serviceman authority, a second storage section  553  for storing therein setting data relating to information output used by the user authority, and a third storage section  554  for storing therein setting data relating to information output used by the serviceman authority. 
     When the setting data of the measurement mechanism is updated by the serviceman authority, the controller  51  stores the updated setting data in the measurement mechanism setting data storage section (first storage section)  552 . When the setting data relating to the information output is updated by the user authority, the controller  51  stores the updated setting data in the user authority information output setting data storage section (second storage section)  553 . When the setting data relating to the information output is updated by the serviceman authority, the controller  51  stores the updated setting data in the serviceman authority information output setting data storage section (third storage section)  554 . 
     To operate the apparatus by the user authority, the controller  51  reads the setting data of the measurement mechanism stored in the measurement mechanism setting data storage section  552 , and the setting data relating to the information output stored in the user authority information output setting data storage section  553 , and carries out the operation based on the read setting data. 
     To operate the apparatus by the serviceman authority, the controller  51  reads the setting data of the measurement mechanism stored in the measurement mechanism setting data storage section  552 , and the setting data relating to the information output stored in the serviceman authority information output setting data storage section  554 , and carries out the operation based on the read setting data. 
     According to the embodiment described above, all of the pieces of setting data are stored in a single table. However, there may be provided different databases which respectively store therein a group of setting data used by the serviceman authority, a group of setting data used by the administrator authority, and a group of setting data used by the user authority. 
     According to the embodiment described above, the service icon for calling the screen for inputting the setting data of the measurement mechanism such as sensitivity adjustment data and hand position adjustment data is not displayed on the menu screen by the administrator authority and the user authority so that these setting data cannot be inputted. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the service icon may be inactivated and then displayed on the menu screen, or the input boxes on the input screen may be inactivated and then displayed so as not to receive input. 
     According to the embodiment described above, a plurality of input user IDs are set for the operators who are entitled to the user authority to independently store the setting data relating to the information output for each of the user IDs, so that the different setting data can be used and changed by each operator who is entitled to the user authority. Similarly, a plurality of input user IDs may be set for the operators who are entitled to the serviceman authority to independently store the setting data of the measurement mechanism for each of the user IDs, so that the different setting data can be used and changed by each operator who is entitled to the serviceman authority. Similarly, a plurality of input user IDs may be set for the operators who are entitled to the administrator authority to independently store the setting data of the information output for each of the user IDs, so that the different setting data can be used and changed by each operator who is entitled to the administrator authority.